Thanks for replying. I don't really 'need' to stay with malletech(although I haven't ever had any problems with them). I have tried the Van Sice models and didn't like them. My hands get very sweaty when i play, heck, they start sweating when i just hold the mallets in the grip. Therfore, i prefer mallets without much of a lacquer finish. Although, i guess i could sand that off......