Best bass drum heads

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 2, 2022

Online shopping can be a daunting task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com specialists have carefully selected the top 44 bass drum heads out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the top-rated options from Loog, MIRIO, Singular Sound, RME, BG(0002698761).

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Aquarian Drumheads Superkick 3 Coated Bass Drumhead
#TOP 1
Aquarian Drumheads Superkick 3 Coated Bass Drumhead
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Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Single Bass Drum Pedal
#TOP 2
Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Single Bass Drum Pedal
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Tama Superstar Classic Maple 7-Piece Shell Kit
#TOP 3
Tama Superstar Classic Maple 7-Piece Shell Kit
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Top 44 Best bass drum heads Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Aquarian Drumheads Superkick 3 Coated Bass Drumhead

AQUARIAN DRUMHEADS

Features

  • 22" Bass Drum Batter Head with Single-ply
  • 10mil Coated Film Power Dot Center - White
#TOP 2

Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Single Bass Drum Pedal

Tama

Features

  • The pedal's solid foundation can be attributed to its Super Stabilizer design that incorporates a wider baseplate and frame for absolute stability
  • At each pedals heel, the specially designed 3-piece Hinge Guard Block provides a more durable hinge point and also lengthens the footboard for increased leverage
  • This cam is an offset double-chained Power Glide cam, which accelerates the stroke powerfully as it travels toward the bass drum head
  • Rolling Glide CamLiteSprocketQuick-Hook spring attachmentCobra Coil return springSpeedo-Ring rocker camSwivel Spring Tight tension postPower-Strike Cobra BeaterPara-Clamp II Pro3-Piece Hinged Guard blockSuper Stabilizer DesignIncludes hard shell carrying case
  • At the heart of the Iron Cobra is the Power Glide cam, which is now the lighter, smoother, more natural feeling LiteSprocket design
#TOP 3

Tama Superstar Classic Maple 7-Piece Shell Kit

Tama

Features

#TOP 4

RANMING Double Bass Drum Kit,Double Chain Double Bass Drum Pedals,2 *Felt Beater Head Double Kick Drum Pedal

RANMING

Features

  • Non-slip Double Bass Pedal :Anti-slip rubber will prevent any slipping during a performance
  • Spring Tension System:Innovative design stops the spring from twisting
  • Large Frame Design:Robus metal construction produces a silky-smooth action
  • Adjustable Universal Jont:Universal linkage, makes assembling and disassembling easy work
  • Robus & Stability: Fixed baseplate and robust footplate for stability
  • Adjustable Beater Angle: Fitted with 2* adjustment felt beater system for power finesse,Provides Various Tones & Rates of Attack ,simple and responsive
  • Double Chain Kick Drum Pedal: Double chain mechanism for a fast and powerful response
#TOP 5

Evans EMAD System Pack

Evans

Features

  • MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
  • REMAD RESONANT BASS – The set also includes 1, 22” REMAD resonant drumhead featuring an offset 4" microphone port in a single ply of 10mil film .
  • LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the Evans bass drumheads to seat properly and in turn provides heads that are easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
  • EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans batter bass drumhead and resonant drumhead have an externally mounted adjustable damping system (EMAD) that allows each player to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam damping rings.
  • EMAD BATTER BASS - The Evans EMAD system value pack includes one 22” EMAD batter bass drumhead featuring a single ply of 10mil film providing an ideal balance of punch, power and low-end.
#TOP 6

Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • The 4" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply 7.5mil film
  • The perfect resonant head for use with the EMAD series batter heads
#TOP 7

Evans EMAD Onyx Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
  • The Onyx version is the perfect aesthetic and sonic compliment to the Onyx tom heads and Onyx bass resonant
  • Very versatile head for all music genre applications, a true working drummer's choice
  • 22" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
#TOP 8

Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
  • 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
#TOP 9

Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" resonant drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
  • Provides optimal resonance at higher tunings
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Ideal for jazz and bop
  • Single ply of film without control rings or vents in order to maximize resonance
#TOP 10

Evans ST Dry Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
  • Delivers all the volume and rind needed
  • 14" snare batter drum head made using two plies of 7.5mil film
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • The Dry version features small vent holes around the edge that eliminate stray harmonics and tighten the sound
#TOP 11

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
  • AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
  • FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
  • EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 22” drum head has an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film for added durability.
  • MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
#TOP 12

Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • 22" diameter
  • Thin underlay at the outer edge
  • Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
  • Dampens unwanted overtones
#TOP 13

Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head (22-Inch)

Remo

Features

  • One of Remo's most preferred resonant bass drumheads
  • 22" diameter bass drum head w/ 2-12" White flam patch
  • Features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head to subtly dampen high frequency overtones
  • Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
#TOP 14

Evans Bass Drum Heads

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head made using two identical plies of 10mil film
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer"s choice
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
#TOP 15

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • For use with bass drum style hoops
  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • 16" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
#TOP 16

Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • An internal overtone control ring and a removable muffle ring coupled with dry-vents work extremely well with and without a microphone
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • 22" drum head made using a special, single ply 10mil film
  • Also available in a frosted version
#TOP 17

Remo Pinstripe Clear Bass Drum Head

Remo

Features

  • Available in sizes 6" - 30"
  • Ideal for Pop, R&B and Rock applications
  • Features midrange tones with low-end and increased durability
  • 2-ply 7-mil Clear film
#TOP 18

Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • Dampens unwanted overtones
  • 20" diameter
  • Thin underlay at the outer edge
  • Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
#TOP 19

Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head

Remo

Features

  • Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
  • Features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head to subtly dampen unwanted overtones
  • One of Remo’s most preferred resonant bass drumheads
  • 22" diameter bass drum head with black dot
#TOP 20

Pearl P2052C Eliminator Double Bass Drum Pedal-Chain Drive

Pearl

Features

  • Quad beater
  • Zero Play Hinge
  • Roller Hoop Clamp
  • Independent Traction Grips
  • Power shifter
#TOP 21

Avedis Zildjian KCD900 4PIECE MEDIUM THIN K CUSTOM DARK CYMBAL SET

Avedis Zildjian Company

Features

  • 20" Ride
  • Set Includes:
  • 14" Hi-Hat Pair
  • 16" Crash
  • 18" Crash
#TOP 22

Evans Black Hydraulic Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head with a thin layer of oil between two plies of black film to suppress unwanted overtones
  • The only oil-filled drum head on the market
  • Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
  • A fat, deep and short sound pioneered by early 70's rock and roll
  • Also available in clear (also called glass) and blue versions
#TOP 23

Drum Workshop Coated Clear Bass Drum Head

Drum Workshop

Features

  • Single-ply Clear Drumhead with Silkscreened Coated Edge
  • Damping Underlay Ring
  • Glued-Channel Aluminum Hoop - 22"
  • Made By Remo
#TOP 24

Remo Powerstroke P3 Ebony Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • The Remo Ebony Powerstroke 3 features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head to subtly dampen unwanted overtones.
#TOP 25

Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film coated with a frost matte coating
  • The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made for every microphone situation, from the studio to arena
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
#TOP 26

Evans G1 Coated Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Very versatile head for all musical genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • Unrestricted single ply resonates freely at a wide range of tunings
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Also available in a clear version
  • 18" drum head with a single ply of 10mil film offers a full, wide-open tone
#TOP 27

Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • The ultimate in low volume drumheads
  • Available is sizes 6" - 24"
  • Works well with external electronic triggers
  • Durable 1-ply mesh
  • Ideal for apartments, condos and dormitories
#TOP 28

Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head for resonant or batter use
  • Bring out the best of a vintage kit and evoke a classic appearance and sound from modern drum
  • Calftone is a synthetic alternative that embodies the look and sound of traditional calfskin
  • Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
  • Made using a blend of unique materials to produce warm, full, and rich tones
#TOP 29

DW DWCP5000AD4 5000 Series Blackout Single Pedal

Drum Workshop

Features

#TOP 30

Gibraltar SC-BDPM Bass Drum Platform Fits 18 Inch/20 Inch

GIBRALTAR

Features

  • The Gibraltar bass drum platform Raises small bass drums 2" Off of the ground
  • Fits 18" And 20" Bass drums
  • The Package Dimensions of the Product is 17.78cm H x 3.81cm L x 17.15cm W
  • Bass drum platform
#TOP 31

Evans Heads BD22G2CW 22-Inch G2 Coated Bass Drum Heads

Evans

Features

  • Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
  • 22-Inch drum head made using two plies of 7mil film
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
#TOP 32

Pearl Roadshow Drum Set 5-Piece Complete Kit

Pearl

Features

  • Double Braced Stands- Each stand is height adjustable with die-cast tier joints, and all tilters lock to practically any position you adjust them to. Includes snare stand, cymbal stand, hi-hat stand, dual chain bass drum pedal, drum throne
  • Hardwood Drum Shells and Triple Flanged Steel Hoops-6-ply 7mm Poplar hardwood shell and a hand cut 45 degree bearing edge. This creates a single air resonance chamber to project a note when the drum head is struck, and makes the head eaiser to tune
  • Includes cymbals and sticks - Roadshow comes complete with a 16" Brass Crash/Ride Cymbal, and a set of 14" Hybrid Hi-Hats. 2 pair of maple drum sticks, stickbag and a Pearl Drum poster
  • Complete Drum Set -The Pearl Roadshow drum kit comes complete with everything you need to start drumming right out of the box. This set comes with drums, hardware, cymbals, and drum throne. We even throw in sticks and a stick bag to complete the set
  • Set Includes-22x16 bass drum, 14x6.5 snare, 12x9 rack tom, 14x14 & 16x16 floor toms, cymbal stand, Hi-hat stand, snare stand, Single rack tom holder, kick pedal, drum throne, 16" crash/ride cymbal, 14" Hi-hats, 2pair of maple drumsticks, and stick bag
#TOP 33

Facmogu 2PCS Dual Sided Bass Drum Pedal Beater

Facmogu

Features

  • 2 Playing Sides-- When using the Facmogu double-sided bass drum beater, you get the best of both worlds. The felt surface produces a round tone that calls up the traditional kick drum sound you've heard on thousands of recordings. For more of a transient attack, switch to the hard plastic side. It adds a pronounced "click" to the attack, for a tone that cuts through the loudest bass players and the densest mixes.
  • Ideal Option for Drummer-- It is ideal for many musical genres because to its versatile two-sided design. It’s always ideal to have multiple sides to choose from with a bass drum beater. Having two materials at your disposal extends your range of playability and enables you to tailor the sound of your bass drum to various situations.
  • Portable & Universal-- It may be used anytime, anyplace, and is easy to carry and store because to its great workmanship and small size. This universal-sized bass drum beater is tailored to fit most pedals and playing heights thanks to its standard diameter and wide length.
  • Durable Design & Manufacture-- Facmogu Bass Drum Beater is made of premium felt and plastic that is highly durable. This is a classic beater with exceptional craftsmanship and a substantial weight that makes it feel great to play. With stainless steel durable hammer handle to make it durable and long service life. A durable design will last for hundreds of performances.
  • Combination Beater-- There are many combination beaters, which combine two distinct materials into one, for more versatility. If you aren't sure what sound you want or don't want to carry around many beaters, the Facmogu Bass Drum Pedal Beater is a good option. It comes with felt sides and plastic sides, giving you a lot of versatility with your bass drum sound.
#TOP 34

22 inch Custom Bass Drum Head DECAL

AZ House of Graphics

Features

  • If you need a custom design or adjustments to your file please contact us.
  • Personalized 22 inch Bass Drum Head Decal. DRUM HEAD NOT INCLUDED. The decal starts with a solid white background. If your image is transparent the white will be visible.
  • High Quality matte vinyl material. Easy to install.
  • Upload your band logo or finished design. File size should be actual size of head at 150dpi.
  • Decal DOES NOT STICK WELL TO COATED HEADS (similar to the textured snare drum material).
#TOP 35

Evans SoundOff Drumhead 22 inch (BD22SO1)

Evans

Features

  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Can be used with drum triggers
  • Single-ply, mesh material
  • Dramatically reduces volume
#TOP 36

Mapex RB5294FTCDK Rebel 5-Piece Drum Set

Mapex

Features

  • 9ply, 7. 2mm poplar shells provide plenty of tone while the bass drum also delivers a solid low-end punch
  • Includes: 22"x16" Bass Drum with Mount, 16"x14" Floor Tom, 10"x7" Tom, 12"x8" Tom, 14"x5" Snare, Floor Tom Legs (x3), TH6215 Tom Holder. C200-RB Cymbal Stand, H200-RB Hi-Hat Stand, P200-RB Pedal, S200-RB Snare Stand, T200-RB Throne, 14" Hi-Hat Cymbal, 16" Crash/Ride Cymbal
  • New Mapex Lug Design
  • Remo Self Muffling Bass Drum Head
  • Equipped with Cymbals, Throne and Sticks
  • Rebel Double Braced Hardware
#TOP 37

Gretsch CM1E826PSDCB 2014 Catalina Maple 6-Piece Shell Pack

Gretsch

Features

  • Triple Flanged Hoops
  • 18x22" Bass Drum, 7x10", 8x12" & 14x14" Rack toms, 16x16" Floor Tom, 6x14" Snare Drum & FREE 7x8" Rack Tom, Gretsch-formula 7-ply maple shells, round Catalina Maple badge & Remo drumheads, 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops, 30-degree bearing edge, New Gretsch bass drum mount plate & Bass drum claw with gasket, New tom holder design with cymbal holder & New low-profile Grestch tom bracket
  • Remo Drumheads
  • 7 Ply Maple
#TOP 38

Remo Powerstroke P4 Coated Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • Country of Origin: UNITED STATES
  • The Package Width of the Product is 58.928 centimeters
  • The Package Height of the Product is 2.794 centimeters
  • The Package Length of the Product is 59.69 centimeters
#TOP 39

RockJam Eight-Piece Electric Drum Set

RockJam

Features

  • Drum Module: The RockJam electronic drum kit brain has 30 authentic drum kit voices and multiple demo songs
  • Mesh Heads: This electric drum set has four adjustable mesh head velocity sensitive pads
  • Toms: This electronic drum set had three high quality Rubber toms
  • Pedals: This electronic drum kit comes with both a bass & hi-hat pedals
  • Inputs & Outputs: The RockJam electronic drum set has USB & Aux inputs in addition to Midi & Headphone Outputs
#TOP 40

Lovermusic 2x Nylon Round Black Bass Drum Single Pedal Patch Drum Head

Lovermusic

Features

  • Available in single pedal and double pedal versions.
  • Increases attack without affecting sustain.
  • Best care of your drum head when striking.
#TOP 41

PDP New Yorker 4-piece Shell Pack

Pacific Drums & Percussion

Features

  • 14" Snare - Pale Rose Sparkle
  • 16" Bass Drum
  • 13" Flo Tom
  • 4-piece Poplar Shell Pack with 10" Tom
#TOP 42

Remo Powersonic Coated Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • Constructed of 2 ply 7 mil MYLAR with two specifically placed subsonic dampening rings, this head comes with an external snap-on dampening system and FALAM Slam for more attack
  • Powersonoic lets you easily customize your sound 3 ways for different playing situations without removing the head from the drum
  • Powersonic Bass, Coated, with Snap-on dampening system
#TOP 43

Sawtooth Command Series 4-Piece Drum Set Shell Pack

Sawtooth

Features

  • All kits include virgin bass drums with Telescopic Bass Drum Spurs. 7 mil textured coated batter heads on Snare and toms. 7 mil clear resonant heads on toms. 7 mil Clear batter heads on bass drum and 7 mil coated resonant batter
  • Upgraded appointments include 9-ply Birch bass drum hoops with wrap inlays, sleek zinc ball end/steel tube shell lugs & heavy duty tom suspension shock mounts with mounting hardware
  • 18"x16" Bass Drum w/ Tom Mount, 12"x9" Tom Drum, 14"x14" Floor Tom Drum, 14"x5.5" Snare Drum
  • Select 6-ply poplar shells produce a classic warm punchy tone with live sonic lows. 1.6mm steel Triple Flanged hoops on toms, and snare. Adjustable Bass Drum riser included
  • Hardware & Cymbals NOT Included
#TOP 44

Mxfans Bass Drumhead Port Hole Cutting Kit 3 Size Ring Percussion Accessories

Mxfans

Features

  • Meet Different Needs: provide 4"/5"/6" three sizes and equipped with drilling tools to meet the needs of different sizes.
  • Premium Quality: Surround the port holes with durable silicone and stainless steel to strengthen them to avoid tearing the head.
  • Function: Use the drum head opening hole ring to effectively improve the sound quality of the drum bottom and keep the drum head from damage at the opening.
  • Size Details: 18cm/7.1inch(Dia); please refer to the size chart for specific size.
  • Easy to Use: The operation is convenient and simple, just choose a guard pad of the right size, fit it on the drum surface, and open the hole according to the size of the opening.

Essential Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for the Top bass drum heads

How often should I change bass drum head?

The length of time between replacements will vary depending on the intensity of use. However, experts generally recommend changing bass drum heads at least once a year, and possibly as often as every six months.

How long do bass drum heads last?

six months They recommend always changing your drum heads before you start recording. Otherwise, if you're just practicing and playing normally, you should find yourself replacing heads every six months or so. Six months isn't a hard rule, and for some could be a risky amount of time to wait.

Which drum head is best?

The best drumheads for High volume drumming: 2-ply 2-ply drumheads (also known as dual ply or double ply) are the best choice for louder types of music. These will give you a better attack, and will cut through in loud environments like rock, metal, or punk music.

Do a lot of drummers go deaf?

Being a professional musician quadruples your likelihood of suffering noise-induced hearing loss and increases the risk for tinnitus by more than half. And drummers experience more hearing loss than any other musician.

Do new drum heads make a difference?

For drummers, this is no different. If you want to keep your drum set sounding great, you must learn how to tell when it's time to replace your drum heads. Because the drum head is the main striking point on the drum set, the quality of the drum heads determine the quality of sound the instrument is able to produce.

What drummer has the largest drum set?

Mark Temperato (AKA RevM) describes himself as "an Agent of Rhythm" and is the owner of the world's largest drum set with 340 pieces.

Why do you put tape on drum heads?

A common technique for reducing the volume and ringing of drums and cymbals is to place duct tape on the drum head or cymbal. It can also reduce low rumble in toms and harmonics from an overly “live” drum or cymbal. Duct tape is cheap and ubiquitous, but it's not the best solution.

Editor's Notes

To select the best of the best, we've analyzed 67 different options of bass drum heads available today. Our editors have read over 160 customer reviews and shortlisted the 44 best bass drum heads according to the advantages and disadvantages most customers stated. The selected options have an average rating of 401 and are available at $5040 on average.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.