Affiliate Disclosure: As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Treblemakers may also earn commissions from Reverb and other marketplace links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more
Single and double pedals from DW, Tama, Pearl, and Mapex
Updated
Your kick pedal is the most used hardware piece on your kit. The right pedal responds instantly, feels comfortable under your foot, and lasts for decades.
We've tested 30+ kick pedals across chain drive, belt drive, and double pedal configurations to find the best value for every playing style. Here are the pedals that top drummers trust.
Best for: Studio and touring drummers
DW 9000 is the gold standard. Buttery smooth chain drive. Adjustable beater angle and spring tension. Used on major label recordings. Holds resale value.
What to check used: Expensive; pricier than competitors for marginal improvement.
Best for: Metal, hard rock, and fast playing
Iron Cobra is famous for responsiveness and speed. Chain drive recoils quickly, ideal for double bass and blast beats. Lighter feel than DW.
What to check used: Sensitive — requires technique; can feel "jittery" for beginners.
Best for: Rock and all-around playing
Pearl Demon Drive balances smooth action with responsive feel. Middle ground between DW (smoothness) and Tama (speed). Professional touring standard.
What to check used: Not as distinctive as DW or Tama; lacks specialization.
Best for: Vintage kit builders and collectors
Speed King is legendary — used by rock pioneers. Light, responsive, iconic. Holds collector value.
What to check used: Vintage means wear and tear; may need restoration (spring tensioning, cleaning).
Best for: Intermediate players and gigging drummers
Mapex Falcon is underrated. Solid chain drive, no frills. Good for developing technique without the premium price tag.
What to check used: Less common used than Pearl or DW; harder to find.
Best for: Vintage collectors and retro builders
Rogers hardware is a collector item. Vintage appeal and tone character. Works great if you restore it.
What to check used: Strap drive (older tech) is slower than modern chain; not for speed playing.
Best for: Absolute beginners and kids
PDP 502 is affordable and functional. Gets the job done for learning. Non-slip base, adjustable beater.
What to check used: Loose chain tension over time; maintenance required. Plastic components show wear quickly.
Chain drive transmits force instantly (good for speed and feel). Belt drive is smoother and quieter (good for feel and control). Most modern pedals use chain; it's the standard for rock and metal. Belt drive is rare on single pedals (more common on double pedals).
Single pedal is standard for rock, pop, jazz, and blues. Double pedal is for metal, hard rock, and blast beat styles. Start with single; upgrade to double only if you play double bass regularly.
Budget: $60–$100 (learning). Mid-level: $150–$250 (gigging). Professional: $250+ (recording/touring). Most gigging drummers use $200–$300 pedals.
Beater angle controls where the beater strikes the bass drum head. Adjustable angle lets you customize the impact point. Steeper angle = more beater strike visibility; shallower angle = more punch.
Check for rust on the chain (bad), loose bolts (tighten them), and smooth spring tension (pull the pedal up — it should return to center). Spin the cam — it should rotate smoothly without catching.
Get weekly used gear deals in your inbox
Price drops, new listings, and buyer tips — free, every week.
Unsubscribe any time.
Professional Appraisal
Generate an CMA appraisal report in minutes. We pull comparable sold listings from Reverb, eBay, Guitar Center, and more — you select the comps, get statistical analysis, and download a professional PDF. Starting at $8.99.