Mike Mangini's new unique design starts out at .580 inch. in the grip and increases slightly towards the middle of the stick until it reahcers .620 inch. and then tapers back down to an acorn tip. Mike's reason for this design is so that the stick has a slightly added front weight for a solid, consistent "throw" and transient sound. With the extra length, you can adjust how much front weight you're implementing by slightly moving your fulcrum point up or down on the stick. You'll also get a fat sounding rimshot crack from the added from weighted taper. Hickory.