How to Choose the Best Drum Pedal + Top 11 Drum Pedals

When it comes to choosing which drum pedal is best for you, there are hundreds of options to consider. You have to decide between longboards or shortboards, belt or chain drive, and even understand the concept of a "cam" and why its "offset" feature is especially important. Furthermore, the choice is faced with the diversity of many different brands. Below are the most important factors to consider, helping you narrow down your list of options and find the products that best suit your play style and needs.

Footbard

Start by positioning the footboard appropriately. Consider whether you kick with your heels/scissors or put your feet on the pedals like a traditional player. While short boards often cater well to players with dominant feet, long boards offer more flexibility and range of motion. Not only is it suitable for heel/toe users, but it also allows for easier double strikes. Another advantage of longboards is their ability to better accommodate players who wear large shoe sizes. Bigger boards create more space for larger feet.

Pedal sensitivity

How to conduct the attack easily? Direct drive (or belt) may be the best choice when you want a light feel.

This feeling comes with the use of lighter legs compared to chain drive. On the other hand, chain drive may suit your playing style if you love "punching" the drums.

This provides stability and durability for demanding players. Some pedals also let you choose between single or dual chain drive. Dual chains typically provide greater stability and durability. However, some players may feel the response is less powerful or not "in sync" with the pedal's rebound. Ultimately, you just need to test out a few different options to discover which abilities suit your play style best.

Orange

The cams are located between the bottom of the drive and the top of the actuator. Not all pedals support cam settings, however those that do help the player adjust the cam to create a greater "thump" effect in their foot movements. Cam has the ability to change and adjust settings to best suit your playing style and feel.

List of Best Drum Pedals:

1. Tama Iron Cobra 900

• Cam/travel: Linear or offset
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type: Flat, dense foam
• Features: Cobra Coil footplate return, Speedo Ring, Quick-Hook spring release, Swivel Spring Tight assembly, Power-Strike beater, hard case
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

Since its launch more than 30 years ago, the Iron Cobra pedal has continuously evolved and upgraded to not only meet the needs of modern drummers but also clearly demonstrate its important mission: "unwavering power". sturdiness and flexibility".

The latest version of this pedal has a larger footplate and an optimized frame to prevent side-to-side movement. In addition, it features new lightweight cams (sourced from the Speed ​​Cobra) in both Rolling Glide and Power Glide designs. For maximum impact, the Power-Strike tip design is scaled down using solid foam instead of felt. In addition, the Iron Cobra is equipped with Tama's Cobra coil wire, which helps make the pedal softer, even when set to high spring tension settings, and the entire pedal offers a variety of adjustment features. , including attack angle, face angle, spring tension and footplate height.

Advantage

• Been loved for the past 30 years

• Designed for the modern drummer

• There is plenty of room for adjustment

Defect

• Expensive

2. Pedal DW 5000

• Drive: Dual Chain
• Cam/travel: Linear or offset (cams available separately)
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type:
• Features: Dual-Bearing Spring Rocker, Tri-pivot clamp, single-post slave pedals, padded carrying bag
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

3. Yamaha FP9C Pedal

• Drive: Chain/belt or direct
• Cam/travel: Adjustable linear/offset
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type: Flat, felt
• Adjustment: Beater angle, spring tension, footboard angle
• Features: quick-access spring tension, weighted beater, carrying case
• Double pedal available: Yes, left-footed chain only

Although Yamaha has a reputation for developing the best hardware for a wide range of kits, their bass drum pedals have always been focused on the safety aspect, best described as "reliable" rather because it makes a strong impression. However, the FP9 series has changed the situation by integrating a series of premium features and designs.

This line of pedals is available in both chain drive and direct drive configurations, with the same price. It offers a variety of adjustment options, including separate control for the footpad and strike bar, as well as slide adjustment to customize cam response between linear and offset designs. The spring system includes a self-locking mechanism for safety, the FP9 is equipped with a strike scale made from aluminum and brass for further testing.

Advantage

• Technical masterpiece

• Self-locking spring

Defect

• Yamaha recently produced foot pedals

4. Tama Speed ​​Cobra Pedal

• Drive: Chain
• Cam/travel: Linear
• Footboard: Longboard, hinged
• Beater type: Flat, rubber
• Adjustment: Beater angle, beater height, spring tension, footboard height
• Features: Cobra Coil footplate return, Speedo Ring, Quick-Hook spring release, Swivel Spring Tight assembly, Accu-Strike beater, hard case
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

This foot pedal is almost perfect to come true. Many features such as the Speedo Ring, Vari-Pitch strike head, oil-free bearing hinge, Cobra Coil and more are shared by both the Tama Speed ​​Cobra and the Iron Cobra. On the other hand, the Speed ​​Cobra is said to have a lighter feel than the Iron Cobra, with every element tuned to respond like the Cobra after a few shots of espresso.

The footrest has been extended and the pedal only supports Tama's Rolling Glide cam. Linear response helps maintain a fast playing speed without requiring more pressure on the pedal. It's no surprise that the Speed ​​Cobra feels lighter than the Iron Cobra, making it especially suitable for double kicks.

This pedal is really fun to use and easily lives up to its name. If you're looking for a fast pedal but don't want to lose the power of a chain-driven pedal, we believe this could be a worthwhile find.

Advantage

• Even more effective than Iron Cobra

• High speed

• Double pedal

Defect

• The pedal may make a clicking sound

5. DW 9000 bass drum pedal

• Drive: Chain
• Cam/travel: Adjustable
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Adjustments:
• Features: Dual-Bearing Spring Rocker, Tri-pivot clamp, single-post slave pedals, padded carrying bag, footboard weights, and stacker heels
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

The 9000 series pedals are part of DW's signature 9000 hardware line, which echoes the trusted 5000 series. With floating rotors, spring repositioning and shiftability are virtually nil limit of the drive cam between the Accelerator and Overdrive options, you really have the ability to adjust the feel of the 9000 pedal.

Additionally, DW offers a Pedal Customization Kit, which includes stacked pedal and heel weights to fine-tune the 9000 pedal's response. Using three differently sized heel pieces can combine come together to create a nine-position Elevator Heel Plate configuration, providing greater control the higher the heel level.

So how do they work? These pedals have excellent response along with unique beauty and grace. Both pedals work well and give the feeling that they are in harmony with you.

Advantage

• Adapts to your preferences

• Suitable for playing

• Sure

Defect

• Expensive

6. Pedal Trick Pro 1-V

• Drive: Direct
• Cam/travel: Linear
• Footboard: Longboard, hinged
• Beater type: Flat, rubber
• Features:
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

One of the top bass drum pedals for response and comfort.

Pedal Trick's Pro 1-V features a direct drive design, providing a stylish look with machined aluminum material. The compression spring is considered the soul of the pedal, creating a special feel, and all moving points are equipped with ball bearings to optimize the smooth movement of the pedal. The Trick also incorporates a design element that makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust tension by turning the knurled knobs. Increasing or decreasing pedal feel is incredibly simple.

Not only do the Pro 1-Vs have incredibly direct feedback and consistent pedal feel, but they also feel like they're connected directly to your head, not just your feet.

The simple and fun way you can customize the feel of the Pro 1-V makes them a formidable contender for anyone with the financial resources to invest.

Advantage

• Suitable for technical players.

• Outstanding adaptability

• Rapid response

Defect

• Expensive

7. Pearl Eliminator Redline

• Drive: Chain or belt
• Orange: 4x interchangeable
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type: Quad-sided plastic/felt, round/flat
• Features: Ninja bearings, locking spring cradle, reversible footplate insert, side-access pedal clamp
• Double pedal available: Yes, right or left-footed

Pearl's legendary Eliminator Pedals are a popular choice among professional and amateur drummers alike, their popularity can be explained by their dependable reliability and extensive personalization capabilities. And now, with the red-trimmed version, Eliminator raises the bar even further.

Variable cams (originally the pedal came with four cams, but two more are now available) and a 'Powershifter' feature allows the pedal's pitch to be adjusted up and down on the base , are all unique features of Eliminator. The Quad Core Control beater with two felt sides and two plastic sides, along with Click-Lock spring adjustment and NiNja precision bearing shaft, are all notable "Redline" features.

The second is the famous skateboard bearing system, similar to the one used in Pearl's signature Demon Drive pedal. According to Pearl, this additional feature makes the Redline outperform its predecessor in speed tests, with up to 85% efficiency.

The Redline is available in both single and double versions, with the option of chain or belt drive. Despite its virtually unlimited customization capabilities, the Redline delivers commendable performance right out of the box. Changing the cam can make a significant difference in the feel of the pedal. It takes a little time to learn each variation and choose the right option, but for those willing to spend hours learning the perfect setup, the Pearl Eliminator Redline is definitely the best pedal choice for everyone. People.

Advantage

• The power shifter feature is awesome

• Optional chain or belt

Defect

• Correct setup may take some time

8. Sonor Perfect Balance Pedal

• Drive: Belt
• Cam/travel: Linear
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type: Round, felt
• Features:
• Double pedal available: No

Sonor's standard perfectly balanced pedal has been improved upon Jojo Mayer's trademark pedal architecture. This is a belt-driven pedal, now available as a single pedal, and Sonor has removed the folding mechanism from the Jojo's signature design. Other changes include the use of an unengraved heel plate and unpolished pedals.

The drive design maintains the same principles, with the goal of creating an ideal balance between forward and return motion on the striker side. This perfect balance creates a smooth, silk-like foot movement, making it ideal for those looking for a high-performance pedal without too many accessories, while still maintaining quality. best performance.

Advantage

• Jojo has created a new design

• It is quite easy to use

Defect

It's not really for everyone

9. Mapex Falcon Pedal

• Drive: Chain
• Cam/travel: Interchangeable
• Footboard: Standard hinged
• Beater type: Flat, felt/plastic
• Features: Dual-chain, side-access clamp, reversible beater, interchangeable cams
• Double pedal available: Yes, right and left-footed

Mapex has taken a significant step forward with its Falcon single (PF1000) and double (PF1000TW) bass drum pedals. This series of pedals comes with two different cams, one linear and one offset cam that can be switched easily in minutes. Overall, the pedal feels light during use, despite its physical weight being quite heavy.

This pedal is designed for players who often lift their heels when hitting. The small pedal is ideal for stamping your foot halfway onto the base plate. The Falcon boasts a variety of adjustment options, including spring tension, attack angle and pedal position, all while retaining a simple and easy feel to use.

Advantage

• Feel free to experiment

• Includes two cams

• Great for heeled players

Defect

• An old design

10. Ludwig Speed ​​Flyer Pedal

• Drive: Chain
• Cam/travel: Linear
• Footboard: Standard, hinged
• Beater type: Felt
• Features: Smooth action bearings, hinged footplate, 'speed' sizing, improved toe clamp
• Double pedal available: No

In 2020, Ludwig introduced the famous Speed ​​King pedal, and later, the Speed ​​Flyer pedal was released with a balanced arrangement. Although based on its famous prototype, the Speed ​​Flyer has been greatly upgraded with many key improvements. While it retains the classic aesthetic of the original, Speed ​​Flyer has been tweaked to suit modern players.

The heel is upgraded with a smoother bearing, and the baseboard is also designed to be stronger and larger to provide better stability and durability. The anti-slip cam has also been added to ensure that you never miss a beat, which is one of the upgrades over the original version.

Plus, the Speed ​​Flyer offers more adjustment features than the Speed ​​King. In 2020, Ludwig introduced the famous Speed ​​King pedal, and later, the Speed ​​Flyer pedal was released with a balanced arrangement. Although based on its famous prototype, the Speed ​​Flyer has been greatly upgraded with many key improvements. While it retains the classic aesthetic of the original, Speed ​​Flyer has been tweaked to suit modern players.

The heel is upgraded with a smoother bearing, and the baseboard is also designed to be stronger and larger to provide better stability and durability. The anti-slip cam has also been added to ensure that you never miss a beat, which is one of the upgrades over the original version.

Plus, the Speed ​​Flyer offers more adjustment features than the Speed ​​King. This is truly a dream for skillful players, with customization from spring tension to cam angle to pedal height. However, even though the Speed ​​Flyer is a bit heavier, these commendable improvements do not affect speed and performance. Notably, Ludwig also provides additional drum key attachments for those who want further customization. With the ability to customize from spring tension, cam angle to pedal height. Even though the Speed ​​Flyer is a bit heavier, these improvements do not affect speed or performance. Notably, Ludwig also provides additional drum key attachments for those who want further customization.

Advantage

• Based on a symbol

• Reliable quality

• Designed for strength and endurance

• Lots of testing

Defect

• At certain adjustments, the footpeg may hit the nut on the footclip

• Bag not included

• Over time screws may loosen

11. Pedal PDP Concept

• Drive: Direct
• Cam/travel: Linear
• Footboard: Longboard, hinged
• Beater type: Reversible, felt/plastic
• Features: Extended, brushed aluminum footboards, side-access clamp
• Double pedal available: Yes, right and left-footed

The Concept pedal line is available in both chain drive and direct drive configurations. In addition to having an eye-catching cobalt blue transmission link, other features are also worth noting. It's pedals are made of XF extended aluminum, offset toe clips, adjustable spurs, DW air dams, DW spring adjustment, lightweight black aluminum base plate, and needle bearing hinges.

Some of these capabilities have been inherited from professional-grade DW pedal models such as the 5000 and 9000 series, as shown. They should not be overlooked as they are widely recognized as the standard in the bass pedal industry.

Advantage

• A great first direct drive pedal

• Perfect for intermediate players

• Has some DW level features

• Good value

Defect

• Beater may decline over time

Conclude

With all the diverse pedal options, each pedal has its own unique qualities. If you want the best combination of value and quality, then the Tama Iron Cobra Drum Pedal is worth considering. The redesigned version of the beater head might be the starting point to spark your interest in this new model. The hitting faces are significantly smaller than the standard hitting faces, but much deeper.

Tama said that the Power-Strike beater head on the Iron Cobra uses solid black foam to produce a powerful low- to mid-frequency sound on the bass drum. The angle of the striking face is also adjustable, like other Iron Cobra striking heads, to ensure perpendicular contact on the drum surface. In a complete innovation, the connection mechanism between the pedal and the collar has been redesigned (for both pedals), providing additional stability and support for the pedal.