Vater Percussion has released a new signature stick developed with longtime 311 drummer Chad Sexton, bringing a fresh update to a model that’s been in his hands for years. The collaboration brings subtle but meaningful changes designed to give drummers more control, clarity, and feel, and it comes straight from Sexton’s own feedback and years of playing.
Sexton has been with Vater for a long time. His previous signature stick was already a favorite for many players, but this revision was shaped by what he’s learned after decades of recording and touring. It’s not a total redesign, more like a fine-tuning of something that already worked, now just a little more dialed in.
The new stick is a bit longer than most at 16 5/8 inches, which gives extra reach, especially helpful on larger kits or for players who like a little more leverage. The taper is medium length, helping balance out the feel and make the rebound more responsive. One thing that really stands out is the barrel-shaped tip. It’s small enough to keep ride patterns crisp, but it still delivers full strokes on drums. Sexton’s playing blends rock, reggae, and funk, and this design seems to meet all of those needs without compromise.
“This stick design helps obtain accuracy and power with ease.”
-Chad Sexton, Vater.com
There’s also a new finish on the stick. Instead of going for a slick gloss or raw wood feel, Sexton worked with Vater to come up with a custom lacquer. It’s designed to feel broken in from the first time you pick it up, not slippery, but not sticky either. It’s that middle ground that players usually get after a few sessions, now built in from the start.
Sexton was involved from day one. He tested multiple prototypes, offering feedback on the tiniest details, the way the stick bounces off the snare, how it feels on cymbals,and how it holds up in longer sets. That kind of hands-on involvement shows in the final product. It doesn’t just work for him; it works for drummers who need something versatile enough for fast fills, but stable enough for tight grooves.
Having played with 311 since the late ’80s, Sexton’s earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and clean players in alt-rock. His relationship with Vater has gone beyond just gear use. He’s done clinics, helped with product design, and stayed connected with the brand’s evolution over the years.
The new Chad Sexton signature stick is now available through Vater dealers and online. It’s not flashy or overdesigned, just a solid, well-balanced tool shaped by experience, for players who want control without overthinking it.
