"Terrific looking and play like a dream!!!"

Quality:
They appear to be very well made. When playing a gig for example, I would feel pretty confident that they wouldn't break on me. However, since I do play damn hard and it is a live show, I would still likely have a set of wooden sticks nearby just in case. Also, if they were to ever break, they are recyclible. I love that.

Value:
For me, these sticks are well worth the typical asking price since I break wooden sticks so often. I didn't used to play using cheap "grab bag" sticks either. I used to play with Vic Firth almost always.

Desirability:
Come on?! These sticks look fantastic! Black and chrome with white tips. I probably wouldn't change anything, but if I did, I might add some red accents(lettering and whatnot). Ahead actually does make a stick with red lettering(FYI). Also, I just got through playing using them for the first time and they make me feel like I am a top studio or band drummer. I think I actually play better(faster too) using them. In fact, I know I do.

Sound:
Gives a terrificly sharp pop sound on my piccolo snare drum thanks to the nylon mini ball tips that come standard. Excellent!

Overall:
If these sticks ever break on me, it is a certainty(as long as they remain relatively inexpensive) that I would buy another pair. The main reason that I decided to purchase these sticks is because of the claimed toughness. A very close secondary reason I bought them was for their awesome looks. I can't personally say how tough they are at this point since I've only had them for 2 days. The thing I like the most about these sticks(at this point since I haven't had a chance to test the toughness as of yet) is probably the way that they look. Most wooden sticks just are not very good looking. The thing that I like the least about them is probably the fact that I may have to change the covers one day(necessary evil, I guess).