Of all the single bass drum pedals I’ve researched, this is my verdict:
The Best Single Bass Drum Pedal is the Trick Drums Pro 1-V. You can click here to skip to the in-depth review of Trick Drums Pro 1-V below.
If you can’t spend that much on a pedal that could potentially last a lifetime, or dislike direct drive pedals for some reason, here are the other winners:
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $200: Pearl P2050C Eliminator Redline
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $100: TAMA HP200P Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal
Each of their individual reviews can be found below as well.
I’d broken this comparison article into 3 main segments, in hopes to helping you to find a suitable single bass drum pedal with ease.
Here’s a navigation table of what I cover, use it to skip to any section of interest:
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Money Can Buy
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $200
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $100
Before you go on, please note that the star ratings are true only for their specific category. i.e. The 4 star rating in the ‘under $100’ category is not equivalent to the 4 star rating in the ‘under $200’ category.
It would be unfair to pit pedals from different price range against each other, especially since we drummers have a specific budget to keep.
Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Money Can Buy
Speed, Response and Durability. These are the most important features that I look for in a single bass drum pedal. And these are the pedals that made it into the list:
| Single Bass Drum Pedal | Pedal Drive | Smoothness | Cam Action | Playing Feel | Build Quality | Ease of Maintenance | Overall Verdict | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trick Drums Pro 1-V Single Short Board Bass Drum Pedal | Direct Drive | ****** | nil | ****** | ****** | **** | Minimalist pedal that will blow you away with its performance. | $$$ |
Pearl P3000D Eliminator Demon Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal | Direct Drive | ***** | nil | **** | **** | **** | Top of the range drum pedal, popular among drummers | $$$ |
DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Single Pedal | Direct Drive | ***** | nil | **** | **** | **** | Premium pedal that is a tad too pricey in my opinion. | $$$$ |
DW 9000 Double Chain (DWCP9000) Single Bass Drum Pedal | Double Chain Pedal (Belt drive option included) | **** | Infinite Adjustable Cam | **** | *** | **** | Popular pro grade chain drive pedal. | $$$ |
Before you get scared off by the title of this section, hear me out.
I’m just a poor drummer like you, so trust me, there wouldn’t be anything above $500 here. After all, the advice I got from most advance drummers is that past the $500 price point, you’ll only get subtle improvement on the pedals.
In their words, “you should only start exploring those pedal after you’ve develop your personal playing style, or heck just keep working on your drumming skills till a brand is willing to sponsor you with a pedal beyond $500”
So, I’ve narrowed down this section to just a handful of pedals.
You’ll notice that most of them are direct drive pedals. These tend to offer a good mix of response, power and speed, but tend to be pricier than their counterparts.
Let’s get down to it:
Trick Drums Pro 1-V Single Short Board Bass Drum Pedal
Why I picked the Trick Drums Pro 1-V Pedal?
First up, I’ve got to say, I love the design of the Trick Drums Pro 1-V! It is minimalist and slick without compromising on quality and features. On top of that, its body is tough and solid.
It features a huge knob for easily adjustments on the fly. Designed facing the pedal that allows you to adjust the compression spring tension on the pedal just by reaching down. This is definitely advantageous when you find the need to tweak the pedal during your gig or practice session.
Although it looks tough, the beater is rather light.
You can also adjust the speed of the pedal easily.
And oh, the Pro 1-V comes in 2 version;
- ‘Shortboard’ version which is the one that is covered here (since I have small feet), it features a 10 inch footboard and a 3 inch heel block.
- ‘BigFoot’ version that comes with a larger, 1 piece, 13 inch footboard, without the heel block. It is designed for drummers who prefer a larger footblock as well as those who use the heel-toe method.
The only downside is that the Pro 1-V is becoming less easily available, you might need to check with your local drums or music store for stock.
Key Features of the Trick Drums Pro 1-V
With a clean and slight design, the Trick Pro 1-V places its focus on quality and innovation.
Trick drums claims that the Pro 1-V is being machined by the “latest state of the art CNC equipment” which promises high precision and quality across all Pro 1-V pedals.
Adjustments
Don’t be fooled by its clean design though. The Pro 1-V comes with complete and innovative customization options that include:
- Spring Tension Adjustment
- Beater Angle
- Footboard Angle
- Stroke Length Adjustment
- Hoop Clamp
Here’s a quick features video by the Founder of Trick Drums:
Spring
The first thing you’d probably notice on the Trick Pro 1-V is the absence of a side mounted spring. Instead of a traditional expansion spring, the Pro 1-V features a compression spring, which is claimed to perform way better.
The compression spring is said to help speed up the return of the beater and to assist in the acceleration of the subsequent beat, for greater efficiency during drumming.
This seems to provide the precision on the spring tension as well as increase durability of the spring.
Plus, the use of compression spring seems to be the main driving force behind the quick adjustment knob design.
Spring Tension Adjustment Knob
The Pro 1-V’s unique spring tension knob adjustment allows you to tweak the spring tension just by turning the knob conveniently placed right in front of you.
No more fumbling in the dark between sets! All you need to do is to reach down to adjust your spring tension, which can be done easily, even between sets. Turn right to tighten and left to loosen.
Independent split-cam
This system allows you to adjust your beater angle and footboard angle independently. These are also adjusted using any regular drum key.
With the beater angle adjustment, you can adjust the beater angle through an entire 360 degree range, giving you the ability to fine tune the attack and speed of the pedal.
You also get a full range of footboard angle adjustment on the split-cam.
The split cam also comes with a gauge that functions as a great indication tool, allowing you to recall different beater and footboard angle settings for different needs. All you need to do is to note down the number and marking for subsequent gigs or practice session.
This will definitely come in handy if the pedal is to be used by various drummers. Drumming teachers may also find this to be a useful tool when working with a wide range of drummers.
Stroke Length Adjustment
The footboard is attached to the direct drive via a pin. This allows for fine tuning of the stroke length.
You can choose between 3 stroke lengths which allows you to determine how much speed or power you want from the pedal.
The top level reduces the stroke length and allows for faster playing. Vis versa, the bottom level increases the stroke length and is designed for power hitters.
The pin can be removed using any regular drum key.
Beater
With all its innovation, you’d probably will not be surprise to hear that the beater is a light weight (2.3oz), titanium shaft beater designed for speedy drumming.
The beater head’s position is adjustable both horizontally and vertically, so that you can set it up to work with bass drum heads of any size.
And, there’s no restriction on the beater head material as you can easily switch out the plastic head to a felt head, or even use the naked aluminium head if needed.
If you prefer something heavier, you have the option of adding weights onto the titanium shaft as well.
Durability
It is said to be made using high grade metals like titanium, billet aluminium, stainless and hardened steel which are machined to aerospace quality tolerances for maximum durability.
It is little wonder why all its users are blown away by the top grade build quality and sturdiness of the Pro 1-V pedals. And I can’t help but to agree too.
Hoop Clamp
The Pro 1-V’s uniquely designed “slide-trac rapid release hoop clamp” uses a simple and quick set up process that allows the pedal to be fitted onto almost any bass drum.
It is convenient because there is no need for any special key or knobs, all you need to do is to hold down the level, slide the pedal onto the bass drum hoop and release the level to attach the pedal.
It also comes with 3 memory set screws that you can use to preset the pedal for even quicker set up. So if you play on certain bass drums regularly, all you need to do is to preset the distance of the pedal from the drum once, and you can clamp the pedal on quickly, using the level subsequently. This is definitely a great feature for drummers who gig.
What Others Say about Trick Drums’ Pro 1-V
The Trick Pro-1V seems to have attracted some famous drummers.
Here’s what Chris Adler of Lamb of God say about his Trick Pedal:
Here’s another video review of the pedal, this time by Michael Levine:
The ‘Black Widow’ Version
Trick Drums released a new, sexy looking ‘Black Widow’ version of the Pro 1-V pedals recently, click here to check out the Black Widow. In terms of specifications, there seems to be little differences. However, if you’re into aesthetics of your drum kit, the Black Widow is indeed a slick looking pedal.
Here, take a look at the Black Widow via this unboxing video:
Trick Drums Pro 1-V Direct Drive Alternatives
If direct drive pedals are not your thing, the Pro 1-V is available with chain drive.
If you’re a drummer who values versatility, you can also purchase the chain drive Retrofit conversion kit to convert the direct drive Pro 1-V to the chain drive.
If the Trick Drums Pro 1-V pedal is a tad too expensive for you, here’s the runner up in this category:
Pearl P3000D Eliminator Demon Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal
Why I picked the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive (P3000D)?
Another top-of-the-range pedal with a slick design, the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive pedal first caught my attention when various drummers I spoke to mentioned about it.
It is smooth like butter and sturdy like a rock. And boy, is it fast! Take a look:
The Pearl Eliminator is a great pedal, but it lost to the Trick Drums Pro 1-V on our list because it is relatively:
- less user friendly,
- has a less innovative design,
- is made of material that is slightly of a lower grade than the Pro 1-V
However, their price difference is a whole $100 at the point of writing.
Given that difference, I think the Eliminator of extremely good value, especially for drummers who want a premium pedal without breaking the bank.
Key Features of the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive
The Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive pedal is also available with a chain drive system, however I’ll be focusing on the direct drive version in this article.
Here’s a quick overview of the Eliminator Demon:
With the Pearl Eliminator Demon, you have the option to adjust the following:
- Link Adjustment
- Spring Tension
- Beater Adjustments (Angle, Height and Stroke adjustments)
- Footboard configuration
- Hoop Clamp
- Grip Setting on Footboard
A downside of this pedal is that there are many users who complained that it is difficult to adjust. You can read about their experience here.
Direct Link Adjustment
The direct link adjustment allows you to choose between two settings: light or heavy pedal feel. This allows for increased versatility and control for the drummer.
Click-Lock Spring Tension Adjustment System
You can easily adjust the spring tension of the Demon pedal by unlocking the ‘click lock’ before turning the upper or lower nut for fine adjustments.
The click-lock is designed to retain the spring tension, so you do not have to worry about the loss of spring tension as you play. This is a common issue with cheaper pedals, which you will not need to deal with on the Eliminator Demon.
Beater Adjustments
The Demon pedal allows you to tweak the beater angle, height and beater stroke.
The beater stroke adjustment is an exclusive feature only available on the Demon series pedals. It refers to the beater holder that comes with two positions that affect the distance of your beater head from the drum head.
The Finesse position places the beater head closer to the drum head, allowing for faster kicks while the Power position has the beater head further from the drum head which helps to create more powerful hits.
Duo-Deck Footboard
This innovative footboard design allows you to choose between a shorter footboard (with the heel block locked down), or a longer footboard, increasing the versatility of the Demon Pedal.
These configurations favor different drum pedal techniques. You’re almost getting two pedals in one with this feature.
Traction Dots
You can choose to customize the position of the traction dots on the footboard. This allows you to decide how much grip and the position of the grip you’d like on the pedal.
The Demon pedal also comes with velcro strips that can be applied to the base of the pedal to prevent it from slipping as you play.
Read the manual of the Pearl Eliminator Demon for more details.
Like the Pearl Eliminator Redline, the Demon pedal features NiNja ball bearings that are said to provide the smooth playing experience of this pedal.
And oh yes, it comes with a nice soft cover case soft cover as well. Very convenient for drummers who have to travel with their drum kits often.
What Others Say about the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive
The Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive is not perfect, but it has managed to receive some great reviews from fellow drummers. You can read their thoughts here.
Now, let’s get on to the next pedal in this category:
DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Single Pedal
Why I picked the DW MDD Machined Pedal?
If you have a little too much moolah, then this is the drum pedal to consider. Actually, I would scrape that advise and still recommend the Pro 1-V. You get to save about $100, which should be put to better use to upgrade the rest of your drum kit.
Despite its quality build, top of the range features and enjoyable playing experience, I’m not convinced about the value I’m getting with its hefty price tag.
The only reason I had to include it here is because this article wouldn’t feel complete without mentioning the MDD Machined pedal. It has received raving reviews and has a reputation of being preferred by performing drummers.
If you’re not a professional drummer who can pick up subtle differences between pedals, this really isn’t for the rest of us in my opinion.
Although I got to say that its industrial styled design is kinda nice and seems to be in trend lately.
And oh, it comes with a convenient cloth bag for the gigging drummer too.
The DW Machined pedal is available with Chain Drive as well, the chain drive model is called the DW MCD machined pedal.
Here’s a video that provides an overview of the DW MDD Machined’s features by Sweetwater:
Key Features of the DW MDD Machined Pedal
Let’s take a look at some of the interesting features that have been incorporated into this pedal:
Durability
At its price point, this pedal better be built to last. The durability of the DW Machined pedals is comparable to the Pro 1-V pedals. They feature aircraft grade aluminium alloys, manufactured using high precision CNC machining technology.
Footboard Design
And oh, the holes on the footboard were designed with a purpose. They are said to reduce the weight of the pedal and air resistance while the pedal is returning back to its resting position, which helps to increase the speed of the pedal. Really, this is a feature for the pros.
Adjustments
An advantage of the DW Machined pedal is that most of the key adjustments can be made easily even while your pedal is secured onto a bass drum.
However, most of these adjustments require the drum key to turn a small knobs which can make it difficult if you’re playing in a small place or a dark venue.
On the DW MDD, you can adjust the following:
- Spring tension (V.E.R.T.)
- Footboard angle / height
- Beater settings
- Toe Clamp
V.E.R.T. Vertical spring adjustment
The V.E.R.T. design allows the adjustment of the spring without the need to reach to any nut or bolt, which makes adjusting spring tension on the DW MDD Machined pedal fairly easy. All you need to do is to turn the knob facing you with a drum key (provided with the pedal).
This can done fairly quickly and easily during a gig as well, although the knob might take some fiddling to get to.
It is good to note that the drum key holder is located fairly conveniently, next to the pedal.
Footboard Adjustment
You get to adjust both the fulcrum (which affects the stroke length) and the footboard angle. This gives you the ability to customize how heavy or speedy you’d like your pedal to feel.
Beater settings
On top of the usual beater height and angle adjustments, you also get two other beater heads and some 10 gram weights with the pedal. These accessories will allow you to customize the beater to your playing style and needs.
Tri Pivot Toe Clamp
The tri-pivot toe claim is a patented design by DW. The three toes are attached to swivels and can rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to fit the DW Machined pedal onto any bass drum.
Free spinning cam rod
DW allowed the rod that links the footboard to the beater to spin feeling, eliminating any friction that could have arose from the movement of the beater on the rod.
This results in faster and more responsive pedal action.
What Others Say about the DW MDD Machined Pedal
Here’s an informative review of the DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Pedal:
If you’d like to, you can also read what fellow drummers think about the DW MDD pedal.
DW 9000 Double Chain (DWCP9000) Single Bass Drum Pedal
Why I picked the DW 9000 Double Chain Pedal?
Despite my somewhat negative review on the DW Machined Pedal, I believe that Drum Workshop (DW) is a brand trusted for its top quality pedals.
The DW9000 series is one of its popular pedals that is known for its good quality and excellent playing experience, without all the ‘CNC’ high tech fluff.
If you’re not comfortable with playing on a direct drive pedal, the DW9000 might be your best option.
The main reason it made it onto this segment is due to the versatility and options that a single DW 9000 pedal provides. I would say that it would allow any drummer to play in any style they’d desire.
It works on a double chain drive. Oh, if you prefer a belt drive pedal, you can easily switch out the chains on the pedal to the Nylon Strap that comes in the box.
My favorite part about this pedal is its adjustable cam, it is a superbly innovative design. Instead of letting you choose between an offset or circle cam, DW’s EZ Infinite Adjustable Cam allows you to choose any angle between those two extremes. Perfect if you dislike some of the overly oblong cams in the market.
As a pedal, the DW 9000 is one of the smoothest and most responsive pedal within the Double Chain Drive category.
Plus, it is well built and feels solid. There’s no doubt about its lifespan here.
The DW DWCP9000 single pedal comes with a regular length footboard, with a heel block. They offer the same pedal with an extended footboard (1 inch longer) for drummers who prefer something longer.
Definitely without a doubt, this is a great choice of pedal for drummers who prefer professional grade chain drive pedals.
Key Features of the DW 9000
First up, here’s what you get inside the box:
At the point of writing, DW is offering the DW 9000 single pedal with a bag. Click to check the latest offers.
Customizable Cam and Drive type
Cam action and Drive types are two commonly debated features of an drum pedal.
The DW 9000 gives you the best of both worlds with the ability to customize your cam action (through a range of angles on the cam) and drive type (choose between double chain or a belt drive), all within one pedal.
With that you get to customize between (more than) four different types of pedal actions, all with a single investment.
This makes the DW 9000 a great pedal option, even for a relative new drummer. Imagine the amount of experimentation and growth you can explore with a single pedal.
Footboard and Beater adjustments
With the DW 9000, you also have the option to adjust the footboard angle, beater angle, beater height and beater weight with the use of a single drum key.
Tri Pivot Toe Clamp
DW has included its patented tri pivot toe clamp system into the design of the DWCP9000 pedal as well. This allows you to fit the pedal onto almost any bass drum.
Non slip designs
Beneath the DW 9000 pedal, you’ll find a non-slip rubber pad (available in the latest edition of the DW9000 pedal) as well as two adjustable spikes on the sides that can help to keep your pedal from slipping when you drum.
Drum key
The DW 9000’s range of customization are accessible with a single drum kit that comes in the box.
It’s unique design comes with three heads that allow you to adjust most of the knobs and locks on the pedal.
What Others Say about the DW 9000 Double Chain Pedal
This pedal definitely blew my mind with its versatility, however it’s price is pretty much on par with the Pro 1-V.
But hey, that’s just my preference for direct chain pedals. You can read what other drummers think about the DW 9000 pedal here.
Here’s another look (& review) of the DW 9000:
Okay, that’s all I have for the Best Single Bass Drum Pedals that money can buy.
If your budget is tighter, don’t fret, I’ve tested some pedals that come with a more manageable price tag. The next two segments should suit you, let’s start with:
Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $200
| Single Bass Drum Pedal | Pedal Drive | Smoothness | Cam Action | Playing Feel | Build Quality | Ease of Maintenance | Overall Verdict | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearl P2050C Eliminator: Redline Single Bass Drum Pedal | Double Chain Drive | ***** | 4 types of cams; interchangeable | ***** | **** | **** | Top performance, versatile pedal, well worth its price tag. | $$ |
Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide | Double Chain Drive | ***** | Offset cam (Power Glide) | **** | ***** | ***** | The flagship product of the Tama Iron Cobra series will not disappoint. | $$$ |
Tama Iron Cobra HP600D | Double Chain Drive | **** | Offset and Circle Cam | *** | *** | ***** | Jack of all trades, this mid tier Iron Cobra pedal is a versatile option, suitable for a wide range of drummers. | $ |
DW DWCP5000AD4 Accelerator Single Bass Pedal | Double Chain Drive | **** | Offset cam | **** | **** | **** | Top performance, versatile pedal, well worth its price tag. | $$$ |
After being spoiled for choice in the category above, it is easy for most drummers to dismiss drum pedals under $200.
Well, don’t make that mistake because you will find some of the most value for money pedals at less than $200. If there’s no need for top of the range features or quality, you should find a suitable pedal in this segment.
Let’s get started:
Pearl P2050C Eliminator: Redline Single Bass Drum Pedal
Why I picked the Pearl Eliminator Redline (P2050C) Pedal?
The Pearl Eliminator Redline stands out the most in this category for the value it provides, in my opinion. Plus it has a sleek design.
However, it also seems to me that drummers are clearly divided into two camps: Pearl Eliminator or Tama Iron Cobra 900 (click to skip to the Tama 900 review below).
With the Eliminator Redline (P2050C) pedal, you’re getting an (almost) pro level pedal for an intermediate price range.
The Redline pedal is well built and sturdy, plus it comes with a reliable case for transport too. I loved its smooth action and fast response, there’s definitely no lag on this baby.
Its range of customization features may look overwhelming initially, you’ll definitely be grateful that you have these customization options as you explore and grow as a drummer. On the other hand, if you’re a drummer who can’t help tweaking your gear, this pedal is a dream come true.
Its price point is closer to $200 which may stop many drummers on a budget, from considering it. But I’ve got to say that you’d be pretty much set for life as a drummer with this single pedal. Well, unless you are a professional drummer who has specific requirements from your drum pedal.
It comes with the option to expand to a double pedal with Pearl’s chain assembly kit, so you don’t have to worry that it would become a white elephant once you decide to move onto double bass pedals.
And oh, the Eliminator Redline is also available with belt drive too. Personally, I have never gotten used to belt drive pedals, so I’m kinda biased against them.
Key Features of the Pearl Eliminator Redline Pedal
Now, let’s take a look at some of the notable features on this pedal.
Customization Features
The Eliminator Redline pedal is designed to allow for a wide range of customization such as:
- Cam type
- Footboard angle and position
- Beater angle and length
- Spring Tension
- Hoop Clamp
- Toe Stop (can be removed)
- Floor Grip (the anchor screws allow you to extend spikes into the floor to keep the pedal from moving. Only suitable for carpeted surfaces)
Cam Type
You get 4 different cams to customize your playing experience:
- Circle Cam: comes attached with the pedal, this allows for a balanced and smooth action
- Oversized circle cam: similar to the above with a lighter pedal feel and greater power
- Offset cam: helps magnifies the hitting force according to how deep you step onto the pedal
- ‘Radical’ offset cam: a uniquely designed oblong cam that provides a lighter pedal feel
Pearl offers two other cam designs for varying level of power, these are available as optional top ups. You should be able to find them at most specialty music stores.
Powershifter
Most pedals only allow you to adjust the footboard pedal via the drive or cam.
The Pearl Eliminator Redline has an additional Powershifter feature that lets your shift the anchor position of your footboard. This give you greater control over the position of your footboard that lets you tweak the action and feel of your pedal further.
Oh, here’s a rather hilarious introduction to the Pearl Eliminator Redline Pedal, by Pearl:
Unique Beater Design (QuadBeater)
On top of that, the Eliminator Redline comes with Pearl’s QuadBeater with its new Control Core elastomer center that helps reduce vibration while you play.
With the QuadBeater, you get 4 beater surfaces to choose from; each with different sound qualities:
- A: Warm sound, sharp attack
- B: Warm sound, fat attack
- C: Bright sound, sharp attack
- D:Bright sound, fat attack
If you want a pedal that will allow you to grow and explore as a drummer, this would be a great option for you.
Some vendors might sell the QuadBeater separately, do check your package to be sure of what’s included!
Spring Tension Adjustment
A simple click lock tension retention system allows you to unlock the knobs to adjust the spring tension on the Eliminator Redline pedal.
This also helps to retain the tension as you play, preventing the pedal from coming loose during your drumming session.
Hoop Clamp System
The Pearl Eliminator Redline comes with an adjustable Hoop Clamp system that allows you to attach the pedal to a wide range of bass drums. It is safe to say that this pedal will work with 90% of the bass drums out there.
Beater Adjustment
If you are on a relatively smaller bass drum, you’ll also find the beater length adjustment rather useful too.
And like most premium pedals, you have the option to adjust the beater angle on the Redline pedal. The Uni-lock cam allows you to make (almost) infinite angle adjustments, and fine adjustments with ease.
Playing Experience
While the many customization options might be dismissed as ‘icing on the cake’, the Pearl Eliminator Redline stood out for its smoothness, fast response, power and durability.
Pearl has incorporated NiNja ball bearings which seems to be one of the key reasons for its smooth playing experience and speed. These are micro polished steel balls designed for the skateboarding community. The only downside to this is that you’re recommended to keep them lubricated only with genuine NiNja Oil.
Oh, I also love the traction grip design on the pedal of the Eliminator Redline that provides a tight grip on the pedal. This is great, especially if you like to play the drums with your socks on.
Click-lock spring adjustment with rotor tension cradle
It can be frustrating if your spring tension adjustment goes off after every session, or worse, every number. This is a common issue if you are using a cheap drum pedal, or even a stock drum pedal that came with an entry level drum kit.
The Eliminator Redline comes with a click-lock and rotor tension cradle that helps to counter this and prevent your spring tension adjustment from changing as frequently.
What Others Say about the DW 9000 Double Chain Pedal
You can read what other users of the Pearl Eliminator Redline say here.
Or, take a look at this video review:
Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide
Why I picked the Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide?
When you hold the Iron Cobra 900 in your hands, you’ll have no doubt that this is a pedal which was designed and built to last decades.
That is probably why it remains so popular today. You could probably invest in one today and still be playing with it with your grandchildren decades later.
On top of its durability, the Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide really delivers on its playability. Its double chain provides smooth power transmission and fluid pedal action that translates to quick response on the drums. Plus, the footboard doesn’t shift about at all!
Other drummers using the Tama 900 Iron Cobra agree too.
My feet is pretty small and I found this pedal rather comfortable to play on as well.
The Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide comes with an offset ‘Power Glide’ cam that accelerates the pedal movement at the 2nd half of your kick. If you have not used pedals with offset cams before, there may be a slight learning curve.
Drummers who prefer the circle cam would argue that circle cams provide greater control over the pedal. I find little difference, except that offset cams allow me to play a tad louder.
The various adjustment options on the Iron Cobra Power Glide has opened up possibilities for drummers to tweak the pedal to suit their playing style. It is possible to tweak the pedal in ways that will negate the effect of the offset cam.
Key Features of the Tama Iron Cobra 900PN
The Tama HP900PN Iron Cobra is the latest rendition of Tama’s flagship Iron Cobra pedals.
It’s design allows drummers to adjust:
- Spring Tension
- Footboard Angle
- Hoop Clamp Size
- Beater Lenght
- Beater Angle
With these options, you can almost completely customize the pedal to suit your style of play.
If you don’t need all these customization options, fret not, you can just install it and play it right out of the box.
However if you’re a drummer who likes to tweak your gear, these options will definitely be welcomed.
Quick assembly
The Tama Iron Cobra 900PN pedal can be adjusted easily, just by turning the knob at the bottom of the tension rod.
If you gig often or need to shift your drums often, the “Quick-Hook” spring attachment allows you to quickly dismantle and set up the pedal whenever you need to.
A quick tip: if you don’t intend to play your drums for an extended period, taking the Quick-Hook off during these periods will help lengthen the lifespan of the spring.
Reduced friction
This pedal also features Tama’s “Speedo-Ring” that comes with a built-in ball bearing rocker cam to reduce friction and increase smoothness of your kick pedal.
Fits on a wide range of bass drums
Tama has updated their ‘Para-Clamp” design to allow for better grip across a wider range of bass drum hoops.
This means you don’t have to worry (as much) if the pedal will not fit onto your drum kit.
Cobra Coil
Although some drummers argue that this is merely a marketing feature, the Cobra Coil was designed and implemented to improve the playing feel and responsiveness of the footboard.
With pedals, when you are going a little too fast, the pedal doesn’t seem to be able to keep up at times. Especially when you lose sense of the movement of the footboard, or when you try to play a second kick while the pedal is still recoiling back up.
The Cobra Coil helps to recoil the footboard back to your feet so that it feels as though the footboard is moving along with your feet, all the time.
It’s not an innovative feature as many premium pedals provides a similar spring below their footboard as well.
On top of that, the effect of the Cobra Coil is probably less obvious to advance drummers with better kick technique.
Power Strike Cobra Beater
The Tama 900 also comes with the newly design Power Strike Cobra Beater. Unfortunately, it has received conflicting reviews from Iron Cobra’s fans.
It features a smaller diameter but thicker felt head that is said to provide significantly better attack (aka punch).
On the flip side, users are worried about the damage that could be done on their drum heads by the smaller felt head. Others have noticed that the thick felt head might drop off easily.
The Power Strike Cobra Beater is sold separately and fits only all Tama pedals. You should only choose to upgrade to this if it suits your playing style.
Hard Case for Transport
And oh, did I mention that it comes with a pretty sweet hard case that allows you to transport and store your Iron Cobra safely too?
What Others Say about the Tama Iron Cobra 900PN
Before that, here’s a neat unboxing video that gives you a closer look at the Tama HP900PN Iron Cobra:
Users of the Iron Cobra pedals agree on its durability and awesome playing feel, you can find many raving reviews on Sweetwater, Reddit, Amazon, Guitar Center, Musician’s Friends, etc.
Here’s a video review from a professional drummer who has been using the Tama Iron Cobra for at least 20 years, of gigging:
If you’re a drummer who gigs and practice daily, you’d probably be able to appreciate how hardy this pedal is. And 20 years of constant grinding and kicking (plus sloppy transportation at times) is no joke.
Especially for its price point.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tama Iron Cobra
With the Iron Cobra series, there are a couple of frequently asked questions that even I pondered upon while I was researching. So, let’s take a quick break to answer these quickly:
Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide vs Rolling Glide
The key difference between the ‘power glide’ and ‘rolling glide’ is the cam design.
On the Power Glide, you get an offset cam that increases the beater torque halfway down the kick. In simple terms, this means you get an amplification of the kick strength the deeper you step onto the pedal.
On the Rolling Glide, you get a circle cam. This is a traditional cam that provides the same torque throughout your kick. Some drummers prefer this for its better control; i.e. the harder you hit, the louder you sound (without having to process the amplification from the cam).
Drummers have lament that the rolling glide version seems to be more difficult to find in music stores. Occasionally, you may be able to find a rare one, click here to check availability.
Tama Iron Cobra vs Speed Cobra
The key differences between the Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra are:
- Lighter Cam
- Lighter Beater Head
- Longer Footboard
- Recessed Footboard
- Angle of chain to cam
The Speed Cobra (See here) is a new addition to Tama’s range of pedals. Its design is inspired by the Iron Cobra and includes certain features that Tama has added after taking in feedback from its users all these years (i assume).
Drummers with larger feet and want a faster bass drum pedal would tend to prefer the Speed Cobra series.
Do note that since it’s a newer series, the Speed Cobra tends to be pricier. There’s a constant debate on which is better.
My view is that it’s really down to the drummer’s habits and playing style.
Now that you’re aware of the differences, let’s move on and take a look at the next pedal in the list:
Tama Iron Cobra HP600D
Why I picked the Tama Iron Cobra 600?
The Tama Iron Cobra HP600D is the mid range offering in the Iron Cobra series. The reason it made it onto this list is due to its versatility.
If you had read the section above on Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide vs Rolling Glide, you’d now know that the only difference between these two pedals are the design of their cams.
Tama managed to design the HP600D’s cam to allow drummers to have access to both cams in a single pedal. Its Duo Glide Cam features both the Power Glide and Rolling Glide sprocket. All you need to do is to flip the cam around to change between the cam designs:
The Tama Iron Cobra 600 feels sturdy and durable, however if you were to compared it with the Iron Cobra 900, you’ll notice that some components are inferior.
For example, the cam sprocket looks less durable on the HP600D, especially since it isn’t cased in.
With all that said, I feel that the Iron Cobra 600 is like the awkward middle child of the family.
With a price difference of about $90, I’d probably save up for the Iron Cobra HP900 instead, or just go for the entry level HP200P for now.
Of course, you shouldn’t base your decisions on my two cents. Read what other drummers think about the Tama Iron Cobra 600 pedals here.
Key Features of the Tama Iron Cobra 600
Like its 900 series counterpart, the Iron Cobra 600 allows for easy adjustment of its Spring Tension.
It also comes with the “Speedo-Ring” that helps reduce friction along the spring of the pedal, as well as the “spring tight” spring tension rod that helps increase pedal smoothness.
And oh, it comes with a hard case for transportation as well!
A quick note about Tama’s Iron Cobra
Tama’s Iron Cobra is a widely popular series of pedals known for its speed and durability. Since its launch, Tama has developed different ranges for its Iron Cobra pedals, you can tell from its model number:
- 900: Pro
- 600: Intermediate
- 200: Entry level
They also happen to be priced accordingly.
Tama Iron Cobra 200 vs 600 vs 900
Since all three versions of the Iron Cobra made it onto the list, I decided to summarize their differences in a single table for you:
| Iron Cobra Series | Tama Iron Cobra 200 | Tama Iron Cobra 600 | Tama Iron Cobra 900 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal Drive | Single Chain Drive | Double Chain Drive | Offset cam (Power Glide) |
| Cam Action | Offset cam (Power Glide) | Offset and Circle Cam | Offset cam |
| Spring Tight Spring Tension Rod |  | | |
| Speedo-Ring | | | |
| Quick-Hook |  | | |
| Vari-Pitch Beater Holder | | | |
| Power-Strike Cobra Beater | (Comes with Dual Sided Beater) | NoSided Beater) | |
| Cobra Coil | | | |
| Para-Clamp | | | |
| Hinge Guard Block | | | |
| Carrying Case | | | |
| Price | ~$69 | ~$129 | ~$199 |
Ok, enough of the Iron Cobra pedals now. Let’s move on to the next pedal in this list:
DW DWCP5000AD4 Accelerator Single Bass Pedal
Why I picked the DW Accelerator (DWCP5000AD4)?
The DW 5000 Accelerator is a mid-tier pedal that provides great performance. It also seems to be pretty popular among a wide variety of famous drummers.
It plays smooth and provides speedy response, perfect for drummers who want to kick fast.
However, it doesn’t stand out as much as the Pearl Eliminator Redline pedal nor the Tama 900 Iron Cobra pedal, especially since its price is on par with the Iron Cobra.
Drum Workshop is a rather well known manufacturer of pedals. However, in my opinion, their entry level and mid range pedals don’t seem to be as impressive as their top range offerings.
Let me know in the comments if you think otherwise.
Key Features of the DW Accelerator (DWCP5000AD4)
The DW Accelerator Pedal allows you to make various adjustments:
- Spring Tension Adjustment
- Beater Angle
- Footboard Angle
- Toe Clamp Adjustment
Tri-Pivot Toe Clamp
This patented design allows the DW 5000 to be fitted onto any bass drum, regardless of the hoop size and angle.
It seems as though every noteworthy pedal brand has their own unique toe or hoop clamp design.
Dual Bearing Spring Rocker
To reduce friction and increase smoothness of the pedal action, the DW 5000 incorporate a spring rocker featuring ball bearings. These hold the spring in place during play as well.
Rubber Grip
You’ll find that the base of the DW 5000 pedal is covered with a non skid rubber grip that works on most types of surfaces. This really helps to keep the pedal from slipping.
This feature comes in particularly handy if you are playing on smooth floor surfaces without any drum mats.
Carrying Case
The DW5000 comes in a Nylon carrying case that is well compartmentalize for easy storage and safer transportation of your pedal.
I’m not sure about you, but I prefer pedals that came with cases as this really helps to reduce chance of dropping the pedal during transport.
What others say about the DW Accelerator (DWCP5000AD4)
Here’s a (rather entertaining) video review of the DW Accelerator pedal:
And oh, check out what other users of the DW Accelerator say here.
The DW 5000 series comes in 2 version, here are the main differences:
DW 5000 Accelerator (AD4) vs Turbo (TD4)
The key difference between the DW Accelerator and DW Turbo is the cam design.
Like Tama’s deal with the Power Glide and Rolling Glide Iron Cobra, the DW Accelerator and DW Turbo varies in their cam drive design.
The DW Accelerator features a offset cam that increases torque as you step deeper while the DW Turbo features a traditional circle cam that provides constant torque throughout your kick.
The DW Turbo seems to be rarer in the market. (At the point of writing, there are limited units , click here to check latest availability)
This could be due to the behavior of drummers who’d prefer to purchase cheaper circle cam pedals, instead of spending a fortune on the DW5000 Turbo.
Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $100
| Single Bass Drum Pedal | Pedal Drive | Smoothness | Cam Action | Playing Feel | Build Quality | Ease of Maintenance | Overall Verdict | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAMA HP200P Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal | Single Chain Drive | **** | Offset cam (Power Glide) | **** | *** | **** | A high quality drum pedal obtainable at entry level price. | $ |
Gibraltar 6711DD 6700 Series Direct Drive Single Pedal | Direct Drive | ***** | 4 types of cams; interchangeable | *** | **** | **** | 5 stars pedal at a good bargain. | $ |
A quick disclaimer: my criteria for this segment focuses on the performance of the pedal, before the price.
Hence, if you are on a shoe-sting budget and want a pedal for between $30 – $60, read my round up on the Best Budget Bass Drum Pedals instead.
Tama HP200P Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal
Why I picked the Tama Iron Cobra 200?
The Tama HP200P is very smooth and durable, for a drum pedal at its price range.
If you are sick of the stock bass drum pedal on your drum kit (or find that it is starting to lag while you play), the Tama HP200P is a great entry to the world of drum pedals.
Many drummers are skeptical of its quality due to its price tag.
However, I’m pretty convinced that you don’t have to worry about responsiveness with this pedal. On top of that, Tama has included its ‘spring tight’ tension rod that allows the beater to return to its original position quickly.
The pedal feels well built, although it doesn’t come with a carrying case. Do pay extra attention to it if you are planning to travel around with your drum kit.
If you’re a beginner looking for a fuss free, reliable and affordable pedal, just go with the Tama HP200P. Set up only takes a couple of minutes too.
The best part? At below $100, you can own a 200 series Iron Cobra that is built with the same technology and ideals that earned the classic Iron Cobra pedal its fame.
As an entry level Iron Cobra pedal, it has received much love from drummers. You can read some of their reviews here.
Key Features of the Tama Iron Cobra 200
Here are all of the Tama HP200P Iron Cobra‘s key features in a glance:
With the HP200P, you get a single chain driven pedal with the Iron Cobra Power Gilde Cam.
If you are used to playing with a double chain pedal, you might feel that the HP200P feels slightly weaker and a tad flimsy. This is common of any single chain pedal, so its not much a big deal.
With the Iron Cobra 200, you get to customize the key adjustments of a drum pedal; beater angle and spring tension.
It also comes with a dual head beater with felt and plastic option, allowing you to use the HP200P with your electronic drum kit as well.
Gibraltar 6711DD 6700 Series Direct Drive Single Pedal
Why I picked the Gibraltar 6711DD Pedal?
It’s almost as though I was using a cheat code when playing double kicks, on this single pedal. The Gibraltar 6711DD allows you to go very fast on the bass drum without feeling as though the pedal can’t keep up with your feet!
It feels really smooth and although it looks sturdy, the pedal feels very light and is highly responsive.
I personally loved the 6711DD for its minimalist design and easy user interface. You can figure out how to make any key adjustments (spring tension, pedal angle, beater angle) immediately, without having to refer to any instructions. If you need additional help, there are instructional videos available on YouTube as well.
With all that said, the main reason the Gibraltar 6711DD made it into this segment is because it’s almost impossible to find a relatively smooth direct drive drum pedal with its price tag. It’s definitely a steal.
It is a great option for any drummer who wants to give direct pedals a try, without breaking the bank. However, if you only have the budget for 1 pedal, go for the Tama Iron Cobra 200 pedal because direct drive pedals are not for everyone.
(p.s. if you’re looking for something cheaper, check out my review on the Gibraltar 6711S single bass pedal that’s going for below $100 (i think its a steal for that price point…while it lasts)
A note about Direct Drive Pedals
Direct drive pedals provide relatively faster response and greater power compared to its chain driven or belt driven counterparts.
Unfortunately, direct drive pedals tend to be a little pricey, hence the Gibraltar 6711DD is a great entry level pedal for you to get your feet wet.
Here’s how to use the pedal:
However, do note that changing drive types will require a short learning curve before you fully understand how to utilize and tweak the pedal to your own needs and playing style.
Key Features of the Gibraltar 6711DD Pedal
The Gibraltar 6711DD is sturdy and seems to be rather durable.
Advanced drummers would love the smooth footboard surface that allows them to play fast and hit the ghost notes accurately.
For me (i’m not too fast on the bass drum yet), the pedal is a tad too smooth. I ended up applying some furniture feet floor protector pads that provided some grip, especially when I’m playing with socks on.
Conclusion
I’ve selected 10 pedals that stood out, after researching over 50 pedal models.
And I hope this article has helped to answer your questions or clear any doubts about the best single bass drum pedal that suits you.
Use this to skip to each section if you wish to study any of the pedals in greater detail:
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Money Can Buy
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $200
- Best Single Bass Drum Pedals Under $100
Feel free to hit me up in the comments if you have further questions!
Oh, by the way, if you are looking to purchase your first bass drum pedal, this article was written for you: How to choose a Bass Drum Pedal
Really enjoyed your review, several times! Quick question, I really like the Pearl Redline Eliminator, wish the footboard was a touch longer, but everything else is fine. I have looked at the new Tama Dyna Sync, and while it is somewhat smoother, not sure an extra $140 is justified, especially is I only play 20 dates a year.
Hey Gary! I would go for it, the Dyna Sync is indeed smoother, it didn’t make this list because its in the middle of 2 categories :S You could get one from sweetwater and give it a test drive. if it doesn’t live up to your expectations or justify the extra 140, return it (do check their latest return policy!)