i started using these sticks approx. 7 years ago, I bought quite a few just to have spares, and even tho I play a forcefull style of drumming, I have yet to break any of these. Sure the heads on the end will wear down but they seem to be extremely hard to break. The feel and balance of them is perfect, now my stick bag contains only these sticks and I am veryyy satisfied with them, and being a huge Rush fan and Peart fan, it always brings a smile to my face taking out a new pair of these... rock on amigos :)