Vater American Hickory Power 3A Nylon Tip

I was using Vic Firth Alex Gonzalez signature sticks (.600, 16 5/8) but they were getting shredded way too fast. Turns out Zildjian bought Vic Firth and are probably using the crappy wood they use for their own sticks. Turns out Vater makes a stick with the same dimensions, the Power 3A. The difference is the 3A has a short taper which provides great power, and the wood is high grade hickory. Incredibly well made!!