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Replacing your bass drum head is an essential part of keeping your drum kit sounding its best. Installing a fresh kick drum head will improve the attack, projection, and overall tone of your bass drum.
Bass drum heads feature different materials and thicknesses, which lends them to be better suited for particular styles of music and musical scenarios.
In this article, I’ve personally tested seven of the best bass drum heads on the market to help you find the right one for your sound.
I’ve also created a comparison video which you can watch to get an accurate sense of how each one performs.
What are the Best Bass Drum Heads?
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Powerful, Modern Tone
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Full, Thumpy Tone
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Versatile, Warm Tone
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Versatile, Snappy Tone
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Punchy, Articulate Tone
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Vintage, Rich Tone
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Tight, Controlled Tone
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Bass Drum Heads
Throughout my drumming career, I’ve made a habit of replacing my bass drumhead a few times a year to keep the tones as fresh and responsive as possible.
As I’ve done that, I’ve been able to try out dozens of different designs and sounds. I’ve come to know what makes a good bass drumhead, and I’ve realized which heads work best for certain applications.
I have several favorite bass drum heads, but I made sure to select ones that work well in different styles like rock, jazz, country, etc.
Whenever I test a drumhead, I mainly look at sound quality and durability. Those are the two fundamental things that determine the overall quality and performance of a drumhead.
I also considered versatility and value. A good bass drumhead should have a decent price tag while also sounding great in all musical styles.
In-Depth Bass Drum Head Reviews
Evans EMAD 2 Clear Bass Drum Head
Evans EMAD 2 Clear Bass Drum Head Review
The Evans EMAD 2 bass drum head has been a staple in my setup for years because it consistently delivers that punchy, controlled sound I need, whether I’m in the studio or on stage.
It’s got a unique blend of tone and durability that makes it a great fit for any drummer looking to elevate their bass drum sound.
I’ve used it in so many studio sessions and live gigs, and it’s always nailed the sound I’m after.
The low-end is massive and tight. The added click in the higher frequencies really helps the bass drum sit right where it needs to be, both in live settings and recordings.
The build quality is fantastic—featuring two plies of film, with a 7 mil outer layer and a 10 mil inner layer, giving it that perfect mix of durability and tone that withstands even the heaviest playing.
This setup delivers a beefy, controlled sound with a sharp attack—perfect for cutting through any mix.
What really sets the EMAD 2 apart is its Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. It comes with two foam rings that you can swap out to adjust your sound—one for a tighter, more focused tone, and another for a slightly more open sound.
It’s incredible for rock, metal, pop, and electronic music, giving you that thunderous low-end while keeping your kick drum right where you need it in the mix.
The EMAD 2 has been my go-to for years. It’s such a popular head and it’s a top pick for modern drummers looking to take their bass drum tone to the next level.
Pros
- Adjustable dampening for customizable sound
- Perfect balance of punch and low-end thump
- Tough enough to withstand heavy playing
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer a more open, resonant bass drum sound
Aquarian Super Kick 2 Clear Bass Drum Head
Aquarian Super Kick 2 Clear Bass Drum Head Review
Known for its punchy and thick bass drum tone, the Aquarian Super Kick 2 kick drum head really makes an impact. I’ve used it in multiple settings, and it always delivers a reliable performance.
When compared to the Evans EMAD, the Super Kick 2 offers a warmer, thuddier tone that’s a bit more open-sounding, but still has excellent clarity and punch.
The bass drum you get is very strong and vibrant. The head also feels incredibly durable, which I really liked.
The Super Kick 2 features a patented “Floating Muffling System” which utilizes a narrow band of acoustic felt to achieve a pre-dampened yet natural sound. The felt moves with the drum head to boost low-end whilst eliminating unwanted frequencies and overtones.
The drum head itself is comprised of two 7mil plies of Nu-Brite film that offers immense durability and strength, in addition to a punchy focused sound.
This Aquarian Super Kick 2 kick drum head sounds great across different tuning ranges and it produces a punchy yet natural-sounding low-end from a bass drum.
If you want a bass drum head that can handle heavy playing and still deliver a full, thumpy, resonant tone, this is a great option worth exploring.
Pros
- Deep and vibrant sound works for many styles
- Powerful yet natural kick drum sound
- Sounds great across all tuning ranges
Cons
- Less dynamic range than single-ply heads for softer playing styles
Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated Bass Drum Head
Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated Bass Drum Head Review
The Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated bass drum head is a super versatile yet warm and punchy sounding option. This head features a single-ply 10 mil coated film and an inlay ring, giving you a well-rounded low end with some resonance control.
From my experience, the Powerstroke 3 shines across a wide range of genres like pop, rock, country, R&B, hip-hop, and more. It has a rich and balanced tone that sits perfectly in a mix.
I find this head to be very versatile, but it mainly has a vintage touch to it which I enjoy. It makes my bass drum sound big and open, but still strong and punchy.
The coated surface softens the attack just enough, making it blend well without losing its presence. And compared to options like the Evans EMAD 2, this head allows for more natural resonance, giving your bass drum a fuller low-end without over dampening.
While it might not have the extreme durability of a dual-ply head, the Powerstroke 3 holds up nicely under regular use, both on stage and in the studio.
Pros
- Offers a balanced low-end punch and warm attack
- Versatile for many genres, especially rock and pop
- Great for live performances due to its full, resonant tone
Cons
- May lack the extreme punch needed for heavier music styles
- Less flexible in terms of tone control compared to heads like the EMAD 2
Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head
Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head Review
The Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head is an excellent sounding drum head. It has a lot of punch and has an internal ring that offers just the right level of sound dampening.
Despite the fact it’s a single 10mil ply drum head, it does have a good level of attack and punch which makes this suitable for heavier styles of music as well as popular genres. As far as single-ply bass drum heads go, this is one of my favorites.
I found that when I tuned this head low, it delivered a surprisingly fat sounding low end for a single ply drum head.
It had great tonal resonance but just enough dampening to control some of those unwanted overtones as well!
There is not as much dampening on this Evans drum head as opposed to the Evans EMAD – which offers a more focused attack. But it’s down to preference to see which you think you prefer!
This drum head feels and sounds great to play. It is super versatile and sounds excellent both in the studio and live on stage. It can be tuned up higher for jazz, country, funk or hip-hop; or tuned down low for rock and metal.
I’m really impressed with this drumhead. It’s easy to tune, holds up well under heavy playing, and it adapts well to lots of musical styles. It consistently delivers solid tones and it also offers great value for money being one of the more affordable kick heads out there.
Pros
- Internal overtone control ring provides punch without excessive dampening
- Balanced tone with both low-end punch and some high-end clarity
- Very versatile and works great for rock, pop, jazz, and funk
Cons
- Single ply construction lacks durability of two-ply heads
- Doesn’t offer same low-end depth as two-ply heads like the Super Kick 2
Remo Ambassador SMT Coated Bass Drum Head
Remo Ambassador SMT Coated Bass Drum Head Review
The Remo Ambassador SMT Coated Bass Drum Head is Remo’s answer to the Evans EMAD. I included this specific Ambassador version of the SMT to highlight how a single-ply option compares to the dual-ply EMAD 2.
This single-ply design gives you a punchy, modern attack with a brighter tone that lets your bass drum sing. And the coated finish adds a slightly warmer vibe compared to its clear counterpart.
Its Specialized Muffling Technology (SMT for short) tames unwanted overtones without choking off too much of the drum’s natural sustain.
It doesn’t have the same level of dampening as the EMAD, and yet it still provides a solid low-end punch.
I really like how this kick drum head sounds. It’s a newer option to the market that a lot of pro drummers are using.
Overall, the Ambassador SMT is versatile enough to handle many different styles while giving you a great sounding bass drum tone.
Pros
- Excellent balance of punch, articulation, resonance, and projection
- SMT controls overtones without choking sustain
- Wonderfully versatile for many different styles of music
Cons
- Single ply design means it's not going to be as durable as a twin-ply kick head
Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head
Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head Review
The Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head brings a vintage vibe to your kick drum, giving that classic, warm sound with a touch of old-school flair.
Whether you’re into jazz or classic rock, this single-ply drumhead is your ticket to rich, open tones and resonance.
Designed as a single-ply, 12 mil head, it’s a synthetic replica of a natural calfskin, which gives it that old school vibrant and resonant tone.
The tones I get from my bass drum with this head are warm and open. I get plenty of resonance, along with a blend of power and subtlety.
It responds beautifully whether you’re burying the beater or playing lighter playing techniques. Despite being single-ply, it holds its tuning well, which is a big plus too.
If you’re looking to inject some vintage charm into your setup, the Calftone is an awesome choice that really stands out. It also sounds fantastic when you use a softer, wooly bass drum beater.
However, if you’re into using a double pedal, you might want to consider one of the more durable options we’ve already discussed.
Pros
- Perfect for jazz, blues, and other styles where warmth and richness are key
- Surprisingly durable for a single-ply head
- Mimics the sound of traditional calfskin heads but with modern durability
Cons
- More suited for vintage or acoustic-driven styles, less so for modern, punchy tones
Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drum Head
Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drum Head Review
Perfect for rock and metal, the Remo Powersonic Bass Drum Head offers a tight, powerful attack and a deep, resonant low end. It’s tough as nails, too, standing up to the heaviest of hitters, so you can rely on it for both clarity and strength in your playing.
Like the Evans EMAD, it has built-in dampening. This gives you a strong and short tone that works perfectly for modern music. It takes things a step further, though, as the head comes with another dampening piece that snaps onto the bottom.
This piece can easily be removed, giving you a tool to quickly change the sound of your bass drum without needing to alter the tuning or take the head off of the shell.
With so much dampening on the surface, I find that I don’t need to place anything inside my bass drum shell.
If you’re after a drumhead that combines strength, precision, and top-notch sound control, the Remo Powersonic should definitely be on your radar. Just keep in mind, some drummers might find it a bit too controlled and “dead” for their tastes.
Pros
- Offers a deep, controlled punch with minimal overtones
- Perfect for rock, metal, and other styles requiring focused low-end power
- Provides a tight, punchy sound right out of the box
Cons
- Sounds too controlled for drummers who prefer a more open, resonant kick
- Expensive bass drum head option
Bass Drum Head Buying Guide
The sound of a bass drum is the heartbeat of the music! It beats the rhythm like a heartbeat, and it’s one of the single most vital parts of the drum set. If the snare drum is the brain of the drum set, then the kick drum really is the heart.
A bass drum provides the essential groove within a song. It channels enormous energy through to a listener that allows them to connect with a song physically through the power of rhythm. Without a bass drum, a song would have no feel, power, or rhythmic intensity that allows people to dance and truly enjoy the music.
The bass drum lays down the central beat on the ‘1’ and ‘3’ of a song. This conducts a listener to the timekeeping and rhythm of a song. The bass drum is an understated part of music, but the reality is that it lays down the foundation of the entire song.
What Makes The Best Bass Drum Head?
A drum head is responsible for 70% of a drum’s sound. Therefore it’s important to play the best bass drum head you can afford to achieve the best possible sound from a drum. A bass drum head will be directly responsible for achieving the best sounding low end providing the punch that people come to expect from a bass drum whether it’s live or on a record.
All of the drum heads within this guide are professional quality drum heads that perform great for all musical applications. The drum heads in this guide are all produced by the three largest and best drum head manufacturers in the world – Evans, Remo, and Aquarian. All professional drummers in the world play these three brands. They make the best bass drum heads.
Single Ply Or Two-Ply Bass Drum Heads?
The number of plies and the thickness of a drum head directly alters its acoustic sound properties. A thinner drum skin has a clear tonal resonance and straight-talking response. Single-ply drum heads sound more open and resonant than their two-ply counterparts.
For bass drum heads, singly ply heads are popular for styles of music that require a warmer and open sounding bass drum. Jazz, swing, country, folk, and acoustic are a few examples of genres that will be more suited to a single-ply bass drum head.
Two-ply drum heads have a fatter sound and lower pitch. This is because more mass is being moved when the beater strikes the skin. Two-ply bass drum heads also have a faster decay and a more focused sound. Most contemporary drummers play two-ply bass drum heads because of their punchier low end that simply works so well live when mic’d up through a PA.
Bass Drum Head Dampening
The best bass drum head products on the market all utilize a form of internal dampening. Typically drummers like to use pillows, towels, or dedicated bass drum pillows to help deaden the sound of a bass drum. Luckily, modern drum head manufacturers have designed bass drum heads that incorporate sound muffling technology.
The reason why drummers like to dampen the bass drum is to eliminate unwanted overtones, resulting in a focused and punchier sound.
The internal dampening used within different bass drum heads vary. The Aquarian Super Kick 2 utilizes a patented floating felt muffle ring that is built into the head, and the Evans EMAD 2 includes two sizes of dampening rings to choose from which affix to the drum head.
Tuning A Bass Drum Head
Tuning a bass drum is not too difficult. It requires the bass drum to be taken out from the drum set and placed down on the floor (resonant side flat on the floor) so you can easily access the lugs and tuning rods.
Firstly you will need to remove the old bass drum head by detuning the tuning rods progressively around the drum and removing the bass drum hoop. You will then need to place the new drum head on the bearing edge and then align up the bass drum claws and lugs to fit again onto the hoop.
Start by tightening the tension rods around the bass drum hoop by using your fingers and not a drum key. Turn all of the rods around the drum in order until you’ve removed all of the wrinkles you can see from the bass drum head.
Once there are no more loose tension rods, use a drum key to slowly adjust the tension progressively around the drum with a quarter of a turn of the drum key each time. Lots of drummers (including myself) like a low tuned kick drum, so be mindful not to over tighten the bass drum.
Make sure that the pitch is even all the way around the drum by tapping around the head. Whether you choose to tune your bass drum low, medium, or high it’s important the tension is even around the drum!
