Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$12.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$12.99
Amazon
4.8 (36)
$12.99
Reverb
$12.49 10 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$12.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$12.99

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Vater 5A stretch". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks, designed for musicians who crave precision and versatility. These sticks maintain the familiar grip of a standard 5A but offer extra length to give you unparalleled reach across your kit. Whether you’re rocking out on an acoustic set, tapping along on an electronic kit, or enhancing your sound with auxiliary percussion, these drumsticks are your ideal companion.

Crafted from high-quality hickory, the most popular wood for drumsticks, these sticks offer exceptional durability and shock absorption, which reduces hand fatigue during extended play sessions. The small acorn tip is specially designed to deliver warm cymbal tones, making these sticks a versatile choice for any genre—be it jazz, rock, or anything in between. The medium taper and lacquer finish enhance both the balance and grip, ensuring you stay in control even during the most demanding performances.

Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting out, the Vater 5A Stretch sticks promise both reliability and adaptability, making them a staple for your drumming toolkit.

Key Features:

  • Length: Extended for extra reach
  • Material: Hickory
  • Tip Shape: Small acorn for warm cymbal tones
  • Taper: Medium
  • Finish: Lacquer
  • Suitable for: Acoustic, electronic, and auxiliary percussion kits
  • Country of Origin: United States

Product specs

Type Drumstick Pair
Model American Hickory Series, Stretch
Material Hickory
Size 5A
Length 16.75"
Diameter 0.570"
Taper Medium
Tip Material Wood
Tip Shape Small Acorn

FAQs

What is the length of the Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks?

The Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks have a length of 16.75 inches, providing extended reach compared to standard 5A sticks.

What type of music are Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks best suited for?

Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks are versatile and well-suited for various music genres, offering a balanced feel ideal for rock, pop, and jazz due to their 5A size and medium taper.

What material are the Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks made from?

The Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks are made from hickory, known for its resilience and shock absorption, making it a popular choice for drumsticks.

What is the tip shape of the Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks?

The Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks feature a small acorn-shaped wood tip, which provides a warm tone and clear articulation on cymbals and drums.

How do Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks differ from standard 5A sticks?

Vater 5A Stretch drumsticks are longer than standard 5A sticks, offering additional reach and leverage, which can enhance playing dynamics and comfort for some drummers.

AdventureDrums

AdventureDrums

Biernt at NAMM 2013 - VATER Sticks

Video thumbnail for Biernt at NAMM 2013 - VATER Sticks by AdventureDrums

Biernt at NAMM 2013 - VATER Sticks

AdventureDrums

AdventureDrums

Reviews

PROS

  • Extra length improves reach and ease of play

  • Perfect balance of weight and diameter for diverse playing styles

  • Durable wood for long-lasting use and better rim shots

  • Excellent feel and texture from the stick's finish

  • Great alternative to pricier, less durable brands

  • Provides a solid and consistent sonic cross-sticking sound

  • Ideal for drummers seeking a stick that enhances expression and sound

  • Feels similar to regular 5A with added benefits

  • Printing and logo on sticks are high quality

CONS

  • Some users wish for longer durability

  • Lacks rubberized grip preferred by some drummers

  • Feels slightly more back heavy compared to some other brands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vater 5A stretch.

Features and functionality

  • Vater 5A Stretch offers a longer reach compared to the LA 5A while maintaining a similar profile, ideal for drummers seeking extended length.

    Source
  • Vater's "Nude" series offers models without lacquer finishes, catering to drummers seeking a more natural grip without the stickiness of lacquered finishes.

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Comparisons

  • Vater LA 5A sticks are slightly thicker and have a heavier taper than standard 5A sticks, offering a unique feel and balance.

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  • Vic Firth 5A Extreme is an alternative for drummers needing a longer stick similar to the 5A size, providing additional reach.

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  • Some drummers note that Vater sticks tend to have more moisture content, which reduces chipping compared to Vic Firth, leading to potentially longer lifespan.

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  • Multiple musicians observe that Vater sticks have a slightly heavier forward weight compared to Vic Firth, affecting balance and feel during play.

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  • Vater 9A sticks are noted for having a medium taper, in contrast to Vic Firth NE-1's longer taper, impacting power and feel on 2-ply heads.

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  • Some users find Vater sticks to have a more balanced weight compared to the forward-heavy feel of Vic Firth, enhancing playability for certain drumming styles.

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User experience

  • Several owners appreciate the slightly thicker design of the Vater LA 5A for enhanced grip and control during performances.

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  • A drummer switched to Vater due to Vic Firth sticks worsening carpal tunnel pain, suggesting Vater's design may offer better ergonomics for some users.

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  • Drummers transitioning from lacrosse appreciate Vater's flat butt end, finding it more comfortable due to its similarity to lacrosse stick ends.

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  • Variations in stick weight due to natural wood density mean drummers experience light, medium, and heavy sticks within the same model, impacting play feel.

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Value and pricing

  • Vater sticks are generally perceived as more cost-effective than Vic Firth, with some users noting a significant price difference for similar performance.

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  • Vater sticks are perceived to be significantly more durable than Vic Firth, resulting in fewer replacements and long-term cost savings for some users.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A user suggests using 220-grit sandpaper to remove lacquer from sticks for those preferring unlacquered models, providing a custom solution for stick finish preferences.

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Use cases and applications

  • Drummers using Vater Fusion sticks highlight their versatility, with a preference for the larger round tip for optimal cymbal sound and shorter taper for ride control.

    Source

Critic Reviews

New Vater Models - Mike Dolbear

mikedolbear.com

The Vater 5A Stretch sticks shine with their added length and comfortable grip, making them a strong contender for drummers seeking reach. Despite some chipping at the tips after extensive play, their overall durability is commendable. However, the extra rebound can feel a bit awkward, suggesting they might not replace traditional 5As for everyone. Still, for those who appreciate a little extra length, these sticks are a solid choice worth considering.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Caleb Crosby uses Vater 5A stretch

Caleb Crosby

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:18 in the video "Caleb Crosby - Kelsea Ballerini - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official on YouTube, Caleb Crosby discusses using Vater Drumsticks – 5A Stretch Wood for playing his drums. He said:

This is probably my favorite stick in the whole world. Uh it's the perfect balance that I need uh with the the the length that I need as well. Uh it's amazing definition.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vater 5A stretch, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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