I tried the Stick Shields from Vater several years ago, on a pair of 5B sticks. I wasn't thrilled at the time. The shield performed as advertised but added noticeable weight that changed the balance of the sticks.
I gave that pair to a student and moved on.
I decided to give the Sick Shields a second look, this time on a heavier, thicker pair of sticks.
This time, I think it makes a little more sense.
I have multiple sets of the Cooperman #10 sticks in Hickory. This model is one of my favorites and I use it every day. It's a nice rudimental stick for the days when my hands are really feeling arthritic, and the balance and response are simply terrific.
Because I tend to hit the rim a lot I decided to tape up a pair of #10s. I double-taped them for protection, and to add a little weight to a too-light pair.
I'm not sure I'd want to give this treatment to every pair. They're not cheap at over $30 a pair, and usually it's enough for me to ask Cooperman to send me the heaviest pairs they have on hand when I order.
But it got me thinking about the Stick Shield again.
So I went looking online, and discovered that they were no longer in production. The shops that still had them in stock were selling them off at slightly discounted prices to be rid of them. (I guess this hadn't been a best-seller.)
I ended up ordering three sets.
Installing them isn't difficult, but you do need to take your time and measure exactly where you want the shield. Once it's on, it's hard to remove.
Simply measure where your stick is getting dented the most, clean off the dirt, and apply according to the instructions. Rolling the sticks on a tabletop after applying will help the adhesive to hold more firmly.
The Stick Shields in the standard size will add some weight to your sticks, so consider what size you want to use them on.
I didn't like using this on smaller sticks because the weight difference was simply too marked for my liking. But on rudimental or marching sticks -- say, 2B or larger -- the difference isn't so pronounced.
Vater also made this product in a size meant for marching sticks. It's longer and wider, and designed to fit fat marching sticks. It's made in white to look better against sticks that might be taped with white tape (the standard color choice when taping marching sticks).
I was able to find one set for marching. Those are en route to me now, and I will think about where I want to use them.
The Stick Shields perform as advertised, and while I didn't care for the added weight on a drum kit stick, I think it's fine on a fatter, heavier stick for rudimental or marching work.
Note: The standard size may not provide enough coverage on an especially fat stick, say in the .715 range.
A few online retailers still have this in stock, but act soon because it dones't look like Vater plans to bring them back.
If you miss out, there may be some carbon fiber tape out there for industrial applications. Good luck.
