these sticks are good for grip. Also the rubber helps cut vibration to your hands and elbows. Since playing timbales, especially in Salsa music, you play more on the shells and bells than the heads. The bells and shells are metal so they don't "give" like a drum head does. That rubber coating is good on your hands for us older guys. Very expensive though compared to other sticks.

I'm a working musician. These sticks are comfortable, and easy to use. Hands down the best timbal sticks you can buy.