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10 Best Bass Drum Drumheads 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options - Versatile for All Music Genres

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,222
Material
Damping

Most important from
2164 reviews

Material
This drum head can last many months without breaking, even with heavy use multiple times a week.
Damping
It effectively lowers the volume level, making it ideal for studio environments.

The Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head is a popular choice for drummers looking for versatility and control in their bass drum sound. It features a synthetic material with a two-ply design—an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film—which adds durability without sacrificing tone. This drum head includes an externally mounted adjustable damping system with two removable foam rings, allowing you to easily adjust the attack and focus of your drum's sound depending on your music style or preference. The Level 360 collar helps the drum head seat evenly, making tuning simpler and broadening the tonal range, which is great if you want a studio-ready sound.

Sized at 22 inches, it fits standard bass drums and is also available in sizes from 18 to 26 inches, catering to different drum setups. Its clear coating means it won't muffle the natural drum tone, keeping the sound punchy and open. Some players looking for a warmer, coated head might find the clear finish less suited to their taste. The adjustable damping system is a standout feature for drummers who want flexibility without swapping heads or adding external muffling.

While the price point can be higher than basic drum heads, the build quality and sound control make it worth it for serious players or those performing across various genres. Made in the USA, Evans is known for reliable craftsmanship, which adds confidence in its long-term use. For drummers seeking a durable, tunable bass drum head that adapts to different sounds and settings, the EMAD2 presents a strong option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,222
Material
Damping

Most important from
2164 reviews

Material
This drum head can last many months without breaking, even with heavy use multiple times a week.
Damping
It effectively lowers the volume level, making it ideal for studio environments.
#2

Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack - Contains 1 Bass Drum Head, 1 Reso Drum Head, 2 Interchangeable Damping Rings, & Foam Damping Rings - Customize Bass Drum Sound - 1-Ply Construction - 18"

The Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack is designed to give drummers excellent control over their bass drum sound. It includes a 1-ply bass drum head and a resonant head, both made from durable plastic. A standout feature is the adjustable damping system, which comes with two interchangeable rings and foam dampers that let you customize the drum's sustain and tone to suit different playing styles or music genres. The resonant head has a 4-inch offset microphone port with foam damping, helping reduce unwanted overtones for a cleaner sound.

Using Evans’ Level 360 technology, these heads fit nicely on the drum and make tuning more consistent and easier, which can be a big help whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. The 18-inch size is a common choice for many bass drums, offering good versatility. The heads are 1-ply, which typically provides a bright and open tone but might not be as durable or focused as thicker, multi-ply heads, especially if you play very aggressively. However, the included damping options help balance sustain and attack, making this pack suitable for drummers looking for tone flexibility and clarity.

Being made in the USA adds confidence in quality. If you want a bass drum head set that lets you tweak your sound easily and delivers reliable performance, this pack is a solid choice.

#3

Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack - Contains 1 Bass Drum Head, 1 Reso Drum Head, 2 Interchangeable Damping Rings, & Foam Damping Rings - Customize Bass Drum Sound - 1-Ply Construction - 22"

Rating
9.4
Material
Damping

Most important from
1318 reviews

Material
Delivers a clear, punchy tone that significantly improves upon basic, entry-level drum heads.
Damping
Offers customizable damping options that give precise control over sustain and attack without complexity.

The Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack is designed for drummers who want precise control over their bass drum’s sound. The pack includes a 22-inch batter head and a resonant head, both made with durable plastic material and featuring 1-ply construction for a clear, punchy tone. One of its standout strengths is the customizable damping system: you get two interchangeable damping rings on the batter head and a foam ring on the resonant head, which help reduce unwanted overtones and let you adjust the drum’s sustain and attack to your liking. The resonant head also has a 4-inch offset microphone port, which helps you mic the drum easily without sacrificing tone quality.

Another helpful feature is the Level 360 technology, which makes it easier to install and tune the heads evenly, improving resonance and performance. The heads are relatively thin, allowing for a good balance between durability and sensitivity. Since the heads are 1-ply, they might not be as heavy-duty as thicker or double-ply options, which could be a consideration if you play very hard or require extra durability. The foam damping might also slightly muffle some of the natural drum resonance if you prefer a very open sound.

This product is especially suitable for drummers looking for tonal flexibility and professional sound control in a bass drum head, whether for studio or live performance. High customer ratings reflect strong satisfaction with how it delivers customizable sound without being complicated to use.

Rating
9.4
Material
Damping

Most important from
1318 reviews

Material
Delivers a clear, punchy tone that significantly improves upon basic, entry-level drum heads.
Damping
Offers customizable damping options that give precise control over sustain and attack without complexity.

Buying Guide for the Best Bass Drum Drumheads

Choosing the right bass drum drumhead is crucial for achieving the desired sound and performance from your drum kit. The drumhead you select can significantly impact the tone, durability, and overall playability of your bass drum. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your playing style and musical needs.
MaterialThe material of the drumhead affects its sound and durability. Common materials include single-ply and double-ply mylar. Single-ply heads are thinner and produce a brighter, more open sound, making them suitable for lighter playing styles and genres like jazz. Double-ply heads are thicker, offering a deeper, more controlled sound with increased durability, ideal for heavier playing styles such as rock or metal. Choose a material that complements your playing style and the sound you want to achieve.
CoatingDrumheads can be coated or clear. Coated heads have a textured surface that provides a warmer, more focused sound with added attack, making them great for genres that require a more pronounced bass drum presence. Clear heads, on the other hand, offer a brighter, more resonant sound with more sustain, suitable for genres that benefit from a more open and lively bass drum tone. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when deciding between coated and clear drumheads.
ThicknessThe thickness of a drumhead influences its durability and sound. Thicker heads are more durable and produce a deeper, more controlled sound, making them suitable for heavy hitters and genres that require a powerful bass drum sound. Thinner heads, while less durable, offer a more open and resonant sound, ideal for lighter playing styles and genres that benefit from a more nuanced bass drum tone. Assess your playing intensity and the sound you want to achieve to determine the appropriate thickness for your drumhead.
DampingSome drumheads come with built-in damping features, such as control rings or internal dampening systems, which help to reduce overtones and focus the sound. These are particularly useful for achieving a more controlled and punchy bass drum sound, often desired in studio settings or live performances where clarity is important. If you prefer a more open and resonant sound, you might opt for a drumhead without built-in damping and use external dampening methods as needed. Consider your sound preference and the context in which you'll be playing when choosing a drumhead with or without damping.
SizeThe size of the drumhead must match the size of your bass drum. Common bass drum sizes range from 18 to 26 inches in diameter. The size of the drumhead affects the pitch and resonance of the drum. Larger drumheads produce lower pitches and more resonance, suitable for genres that require a deep, booming bass drum sound. Smaller drumheads offer higher pitches and less resonance, ideal for genres that benefit from a tighter, more focused bass drum sound. Ensure you select a drumhead that fits your bass drum and aligns with the sound you want to achieve.

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