I use these sticks all the time, they are really durable for a 7a stick. Vic firth have come up with a good stick at a budget price. i initally bought them for practice only, but have started gigging with them as i like the feel of them in my hands and know they arent going to crack easily.... as for the grip? I use sex wax on them and it hasnt let me down yet.Fast delivery, great quality.I'm a fan of Vic Firth sticks, and these gripped ones were a must have. If you take care of them, the grip would last quite a long time. Unfortunately, they got into the hands of my younger brother, who managed to destroy the grip quickly.Despite this, they still perform like the Vic Firths everyone knows and loves. I'd probably have to buy another pair to judge the grip quality again (it's been a while), but for Vic Firth fans, these are cool. Depending on the price of the Zildjian Dip series, I'd buy these again; they seem a bit more solid than the aforementioned.