Ahead

Ahead

Also known as: Ahead Drumsticks

Unclaimed

Founded in 1992 by drummer and engineer Rick Grossman, AHEAD — an acronym for Advanced High-Efficiency Alloy Drumsticks — pioneered the use of aerospace-grade aluminum in drumstick construction. Grossman, who was working at Easton Sports (a manufacturer of aluminum sporting goods), recognized that the same lightweight alloy technology transforming baseball bats and hockey sticks could be applie...

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Founded in 1992 by drummer and engineer Rick Grossman, AHEAD — an acronym for Advanced High-Efficiency Alloy Drumsticks — pioneered the use of aerospace-grade aluminum in drumstick construction. Grossman, who was working at Easton Sports (a manufacturer of aluminum sporting goods), recognized that the same lightweight alloy technology transforming baseball bats and hockey sticks could be applied to drumsticks. The resulting design features an aluminum core with a replaceable polyurethane cover and threaded tip, offering reduced vibration and significantly greater durability than traditional wood sticks. In 1997, Bob Kasha purchased the brand from Easton Sports, and AHEAD is distributed by Big Bang Distribution out of Northridge, California.

AHEAD has built a roster of high-profile signature stick models for artists including Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), Rick Allen (Def Leppard), Phil Rudd (AC/DC), Tico Torres (Bon Jovi), Daru Jones (Jack White), Frank Zummo (Sum 41), and Arejay Hale (Halestorm). Beyond drumsticks, the company manufactures drum thrones featuring its proprietary Spinal Glide Ergokinectic technology, practice pads, drum cases, hearing protection, and a range of percussion accessories. AHEAD occupies a distinct niche in the drumming world as the go-to brand for players seeking the feel of a traditional stick with dramatically extended lifespan.

Ahead has 22 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Drumsticks, Mallets & Brushes, Drum Hardware Bags and Cases, and Drum Thrones. Their gear is featured by 28 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Pop. Notable users include Joey Jordison, Lars Ulrich, and Tommy Lee.

Artists Who Use Ahead

Joey Jordison uses 2 Ahead products

Joey Jordison

Guitarist, Drummer · Slipknot

Lars Ulrich uses 2 Ahead products

Lars Ulrich

Drummer · Metallica

Tommy Lee uses 2 Ahead products

Tommy Lee

Drummer · Mötley Crüe

Peter Criss uses 2 Ahead products

Peter Criss

Singer, Drummer · Kiss

Tico Torres uses 2 Ahead products

Tico Torres

Drummer · Bon Jovi

Rick Allen uses 2 Ahead products

Rick Allen

Drummer · Def Leppard

Frank Zummo uses 2 Ahead products

Frank Zummo

Drummer · Sum 41

Steve West uses 2 Ahead products

Steve West

Drummer · Pavement

Randy Castillo uses 2 Ahead products

Randy Castillo

Drummer · Ozzy Osbourne

Felix Bohnke uses 2 Ahead products

Felix Bohnke

Drummer · Edguy

Mario Duplantier uses 1 Ahead product

Mario Duplantier

Drummer · Gojira

Anika Nilles uses 1 Ahead product

Anika Nilles

Drummer · Rush

Fabrizio Moretti uses 1 Ahead product

Fabrizio Moretti

Drummer · The Strokes

Phil Rudd uses 1 Ahead product

Phil Rudd

Drummer · AC/DC

Mick Fleetwood uses 1 Ahead product

Mick Fleetwood

Drummer · Fleetwood Mac

Paul Bostaph uses 1 Ahead product

Paul Bostaph

Drummer · Slayer

Deen Castronovo uses 1 Ahead product

Deen Castronovo

Drummer · Ozzy Osbourne

Kevin Talley uses 1 Ahead product

Kevin Talley

Drummer · Dying Fetus

Johnny Kelly uses 1 Ahead product

Johnny Kelly

Drummer · Type O Negative

Brandon Rage uses 1 Ahead product

Brandon Rage

Guitarist, Drummer · Motionless In White

Community setups featuring Ahead

Show yours
johnny_t

johnny_t

Gear IQ 207

patrick_spitzmacher

patrick_spitzmacher

Gear IQ 162

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