The DW 5000 bass drum pedal has been one of the top options on the market for as long as I can remember. I can’t tell you how many professional drummers I’ve seen using one, even if they’re endorsed by other drum brands like Tama or Pearl.
It’s been around for decades, so a few versions of the pedal have come out throughout that time. In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between the two current versions – the Accelerator and the Turbo.
I’ll also briefly explain DW’s other pedal options and how they compare to the 5000.
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What is the DW 5000 Bass Drum Pedal?
The DW 5000 is DW’s best-selling bass drum pedal. While it’s not the brand’s highest-quality pedal with the best features, it easily compares to the top pedals from most other brands.
With its relatively decent price tag and reputation for being almost indestructible, it tends to be the go-to bass drum pedal for countless pro drummers.
I’ve even heard of top DW artists opting to use this pedal over the more expensive options available to them. It’s just such a good kick pedal to use.
It’s kind of like the Ludwig Black Beauty of bass drum pedals. Everyone knows it’s good, and most drummers would love to use it in their setup.
If you’re looking to buy one, you’ll find two different options available. They’re known as the Accelerator and Turbo, and they offer slightly different levels of playability and responsiveness.
DW 5000 Accelerator vs Turbo
While there aren’t very major differences, you’ll feel a definite shift between using one or the other, so here’s what you can expect from each version of the DW 5000 kick drum pedal.
DW 5000 Accelerator
The DW 5000 Accelerator is actually the main version of this pedal. You’ll find that most music stores have more stock of this particular version than others.
It has a typical single bass drum pedal design, including a dual-chain, two-way beater, and sturdy baseplate.
I’ve had the privilege of using this pedal on a few occasions, and I’ve always loved how smooth it feels under my foot. While feeling smooth, it also provides plenty of power.
The main feature that makes it the Accelerator version is the cam shape. It has a D-shape design, which causes it to click forward a bit quicker than usual when you press down on the foot pedal. This gives the feeling of a bit of extra speed when you’re playing.
I definitely noticed this when using it. Initially, the clicking design took a while to get used to, but I ended up loving it after playing for a few hours.
DW 5000 Turbo
The DW 5000 Turbo has all the same features as the Accelerator, including a two-way beater, dual-chain design, and sturdy baseplate.
The only difference here compared to the Accelerator is the cam shape. It has more of a rounded shape, producing a standard response when you press the foot pedal down. This means that the Turbo performs very similarly to most other pedals, as they also have a round cam.
With that said, it’s the design quality and stability that makes it such a good pedal, so that’s why I’d say it’s a far better option than most others.
Other DW 5000 Options
What I love about DW is that they offer so many variations within most of their products, and this includes the DW 5000 pedal.
You can also choose to get a single-chain version of the Accelerator pedal. While dual-chain pedals are commonly seen as the superior option, some drummers really enjoy the lowered response you get from a single chain.
It’s not that the pedal isn’t responsive, it just doesn’t do as much work for you as a dual-chain pedal would. That makes it feel a lot more authentic in a way, and I know a lot of jazz guys prefer these pedals for softer playing.
I’ve tried this single-chain version out, and I was surprised by how sturdy and bulky it still felt. So, the pedal is still as durable as ever, even though it only has a single-chain design.
With that said, I still think the dual-chain version is the better option of the two. It’s more versatile for drummers who play a wide variety of musical styles and genres.
Which DW 5000 Pedal is Better?
I can’t really give a definite answer here. Both of them offer varying levels of responsiveness, and it depends on what kind of drummer you are.
Most players would probably be happy with either one, but here are a few things to think about when choosing between them.
If you just want a solid pedal that performs reliably and is stable and durable, the Turbo cam is the ideal choice. With the response being similar to other pedals, you’ll have no problem transitioning from your previous pedal to this one.
If you’re looking for a small boost of kick drum speed, the Accelerator cam is designed to help you get it. This is a great pedal for drummers who like to play fast bass drum patterns within grooves and fills. Again, it takes a bit of time to get used to, but you’ll really value the design after a while, and it benefits a faster playing style.
I’m personally a big fan of both. While the Accelerator can help me when I play rock and metal, the Turbo is still good enough for those styles as well.
Other DW Pedals Available
DW 3000
The DW 3000 is a more affordable alternative to the 5000. It costs about $100 less, making it a great option for drummers on a budget.
It’s still a really solid pedal, offering stability, good performance, and major durability. Apart from customization options, that’s about everything you could ask for in a bass drum pedal.
This is the one DW pedal that doesn’t have many variation options, but the base model is fantastic. I’d put it in the same category as something like a lower-tier Tama Iron Cobra, but the performance quality is far better.
The main thing I value about DW hardware is how long it lasts, so I’d recommend getting this pedal if you’re looking for something affordable that will last a decade or longer.
It’s naturally not as good as any of the DW 5000 pedal options, though. From my experience with using it, it didn’t feel as smooth under my foot. You’ll also likely want something better if you’re someone who pays a lot of attention to adjustment options.
DW 9000
The DW 9000 is DW’s flagship bass drum pedal. This is undoubtedly one of the best bass drum pedals on the market, and it’s a huge step up in customization compared to the DW 5000 pedal.
The main feature is the infinitely adjustable cam. While the 5000 Turbo and Accelerator models have different cam designs, you can fiddle with the 9000’s cam to get whatever response levels you want.
You can also get a version of the pedal with an extended footboard, making it perform like a longboard pedal. An extended heel plate allows various techniques.
Another really cool feature is that you can remove the chain and replace it with a strap that comes included with the pedal. This turns it into a belt-drive design. Belt-drive pedals feel a lot quicker to use, with some drummers preferring them over traditional chain designs.
With the option to use both, the pedal caters to a much wider range of drummers.
One thing I’ll say about the DW 9000 is that it feels like it’s doing a lot of work for you. Because of this, I actually prefer playing with the DW 5000, as it’s more of a standard pedal that I’m used to.
With that said, the 9000 is a fantastic option that so many professional drummers love using.
DW MDD
The DW MDD bass drum pedal is a force of nature. This is DW’s most expensive pedal option, and it’s one of the most adjustable kick drum pedals available right now. There are a few versions, with most of them being direct drive pedals.
It looks robotic in its design, and the whole idea is that you can adjust it in every way possible to get your perfect pedal preferences met.
I can appreciate the design behind it, but it’s also a bit overwhelming to use. Drummers who purchase this option need to take a decent amount of time to learn how to use it. Once you do, you’ll get fantastic results.
I recommend it to people who want the most technologically advanced piece of pedal gear out there for their bass drums. For everyone else, the DW 5000 and 9000 are better options.
Conclusion
One last thing to mention is that you get double pedal versions of all these pedals. Again, I’d recommend the Accelerator for drummers who want a bit of help with their foot speed.
The Turbo is more of a standard option that will instantly feel familiar when you attach it to your kit.
I also love the two-way beater that comes with both options. It’s a standard one with plastic on one side and felt on the other, but I’ve always loved how it feels when striking the bass drum head.
