Want to get the best fit for your kit but don't want to break the bank? There's a lot to remember when putting together your set, and making sure you choose the right option for your needs is never easy. Not to mention, when selecting bass drum pedals, things can start getting expensive quickly.
When jumping into a new interest, getting your head around all the terms, the kinds of equipment, and what the price means when it comes to your playing can be tricky. Taking the time to do this research can make a significant difference, especially when you're not trying to break the bank.
We've selected the three best choices for drummers on a budget. Use this guide to ensure you get an option that suits your needs and playing style and lasts! Also, check out our buying guide, where we answer questions on what to look for when buying drum pedals and the different components to bear in mind.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about purchasing your perfect pedal.
Our top picks
- Best for beginners: Yamaha 7210 Single Pedal - Chain Drive
- Best for all experience levels: Tama Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal
- Best for customizations: Ludwig Atlas Standard Kick Pedal
1. Yamaha 7210 Single Pedal - Chain Drive
For any gigging drummer, a lightweight pedal is vital. The Yamaha 7210 Single Pedal stakes its reputation on being lightweight and durable. It doesn't get more reliable than this classic single-chain pedal, and you won’t find a better deal at this price. The Yamaha 7210 features a horizontal frame brace and a single-chain drive.
PROS
- Reliable and durable means it will last
- Perfect for anyone starting out
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Adjustable beater angle makes it easy to customize
CONS
- A basic pedal that may need upgrading down the line
- It doesn't come with a drum key to make quick adjustments
Summary
A reliable pedal is essential to success during practice, especially for beginner drummers. For those searching for a pedal you can trust that is durable and works every gig, look no further than the Yamaha 7210 Single Pedal.
It's lightweight, so it's easy to take with you. With a minimal setup, drummers love this pedal for its no-fuss design. Start playing confidently so that this pedal consistently delivers the same sound every time.
2. Tama Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal
This legendary pedal is a solid option for starting drummers looking to keep costs down—Tama designed it explicitly with that purpose in mind! The Tama Iron Cobra 200 features a Power Glide Cam, an adjustable beater head, and spring-tight tension. The Iron Cobra line has gained a lot of respect in the drumming community, and many drummers who purchase the 200 will stick with it for years before upgrading.
PROS
- A smooth chain drive makes for a smooth transfer of power.
- Felt or hard options for your beater let you change parts as needed for different kits.
- An excellent choice for drummers of different experience levels.
- Fast action/reaction time makes playing effortless.
CONS
- Plastic spring attachment may need replacing down the line.
- The unadjustable offset cam means that you can’t choose a rounded cam.
Summary
Tama's Iron Cobra series had a reputation as a mainstay for drummers of different experience levels. While many experienced drummers may go for the 900, most will concede that the Tame Iron Cobra 200 Single Pedal is a steal for the price.
Drummers love this pedal for its adjustability and intelligent design. Almost all the parts are easily replaceable and interchangeable, meaning this pedal will last!
3. Ludwig Atlas Standard Kick Pedal
With its cool look with classic Ludwig features, the Ludwig Atlas Standard Kick Pedal is durable and affordable. It’s a great addition to any kit.
It features a dual chain and sprocket drive. Its dual-surface beater features a memory lock and is independently adjustable.
PROS
- Ball-bearing pivots increase spring life.
- Solid steel means it will last.
- Brings out the bass of your drum.
- Classic Ludwig Design makes it instantly recognizable.
CONS
- Pro Model is a little more adjustable.
- Spring might need fine-tuning.
Summary
Drummers love Ludwig for their solid and affordable kits. These classic look kits are also collectible, and the pedal had many nods to classic Ludwig design characteristics that any Luddie-Lover will spot from a mile away.
For an affordable pedal with many customizable aspects and a comfortable feeling, the Ludwig Atlas Standard Kick Pedal is a good choice for you. Just watch the spring as it is known to wear fast!
What to Look for When Buying Drum Pedals
Feeling a little spoiled for choice? With so many drum pedals on the market, choosing the best model for your kit can get overwhelming quickly! Take some time to consider the perfect pedal, and keep these things in mind for your purchase.
Cost
Drum pedals can cost anywhere from below $100 up to $1,000. While expensive may seem better, the high end of pedals might not suit a beginning drummer as well as a pedal on the cheaper end.
Setting a budget before searching can help narrow down your choices. Experienced drummers may want to choose a specific pedal that will suit their style of play and particular kit.
Starting drummers might better get something from this list for under $100. It would likely serve any needs and with plenty of maintenance and love, you can keep yours going for years!
Maintenance
It may surprise you how many drummers don't keep up with the maintenance of their pedals. Ignoring this important aspect of drumming can lead to more costs down the road for replacement and affect your ability to play. The last thing you want is an avoidable issue to catch you out while mid-gig!
If your pedal comes with a manual, take a look online first. You also may want to check what people are saying online. Generally speaking, lubricating regularly and cleaning up gunk build-up will help keep your pedal in working order for life.
Just a little research and maintenance can make a difference, and preparing yourself for it and knowing all the kinks of the pedal can be wise before purchasing.
Feel
The perfect pedal is different for every drummer. A concept like ‘feel’ is hard to define, but there are some decisions you can make to center on your purchase.
Going to a music store is an excellent way to check out a few different options. You may find one that suits you just after a short practice.
If you try a few and still feel lost, here are a few things to consider to find your perfect match.
- Is it responding well? Do you feel like the pedal you tried was sluggish or slow to react to your foot?
- Can you play fast? Some pedals are more solid than others, so you want to check the pedal isn't too difficult to play.
- Do you like the look? With everything else considered, you have to love the style of your pedal too!
Genre
There is no perfect pedal for any music, but the pace and speed of the music you want to play are definite factors when choosing your pedal. So, speaking very generally, here are some basic ideas to consider when deciding how to set up your kit.
Rock
Beats from old-school rock & roll are perfect for beginners and require steady coordination. A lighter touch is best when thinking about your pedal. As you expand on the kind of music you prefer, you may want something that can move faster or play harder.
Groove
Beats from RnB, Hip-Hop, and Soul vary by nature in tempo and style. You may encounter some unusual rhythms, especially when playing music stemming from Funk and Soul. Keeping your expectations for your pedal flexible means choosing something light and adaptable with plenty of options.
Hard
Metal, Hard Rock, Punk, and Noise music are notoriously fast-paced. When choosing pedals for this genre, you’ll have to decide between something that hits hard or fast. Some metal drummers may even use two bass pedals at once!
Jazz
By nature, jazz is hard to define. Improvisation means you want to be flexible when selecting the pedal for your kit. A lighter pedal with a fast response works perfectly with jazz but may require more upkeep, depending on the style.
Drum Pedals Components to Keep in Mind
When searching for your pedal, you may feel saturated by terms. Knowing what they all mean and what makes up your purchase can help you decide your next purchase.
Cams
This component is the connection between your pedal and the beater. It can be an essential factor in the playing speed and control of your drumming.
- Offset: This kind of cam is slightly delayed but creates a powerful sound.
- Linear: The rounded shape of the linear cam creates an even pace and excellent control.
Drive System
The drive is the mechanism that connects your pedal to the cam and throws momentum into your strike. There are a few varieties to look out for, which fall into three different categories:
- Chain Drive: The more common variety, lightweight and portable. It’s suitable for more simple forms of music.
- Belt Drive: In terms of drive, this is the middle ground. Sensitive touch is similar to direct drive but creates a quiet sound like a chain drive.
- Direct Drive: Increased sensitivity for quicker players and faster music genres
Beaters
The term “dual beaters” has come up a few times in this breakdown, but what does it mean? You may recognize the beater as the end that strikes the drum, but what difference does that make for your playing?
With most of the things on the list, the choice comes down to light and heavy, creating a difference in the impact of your bass drum. A dual-beater option gives you a choice between two different beaters.
There are many different materials a beater could consist of, and all make a difference to the sound. Even on the cheaper end, your pedal will likely be customizable, which could make a difference when you choose the pedal for you.
- Plastic: Likely, your drum pedal will come with a plastic beater. This classic bass drum beater will give you a very defined sound.
- Fluffy: It won't surprise you that these beaters are soft and fluffy. This variety will leave you with a warm sound.
- Rubber: For a punchy sound and a louder style of music, a rubber beater will give you a defined effect.
- More: Drum manufacturers are always experimenting with new materials. There are endless kinds to match your style!
Boiling down the many choices, there are two different kinds of weight, and the choice is yours as to what suits your playing best.
- Heavy beaters can feel slower but create a more powerful sound.
- Soft beaters offer more speed and better control but a subtler sound.
The Bottom Line
When you're on a budget, you want something decent that suits your needs and, preferably, will last time. With so many options, it is possible to meet these needs for under $100.
Overall, the most important thing is getting something you can trust! If you are at the beginning of your drum journey, it may be a long time before you feel confident to play a gig or find the particular style that suits you best. Getting something versatile that needs little upkeep and is solid will let you practice without fuss.
All three of these options have a reputation for being more excellent starter pedals. Many experienced drummers will keep using them long into their drumming careers. With any of these three, you are in safe hands, and the choice is yours about what style suits you best.
More questions? Drop in at Drum Center of Portsmouth and let one of our experts guide you to your perfect drumming experience today!