I've used Vic Firth Nova drumsticks for a while, mainly because they're more affordable. They're decent for practice and casual playing, but I've noticed they tend to rupture a bit faster than the higher-end models, especially when playing harder genres like rock or metal. The American Classic series definitely holds up better in those situations with a more durable feel and consistent performance. If you play aggressively or frequently, investing in the American Classics might be worth the extra money in the long run.