i like thick sticks, and used the maple version (sd9) for years, but recently wanted more weight on the skins so decided to go B2, which i love, until i discovered there's a hickory version of my old sticks.
compared to B2 i find them a bit darker on the cymbals, which i prefer, and less sharp when hitting skins.
I alternate the two models regularly, according to the musical situation I play.
Plus, Vic firt is a reliability!