What is ActiveGrip technology?

ActiveGrip is a patented, heat-activated coating developed by Promark. It is designed to become tackier as a player's hands warm up, ensuring the stick remains secure even during intense perspiration.

Why is American Hickory used for these sticks?

American Hickory is used because it is the most popular wood for drumsticks, offering a blend of resilience, durability, and a classic responsive feel. It absorbs shock well, which reduces hand fatigue during long sessions.

What does 'Rebound' balance mean?

Rebound balance refers to a design where the centre of gravity is shifted back toward the grip of the stick. This makes the stick feel lighter and more agile, aiding in technical and fast-paced drumming.

How does the acorn tip affect the sound?

The reinvented acorn tip provides a larger sweet spot and increased contact area with the drum head. This results in greater responsiveness and clearer articulation compared to smaller tip designs.

Are these sticks suitable for heavy metal?

While durable, the 7A Rebound is a thinner stick designed for finesse and technical play. Heavy hitters may prefer a thicker 5B or a 'Forward' balanced model for more power and impact.

Does the ActiveGrip coating peel off?

The ActiveGrip coating is engineered to be thin and durable, behaving more like a finish than a sleeve. It is designed not to add significant diameter or weight and should not peel like traditional rubber coatings.

What is the typical price for a pair?

A pair of Promark Rebound 7A ActiveGrip sticks typically retails for approximately £21.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does the 7A size compare to a 5A?

A 7A stick is thinner and generally lighter than a 5A stick. This makes the 7A better suited for lower-volume settings and drummers with smaller hands or those who prefer a more delicate touch.

Can these sticks be used on electronic drums?

Yes, these wood-tipped sticks can be used on electronic drum kits. The ActiveGrip finish will not interfere with trigger sensitivity, though players should ensure the wood tips remain smooth to avoid damaging mesh heads.

Is the ActiveGrip coating clear?

Yes, this specific model features the 'Clear' version of the ActiveGrip coating. This allows the natural grain of the American Hickory wood to remain visible while providing the heat-activated grip benefits.

What is the difference between Rebound and Forward models?

Rebound models are rear-weighted for agility and finesse, whereas Forward models are front-weighted to provide more power and throw. Both models share the same length and diameter measurements.

Who makes these drumsticks?

These sticks are manufactured by Promark, a prominent brand in the percussion industry known for innovations in stick balance and grip technology.

Gear article

Promark Rebound 7A ActiveGrip Clear Hickory Drumsticks

The Promark Rebound 7A ActiveGrip Clear Hickory Drumsticks are professional-grade percussion tools featuring a patented heat-activated coating designed to improve grip stability. Manufactured from resilient American Hickory, these sticks utilise a rear-weighted balance and a reinvented acorn tip to facilitate technical, articulate playing styles.

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Overview and Construction

The Promark Rebound 7A ActiveGrip Clear sticks are crafted from American Hickory, widely regarded as the most popular wood choice for drumsticks. This material is chosen for its specific physical properties, including high resilience, durability, and a classic tactile response. The '7A' designation indicates a thinner profile, which is traditionally preferred for lighter musical applications.

The defining feature of this model is the ActiveGrip coating. This patented solution is engineered to react to the player's body heat; as the drummer's hands get warmer during a performance, the coating becomes slightly tackier, providing a more secure hold without the thickness or stickiness associated with traditional rubber dips or tapes.

Rebound Balance and Ergonomics

These sticks are part of Promark's 'Select Balance' system, specifically featuring the 'Rebound' profile. This design shifts the centre of gravity toward the grip end of the stick. By moving the weight back, the stick feels lighter in the hand, facilitating easier control during technical passages. This contrasts with 'Forward' models, which shift weight toward the tip for increased power.

Tip Design and Sound Character

The sticks are equipped with a reinvented acorn tip. This shape is designed to offer a larger 'sweet spot' compared to standard oval or round tips. The increased surface area contact between the wood tip and the drum head or cymbal results in improved responsiveness and clear articulation. This makes the 7A Rebound particularly effective for nuanced cymbal work and intricate snare patterns.

Target Audience and Application

Given the 7A diameter and the Rebound weight distribution, these sticks are best suited for drummers who prioritise finesse and speed over raw volume. They are ideal for jazz, light rock, and fusion, or any setting where technical grooves require maximum stick control. The ActiveGrip feature further benefits players who suffer from stick slippage due to perspiration during long sets.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to entry-level options like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, the Promark Rebound 7A offers superior durability due to the use of hickory over maple, and more advanced grip technology. While standard hickory sticks rely on a lacquer finish, the ActiveGrip technology provides a dynamic surface that changes with the player's temperature. Within the Promark range, these offer a more agile feel compared to the 'Forward' models which share the same measurements but provide more downward throw.

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Frequently asked questions

What is ActiveGrip technology?: ActiveGrip is a patented, heat-activated coating developed by Promark. It is designed to become tackier as a player's hands warm up, ensuring the stick remains secure even during intense perspiration.
Why is American Hickory used for these sticks?: American Hickory is used because it is the most popular wood for drumsticks, offering a blend of resilience, durability, and a classic responsive feel. It absorbs shock well, which reduces hand fatigue during long sessions.
What does 'Rebound' balance mean?: Rebound balance refers to a design where the centre of gravity is shifted back toward the grip of the stick. This makes the stick feel lighter and more agile, aiding in technical and fast-paced drumming.
How does the acorn tip affect the sound?: The reinvented acorn tip provides a larger sweet spot and increased contact area with the drum head. This results in greater responsiveness and clearer articulation compared to smaller tip designs.
Are these sticks suitable for heavy metal?: While durable, the 7A Rebound is a thinner stick designed for finesse and technical play. Heavy hitters may prefer a thicker 5B or a 'Forward' balanced model for more power and impact.
Does the ActiveGrip coating peel off?: The ActiveGrip coating is engineered to be thin and durable, behaving more like a finish than a sleeve. It is designed not to add significant diameter or weight and should not peel like traditional rubber coatings.
What is the typical price for a pair?: A pair of Promark Rebound 7A ActiveGrip sticks typically retails for approximately £21.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does the 7A size compare to a 5A?: A 7A stick is thinner and generally lighter than a 5A stick. This makes the 7A better suited for lower-volume settings and drummers with smaller hands or those who prefer a more delicate touch.
Can these sticks be used on electronic drums?: Yes, these wood-tipped sticks can be used on electronic drum kits. The ActiveGrip finish will not interfere with trigger sensitivity, though players should ensure the wood tips remain smooth to avoid damaging mesh heads.
Is the ActiveGrip coating clear?: Yes, this specific model features the 'Clear' version of the ActiveGrip coating. This allows the natural grain of the American Hickory wood to remain visible while providing the heat-activated grip benefits.
What is the difference between Rebound and Forward models?: Rebound models are rear-weighted for agility and finesse, whereas Forward models are front-weighted to provide more power and throw. Both models share the same length and diameter measurements.
Who makes these drumsticks?: These sticks are manufactured by Promark, a prominent brand in the percussion industry known for innovations in stick balance and grip technology.