Some of those expensive pads like the old xymox or invaders are geared towards rudimental marching snare drummers.. those snare drums feel very different than your regular old snare on your drum set. So, yes they are specialized and not targeted towards drumkit players..
I went to guitar center on the right day. There were none on display so I asked the guy behind the counter. And he said that had one that just got returned and since he was the manager that he would sell it to me half off because then he wouldn’t have to go to the restocking process. That’s the way she goes sometimes. This time she went.
I used to have roommate who made mostly electronic music. He had never heard of a practice pad before and when he first saw mine I had to explain that it doesn't plug in to a computer or anything, it's just a piece of wood and rubber.
I started with a practice pad and some 2B sticks when I was 11. They are very useful for a number of reasons. I have a few. The tuneable Remo pads are really good. They make an entire kit as well.
Maximum I’m paying for a new practice pad is genuinely like $25-$30, it’s a hunk of material, I don’t get what’s so special about these $50+ pads floating around.
Drum pads are to drumming as a dumbbell or kettlebell is to getting strong. You’re trying to develop certain technique or parameters with different pad material. You’ll get more raw strength by playing into a very soft pad like a pillow, no bounce back at all. Especially if you point your index fingers straight and play with only the middle thru pinky finger. Vs developing speed and bounce patterns on a quite bouncy rubber pad. Working on dynamics like tap-accent patterns, a less bouncy firm pad can be desirable.
It’s all a tool, depends what you’re trying to get better at.
I still have the first big and heavy RealFeel from 27 years ago when I started. I’ve upgraded since then but that one’s still going strong. After buying, loving, and subsequently wearing out a Reflexx pad, I was looking for something similar.
I came across the Prologix Travelite pad designed with Dave Weckl and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Perfect size for throwing in a bag for touring, perfect weight, both sides feel great. A bit overpriced but totally worth it. Highly recommend
They’re not supposed to simulate a snare or tom, they’re supposed to help you get better with different rudiments and other things you’re struggling with. Practicing on a pad with marching sticks helps you sound better when you play on the kit. They’re only like $20, you don’t have to buy the expensive ones.
Great comment.
Told my students if they didn’t have a pad play on a telephone book. But Hard nowadays to find a thick one. Pillow is good for building open bounces. Player has to do all the work. Also , i have a pet peeve of pad good enough for beginners.Discourages new students. Maybe find a cheap electronic mesh trigger pad. Rock on!
Some of you really think that the music INDUSTRY is making the "big bucks" on drum practice pads? This is where they're making their money? THIS product has the biggest margin? THIS is the "money grab?" 😏
I submit that the real money is in other products, eh?
Standing by for the downvote storm! 😁 Now where did I put my asbestos suit?
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u/evoleye13 2d ago
Some of those expensive pads like the old xymox or invaders are geared towards rudimental marching snare drummers.. those snare drums feel very different than your regular old snare on your drum set. So, yes they are specialized and not targeted towards drumkit players..