So first off, these are NOT original Vic Firth sticks. As far as I know, Vic Firth doesn't make any sticks with the name "Nova". I believe these are seconds.But I suppose these are much better than Chancellor or any other cheap sticks that fall under Rs. 200>Out of the three pairs I ordered, one of them was cracked, although I was delivered a fresh pair in under 72 hours.My advice to you folks is please inspect your pair(s) upon delivery because since these sticks are seconds, there is a very high chance you may receive a damaged stick like I did.