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Ahead 5A

Description

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.
Brand reference number: AHE-5A

Testimony

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Great product for those who play on electronic drums - the marks on the pads are less, and the product quality is top-notch - in short, I highly recommend this product.
Verified
Posted on 28/05/2020
By Tadjene Karim
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Very very light and very easy to handle. So happy.
Certified
Posted on 22/12/2018
By Rahapa W.

Meets my expectations
Certified
Posted on 16/04/2016
By James F.

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