Vic Firth VICKICK Bass Drum Beater - Warm Oval Felt Fleece

In this review of the Vic Firth VICKICK bass drum beater the bottom line is clear: drummers seeking a warm, vintage jazz tone and a forgiving touch will appreciate this beater. Built around a medium felt core covered with fleece and an oval head profile, it produces a full, rounded low end that excels for feathering, soft playing and acoustic gigs. The radial position design also helps with clear articulation and consistent rebound, making it a dependable choice for players using single or double pedals.

Key Features

• Oval head profile: provides a larger striking surface for a fuller, warmer bass drum attack suited to vintage and jazz tones.
• Felt core with fleece covering: delivers a soft initial attack and warm sustain while reducing unwanted beater noise for quiet practice or small gigs.
• Dual head sizes: 3-in main head and 2 3/4-in secondary head options allow for a range of tones from boomier impact to slightly tighter response.
• Radial position design: ensures consistent rebound and clear articulation, which helps when playing fast passages or using a double-pedal setup side-by-side.
• Medium density construction: balances warmth and articulation so dynamics and feathering techniques remain expressive and controllable.

Who It's For

The VICKICK beater is aimed at jazz drummers, small-ensemble players, and anyone who needs a warm, vintage bass sound and low on-stage volume. It suits musicians who favor feathering, delicate touch and nuanced dynamic control rather than hard-hitting rock attack.

Players who require a very hard, bright attack for stadium rock or heavy metal should look for a wood or plastic beater instead, since the fleece-covered felt leans toward warmth and softness rather than maximum attack or long, cutting projection.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces a warm, full low end that works exceptionally well for jazz and vintage styles.
• Soft fleece covering reduces noise and makes feathering and soft dynamics easy to achieve.
• Well built with consistent rebound thanks to the radial position design, fitting nicely in double-pedal setups.
• Dual head sizing gives tonal options without swapping beaters mid-set.

Cons

• The fleece-covered felt construction is not ideal for drummers who need a very bright, cutting attack or maximum projection.
• May wear faster than hard plastic or wood beaters under very heavy use, especially with repeated hard strikes.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Vic Firth VICKICK bass drum beater is a strong choice for jazz players and anyone after a warm, vintage bass drum tone with quiet operation. Its fleece-covered felt head and radial design make feathering and dynamic nuance easy, offering good value for drummers who prioritize tone and control over aggressive attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this beater good for jazz feathering?
Yes. The medium felt core with fleece covering makes feathering and soft dynamics easy and musical.

Will it work on a double pedal setup?
Yes. The radial position design provides consistent rebound and side-by-side clearance for double-pedal use.

Is this suitable for loud rock playing?
No. The fleece-covered felt emphasizes warmth and softness rather than the bright, cutting attack preferred for loud rock styles.