Very hard. A special effects mallet. Head = 1 1/4", L = 14 1/2". These models reflect Vic's fifty years of experience as Solo Timpanist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Each mallet is turned from a single piece of rock maple, which eliminates a core that could rattle and the need for a screw-on washer to secure the head. Coupled with round seamless heads, they produce bigger and brighter sounds.