No excess vibration, no space age gimmicks, just natural hickory, hardened by flame. The Forward 5A features a short, 2 1/4" taper for power and speed. Promark's most durable Forward 5A ever. FireGrain is a revolutionary heat-tempering process that transforms ordinary hickory drumsticks into precision tools with unprecedented durability. While keeping their original weight, balance, and attack, Promark FireGrain sticks allow drummers to hit harder and play longer, naturally. No excess vibration, no space age gimmicks, just natural hickory, hardened by flame. The Forward 5A features a short, 2 1/4" taper for power and speed.