I cannot share some the negative comments by some people. Even expensive sticks breaks now and then the first time you hit a cymbal, the ride bell or snare rim. I tried my first pair of VF Nova on a pretty intensive gig: not a broken stick and not more wear than I would expect from a regular 5A.
The feel is slightly different when compared the the regular 5A, balance is a bit different, but nothing I can't get used to and not worse or better.
Try them and save a dime!
Edit: ...after extensive usage I must revise my positive statement, I seem to have been very lucky with the first batch I ordered, the six oder seven pairs I ordered this year broke very easily when the music got a little louder and a little more aggressive, sorry but no more Novas for me....