Vic Firth launched more new focused on grip at the Winter NAMM Show this year. Two new drumsticks are about that: the PureGrit and the DoubleGlaze, and their new VicWax, that you apply to the sticks to get a more sticky grip. Also, there is good news for the fans of the Vic Firth headphones. The improved Version 2 of Vic's Stereo Isolation Headphones will be available in March.
First, let's have a look at the new Puregrit and Doubleglaze drumsticks with Vic Firth and Zildjian sticks man Andy Tamulynas.
American Classic sticks for sweaty and dry hands The concept is quite simple: for both the 5A and 5B players, Vic Firth now has two models; the Puregrit is the stick that has no lacquer, and the DoubleGlaze are coated with an enhanced lacquered surface that gives the stick more grip.
The Puregrit are also made a little bit more raw, to give it the natural wood-feel.
The lacquer on the DoubleGlaze sticks is thicker to give the drumsticks more mass and a solid feel.
The 5A and 5B Puregrit and Doubleglaze drumsticks
New grip for Steve Gadd and Questlove sticks And while we're talking about Vic Firth's focus on grip this year, we also feature the video from our earlier coverage on the new Matt Garstka, Steve Gadd and Questlove sticks from Vic Firth. For drummers who don't like the feel of it, the sticks from both artists are now also available without the characterizing paint. A smart move from Vic, since this makes a big difference for a lot of drummers.
Steve Gadd's signature design is in a paint-free version with natural finish and a barrel tip. Questlove's signatures are one of the longest and thinnest sticks Vic Firth has in their catalogue. Like Steve Gadd's sticks, these are now also available without Vicgrip or paint.
The new Matt Garstka, Steve Gadd and Questlove Vic Firth sticks
The Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones Available late March, 2018, these popular headphones are improved in several ways:
it has a redesigned and larger driver in the ear cups to give it more low end, cleaner mids and clearer highs
the noise levels are reduced by 25 decibels
Vic Firth improved the headband for a more comfortable fit
We do recommend these because they reduce the noise levels pretty good during rehearsals and practicing - because drummers should take care of their ears!
VicWax The new VicWax claims to 25% tackier than all other waxes on the market. We didn't test the wax, but we know its berry scented!
