Vater Sugar Maple Phat Ride

For those players who prefer a lighter stick without losing any bite, the Vater Sugar Maple Phat Ride is a sleeper gem. Made from sugar maple—a wood that’s lighter than hickory but still packs a decent punch—these sticks are perfect for drummers who want to move fast, play with finesse, and keep the volume under control without skimping on tone or presence.

The Phat Ride sits somewhere between a 5A and a 5B in diameter, giving it a chunky, comfortable feel in the hand while keeping things nice and nimble thanks to that maple construction. It’s a brilliant choice for situations where touch and tone matter more than brute force—think jazz, blues, acoustic gigs, or studio work where sensitivity is key. That said, they’ll still handle a groove-heavy funk set without flinching.

What really makes them sing is the medium-sized round wood tip. It pulls out crystal-clear definition from your ride cymbal and adds a warm pop to toms and snares. A quick taper means they’ve got a snappy response and a little flex to them, keeping your playing fluid and dynamic.

Whether you're trying to coax out subtle textures or glide through fast fills with minimal effort, the Phat Ride is your guy. At Musicmaker, we’ve had drummers from every background fall in love with these sticks—and for good reason.

Features

• Wood Type: Lightweight sugar maple for fast, low-fatigue playing

• Tip Shape: Medium round wood tip for crisp cymbal articulation and warm drum tones

• Taper: Quick taper for responsive rebound and lively stick feel

• Length: 16" (40.64 cm) – a standard size that suits most players

• Diameter: 0.580" (1.47 cm) – a bit meatier than a 5A, but still agile

• Best For: Jazz, funk, acoustic, and any setting where nuance beats volume

• Feel: Light, fast, and super comfortable for longer sets or studio sessions