For someone who usually plays with standard 5Bs, these sticks were noticeably longer when playing. The balance is also different, due to the taper, from the standard and it makes me change my playing style to a degree - move my gripping point, reduce my arm movements, recalibrate the aiming. I found the adaption somewhat difficult at first, but that soon went away, and I liked the extra reach from the same position of my Hands/arms.
What I did notice is that the heavier sticks made me grow tired sooner. Still I loved the extra punch and tone I got with these sticks.
Also, the grip worked well for dry hands and I liked it, but had a tendency toward slippery for sweaty hands, which made me grip harder and added to the tiring. However, I do love the look of the blue grip - the sticks really stand out with it.
A special mention goes to the tip which really brings out the best in my cymbals with beautiful definition for every strike. I also really like the look of the tip blended with the body of the stick.
I haven't noticed any significantly different durability properties regarding sticks on the whole.
Pro: extra reach; extra punch; nice balance; non slippery for dry hands; look great
Con: some adjustment needed for stick length; extra weight brings fatigue; grip gets slippery for sweaty hands
