Due to being in a tight space in an orchestra pit, I had to take a hack saw to my previous hi-hat rod to shorten it. This was purchased as a replacement. I've always found the Pearl hardware to last a long time and the original rod and the new one are very sturdy, unbendable (which so many other makes are not) and I know they'll last me a lifetime. The old shortened one will be useful for future tight spaces I'm sure, but it's great to have the original size for everything else.