Anika Nilles Evans x ProMark | Limited set

Anika Nilles has a new limited collection from D’Addario. It pairs a beefier version of her ProMark signature stick with a pack of Evans heads printed with her own artwork.

It’s the second time this year her artwork has ended up on her gear, after the Meinl Lunar cymbals in August.

So what’s actually different, and is it worth having? Let’s find out.

What’s in the collection?

Two things, sold separately or together.

A special-edition ProMark stick. It’s her signature model with the same profile, taper and tip, but the diameter goes up from 0.540” to 0.580”. That sits between a 5A and a 5B, which ProMark calls 5AB. D’Addario pitches it as the same stick with more power behind it. It also gets her artwork printed along the shaft, which the standard model doesn’t have.

A two-pack of Evans Black Chrome heads, a 12” and a 16” tom batter, each with a different Nilles design. D’Addario says they’re the same heads she’s using on tour with Rush.

Both are also sold together as a bundle, exclusive to daddario.com.

Here’s the collection on Instagram:

How much is it?

D’Addario’s own store lists:

• Limited stick (RBANW-LMTD): $19.99
• Black Chrome two-pack (EAP-AN1-1216CHR): $64.99
• Bundle of both: $84.98

UK and EU pricing hadn’t been announced when we wrote this. One US retailer’s listing says production is limited through April 2027 and already shows the head pack as sold out. If you want one, don’t hang about.

Does a thicker stick change much?

More than 0.04” sounds like it should.

The original Nilles stick started as a Rebound 7A with a slightly thicker shaft, a sharper taper and a smaller tip. That gives a fast, light-feeling stick that still puts out a clear note. You can read more about it in our Anika Nilles feature.

Taking the diameter to 0.580” keeps that front end but adds mass in the hand. You get a fuller sound from the drums and a bit more weight on the cymbals, without the stick getting clumsy. If you’ve found the standard model a little slight for loud rooms, this is the version to try.

There is one thing to mention. Thicker isn’t automatically better. If you love the original for its speed, you may find this one tiring over a long gig.

What about the heads?

Black Chrome is Evans’ dark, two-ply tom head, built for a punchy, focused sound with the overtones kept in check.

The artwork is printed on the bottom ply, so sticks aren’t hitting the graphic. It shouldn’t wear off, and Evans says it doesn’t change the sound.

It’s a lovely touch. The only downside is that you only get two sizes. If you run a 10” or a 14”, you’ll need standard heads to fill the gaps.

Final thoughts

This is a small collection, and the artwork is the main reason to buy it. It does look great. The stick is the more interesting part, though. A thicker version of a well-liked signature model is a genuinely useful option, not just a paint job.

For everything else she plays, see Anika Nilles’ full rig in the Rig Vault, or read about her Tama signature snare.