Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$14.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (238)
$14.99
Amazon
4.8 (5128)
$14.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (244)
$14.99
Thomann
4.7 (147)
$14.50

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks, a masterful blend of craftsmanship and innovation. These drumsticks are crafted from premium-grade hickory, renowned for its strength and resilience, making them perfect for enduring the rigors of dynamic performances. The 85A model strikes a harmonious balance between the 8D and 5A sizes, offering a versatile option for drummers who find the 5A too robust and the 8D too light.

The classic teardrop-shaped tip produces a warm, focused tone that excels across genres, from jazz to rock, allowing for articulate cymbal articulation and a balanced overall sound. Whether you're laying down subtle rhythms or driving powerful beats, these drumsticks deliver the responsiveness and control you need to express every nuance.

With a length of 16 inches and a diameter of 0.550 inches, these sticks are designed for comfort and precision, providing an extension of your hands as you play. Their lightweight nature and fast response make them ideal for jazz and fusion styles, where speed and finesse are paramount.

Join the ranks of professionals worldwide who trust Vic Firth for their consistent quality and performance. Whether you're an aspiring drummer or a seasoned pro, the American Classic 85A sticks will undoubtedly enhance your playing.

Key Features:

  • Constructed from premium-grade hickory for durability and shock absorption
  • Intermediate size blending attributes of 8D and 5A
  • Classic teardrop-shaped tip for warm, focused tones
  • Length: 16 inches; Diameter: 0.550 inches
  • Ideal for jazz, rock, and fusion styles

Product specs

Type Drumstick Pair
Model American Classic
Material Hickory, Lacquered
Size 85A
Length 16"
Diameter 0.550"
Taper Medium
Tip Material Wood
Tip Shape Tear Drop

FAQs

What are the key characteristics of the Vic Firth American Classic 85A drumsticks?

The Vic Firth American Classic 85A drumsticks are made from hickory and feature a medium taper with a tear drop wood tip. They measure 16 inches in length and have a diameter of 0.550 inches, offering a balanced feel suitable for various playing styles.

How does the 85A size compare to other Vic Firth drumsticks?

The 85A size is slightly thinner than the popular 5A, providing a lighter feel while still maintaining durability. This size is ideal for drummers seeking a stick that offers both speed and control without compromising on strength.

Are Vic Firth American Classic 85A sticks suitable for all music genres?

Yes, the Vic Firth American Classic 85A sticks are versatile and can be used across a wide range of music genres. Their balanced design and medium taper make them adaptable for both light and heavy playing styles, making them a great all-around choice for drummers.

What material are the Vic Firth American Classic 85A drumsticks made from?

The Vic Firth American Classic 85A drumsticks are made from hickory, a popular wood choice for drumsticks due to its resilience, shock absorption, and classic feel.

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Drumsticks Sunday

Drumsticks Sunday (Week 46): VicFirth American Classic 85A - English Version

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Drumsticks Sunday (Week 46): VicFirth American Classic 85A - English Version

Drumsticks Sunday

Drumsticks Sunday

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and fast, ideal for jazz and uptempo styles

  • Durable and long-lasting, withstands heavy playing

  • Versatile for various music genres from jazz to metal

  • Tear drop tip offers warm lows and responsiveness

  • Comfortable balance and heft without being too heavy

  • Provides excellent tone on both clear and coated heads

  • Consistent sound quality across different cymbals

  • Easy to find the optimal rebound point

  • Great value for the price

CONS

  • Tips tend to chip and break quickly

  • Inconsistency in weight across multiple pairs

  • Mixed tonal results on different ride cymbals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks.

Comparisons

  • Vic Firth 85A sticks are positioned between 7A and 5A in weight, offering a balance of lightness and control, ideal for transitioning from jazz to metal.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from Vic Firth 85A to Dave Weckl signatures note the latter provides a louder sound, suitable for more powerful performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Vic Firth SD2 Bolero sticks provide excellent articulation with a small round wood tip, producing a dark, woody cymbal sound suited for detailed playing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vic Firth 85A is noted for its 16" length and .550 diameter, offering a middle ground for those seeking something heavier than 7A but lighter than 5A.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players with larger hands find Vic Firth 85A sticks offer a comfortable grip without sacrificing control.

    Source
  • Despite some claims of declining quality, multiple drummers report their Vic Firth sticks last a significant amount of time without breaking.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Vijay Mistry uses Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks

Vijay Mistry

Drummer

Kaiser Chiefs

...
Verified via YouTube

5:37 "So I went for these which are the American Classic 85As"

See how DeAndre Hemby uses Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks

DeAndre Hemby

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Modern Drummer Official titled "DeAndre Hemby - Teddy Swims - Tour Kit Rundown," at the timestamp 8:04, DeAndre Hemby is shown using Vic Firth American Classic 85A drumsticks.

See how Daniel Glass uses Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks

Daniel Glass

Drummer

Daniel Glass Trio

...
Verified via Daniel Glass

"I recently joined the Vic Firth family as both an endorser and an education specialist. It’s a thrill and honor for me to work with a company that has such a rich legacy and stellar reputation. Currently, I’m using the VF 5A and 85 A models, along with the Heritage Brush."

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 Vic Firth American Classic 85A Sticks, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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