If you’re searching for the best kick pedal for electronic drums, then you are in the right place! Even though regular kick pedals will work excellently with electronic drums, there are still excellent pedals for the job.
Furthermore, some kick pedal performs better than the other depending on the features it possesses. Therefore, we collected the 6 best kick pedals for electronic drums for next your performance or recording!
The Different Things to Consider Before Buying a Kick Pedal— A Buyer’s Guide
Firstly, a buyer should first know what an electronic drum is; therefore, we made the ultimate guide to electronic drums for beginners in 2021. On the other hand, one of the ingredients for a tasteful chop is an excellent kick pedal; however, there are various types of kick pedals depending on the feel of a pedal.
Furthermore, the overall feel of the pedal is dependent on the type of drive it provides. To simplify the matter, the drive of a kick pedal is the link where the pedal connects to the main pedal a drummer steps on and the beater. With this information in hand, let’s look at the three types of kick pedal drive— the direct, chain, and belt drive.
Three Types of Kick Pedal Drives
Direct Drive
A direct drive kick pedal features a metal connection between the pedal and the beater, providing an instantaneous response. In addition, this type of kick pedal provides excellent precision compared to belt and chain-driven pedals. However, a direct drive kick pedal usually sits on top of a heavy price tag. Therefore, we recommend direct drive pedals to professional and semi-professional drummers who prefer a fast response compared to chain and belt drives.
Chain Drive
Excellent for beginners and drummers on a budget, a chain drive is an exceptionally cheap and abundant type of drive in the market. A chain drive connects the pedal and beater— as the name suggests— with a chain connection. Typically, cheap chain drives usually feature a singular chain that holds the pedal and beater together; however, the pricier ones oftentimes feature an extra chain to provide durability and stability.
Furthermore, chain drive pedals are excellent for beginners learning the feel of a kick drum. In addition, it provides the much-needed accentuation and timing when practicing the drums. In a nutshell, we recommend chain drive pedals for beginners and drummers looking for a cheap kick pedal option.
Belt Drive
Lastly, a belt drive connects the beater and pedal through a solid belt connection, providing drummers with a light but a fast response. In addition, a belt drive provides a smoother feel compared to chain drives. However, a belt drive falls in terms of durability and longevity as the belt that connects the pedal and beater suffers from wear and tear.
Two Types of Electronic Drum Pedals
The number of necessary kick pedals would boil down to the need of drummers depending on the genre they play. Furthermore, the patterns a drummer is capable of executing would also depend on the number of kick pedals they have. Therefore, choosing between single and double pedals is an imperative decision drummer should make.
Typically, a small drum set for toddlers or beginners would feature a single kick pedal. In addition, the simplicity single drum pedals provide makes a drum set accessible for beginners learning the fundamentals of drumming. However, even experienced players sometimes provide the simplicity of single pedals, especially when playing blues or rock music.
On the other hand, double pedals provide drummers with an option to add a pedal on their kick drum, allowing them to play fast and aggressive bass drum patterns. Metal drummers usually utilize this setup as their genre mostly implements triplets during breakdowns. In this light, we recommend double kick pedals to experienced drummers that need that extra oomph in the bass drum.
Excellent Kick Pedals for Electric Drums
Alesis Drums KP1
Brand: Alesis
Pedal Type: Single Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
If you are looking for one of the best kick pedal for electronic drums that features a chain drive, then the Alesis Drums KP1 is an excellent choice for you! In addition, the Alesis KP1 provides players with adjustable spring tension, allowing customization for a more accurate pedal response and accuracy.
Furthermore, the Alesis KP1 incorporates a drummer-centric response, increasing the precision of every bass hit. In addition, the Alesis KP1 provides a smooth and light response perfect for the most meticulous drummers.
Moreover, Alesis constructed the beater of the KP1 with a double-sided design, allowing the product to have a plastic and felt side. Consequently, allowing the Alesis KP1 to cater to both mesh and rubber electronic kick drums.
Specifications:
- Adjustable Spring Tension
- Drummer-Centric Response
- Felt beater
- Plastic beater
- Chain Drive
Pros:
- Excellent for both acoustic and electronic kick drums.
- The double-sided beater makes the KP1 suitable for both mesh and rubber kick drums.
- Customizable pedal response.
- The Alesis KP1 features durable materials.
Cons:
- The all-metal construction of the pedal makes it cumbersome to bring in gigs.
Double Bass Drum Pedal, Double Kick Bass, Electric Drum Kit
Brand: LOLUNUT
Pedal Type: Double Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
Excellent for drummers on a budget, the LOLUNUT Double Bass Drum Pedal is a decent choice in your quest to find the best kick pedal for electronic drums. Featuring a thick double chain and a wider bottom plate, the LOLUNUT Double Pedals offer competitive durability without the heavy price tag.
Furthermore, the LOLUNUT Double Bass Pedal features adjustable angle cotton felt hammer, providing drummers with a powerful and instantaneous response. In addition, the high-density felt of the LOLUNUT’s beater makes it excellent for rubber trigger kick pads.
Moreover, the adjustable angle spring tension of the LOLUNUT Double Bass Pedal allows users to adjust the tension of the spring, providing drummers with a customizable feel. Lastly, the pedal’s non-slip design makes the pedal an excellent choice for a tighter response and accurate hits.
Specifications:
- Chain drive
- High-density felt beater
- Adjustable Angle Spring Tension System
- Non-slip pedal design
- Overweight construction
Pros:
- Utilizes a wider bottom, thick chains, and a longer pedal, improving overall durability.
- Budget-friendly price-point.
- Features a quick-release hoop clamp and spring lock system.
- Simple assembly.
Cons:
- Not ideal for mesh trigger electronic kick drums.
Mapex P800TW Armory Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Mapex
Pedal Type: Double Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
Trusted by drummers worldwide, Mapex provides you with one of the best kick pedal for electronic drums within their arsenal— the Mapex P800TW Armory. Therefore, if you’re looking to upgrade your first pedal without costing an arm and a leg, the P800TW is the next step.
Featuring a double chain drive, the Mapex P800TW Armory packs an incredible response, resulting in a heavy but precise response out of the box. In addition, this pedal response provides users with a quick pedal excellent for fast bass drum patterns.
Furthermore, the Mapex P800TW features a superb adjustment capability, allowing users to customize the beater angle and head adjustment through a one-hand spring tension adjustment. Lastly, the Mapex P800TW Armory incorporates the falcon beater with interchangeable weights, providing users with a quick pedal response without compromising stability.
Specifications:
- Chain drive
- Ball-bearing torque-free spring system
- Falcon Reversible Beater
- Retractable Floor Spikes
- Self-adjusting hook clamp
Pros:
- Provides an easy assembly with only just one drum key.
- Playable right out of the box.
- Extremely stable kick drum pedal.
- Features a reversible rubber and felt beater, making them excellent for any electronic trigger material.
Cons:
- Requires knowledge about bass drum pedals; therefore, we do not recommend this set for beginners.
DW DWCP5000AD4 Accelerator Single Bass Pedal
Brand: Drum Workshop (DW)
Pedal Type: Single Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
Today, the DW 5000AD4 is one of the most-sought single kick drum pedals in the market. To say that it is one of the best kick pedal for electronic drums is an understatement, as it dominates both the acoustic and electronic domains.
Featuring the iconic specifications that brought the DW 5000 series to the limelight, the 5000AD4 is an absolute must-have for serious drummers. Firstly, the accelerator drive system of the 5000AD4 allows the pedal to have an independent sprocket and footboard, providing users with precise sensitivity in every bass hit. In addition, this design allows users to have a higher velocity when triggering the pedal for a faster overall response.
Secondly, the rubberized Tri-pivot Toe Clamp makes the 5000AD4 stable even under the harshest playstyle. Moreover, the textured rubber grip pad allows players to precisely step on the pedal without slipping. Lastly, the dual-bearing spring rocker of the 5000AD4 provides users with a smooth feeling pedal that is responsive to all playing nuances and details.
Specifications:
- DW Accelerator Drive System
- Tri-pivot Toe Clamp
- Dual-bearing Spring Rocker
- Textured rubber base plate pad
- Double Chain drive system
Pros:
- Ready-to-use right out of the box.
- Provides quick and smooth responsiveness.
- Stays in place because of the rubberized tri-pivot toe clamp.
- Features the quality of the world-renowned DW 5000 series.
Cons:
- Excellent single bass pedal; however, it is expensive.
Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Pearl
Pedal Type: Double Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
When it comes to finding the best kick pedal for electric drums, the brand Pearl will surely deliver. Introducing the Pearl P3002D Demon Drive, experience unrivaled smoothness, speed, and comfort in your low end.
Firstly, the Demon Drive features Ninja bearings— one of the top bearing brands in the skateboarding community— pairs with the zero-latency Z-Link U-Joints to eliminate friction for a faster and precise response. In addition, Pearl’s self-aligning spherical bearings allow the Demon Drive to always stay aligned even after hours of playing.
Secondly, the Demon Drive boasts a fully customizable footboard thanks to Pearl’s Duo-Deck. Furthermore, players can adjust their footboard between a traditional shortboard and longboard pedal, allowing players to adjust the speed and feel of the pedal depending on their needs. Lastly, the Demon Drive features a two-position Beater Stroke Adjustment and Direct Link Adjustment, allowing users to adjust the overall feel of the pedal.
Specifications:
- Direct drive
- Z-Link U-Joints driveshaft
- Pearl Duo-Deck
- Aluminum Traction Dots
- Control Core Felt beater
Pros:
- Excellent choice for rubber electronic bass drum pads.
- The adjustable traction dots allows players to modify the grip of the pedal.
- The Duo-Deck allows players to transition between a shortboard and longboard pedal.
- Extremely precise and fast bass drum pedal.
Cons:
- Not recommended for mesh electronic bass drum pads.
Drum Workshop, Inc. DWCP9000 Single Bass Pedal
Brand: Drum Workshop (DW)
Pedal Type: Single Kick Drum Pedal
Description:
The DWCP9000 Single Bass Pedal is one of the most sought-after single pedals in the market today, bringing the patented specifications of DW to the rhythmic feet of drummers. Therefore, if you are looking for the best kick pedal for electronic drums that feature a chain drive, then the DWCP9000 is the one for you.
Featuring patented features such as a free-floating rotor-drive system, adjustable cam, and rotating swivel spring, the DWCP9000 provides users with enhanced power and accuracy. In addition, the DWCP9000 features an adjustable cam that allows players to switch in between Accelerator and Turbo Drive, providing one of the best drum pedal customizability money can buy.
Moreover, the DWCP9000 features a free-floating rotor system, sending the drummer’s foot motion directly to the beater for a more instantaneous response. Furthermore, the floating swivel spring allows the DWCP9000 to eliminate any kind of hardware resistance, providing a smoother and efficient kick feel.
Specifications:
- EZ Infinite Adjustable Cam
- Tri-Pivot Toe Clamp
- Floating swivel spring
- Interchangeable Chain Drive or Belt Drive
- Free-floating rotor-drive system
Pros:
- Ready-to-play out of the box.
- Features a lot of specifications that justify its high price range.
- Provides users with an extremely smooth pedal feel.
- Highly customizable depending on its user’s needs.
Cons:
- Not recommended for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kick Pedals for Electronic Drums
Can you use any kick pedal for electronic drums?
Technically yes; however, to get the best performance for your electronic bass drum, we listed the 6 best kick pedal for electronic drums. In addition, drummers must consider the beater of the kick pedal they are buying according to their electronic bass drum’s material.
For example, a felt beater will eat away a mesh electronic kick drum’s material over time. Therefore, we advise players to use a rubber beater when playing on electronic drums.
Can you add double bass pedal electronic drums?
Yes, you can use double bass pedals on an electronic drum. In this article, we 3 best kick pedal for electronic drums that utilizes a double beater construction. Here are the following the best double kick pedals you can use on your electronic drums:
- LOLUNUT Double Bass Drum Pedal
- Mapex P800TW Armory Double Bass Drum Pedal
- Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
Which drum has a foot or kick pedal?
In a drumset, a foot or kick pedal goes with the bass drum. Furthermore, a drummer may choose between a single or double pedal setup depending on their playing style.
Is it better to play heel up or heel down?
There is no better technique between a heel up and heel-down technique. Typically, drummers utilize the heel-up technique in songs or genres that require fast-paced and aggressive bass drum patterns. For example, the heel-up technique is most prominent in heavy metal and hard rock songs. On the other hand, the heel down technique is excellent for softer bass drum approaches, especially in jazz and blues music.
What is the best double bass pedal for the money?
Today, the Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Drum Pedal is one of the best double bass pedals money can buy. However, if you’re looking for a double bass pedal for a lower price, then the Mapex P800TW Armory Double Bass Drum Pedal is perfect for you.