Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Drums Week 25
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Guitar Amps
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Artist news
  • Drums
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Santana on Beck
  • Friday, I'm in Love
  • Knopfler's 4-note secret
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Tama pedals
Drums TAMA Kick Pedals at Drums Week 2025: Precision, Power, Performance — engineered for drummers who demand the fastest, smoothest response
TAMA STAR Drums
Drums TAMA STAR at Drums Week 2025: Unmatched craftsmanship, iconic sound — the strongest name in drums just got even stronger
Yamaha Stage Custom drum set in a studio with spotlights behind
Drum Kits Best drum sets 2025: Top drum kits for beginner to pro drummers
Man plays Alesis Nitro Max drum kit with black sticks
Electronic Drums Best beginner electronic drum sets 2025: top-rated entry-level e-drums, reviewed by experts
Man in orange shirt playing drums with a guitar player
Drum Gear Best drum thrones 2025: my pick of budget-spanning stools for comfort behind the kit
Drum Kits Where to start with a drum kit
Alesis Strata Prime electronic drum set in a blue room
Electronic Drums Best Alesis electronic drum sets 2025: My pick of Alesis electronic drums for beginners to pros
Zildjan Alchem-e Kit
Drums Zildjian Alchem-e Kits at Drums Week 2025: The feel of real drums meets limitless electronic expression – redefine your sound
Vic Firth Terra sticks
Drums Vic Firth Terra Drumsticks at Drums Week 2025: Natural feel, unrivalled balance
Zultan 25 series
Cymbals “A versatile set with dry and dark tonal qualities”: Zultan 25 Series Cymbals review
Man jams with a guitar player and bass player on an electronic drum kit
Drum Gear These huge drum deals at Sweetwater are about to disappear – here’s your last chance to bag up to 60% off electronic drums, cymbals, sticks and more
DW SonicPly
Drum Gear Neil Peart called him 'the Wood Whisperer' and now he's blended metal and timber in DW's new SonicPly shells
Drummer sat at an e-kit places a pair of headphones over his head
Drummers Best headphones for drummers 2025: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
Millenium Drums Legendary Drumbook
Drums “An extremely well-thought-out and all-encompassing piece of drum education”: Millenium Drums Legendary Drumbook review
Man with beard playing an Alesis Nitro Pro drum set
Electronic Drums “Many of the Pro’s advantages are less towards sound, and more on the side of enhanced playability”: Alesis Nitro Pro review
  1. Drums

The best drum hardware in the world today

Tuition
By The MusicRadar Team published 1 August 2014

Sets, hi-hat stands, bass drum pedals - budget to pro

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The best drum hardware in the world today

The best drum hardware in the world today

This is a constantly updated gallery of the best drum hardware on the planet - from budget packs for beginners, heavy-duty bass drum pedals for demanding professionals, and lightweight but roadworthy stands for the gigging intermediate, there’s hardware here to suit every kind of drummer.

All the hardware here is hand-picked from the buyers’ guide pages of Rhythm magazine following a gruelling test process. So, have a browse and be sure to click through to read the full review for an in-depth look at each piece of kit.

Page 1 of 18
Page 1 of 18
Tama Iron Cobra 600 Series pedals

Tama Iron Cobra 600 Series pedals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Tama's Iron Cobra pedals have earned a world class reputation over the past two decades. This new series bring many of the pedal's qualities and mystique within the reach of more players."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Iron Cobra 600 Series pedals

BUY: Tama Iron Cobra 600 Series pedals currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Woodbrass

Page 2 of 18
Page 2 of 18
Gear4Music double kick drum pedal

Gear4Music double kick drum pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The cost of these Gear4Music double kick drum pedals places them firmly in the entry level market, but their quality makes them a great purchase for any aspiring double pedaller who doesn't want to break the bank."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music double kick drum pedal

BUY: Gear4Music double kick drum pedal currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 3 of 18
Page 3 of 18
Tama Camco Anniversary pedal

Tama Camco Anniversary pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The stripped-down design of the Camco pedal is elegant simplicity personified - what it lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for in panache."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Camco Anniversary pedal

Page 4 of 18
Page 4 of 18
DW 9000 Series hardware

DW 9000 Series hardware

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The flagship hardware package from DW is a modular system that allows multiple booms and clamps to be mounted in seemingly limitless combinations. Individual stands are suitably hefty and bristle with innovative designs such as the TechLock and Toothless Tilter. The entire range of stands is also available, outrageously, in ostentatious 24-carat gold.

4 out of 5

Page 5 of 18
Page 5 of 18
Gibraltar Stealth Rack hardware

Gibraltar Stealth Rack hardware

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Cleverly devised alternative to conventional rack systems that splits the rack into two independent side units, leaving the kit to shine, centre-stage. The Stealth Rack is also versatile as Gibraltar’s modular clamps accept virtually every diameter of stand tubing, allowing you to incorporate the top parts of your existing cymbal stands into the set-up.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibraltar Stealth Rack

Page 6 of 18
Page 6 of 18
Ludwig Atlas Pro hardware

Ludwig Atlas Pro hardware

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Some of the best hardware we've ever seen. The Pillar Clutch snare stand and hi-hat are innovative, the rest ingenious and functional. If it's good enough for Vinnie Colaiuta..."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ludwig Atlas Pro hardware

Page 7 of 18
Page 7 of 18
Tama Speed Cobra pedal

Tama Speed Cobra pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

If you're looking to upgrade from a mid-level unit, or for metalheads desperate for the last word in kick drum velocity, as of now your 'to check out' list isn't complete without the Speed Cobra.

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Speed Cobra

Page 8 of 18
Page 8 of 18
DW 5500TD Turbo Delta hi-hat stands

DW 5500TD Turbo Delta hi-hat stands

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The 5500TD is DW’s most popular hi-hat stand, with twin legs that can be swivelled to accommodate double pedals. Its footplate ball bearing hinge and cleverly devised pull rod bearing link connector ensure reduced friction and a positive action. Other features include integrated memory locks and a folding spring-release footboard for compact transportation.

4 out of 5

Page 9 of 18
Page 9 of 18
Gibraltar G-Class Pedal

Gibraltar G-Class Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Gibraltar's G-Class pedal is an ambitious addition to the market. Its strong visual aesthetics are complemented by straightforward operation and a cracking performance."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibraltar G-Class pedal

BUY: Gibraltar G-Class pedal currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
FR: Thomann | Woodbrass

Page 10 of 18
Page 10 of 18
DW Airlift Stands

DW Airlift Stands

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like all the best ideas, Airlift stands are ingeniously simple yet brilliantly effective."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DW Airlift Stands

Page 11 of 18
Page 11 of 18
DW 5000 Series Delta III Accelerator bass drum pedal

DW 5000 Series Delta III Accelerator bass drum pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The 5000's subtle design improvements make a surprising difference to the pedal motion, giving it improved speed and feel."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DW 5000 Series Delta III Accelerator bass drum pedal

BUY: DW 5000 Series Delta III Accelerator bass drum pedal currently available from:
UK: Thomann
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Thomann | Star's Music | Woodbrass

Page 12 of 18
Page 12 of 18
Mapex Falcon pedals

Mapex Falcon pedals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The direct drive option makes what is already a great pedal even more desirable."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Falcon pedals

Page 13 of 18
Page 13 of 18
Sonor Perfect Balance pedal

Sonor Perfect Balance pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Perfect Balance is a pedal of rare beauty, though at a price. It's also perfectly named."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonor Perfect Balance pedal

Page 14 of 18
Page 14 of 18
Pearl Eliminator Demon Chain Drive pedal

Pearl Eliminator Demon Chain Drive pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The speed at which these pedals interpret each step is incredibly smooth, fast and accurate. Although we had previously played with the direct-link Demon a year or so ago, to us, the 'chain' seems to give a slightly more organic feel - a little less like attempting to connect to a machine. Impressive!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl Eliminator Demon Chain Drive pedal

BUY: Pearl Eliminator Demon Chain Drive pedal currently available from:
FR: Woodbrass

Page 15 of 18
Page 15 of 18
DW 9000 Series bass drum pedals

DW 9000 Series bass drum pedals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Range-topping DW pedal that pretty much sets the standard. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium, the 9000 pedals feature DW’s patented free-floating rotor-drive, rotating swivel spring and adjustable cam, all of which are carefully Aligned for as smooth an action as possible. The single post design of the double pedal’s second pedal is also brilliant.

4 out of 5

Page 16 of 18
Page 16 of 18
Highwood Malleus Double Kick pedal

Highwood Malleus Double Kick pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It was HighWood's criteria to create a no-compromise, yet cost-effective bass drum pedal. The result is a quality product, representing Brit engineering at its very best - mission accomplished."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Highwood Malleus Double Kick pedal

Page 17 of 18
Page 17 of 18
Bullet & Kitch/Natal Double Kick pedal

Bullet & Kitch/Natal Double Kick pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Having experimented with the various settings during the review, the pedals remain set pretty much as they arrived - they feel amazingly natural underfoot and perform beautifully with little compromise on the dilemma of power versus speed."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bullet & Kitch/Natal Double Kick pedal

Page 18 of 18
Page 18 of 18
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the internet's most popular website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers.

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.

TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.

STARS: We talk to artists and musicians about their creative processes, digging deep into the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music-making that no other music website can.

Read more
Tama pedals
TAMA Kick Pedals at Drums Week 2025: Precision, Power, Performance — engineered for drummers who demand the fastest, smoothest response
TAMA STAR Drums
TAMA STAR at Drums Week 2025: Unmatched craftsmanship, iconic sound — the strongest name in drums just got even stronger
Yamaha Stage Custom drum set in a studio with spotlights behind
Best drum sets 2025: Top drum kits for beginner to pro drummers
Man plays Alesis Nitro Max drum kit with black sticks
Best beginner electronic drum sets 2025: top-rated entry-level e-drums, reviewed by experts
Man in orange shirt playing drums with a guitar player
Best drum thrones 2025: my pick of budget-spanning stools for comfort behind the kit
Where to start with a drum kit
Latest in Drums
Logic Drums
How to think like a human drummer when building software beats
Drum Recording Techniques
How the rules of drum recording were shaped over decades of trial and error
Led Zeppelin
The genius behind John Bonham’s towering When The Levee Breaks drum sound
Slingerland kits
"Classic and timeless": Slingerland Drums are back, and Bruno Mars' drummer and JR Robinson are on board
Amen Break
When sampling ruled the world - and drummers didn’t get paid!
Jeff Porcaro
Exploring the genius of Jeff Porcaro's Rosanna Shuffle
Latest in Tuition
Ableton Live Tutorial
5 creative ways to use distortion in Ableton Live: From punchier drums to dub techno delays
How to program MIDI drums that sound like the real thing
Drum recording
10 tips for recording perfect drums
Overhead shot of electronic drum set plugged into a laptop running a VST
“At certain points in music history it became fashionable to place accents on certain beats”: How to score a drum part
Man in white t-shirt playing a Roland electronic drum set
10 common electronic drum set issues and how to troubleshoot them
The easy guide to recording drums: kit tips, mic placement and setting up your DAW

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...