Vic Firth American Classic 5A Vic Grip Wood Vic Grip provides an anti-slip finish on our classic 5A design. Our best-selling 5A design with an added anti-slip finish Play longer, harder, and faster with less fear of dropping a stick! SPECS Diameter: 0.565” | 1.44cm Length: 16” | 40.64cm Family: American Classic Wood Type: Hickory Taper: Medium ?Taper affects the feel and balance of a stick. A long taper produces a back-heavy feel with more flex and a faster response. A short taper provides more power and durability with a front-heavy feel. A medium taper gives you the best balance between the butt and the tip.