Popularity of slightly shorter sticks?

I'm a fan of the Vic Firth SKM model sticks, which is just a bit shorter and lighter than a regular 5A pair. I'm also exploring some X7A and metric 5A options from local brands, in order to save money and support local industry.
(By metric 5A, I mean 400 mm long and 14 mm in diameter. Regular 5A is 406 mm long and 14.3 mm in diameter, so metric 5A is just a bit smaller.)

I've found that, from browsing catalogues, that most special and signature sticks are at least as long as 5A. There are a lot of models that are just a bit longer than 5A, but almost none that are just a bit shorter. I wonder why, is "just a bit shorter" just unpopular, or do stick companies expect people to saw off a bit from sticks ala Kenney Jones and maybe Phil Collins?

I like sticks that are slightly longer than standard 5A sticks. Maybe because I have a short reach.

Iristone said:

There are a lot of models that are just a bit longer than 5A, but almost none that are just a bit shorter. I wonder why,

Click to expand...

Roy Haynes Zildjian -still cataloged still in production- is the slightest bit under 16"- I can live with It's a beaut.
They're 'chunky and a bit under 16" You can imagine them working with Monk at the Five Spot and with Charlie Parker and -like Roy was- can work with music of today and tomorrow

15.87” | 40.32cm

• Exaggerated taper makes this stick dance

bet you could have a pair delivered or available in China? @Iristone
Own a pair of these too
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"Roy Haynes Stick" played by an 85 Year Old

Honestly, I think shorter sticks just don’t have as big of a market because most drummers like the feel and control you get with standard or slightly longer sticks. I’ve noticed that companies usually stick to sizes that appeal to the majority, so they don’t really bother making shorter versions. A lot of drummers who want shorter sticks just cut theirs down themselves, like Kenney Jones or Phil Collins did, but that’s more of a personal thing. So, while shorter sticks exist, they’re pretty niche, and brands focus on what most people want.

I use 7a exclusively and prefer a 16" length. While trying different sticks over the years I found that the Vic firth 7a and Zildjian 7a are both a touch shorter then 16". 16 seems to be a pretty standard length for most normal 5a and 5b so if you are looking at thinner sticks and want something a bit shorter try the Zildjian or vf 7a. I like the ball tip on the Zildjian but you may prefer the vf for its classic teardrop tip.

The Hun X7A I'm considering is 400 mm long, right in between of a regular 5A and 7A. I wish the diameter is in between, too, though.

I’ve tried a few different models that are shorter than 16”. I didn’t like the way they responded. I suppose if I spent enough time playing them I would get used to them. I suppose how they feel depends on your hand size and technique. Most drummers learn with 16” or longer sticks and don’t take the time to get used to shorter ones.