If this is one of anyones first stick purchases or even if it not and you are just looking for a balanced pair of sticks to begin with, this is the go to stick. 5B is great to start off with, also oak is better and places itself right in the middle sweet spot of maple and hickory... Chipping is minimal even on harsh crash, ride and hi-hat thrashes. The sticks feel great in hand. Thickness is perfect. Weight is perfect. Of course the branding and the paint on the sticks make it look premium. Loved them personally. Worth the money spent.