"This stick does everything you could possibly want it to do. It's not your ordinary stick. It is balanced, it is powerful. This is the Wicked Piston!"

- Mike Mangini

The Wicked Piston design
The American Hickory design starts out at .580” (1.47cm) in the grip and increases slightly towards the middle of the stick until it reaches .620” (1.57cm) in diameter. Then it tapers back down to an acorn tip.

This design gives the sticks a slightly added front weight for a solid, consistent throw. In the first video, James Harrison shows how the extra length allows you to adjust how much front weight you're implementing by slightly moving your fulcrum point up or down on the stick.

Traditionally, the fulcrum is said to denote the part of a percussionist's grip that is the main lever for the drumstick/mallet to rotate. This is usually created by the thumb and index finger, the thumb and middle finger, or a combination of the index, middle, and thumb.

- source: wikipedia

Vater Grip Sticks
These new Vater models have rubberized grip. To provide a comfortable and secure grip and to prevent stick slippage without increasing the diameter of the stick. Available in 3 models:

• Grip 5A
  
• Grip 5B
  
• Grip 3A

MV9 Hybrid Tenor Stick
The slightly shorter length and medium taper offer a well-balanced feel , fast response and rebound. The rounded tip or “dome” tip offers a full and robust sound on both snare and tenor drums.

KEG 5A & 5B
The Keg 5A and 5B have the same dimensions as Vater's standard 5A/B. With the addition that these sticks have a keg/barrel shaped tip for a more defined cymbal articulation.

Kids sticks
New in the Vater catalogue are the Kids sticks. James Harrison tells us it is Vater's first steps into the educational market. The Kids sticks have a pretty complete line-up:

• Clave-Hickory
  
• Clave-Maple
  
• Rhythm Sticks-Hickory
  
• Rhythm Sticks-Maple
  
• Guiro Stick
  
• Kids Rhythm Sticks
  
• Kids Clave
  
• Taiko Bachi

The Tacky Sack (video 3)
Vater's claim is true: the Tacky Sack is the first product of it's kind for the drumming market.

The Tacky Sack has a grip enhancing rosin powder that absorbs moisture and provides added control of your drumsticks. Just gently clap your hands on the Tacky Sack to apply rosin powder to your palms.

Slipknot's Jay Weinberg and Gil Sharone from Marilyn Manson are already fan of the Tacky Sack.

Vater's new Grip Tape colors
Vater has introduced three new colors of Grip Tape, based on customer feedback and demand. Each package contains 4 grips to wrap 2 pairs of sticks and is reusable. Each grip contains 2 end tapes for extra security on the stick. Vater Grip Tape has a list price of $13.95.

New are the colors

• Blue - VGTBL
  
• Pink - VGTP
  
• Yellow - VGTY

Already available

• Black - VGTB
  
• Red - VGTR
  
• White - VGTW