A good bass drum head for metal typically combines a few important traits: extra durability to handle hard hitting, extra articulation for fast speeds, extra attack for loud stage volumes, and a decent amount of low end. Many heads cover those needs to some extent, but a few rise above the rest. They’re our picks for the best bass drum heads for metal.
We previously picked our Best Snare Heads For Metal, and we’ll use the same approach here. We’ll get into the specs of each model, some of their strengths and weaknesses, and why they work well in the genre.
The good news is that any of the heads on this list would work well for almost any metal drummer, on almost any bass drum. You can use the details below to help narrow down to the specific model that’s best for you. Hopefully you’ll also learn something along the way.
On with the list! These are the best bass drum heads for metal.
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Remo
Powerstroke P4
Specs:
2-ply, 7-mil + 7-mil
3-mil dampening ring
Clear surface
The Remo Powerstroke P4 is the most straightforward head on this list, but its simple design equates to a solid, no-nonsense, versatile drumhead. It’s not the most durable head and it doesn’t provide the most amount of low end. However, this head can morph into more situations than any of the other options here. It’s a good choice for drummers who might play several rock-oriented genres or who just want to keep their tonal options open.
The combination of a 14-mil thickness and simple dampening system results in slightly more resonance than the other heads on this list. Most drummers use a dampening pillow and a ported front bass drum head, so it’s usually easy to tamp down on any excess sustain the P4 may have. On the plus side, you’ll have the option of a fuller tone, especially beneficial if you play other genres where that type of sound is called for.
In terms of tone, this head’s thickness also comes with pros and cons. Although it’s a two-ply head, it’s the brightest head on this list. It wouldn’t be the best choice if you’re looking for the deepest tone possible. That being said, deeper isn’t always better. Some drummers like a bass drum head that sits a hair above the deepest level, where the bass player and bass drum often occupy the same space.
We’d recommend most metal drummers use a bass drum protector patch with this head for a couple of reasons. It will keep you from denting the head with hard beaters and will add some additional attack. Remo includes a single Falam Slam patch in the box. If you play double pedal, the Remo 2.5″ Falam Slam will give you extra articulation and added durability, without inhibiting the natural tone of the head too much. Those pads are thick, but not as large as the standard 4″ version.
The Remo Powerstroke P4 would be a good choice for drummers who play metal along with other styles and want to keep as many tonal options open as possible. It doesn’t have the deepest lows or extreme durability that some of the other heads on this list have, but it has a wider tuning range that many drummers can benefit from.
Aquarian
Super-Kick II
Specs:
2-ply, 7-mil + 7-mil
Felt damping ring
Clear surface
The Super-Kick II is one of Aquarian’s most popular drumheads. With a 2-ply 14-mil base, a felt dampening ring, and the naturally dark Aquarian film timbre, this bass drum head creates a fat tone that many drummers like. Metal drummers who prefer deep-sounding sustain tend to especially like this head. It’s not the most articulate head for super-fast speeds, but the tone of the Super-Kick II is tough to beat.
Compared to the Remo P4, the Super-Kick’s tone is both warmer and shorter. It’s doesn’t have a dead tone, but the second ply and wide felt dampener keep resonance in check. The felt also diminishes high range frequencies, creating the low-end boost this head is famous for.
That cut of high frequencies has pros and cons, especially when you’re playing a genre that requires attack and projection. Faster and more aggressive drummers often benefit from using flat hard beaters when playing a Super-Kick. With those beaters, you’ll get the initial slap of contact to differentiate notes, then the resonance is made up of the darker tone. If you don’t have that option yet, we really like the DW Control Bass Drum Beaters for both sound and feel, and it includes a hard flat surface option.
Most metal drummers also use some dampening inside the bass drum with a Super-Kick. You usually don’t need much of it when using a Super-Kick II, but it can clean up excess resonance, so fast patterns don’t become too washy. Of course, the amount of internal dampening depends on your tastes and the drum you’re using.
Overall, the Aquarian Super-Kick II is great for drummers who want a fat, deep tone with a modest level of sustain. It’s another head that works well for metal, along with other styles that call for a lot of low-end bass tone. Because it’s 14-mil thick, a protector patch and hard beaters may be needed for durability and added articulation.
Evans
EMAD 2
Specs:
2-ply, 10-mil + 7-mil
Adjustable foam dampening
Clear surface
The Evans EMAD series is among the most popular in the industry. We picked the standard single-ply EMAD and GMAD as two of our Best Bass Drum Heads For All-Around Drumming. For metal drummers, the EMAD 2 can be a great option. It has a 17-mil total thickness, up about 20% from the Powerstroke P4 and Super-Kick II. Along with its external dampening system, the EMAD 2 has a good mix of durability, flexibility, tone, and attack.
The most recognizable aspect of the EMAD 2 is the dampening system. It allows you to choose three levels of resonance control, independent of a bass drum pillow. The head ships with two foam strips – standard and wide, which can be interchanged. You can also leave the foam out completely for an open sound. Most metal drummers prefer a combination of a foam strip and a bass drum pillow to find the right balance of tone and resonance.
When comparing the resonance of the EMAD 2 to the Aquarian Super-Kick II, you might think the thicker EMAD would have a drier tone when foam is installed. In our experience, that’s not the case. It’s close, but the EMAD tends to have a bit more resonance than the Super-Kick on most drums. The foam in the EMAD is lighter, and it’s not attached to the head. Both of those factors lead to less restriction on the head’s vibration.
Trigger Warning!
One thing to keep in mind about EMAD heads in general is that externally-mounted dampening can get in the way of triggers. The Roland RT-30K, for example, will make contact with an EMAD dampening system, rather than the head itself. You should still be able to use those triggers effectively, but you may have to adjust some settings to ensure everything works properly.
Overall, the Evans EMAD 2 could be a great option for many metal drummers. It’s a head that sits in the center of the metal sound spectrum, and may be the safest pick on our list. The 17-mil thickness has a good mix of durability, attack, and tone, while still allowing the head to breathe on most bass drums. The adjustable dampening system is handy, taming resonance and slightly darkening the tone.
Evans
EMAD Heavyweight
Specs:
2-ply, 10-mil + 10-mil
Adjustable foam dampening
Clear surface
The Evans EMAD Heavyweight is the latest and thickest addition to the EMAD series. With a 20-mil thickness, it won’t have quite as much tone as the other heads on this list, but you’ll get even more durability. This is a head for hard hitters. If you need a bass drum head that can hold up under aggressive drumming, provide plenty of volume, and give you articulation for faster patterns, the EMAD Heavyweight could be for you.
This head includes the same external dampening system described above with the EMAD 2. It allows you to easily adjust to several levels of resonance, while slightly darkening the tone of the head. Most players still use a bass drum pillow inside their drums, but with a 20-mil EMAD, less internal dampening will be needed.
Of course, the main selling point of the Heavyweight is the thickness. It’s among the thickest heads in the industry. Needless to say, it’s not a head for everyone, but it serves a great purpose for certain players. Drummers who hit hard and fast can get great results from a 20-mil head. You can get a ton of projection, especially with hard beaters. Metal drummers looking for a bit more balance of tone, durability, and attack would be better off with another head on this list.
Trigger Warning!
As we mentioned with the EMAD 2 above, certain hoop-mounted triggers will contact the EMAD dampener rather than the head surface. The Roland RT-30K is a popular example. Those triggers still work well for most players, but it’s something to keep in mind. You may have to adjust some settings to get the proper sensitivity levels.
In summary, the Evans EMAD Heavyweight could be a good choice for metal drummers who hit hard, need something very durable, and who want high articulation and volume. The tone isn’t as robust as other heads on this list, but it can handle the most aggressive styles of play.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for best bass drum heads for metal music. They all have their own specific characteristics, costs, and benefits. None of them are the best choice for everyone. The correct model for you depends on your tastes and playing style. Hopefully, we helped you narrow down your options to something that will make your playing sound great.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author