Probably like you are, I was looking for my first pair of mallets. I've played mallets in studio, but never bought a pair. So I decided to buy a cheap pair, in order to just get that cymbal roll sound option at home. And, you know, they do the job. I mean they may not be the best mallet out there, of course. But they're ok. They feel quite comfortable, nothing too special though. The tip is nothing like high end mallets probably but it's ok for 99% of the things you would do in a pop/rock environment. They price is very inviting and after all I can say you wouldn't be disappointed.