Mike Mangini's new unique design starts out at .580" in the grip and increases slightly towards the middle of the stick until it reaches .620" 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 front weighted taper. Hickory.