What is the purpose of the Ahead Super Short Taper Cover?

It is a replacement sleeve designed to protect the aluminium shaft of Ahead drumsticks. It also prevents the metal shaft from damaging drum hoops and cymbals during play.

Which drumstick models are these covers compatible with?

These specific covers are designed for the Ahead XLRS and XLRC models. They feature a 'Super Short Taper' that matches the dimensions of those specific shafts.

How many covers are included in a pack?

The product is sold as a pair. This allows a drummer to replace the covers on both the left and right sticks simultaneously.

How do I know when to replace the covers?

Covers should be replaced when they show significant signs of wear, such as deep cuts, fraying, or if the internal aluminium shaft starts to show through the plastic. Continuing to play with worn covers can damage your gear.

Are these covers made of wood or plastic?

These covers are made of a durable thermoplastic. This material is chosen for its ability to absorb impact while protecting the metal core of the stick.

Does the cover affect the sound of the drumstick?

Yes, the cover provides a sound more similar to a traditional wooden stick than bare metal would. It helps dampen the vibrations of the aluminium core and provides a consistent rebound.

Can I use these on standard wooden sticks?

No, these are exclusively designed for Ahead's proprietary aluminium drumstick systems. They will not fit onto standard wooden drumsticks.

How much do these covers typically cost?

The typical price for a pair of these covers is approximately £8 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Do I need tools to replace the taper covers?

Generally, you do not need heavy tools, but you must remove the drumstick tip first. Some users find that a small amount of heat (like a hairdryer) helps the new cover slide on more easily.

Are these covers compatible with the Ahead Long Taper sticks?

No, these are specifically the Super Short Taper (SST) version. Ahead produces different covers for their Long Taper (LT) and Studio Taper (ST) models, which have different dimensions.

What happens if I play without the covers?

Playing with bare aluminium shafts will likely cause immediate and severe damage to your cymbals and drum rims. It can also cause the aluminium shaft of the stick to bend or break.

Who is the manufacturer of this product?

The product is manufactured by AHEAD, a company known for its innovative aluminium-core drumsticks and percussion accessories.

Gear article

Ahead Super Short Taper Cover for XLRS/XLRC

The Ahead Super Short Taper Cover is a specific replacement sleeve designed for the brand's XLRS and XLRC series of drumsticks. It functions as a protective barrier for the internal aluminium shaft while safeguarding drum hardware from metal-on-metal contact.

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Overview

The Ahead Super Short Taper Cover is a stock replacement component designed to maintain the integrity of Ahead's specialised drumstick line. Unlike traditional wooden sticks, Ahead sticks utilise an aluminium core. The Super Short Taper (SST) cover is a replaceable sleeve that slides over this core, ensuring the stick retains its intended playability and structural protection.

Design and Functionality

The primary function of the cover is twofold: it protects the aluminium shaft from damage caused by rimshots and cymbal hits, and it protects the drum kit itself. By providing a soft interface between the metal stick core and the instrument, it prevents denting of hoops and premature cracking of cymbals. The 'Super Short Taper' designation refers to the specific geometry of the sleeve, tailored for the XLRS and XLRC stick profiles.

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Maintenance and Replacement

These covers are intended to be consumable items. Over time, the plastic will show signs of wear, such as fraying or cracking from repeated impact. Users are encouraged to replace the covers as soon as the aluminium core becomes visible to prevent permanent damage to the stick or the percussion hardware. The replacement process typically involves removing the tip, sliding off the old cover, and installing the new pair.

Suitability and Value

This product is essential for drummers who use the Ahead XLRS or XLRC models. At a typical price point of approximately £8, it represents a cost-effective maintenance solution compared to replacing an entire pair of sticks. It is particularly suited for heavy hitters who require the durability of aluminium sticks but wish to maintain the response and safety of a non-metal striking surface.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Ahead Super Short Taper Cover?: It is a replacement sleeve designed to protect the aluminium shaft of Ahead drumsticks. It also prevents the metal shaft from damaging drum hoops and cymbals during play.
Which drumstick models are these covers compatible with?: These specific covers are designed for the Ahead XLRS and XLRC models. They feature a 'Super Short Taper' that matches the dimensions of those specific shafts.
How many covers are included in a pack?: The product is sold as a pair. This allows a drummer to replace the covers on both the left and right sticks simultaneously.
How do I know when to replace the covers?: Covers should be replaced when they show significant signs of wear, such as deep cuts, fraying, or if the internal aluminium shaft starts to show through the plastic. Continuing to play with worn covers can damage your gear.
Are these covers made of wood or plastic?: These covers are made of a durable thermoplastic. This material is chosen for its ability to absorb impact while protecting the metal core of the stick.
Does the cover affect the sound of the drumstick?: Yes, the cover provides a sound more similar to a traditional wooden stick than bare metal would. It helps dampen the vibrations of the aluminium core and provides a consistent rebound.
Can I use these on standard wooden sticks?: No, these are exclusively designed for Ahead's proprietary aluminium drumstick systems. They will not fit onto standard wooden drumsticks.
How much do these covers typically cost?: The typical price for a pair of these covers is approximately £8 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Do I need tools to replace the taper covers?: Generally, you do not need heavy tools, but you must remove the drumstick tip first. Some users find that a small amount of heat (like a hairdryer) helps the new cover slide on more easily.
Are these covers compatible with the Ahead Long Taper sticks?: No, these are specifically the Super Short Taper (SST) version. Ahead produces different covers for their Long Taper (LT) and Studio Taper (ST) models, which have different dimensions.
What happens if I play without the covers?: Playing with bare aluminium shafts will likely cause immediate and severe damage to your cymbals and drum rims. It can also cause the aluminium shaft of the stick to bend or break.
Who is the manufacturer of this product?: The product is manufactured by AHEAD, a company known for its innovative aluminium-core drumsticks and percussion accessories.