For the second year running, we’re crowning a Mapex Black Panther kit of drum kit of the year. Last year it was the Velvetone that impressed us, and this year the excellent Retrosonic repeated the trick.

This time around we were seduced by the kit’s blend of thoroughly modern components and features and gorgeous retro looks. The perfect combination in our books!

That’s not to say that there wasn’t stiff competition in the top drum kit category though. Pearl’s top end Reference Pure Series kit deserves and honourable mention for it’s highly focused, studio-ready sound. We found the company’s Masters Premium Legend kit to be exquisite sounding and immensely aesthetically pleasing too. Meanwhile Natal’s Walnut kit cemented the brand’s reputation for sheer quality and great value.

Full review: Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic drum kit

Also in the running

Pearl Reference Pure Series Kit

Natal Walnut Kit

Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit

BUY: Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic drum kit currently available from:
UK/Europe: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Gear4Music