Image sourced from Reddit

Are you feeling stuck while choosing the right type of kick drum pedal for yourself? Selecting the right kick drum pedal type is not easy when you have different options available.

The kick drum pedal has a key impact on the drummer’s performance. The pedal choice affects all the attributes involved in playing the drums, like the control power and the overall comfort while playing the drums.

Therefore, having the right kick drum is essential for better musical expression. Three different kinds of kick drum pedals are mostly used: chain-driven, belt-driven, and direct-drive pedals. All have pros and cons.

Every drummer needs a kick drum pedal that suits the drummer's playing style and needs. Therefore, the pro of one kick drum pedal for a drummer with a certain playing style might be a con for the other with a different style.

This blog post will provide an overview of the pros and cons of all these three types and their comparison. And a bunch of factors that are essential to consider when choosing the right kick drum pedal for yourself. So stay till the very end!

What are Different Kick Drum Pedal Types 

Image sourced from Reddit 

Understanding different kick drum pedal types is essential in order to choose the right kick drum pedal for yourself. The kick drum pedal is a basic component of a drummer kit and the drummer can play bass drum with it by using the foot.There are three different types of a kick drum pedal and they are distinguished based on their drive system.

The kick drum pedal, in general, transfers the power of the drummer's foot into action on the drum. Not only that, but you can also precisely control the volume and the speed of the bass drum hits. The kick drum pedal facilitates different playing techniques and patterns that are used in different genres.

The drive systems in the kick drum pedals are chain-driven, belt-driven and direct-drive. The drive system of a kick drum pedal impacts the performance feel and the response overall. It determines how the pedal transfers the force from your foot to the beater, and this transfer impacts the overall playing experience.

The chain-driven one uses a metal chain to connect the pedal to the beater. And it offers consistent power transfer and reliability.

The belt-driven one connects to the beater through a belt. It offers a smoother operation of the kick drum pedal.

The direct drive pedal usually connects to the beater through a metal rod. It is known for the immediate response. 

Chain Drive Pedals 

Image sourced from Reddit

The chain-driven kick drum pedal uses a chain to connect the pedal foot to the cam system. The cam is a component in the kick drum pedal that converts the rotational motion into linear motion or vice versa.

The cam shape dictates how the rotational motion changes into linear movement of the beater or the drumstick on the drums. The cam helps manage the force and the timing of the beater’s movement. 

The cam has an irregular shape, so when it rotates, the distance between the cam and the fixed point changes, creating a different degree of force transfer. 

The chain that connects the pedal to the cam transfers the motion of the foot on the pedal to the cam, which drives the above-mentioned system and performs an efficient pedal action.  

Pros

Durability

The chain-driven kick drum pedal is known for its durability. The kick drum pedal is robust and, therefore, can withstand heavy use. This ability of the chain-driven kick drum pedal makes it last for a longer duration, and hence, it proves to be a good one-time investment.

Consistency

The chain-driven kick drum pedal is very consistent and delivers accurate sounds under different conditions. Consistency is a key element as it makes the drummer depend on the kick drum pedal as he knows that the kick drum pedal will not disappoint him.

Customization

The chain-driven kick drum pedal can be used for different playing styles with small adjustments to the settings. So you do not have to worry about the genre. You can customize the kick drum pedal to your needs.

Cons

 Noise 

The chain-driven kick drum pedal has an issue in that it produces noise due to the chain that is used in it when it moves. This noise can be a disturbance.

Maintenance

Another con of the chain-driven kick drum pedal is that it needs regular maintenance, such as lubrication and adjustments so that it remains in its optimal shape and performs effectively.

Best For 

The chain-driven kick drum pedal is best for drummers who like to experiment with different genres, as it can be customized to lay different styles.

As it lasts longer, drummers who like to stick to only one kick drum pedal and want to make only a one-time investment can opt for the chain-driven kick drum pedal.

Here is a customer review of our client Sonia Powel about the product

Just as awesome as all the rest of the expensive ripoff

Payed $42 bucks no tax plus free shipping for thisPedal I was blown away it is fast smooth and noSqueaky sounds took back my brand new DW9000If this brand was as popular as all the other bigBrands it could be sold for $325 just like the restIm so glad I gave this pedal a chance bought another Meinl cymbal with my refundGuys trust me ive been playing for over 40 plus years this pedal is kick but awesome dontFall for I gotta have the expensive pedal just toShow off if your really young I understand 

Belt Drive Pedals 

Image sourced from Reddit

The belt-driven kick drum pedal uses a belt and a pulley system. The belt connects the foot pedal to the cam mechanism, just as the chain is used in a chain-driven one.

The belt-driven kick drum pedal works when the foot pedal is present. The belt and the pulley system move the cam, which then drives the beater or the drumstick.

Pros 

Smooth Operation

The belt-driven kick drum pedal is quieter and smoother to operate than the chain-driven kick drum pedal. This smoother operation makes it a user's go-to kick drum pedal.

Less Maintenance

The belt-driven kick drum pedal does not require higher maintenance, etc. Ti does not need any lubrication like the chain one, and this low level of attention required towards the maintenance makes it a nice pedal for people who are too busy and don't like to frequently  keep an eye on the maintenance 

Reduced Vibration

The belt-driven kick drum pedal has a lesser level of vibration, which leads to a more responsible and consistent feel. This makes it a pro for users to look forward to.  

Cons

Durability Issues

The belts used in the kick drum pedal can experience wear and tear easily, so the kick drum pedal does not last as long as the other kick drum pedals, like the chain-driven ones. The belts are prone to wear and tear, so they can't withstand heavy usage for the long term.

Power Loss In Transfer

One con of the belt drive is the loss of power during the transfer. This can lead to issues while playing, as the power generated by the foot pedal is not properly transferred. The desired sound production would be difficult to attain as it would require extra force to make up for the lost power.   

Ideal For

The belt-driven kick drum pedal is best for drummers who need a quieter pedal with smooth action. This is mostly the requirement for drummers working in the studio environment as they need quieter operation.

Direct Drive Pedals 

Image sourced from Reddit

The direct drive kick drum pedal uses no additional mechanisms like belts or chains to connect the foot pedal to the beater. Instead, the foot pedal is directly connected to the beater.

As there is no belt or chain between them, the power transfer from the foot pedal to the beater is done immediately.

This quick transfer does not result in a loss of power in transit, so the maximum power is transferred to the beater.

Pros 

Precision 

The direct drive kick drum pedal is known for its response precision. The direct transfer helps generate the response as accurately as it gets to the foot action. So you get the required sound.

Speed

Due to the immediate connection to the beater, the speed of the direct drive kick drum pedal is faster than that of all types. So, it is best to opt for the direct drive ones for quicker response.

Consistency

The direct-driven kick drum pedal needs no such adjustments and provides consistent performance. It does not have additional connection parts, so no such adjustments are needed, making the performance consistent.

Lightweight Feel

The direct drive kick drum pedal is more lightweight than others due to the absence of a chain or belt mechanism. So, it gives a lightweight feel overall. 

Cons

Cost

The direct drive kick drum pedals are a bit expensive, which can be a cons of these pedals. They have advanced technology, which makes them expensive. 

Difficult to Adjust

The direct drive kick drum pedal might be difficult to adjust for drummers used to chain- or belt-driven systems. As it has a completely different mechanism, they would need to learn the mechanism and make adjustments that make them get the desired sound

Ideal For

The direct-driven kick drum pedal is ideal for drummers who are trained professionals and for players who play at high speed and have a grip on their precision skills.

Here is a customer review of our client Katlyn Bartoletti about the product. 

Worth the try

Some of the reviews I read weren't all that good, so I had some reservations. But after playing hard on these pedals, I'm super happy with their performance. I would recommend this double kick pedal to anyone that wants to start out playing double bass, but doesn't want to drop hundreds of dollars. These pedals are sturdy, and a great quality for the price.

Here is a detailed youtube video explaining comparing between the kick drum pedal types:

 

Here is a comparison table differentiating these kick drum pedals on the basis of different factors.

Type	Stability	Adjustability	Best Suited For	Space Efficiency	Response
Chain Drive	High (with proper tension)	Moderate (tension adjustment)	Versatile styles, rock, metal	Standard footprint	Quick and powerful
Belt Drive	Moderate	High (various tension settings)	Jazz, softer genres	Compact design	Smooth and less aggressive
Direct Drive	Very High	Highly adjustable (customizable)	Professional use, fast styles	Minimal space needed	Extremely responsive

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pedal 

Here are ten factors to consider when choosing a kick drum pedal

Drive System

The drive system is an important factor when choosing a kick drum pedal. There are three drive systems: chain belt, direct drive, and direct drive. How a kick drum pedal works depends entirely on the drive system.

Different drive systems have different pedal action feel and response, and each system affects the drummer's performance. Different playing styles and genres have different drive system requirements. So, choosing the right drive system that matches your desired outcome is a must-look factor when choosing a kick drum pedal.

Adjustability

Adjustability is also a factor to consider when choosing the right pedal. The adjustability is viewed in terms of their main thing, the beater angle, spring tension, and the pedal height.

The beater angle has a profound impact on the kick drum pedal's sound and overall feel. Adjusting the beater angle helps extract the right sound.

The spring tension affects the resistance and playability of the kick drum, so its adjustability also plays a key role. Finally, the height of the pedal is important for the proper positioning of the pedal for comfortable playing. It also helps in the overall efficiency of the kick drum pedal. 

Feel and Response

The feel and response of the kick drum pedal are crucial for accurate sound production. How the pedal responds to the action of the foot pressure and how and at which speed the pressure is transferred to the beater to strike the drum impacts the overall performance.

The response time of the pedal action is very useful in different playing styles and genres. It impacts the drum's playability and also its control. So, when selecting the right kick drum according to your genre, the feel and response factors can never be ignored.   

Durability

The durability of the kick drum pedal is also a crucial factor to consider. The quality of the material used in its construction impacts its durability and overall life span.

A kick drum pedal made without quality materials will not produce the desired sound quality, and its lifespan will be shorter than that of a robust kick drum pedal.

Speed and Power

The speed and power of the kick drum pedal are important for drummers. The hit efficiency of the kick drum pedal is essential as it is the ability of the drum pedal to demonstrate the power and speed of the strokes on the drum.

The movement of the beater is one major factor that contributes to the speed and power of the impact on the drum. The smoothness and precision of the beater motion decide the speed and power of the kick drum pedal. This makes the drummer effective when he uses rapid footwork.

Noise Level

The noise or sound produced by the drum pedal and its level is one major goal and factor to consider. Some key things to note at the sound level are the operational sound and the use of quiet features.

The operational sound is the sound produced by the pedal and the beater; this is the main noise production. The quiet features impact the noise produced. They are the elements designed to reduce or minimize the sound produced.

These include the felt beater, the dampeners, etc. So, when selecting a kick drum pedal, pay attention to the noise level produced by the pedal.   

Portability and Setup

The portability of the drum pedal must be considered. If you are a drummer who has to go out and perform at distant places, then portability is a major concern for you.

While selecting a kick drum pedal, the ease of transport and the time it would take to set up must be taken into consideration. The ease of transport includes the weight of the kick drum pedal, whether it is foldable or not, and whether storage of the kick drum pedal is easy. All these factors make up the portability of the kick drum pedal.

The time of setup and the ease of assembling and disassembling the kick drum pedal are also very important for performers and must be considered.    

Comfort 

The comfortable design and the adjustability features in the kick drum pedal for comfort are important considerations. The footboard design must be comfortable. Its shape and texture must be designed so as to provide a comfortable resting position.

The adjustability features of the kick drum pedal in terms of height and other factors help you customize the kick drum pedal according to your needs. It gives you comfort and customizes your kick drum pedal according to your own preferences.  

Budget

The price of the kick drum pedal must be within your budget range. While selecting the right kick drum pedal for yourself, consider the cost vs. features and evaluate whether the cost of a specific kick drum pedal is worth the features. Also, take a look at lifespan, as it will decide the life of your investment.

So, consider all these factors and decide on the lick drum pedal without breaking the bank.   

Brand Reputation and Reviews

The kick drum pedal’s brand's reputation and overall reviews must be considered.

The reliability and the history of the brand mainly impact the brand's reputation. If they have been serving well, it is a big plus as it gives you a sense of ease and lets you get a nice product.

The reviews of the users regarding the performance of the kick drum pedals, their reliability, and their satisfaction regarding the product can help you a lot in deciding whether this brand is the best fit for you. Apart from all this, listening to the recommendations from industry experts can also help a great deal.

Why Choose Geekstand for Kick Drum Pedals

At geekstand we focus on providing kick drum pedal made up of quality materials alongside our ergonomic & innovative design which helps in enhanced kick drum pedal performance. These are some key features that make us Geekstands an option to look forward to for our customers.

And these features make our clients happy and they post positive reviews about our products. These positive reviews keep us motivated to deliver such quality products and also the customer to purchase these quality products.

In case you are looking for kick drum pedals, then you have heard it from your fellow customers, so what are you waiting for? Just go grab yours now!In case you are looking for kick drum pedals, then you have heard it from your fellow customers, so what are you waiting for? Just go grab yours now!