7 Best Double Bass Pedals That Are Fast

best double bass pedals

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A double bass drum pedal is a vital addition for the modern drummer. It opens up a new world of playing and allows a drummer to create many more grooves, fills, and complex rhythms that require both feet to play the kick drum.

Double pedals function as a convenient and practical alternative to owning and playing two separate bass drums.

Modern double bass pedals are equipped with innovative, performance-enhancing features to make them ultra-smooth to play and reliable to withstand frequent shows and tours.

In this article, I have put the most popular double bass drum pedals to the test, and I’ll share with you the best quality options available on the market today.

What are the Best Double Bass Drum Pedals?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best Professional Pedal
DW 9000 Series Double Bass Pedal
  • Dual-Chain drive pedal
  • Infinite adjustable cam
  • Incredible durability and performance
Best Direct Drive Pedal
Pearl Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
  • Direct drive pedal
  • Ninja micro ball bearings
  • Innovative dual-deck longboard
Most Powerful Pedal
Tama Speed Cobra Double Pedal
  • Dual-Chain drive pedal
  • Longboard footboard
  • Cobra coil springs
Most Versatile Pedal
Pearl Redline Eliminator Double Pedal
  • Dual-Chain drive pedal
  • Ninja ball bearings
  • Interchangeable cams
Most Advanced Design
DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
  • Direct drive pedal
  • Solid aluminum construction
  • Unique playing response
Best Budget Pedal
Tama Speed Cobra HP310LW Double Bass Pedal
  • Dual-Chain drive pedal
  • Affordable double pedal
  • Sturdy design and smooth performance
Best For Speed
Trick Pro 1-V Bigfoot Double Bass Pedal
  • Direct drive pedal
  • Unique compression springs
  • Solid titanium and aluminum construction

How I Tested

When selecting the best double bass pedals, I conducted extensive in-person testing to rank the best double bass pedals based on their performance along with other key decision-making factors in order to ensure they meet the needs of modern drummers.

I spent time performing with each double pedal to assess the playing feel, speed, power, and durability that each pedal has to offer. Additionally, I also assessed their levels of adjustability, customization, and overall value for money.

In this article, you’ll discover my top-scoring seven double bass drum pedals that deliver excellent performance across the board and will be sure to satisfy all different budgets and user requirements.

Double Bass Pedal reviews

Best Professional Pedal

DW 9000 Series Double Bass Pedal

Extraordinarily smooth and heavy-duty, the DW 9000 double pedal remains the go-to choice for professional drummers.
Performance
5
Build Quality
5
Features
4.3
Adjustability
4.3
Value
3.5

    DW 9000 Series Double Bass Pedal Review

    The DW 9000 Double Pedal is an institution within the drumming world and is widely considered the greatest bass drum pedal of all time. This model has remained practically unchanged for many years.

    The build quality and design of this pedal is simply outstanding. The DW 9000 double pedal unit is incredibly well made, and I find the non-slip metal base plate offers enormous stability.

    There is an unmistakable quality about these pedals. They just feel wonderful to play and are rock solid in operation.

    Innovative features include the Infinite Adjustable Cam, allowing the player to adjust the cam quickly and efficiently- providing a different range of playing experiences underfoot.

    The patented floating swivel spring reduces the resistance between the down and upstrokes for an incredibly smooth response.

    I particularly like that the left pedal only has the right pillar on the frame, allowing for easy switching between the hi-hat pedal and the slave pedal with the left foot.

    To play, the DW 9000 double pedal feels extraordinarily smooth yet weighty and substantial underfoot. It is extremely versatile and is favored by everyone from pro jazz drummers to prolific metal drummers.

    This is the best double bass pedal on the market. Incredibly fast, smooth, powerful, and a pure joy to play! The pedal also comes with a durable soft case to carry them in.

    Pros

    • Near perfect engineering - the industry standard professional pedal
    • Weighty yet incredibly smooth playing feel feels fantastic
    • Highly versatile pedals suitable for a wide range of musical styles
    • Rock solid construction will stand up to any amount of touring

    Cons

    • Expensive price tag
    • Pretty heavy feeling pedal underfoot
    Best Direct Drive Pedal

    Pearl Demon Drive Double Bass Pedal

    Providing a lightning-fast playing response with zero lag, the Pearl Demon Drive has a direct-drive linkage that offers instant delivery of power.
    Performance
    4.0
    Build Quality
    4.3
    Features
    4.2
    Adjustability
    5.0
    Value
    3.8

      Pearl Demon Drive Double Bass Pedal Review

      Up next, we have the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive double bass pedal. I found this to be a super smooth pedal from my round of testing.

      This pearl double bass pedal is not to be underestimated. They are lightning-fast to play, thanks to the direct-drive linkage and a host of other innovative features such as the ninja bearings that offer an extremely smooth response.

      The high-quality control core beater has been engineered to minimize vibration and to provide perfectly articulated bass drum strokes.

      Most impressively, the unique and innovative duo-deck longboard footboard quickly converts between a regular-sized footboard and a longboard footboard, depending on your preference.

      This feature allows these pedals to have the best double bass pedal footboard adjustment on the market- offering you two footboards for the price of one.

      This provides an insane level of adjustment and offers the best of both worlds. Whether you want rock-solid grooves or machine-gun fast blast beats- you can do it all with this pearl double bass pedal.

      The only downside is that I found the Pearl Demon Drive double pedal offered the least amount of power compared to all of the other pedals tested.

      This pearl double bass pedal also comes with a durable and protective carry case to house them during transit.

      Pros

      • Innovative duo-deck longboard allows you to change footboard length
      • Direct-drive offers lightning fast speed and an instant response
      • Packed with hi-tech features like Ninja bearings
      • Solid build construction throughout

      Cons

      • Less powerful response compared to other pedals like the DW 9000 and Tama Speed Cobra
      • Direct drive isn't for every drummer's taste
      Most Powerful Pedal

      Tama Speed Cobra Double Bass Pedal

      Delivering satisfying and powerful kick drum strokes, the powerful Speed Cobra is a superb pedal that also offers great value.
      Performance
      4.7
      Build Quality
      4.2
      Features
      4.1
      Adjustability
      3.8
      Value
      5.0

        Tama Speed Cobra Double Bass Pedal Review

        The Tama Speed Cobra double pedal is ferociously powerful and is my current go-to double pedal I use in my setup. I love my Tama Speed Cobra pedal, and it’s my go-to choice for gigs and studio sessions alike.

        I love how the Speed Cobra feels to play. I particularly enjoy the longboard footboard, which means you can achieve maximum power from the full length of the pedal board.

        It rapidly accelerates the power and speed of the beater stroke with very little effort.

        The longboard pedalboard is what separates the Tama Speed Cobra from the standard Iron Cobra, which is also an excellent pedal. But I prefer the Speed Cobra.

        Innovative Tama features such as the Speedo Ring, Cobra Coil and LiteSprocket all enhance the performance of this very well-engineered set of double bass drum pedals.

        The responsiveness of the speed cobra is fantastic, and each bass drum stroke packs a powerful and clear punch into the head of the bass drum.

        Tama constructs this pedal with high-quality components, and the build quality is excellent. The base plate feels extremely robust, and there is no slipping at all. The para-clamp can grip every possible bass drum hoop with ease, making setting up a breeze.

        I personally love my Speed Cobra double pedal. There is huge power achieved thanks to the extra leverage from the extended footboard.

        And the whole pedal unit feels fantastic. I also really like the Accu-Strike beaters.

        I recommend them to anyone looking for some of the best chain-drive longboard pedals. It’s the best double bass pedal for achieving high amounts of power with a very enjoyable playing response.

        It’s also worth noting that while the Tama Speed Cobra is a fully-fledged professional-level pedal, it is more affordable than all of its competitors, offering the best value for money of all the pedals tested.

        Also included is a specially designed hard-shell carry case for transportation.

        Pros

        • Precision engineered pedals with quality components
        • New and improved Accu-Strike beaters offer an excellent response and durability
        • Ferociously powerful thanks to the longboard footboard
        • Excellent quality to price ratio on this set of pedals being a more affordable option

        Cons

        • The hoop clamp is not brilliantly designed and can take some time to adjust
        • I have broken over-tightened springs
        Most Versatile Pedal

        Pearl Eliminator Redline Double Bass Pedal

        A fantastic all-around performer, the Pearl Eliminator pedals offer a ​​good balance of feel, power, speed, and value. It also has interchangeable cams to adjust the pedal's feel.
        Performance
        4.0
        Build Quality
        4.0
        Features
        4.0
        Adjustability
        4.5
        Value
        4.0

          Pearl Eliminator Redline Double Bass Pedal Review

          The Pearl Eliminator double pedal is a fantastic top-of-the-range set of chain-drive double pedals.

          Unlike the Pearl Demon Drive listed above, this is a chain-driven set of pedals, similar to the DW 9000 and Tama Speed Cobra.

          This double kick pedal has a great balance of feel, power, and speed and is a fantastic performing all-rounder for live gigs, recording sessions, and for playing various styles of music.

          Included are four interchangeable cams that instantly change the pedal’s feel depending on the player’s preference.

          Much like the previously reviewed Demon Drive Pearl double bass pedal, this set also features the ninja ball bearings, which utilize micro-polished balls for zero resistance.

          The control core quad beater has four different surfaces, allowing the player ultimate customizability for the desired sound.

          I’ve always liked the Pearl Eliminator double pedal. It’s favored by many professional drummers thanks to its superb playing feel, versatility, and adjustment options.

          This double kick pedal makes a fantastic addition to any drummer’s arsenal. It offers lots of adjustments and performs well across every area.

          If you like to adjust your cams and tweak settings to suit your style, this is the best double bass pedal for you.

          They are not only sturdy and feel great, but they are versatile enough to be able to be played for pop, rock, blues, country, jazz, and more! A black and red carry case is also included with this Pearl double bass pedal.

          Pros

          • Well-balanced and versatile set of pedals
          • High quality construction with sturdy footboard and base plate
          • Choice of four cams for variation in playing response
          • Great balance of power, playability, value, and feel

          Cons

          • Potentially too many customization options
          • Not the fastest pedals on the market
          Most Advanced Design

          DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal

          One of the smoothest and most reactive pedals I’ve personally ever played, DW’s MDD double pedal is a remarkable feat of engineering and a fantastic high-end option.
          Performance
          4.5
          Build Quality
          4.8
          Features
          4.3
          Adjustability
          4.0
          Value
          3.0

            DW MDD Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal Review

            The DW Machined Direct Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal is the first of its kind from the iconic Drum Workshop brand, and it’s one of the smoothest reactive pedals I’ve personally ever played.

            Each pedal is meticulously crafted from solid aircraft-grade aluminum and features a direct drive linkage that completely eliminates the lag you experience with chain or belt drives.

            This unit is extremely well-built from top to bottom. I’ve never played a pedal that feels quite as sturdy and well built as the DW MDD Pedal. 

            I cannot express just how unique these pedals feel to play. Unlike other direct-drive double pedals, these provide a more powerful and reactive feeling underfoot.

            Performance-wise, it offers a remarkably smooth and effortless action that still feels solid and responsive underneath your feet.

            The pedal also comes equipped with an extended footboard that’s accompanied by a heel plate that sits above its incredibly sturdy base plate.

            This pedal offers both incredible responsiveness and control. The feeling is responsive yet still as satisfying as playing the iconic DW 9000 series double pedal.

            It’s totally suitable for all styles of music, not just extremely fast metal.

            This direct drive double bass pedal features a rather large heel plate, which some drummers prefer, but it’s different from most other direct drive pedals that utilize a full longboard footboard.

            Yes, this is an expensive direct drive pedal, but it’s one of the most exciting bass drum inventions in recent years, and it’s well worth the investment.

            Pros

            • The most solid and well-constructed pedals I've ever tested in terms of build quality
            • Much more versatile than other direct drive pedals on the market
            • Incredible blend of speed, precision, playing feel, and power
            • Offers lots of room for fine-tuning and adjustments

            Cons

            • Exceedingly high price point
            • Very heavy set of pedals
            Best Budget Pedal

            Tama Speed Cobra HP310LW Double Bass Pedal

            A clear winner for the entry-level segment of the double pedal market. This affordable pedal feels sturdy and satisfying to play.
            Performance
            3.5
            Build Quality
            3.5
            Features
            3.0
            Adjustability
            3.0
            Value
            5.0

              Tama Speed Cobra HP310LW Double Bass Pedal Review

              Up next we have the Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra Double Pedal and it is the best double bass pedal to buy on a budget, period.

              The Tama HP310LW is modeled on the flagship Tama Speed Cobra series, and it offers a similar style of performance but at an affordable price.

              The quality of this double kick pedal is excellent for the price. It features a chunky baseplate and longboard footboard. The double chain drive offers smooth motion, and the pedal achieves an optimal balance of power and lightness.

              I really appreciate how this 310 series pedal feels to play underfoot, and all the machined components are sturdy and smooth. It truly offers the legendary performance of its bigger brother series.

              For this pedal’s price range, it’s the clear winner against its rival brands. If you are looking for a great quality double bass pedal on a budget, then this is an excellent option.

              Pros

              • Modeled on the flagship Speed Cobra pedal
              • Rapid acceleration and power
              • Longboard footboard design feels great underfoot
              • Sturdy baseplate is impressive for the price

              Cons

              • Driveshaft linkage bar is poor quality
              • Spring holder is not well designed
              • Fewer quality features compared to pro-level pedals
              Best For Speed

              Trick Pro 1-V Bigfoot Double Bass Pedal

              A highly advanced pedal with a futuristic look and feel, the Pro 1-V pedal delivers outstanding performance and zero lag thanks to its first-rate craftsmanship and materials.
              Performance
              4.0
              Build Quality
              4.8
              Features
              4.8
              Adjustability
              4.5
              Value
              3.0

                Trick Pro 1-V Bigfoot Double Bass Pedal Review

                Lastly, we have the Trick Pro 1-V Bigfoot double pedal. It is a remarkable engineering feat, to say the least. Cutting-edge design sadly does not come cheap, but these are a highly advanced set of pedals.

                Many of the world’s fastest metal drummers use this set of double pedals.

                These are drummers who play extremely fast kick drum BPMs of 240 and upwards, adopting kick-playing methods like the swivel technique.

                I personally found this double pedal to be less versatile than the other pedals tested. Although I did enjoy playing them, I found they don’t provide as much of an enjoyable playing sensation.

                However, the instant response is incredible, and there is zero latency between your brain and the bass drum.

                While they would excel for technical death metal and fast blast beats, I found they would not be good for hard rock or classic metal, where more playing feel is required.

                This double bass drum pedal features compression springs, which are housed in a small unit on the frame beside the cams and allow for quick and easy tension adjustment, as well as enhanced performance.

                The shaft is made from solid titanium, and the pedals also feature aluminum and steel components. The construction quality is seriously impressive.

                In operation, both the master and slave pedals are completely silent and amazingly smooth. There is zero action on all moving parts. But you wouldn’t expect less for this price, in all honesty.

                The main downside I found during my testing of the Trick Pro 1-V is there’s no grip on the undersides of either the slave or master pedal, which means they slide about whilst you play and they don’t stay in place.

                Despite this, if you like futuristic, advanced technology and money is no object, this is one of the best double bass pedals for you within the direct drive segment.

                Pros

                • Highly advanced engineering with solid metal billets
                • Extremely easy to adjust with unique compression springs
                • Zero latency and completely silent in operation
                • Precision built with the very best materials

                Cons

                • Not versatile for all styles of music - they are best suited for metal
                • The unique playing sensation takes a while to get used to
                • Very expensive set of direct drive pedals

                Double Bass Pedal Buyer's Guide

                A double bass pedal is a vital piece of kit for the developing drummer. It opens up a whole new world of playing and allows for a drummer to create grooves, fills, and complex rhythms that could not be played with a single pedal alone.

                With a double pedal, the master pedal is played as normal, whilst the ‘slave pedal’ is operated with the foot that operates the hi-hat stand.

                Setting up a double bass pedal is straightforward. The slave pedal is connected to the master pedal via a linkage bar that transfers the motion across to one of the two bass drum beaters attached to the master pedal.

                A double bass pedal functions as a convenient and practical alternative to owning and playing two separate bass drums.

                This is known as a double bass drum set – which has been made famous by Keith Moon, Neil Peart, and many other drummers. These drum sets look fantastic on huge stages, but they are just not that practical.

                In this guide, I have personally tested all the double bass drum pedals featured so that you can expect the utmost in quality from all the pedals listed.

                Benefits of Owning a Double Bass Drum Pedal

                Playing a double bass drum pedal can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to add excitement and power to your playing. Here are just a few of the benefits that you can experience from owning a double bass drum pedal:

                • You can play faster, more accurate, and more powerful kick drum strokes with both feet.
                • Double bass drum pedals allow for greater expressiveness and creativity in your playing.
                • You can use double bass drum pedals to create unique rhythms and patterns that would be difficult to replicate with a single pedal.
                • Double bass drum pedals can help you develop a greater sense of coordination and control over your feet.
                • Double bass drum pedals are an essential tool for many genres of music, such as metal and rock.
                • With the added speed, power, and expressiveness that a double pedal offers, you’ll be able to take your playing to new heights.

                Things to Consider When Buying a Double Bass Drum Pedal

                • Consider the pedal drive: Do you want a double bass pedal that is an all-round performer, or one purely built for speed? Chain drive pedals are typically all-round performers, while direct drive pedals are designed to go as fast as possible, but sacrifice power. I explain the different types of pedal drives further down.
                • Determine the level of customization you want: Each different set of pedals features a varying amount of adjustability and customization, a drummer can opt for a set of pedals that either plays fantastic straight out of the box or one which can be tweaked and customized further to make it personalized for his needs.
                • Consider the footboard length: Modern pedals are available with either ‘standard’ or ‘longboard’ options. ‘Longboard’ pedals feature a longer footboard and do not have a heel plate. The longer footboard increases the leverage from the foot whilst playing and thus increases the power of the bass drum stroke.
                • Think about your budget: The more you spend, the better quality components and build quality you’ll receive from your pedal. High-end pedals all feature innovative components across all areas, whether it’s the heel plate, cams, footboard, beater, springs, etc. Every inch of these pedals has been designed with efficiency and performance in mind.

                Construction and Customization

                A double kick pedal is a complex piece of equipment. It features lots of moving parts, which have been precisely engineered to deliver maximum performance with little resistance for pure speed.

                The high-end pedals all feature innovative components across all areas, whether it’s the heel plate, cams, footboard, beater, springs, etc. Every inch of these pedals has been designed with efficiency and performance in mind.

                Each different set of pedals features a varying amount of adjustability and customization, it’s up to the player to choose a set of pedals that either plays fantastic straight out of the box or one which needs lots more tweaking and customizing to make it personalized for his needs.

                Reliability of a Double Bass Pedal

                The best double bass pedal is constructed from quality materials to be reliable enough to withstand playing frequent shows and tours.

                A pedal will be engineered to be a dependable ‘workhorse’ that a drummer will be able to rely upon show after show.

                A drummer’s worst nightmare would be to have a bass drum pedal malfunction in the middle of a performance, which would cripple a drummer on stage.

                The best bass drum pedal is not only engineered with precision but will operate smoothly and feel good to play underfoot.

                A drummer demands a fast response from a pedal to directly translate the motion from the leg and into the bass drum.

                Different Types of Pedal Drives

                Chain Drive

                Chain drive pedals are the most widely popular type of kick pedal available. In the past, most pedals featured a ‘single chain’ pedal drive, but now most chain drive pedals will accommodate a ‘double chain’.

                The reason for this is that the double chain variety adds extra durability. Chain drive pedals are a good all-round performer, offering smooth performance and a good amount of weight underfoot. A chain-drive pedal is the best double bass pedal for versatile, all-round performance.

                Direct Drive

                Direct drive pedals are a relatively new type of pedal, and they are particularly popular with metal drummers demanding serious speed.

                The pedal drive between the beater and the footboard is a solid metal linkage that is unable to flex. This allows for the fastest response possible and allows the footboard to return to its original position incredibly quickly.

                Direct drive pedals are generally expensive and are favored in double pedal formats. A direct drive pedal is the best double bass pedal choice for metal music.

                Belt Drive

                Belt drive pedals are the most traditional variety of bass drum pedals. The belt linkage of the past was comprised of a fabric strap, but modern belts are made from more robust materials like rubber or nylon.

                Belt drive pedals offer an organic and light feeling whilst being played. Belt drive pedals are typically the best double bass pedal choice for blues, jazz or funk.

                Footboards

                Often modern pedals are available with either ‘standard’ or ‘longboard’ options. ‘Longboard’ pedals feature a longer footboard and do not have a heel plate.

                The longer footboard increases the leverage from the foot whilst playing and thus increases the power of the bass drum stroke.

                What Shall I Look For In The Best Double Bass Pedal?

                With the huge variety of double bass drum pedals on the current market, drummers are definitely spoiled for choice.

                Modern double bass pedals are equipped with innovative, performance-enhancing features.

                The question is- do you want a double bass drum pedal that is an all-round performer? Or are you the fastest pedal possible?

                An all-round performer has an incredibly solid construction, feels magnificently smooth to play, and delivers an excellent playing response.

                These pedals are versatile, can be played in various musical applications, and can be played with a range of dynamics. They can be played softly for jazz or with a huge amount of power for stadium rock.

                Direct drive longboard pedals are the right option for you if you want something that will deliver lightning-fast speed for metal.

                These types of pedals are preferred by drummers who utilize bass drum triggers.

                These triggers capture the sensory information of the bass drum stroke and send it to a ‘brain’- a trigger module that enhances the bass drum sound with a processed bass drum sound perfectly in time and on top of the bass drum hits.

                Choosing The Best Double Bass Pedal

                If you, like me, want a product that will perform well across almost every area, then you will want to get yourself either the DW 9000 Double Pedal, Pearl Demon Drive Pedal, or Tama Speed Cobra Pedal.

                In my opinion, these offerings trump the competition because they are not only meticulously crafted for the ultimate performance, but they excel in every area.

                These double bass pedals are versatile enough to be played for every style of music due to the excellent playing response and articulate bass drum strokes achieved.

                They can be played with a range of dynamics suitable for all different musical applications.

                These double bass drum pedals are the most popular high-end offerings on the market and have been engineered from the best quality materials.

                They will last you many years and help take your drumming to the next level, as well as help push you to be the best drummer you possibly can be!

                Double Bass Drum Pedal FAQs

                Do You Need a Double Bass Pedal?

                Whether or not you need a double bass pedal depends on the specific type of music that you play. If you’re into metal or rock, then a double bass pedal is an essential tool for you.

                However, if you play a more mellow style of music, then a single bass drum pedal may be all you need. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your playing style.

                Can You Use a Double Bass Pedal With Electronic Drums?

                Yes, you can use a double bass pedal with most electronic drums. Many drummers like myself who use electronic drums also use a double bass pedal to get the most out of their setup.

                However, it’s important to note that some entry-level electronic drum kits don’t support double bass drum pedals, as the bass drum pad or kick tower only has a surface area for a single bass drum beater.

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