The 9A measures comfortably in between a 5A and 5B in the grip and features a smaller sized barrel tip for great cymbal clairty and focused drum tones. The short taper gives it a quick feel and rebound. The 9A is available in both Hickory and Sugar Maple. The Sugar Maple version is perfect for more laid back, subtle playing styles, as well as orchestral and lesson room type settings. The Hickory version is the right choice for live and harder hitting performance settings. Big brother to the hugely popular Vater 8A.