Essential Information About Ahead 5A Drumsticks
- Playing Comfort: up to 50% less shock compared to wooden sticks, thanks to integrated vibration control
- Durability: lifespan claimed to be 6 to 10 times longer than a comparable wooden model
- Quick Response: about 5% more rebound for a livelier feel
- Upgradeable: replaceable sleeves, tips, and rings to maintain the same feel over time
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
Ahead's best-seller, the 5A, follows the line of aluminum sticks designed to offer exemplary consistency from pair to pair. Made in the USA, it targets drummers who want a "standard" 5A type stick but with a more durable and consistent approach than wood.
Who This Drumstick/Instrument Is For
The Ahead 5A is aimed at beginner to advanced drummers looking for a lightweight and fast stick, comfortable in rock, pop, funk, metal, variety, or studio settings. Its shock absorption and flexibility help reduce fatigue, making it a relevant choice for long rehearsals, concerts, and intensive sessions.
Features and Innovations
Its high-precision alloy guarantees variations of less than 1% in weight and balance, achieving a consistency rarely reached with wooden sticks. The highly durable polyurethane sleeves protect the aluminum stick as well as cymbals and drums, while the high-quality unbreakable nylon tips provide a clear attack. The entire design is intended to deliver the same sound on both sticks and maintain consistent performance over replacements.
Sound
The nylon tip promotes a bright, precise, and well-defined sound, especially appreciated on cymbals and for clear articulations (ghost notes, fast patterns, accents). The polyurethane sleeve acts as a shock absorber at the impact point: it softens the feel in the hand, limits unwanted vibrations, and helps maintain more controlled contact on cymbals, while preserving quick response and good rebound.
Technical Specifications
General
- Model: Ahead 5A
- Manufacturing: USA
Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 40.64 cm (16.00 in)
- Diameter: 1.37 cm (0.540 in)
- Thickness (aluminum tube wall): 0.76 mm (0.030 in)
- Weight: 53 g
Design and Performance
- 50% less shock than wooden sticks
- Lifespan 6 to 10 times longer than wooden sticks
- 5% more rebound than wooden sticks
- High-precision alloy: less than 1% variation in weight and balance
- Integrated vibration control system
- Replaceable sleeves, tips, and rings
- High-quality unbreakable nylon tips: bright and precise sound
- Highly durable replaceable polyurethane sleeves: protection for the aluminum stick, cymbals, and drums
- Identical sound between both sticks
Original Components
- Original sleeve: MT
- Original tip: 5AS
- Original ring: RGB5A
Compatibility
- Compatible sleeves: MT, MTW, WMT
- Compatible tips: 5AS, 5AT, 5AB, 5ATB
- Compatible felt heads: felt heads with A threading (MHLA, MHMA, MHHA)
Replacing Sleeves and Tips (Advice)
- Replace the sleeve as soon as cuts appear.
- Remove the tip before replacing the sleeve: it is screwed on and may be glued (use a thin card or pliers carefully to avoid damage).
- Gently heat the worn sleeve (hairdryer or conventional oven, not microwave) to facilitate removal.
- Gently heat the new sleeve to insert it more easily and check that the aluminum ring is properly in place.
- To reinstall the tip: screw halfway, add a drop of super glue on the threading, then tighten until it contacts the sleeve.
- Sleeves must be tightly fitted; check the ring position by lightly tapping the handle on a soft surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Ahead sticks break cymbals? No: the polyurethane sleeve acts as a shock absorber, but a cymbal can break if it is poorly positioned, too tightly mounted, or played improperly.
- Are they unbreakable? No, but they can last 6 to 10 times longer than comparable wooden sticks at equivalent intensity.
- Why are they more comfortable? They allow playing louder with less effort, more flexibility, and better shock absorption.