Personally, I think the IP FT-1's are junk... They sound awful compared to MT-1As by Vic Firth and are just schooled by the "Vega" Tenor Sticks. Of course this is all just opinion...

By the way, I'd use Vegas for general use...and if the arrangement has a lot of impacts...the Ralph Hardimon sticks are really solid.

At the moment im working on making my own tenor mallets that are going to be a combo of vegas, hardimon tenors sticks and MT1-A's

My instructor wants me to use the Vic Firth MT1A-S but I would much rather use the Vegas or the Hardimons. I'm reall hoping that the show music is better written for the sticks.

I've only had the chance to use a pair of Ralph Hardimon Tenor Sticks. I like them because they are 'beefier' on the tips, and they aren't that heavy, yet, I personally don't really like the feel of them. I just prefer the feel of mallets better. We used them for a parade last week, and sadly enough, I broke them at the second to last block. Tha cadence we were playing had some major rimshots that just killed them. But that's off the subject...

So... I would recommend that you give those a try atleast. See if you like them. A lot of people I know do, but I don't personally.

I use what is called a flexie. It's American Drum X59 Cannon Balls..

I prefer mallets. I'm sportin a pair of vic firth MTA1's. They've lasted a good 5 years without breaking. And I'm a heavy hitter <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My Tenors have been using the Vega's for the past two seasons. I like the sound they get out of their drums with them, but I am also going to have them get a set of mallets. Sometimes i want a little more beef to the sound that I am missing with the sticks.

On a second topic, has anyone ever had a judge tell you to stop using Snare Sticks on tenors? I had a clueless judge last season make the comment that my Tenors needed to switch to mallets because Snare sticks are not appropriate. Of course this is the same guy that said the Innovative Percussion mallets my frontline uses are "too nice to have on the marching field" This guy is a moron.

Innovative Percussion FT-1 are my favorite right now. But i like to use the Scott Johnson "Vega" mallets on my practice pad.

alright dude. Here's what I'm rolling with in my Tenor bags...majority of the time, i play with Vega's, GREAT rebound, light, easy to maneuver with...BUT, with mallets, i am all about the Pro Mark Americorps....I dont remember which one's exactly, but tehy are beautiful. they have enough weight to them so i can do scrapes and scraps and never over hit...if you see what im saying. [color:"red"] [/color] BUT, if you want the best ultimate sounds and colors out of your drums, which i imagine you do...go with a pair of Vic Firth Thom Hannum snare sticks. they are big enough to give you the "BOOM" but also agile enough to do even the slightest buzz roll...they are light, fast, easy to handle around the drums, and plus....they just feel awesome on the tenors....
Sorry if i sound insane....COFFEE WORKS WONDERS! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />