If you're a drummer, you know that the bass drum is the backbone of any groove. It's the driving force that sets the rhythm and keeps the beat steady. 

But did you know that the type of bass drum pedal you use can make all the difference in your playing? 

That's right! Today, we're taking on bass drum pedal types to help find your perfect match.

Whether you're a fan of Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters or stan Travis Barker from Blink-182, the first thing you’ll need to achieve their level of awesome is the right bass drum pedal. 

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Don't worry, we've got you covered. 

You see, we’ve been where you are. In addition to your love of music, drumming holds a special place in our hearts, in part thanks to our founder, Mike, who’s had a lifelong passion for drumming. 

In fact, in the 90s and early 2000s, he was a drummer for a number of bands in Central Texas. This love for drumming still lives to this day in Geek Stands and the products we offer. 

So whether you’re an aspiring drummer just starting out, playing in a garage band with your best friends, or you practice solo in your bedroom, stick around. Today, we break down the different types of bass drum pedals so you can make an informed decision on your next drum pedal.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can look forward to in this bass drum pedal buying guide:

• An in-depth assessment of the different types of bass drum pedals 
• The advantages and disadvantages of different drum pedals on your playing
• Tips and features to look out for when shopping for your next bass drum pedal
• A plug to the best deals on bass drum pedals—Geek Stands

Without further ado, let's dive into the world of bass drum pedals and find the one that's perfect for you.

1 - Single Bass Drum Pedals: Finding Your Perfect Match

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There’s a wide variety of bass drum pedals available to drummers of all skill levels. In our expert experience, the best fit for beginner and intermediate drummers looking to refine their technique is the single bass drum pedal.

But even within this segment, there are a number of options to consider. For example, there’s the single-chain drive pedal which offers the look of a classic pedal from the golden age of rock music. 

There’s also the strap, or belt drive pedal, which is known for its lightweight construction and power delivery. Or perhaps you’d be more interested in a direct drive pedal, which’s been described as too sensitive by some but enjoys the adoration of many drumming legends.

So, let's take a closer look at the different types of single bass drum pedals and perhaps shed some light on what might be the best option for you.

Chain Drive Pedals

These use a chain to connect the footplate to the beater. They offer a smooth and consistent feel which makes them a popular choice for drummers across all skill levels. 

Single-chain drive pedals are the least expensive option and typically most drummers first pedal. Their vintage look, affordability, and lightweight construction make them a great starter option.

But they also come with a slight compromise in that you can usually have a bit of side-to-side movement in the footplate, which can reduce responsiveness. 

This is not an issue you’d need to worry about with double-chain drive pedals. Thanks to their studier construction, they offer better build quality and can take a bit of a beating without the chains failing.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, stick around, we get into further detail in just a bit. 

Belt Drive Pedals

These use a nylon or composite material belt to connect the footplate to the beater. They offer a more responsive and direct feel compared to chain drive pedals, which makes them great in faster playing styles. 

One of the key advantages of belt drive pedals is that they are more robustly built and don’t collapse in on themselves, an invaluable feature if you’re the kinda drummer who loves to rock out!

Direct Drive Pedals

These use a direct linkage to connect the footplate to the beater. They offer the most immediate and sensitive response, making them ideal for technical playing. 

While their high responsivity might take some getting used to, they are the most preferred option for professional drummers, especially those in fast-playing genres like speed metal. 

Think of it like this, If you aspire to play like Metallica's legendary drummer Lars Ulrich, then you should definitely be considering a direct drive pedal. 

To paint a picture, here are some of the most popular single bass drum pedals available on Geek Stands, and their features:

Product Name	Type Of Pedal	Beater Type	Footboard Angle
Pearl P3000D Eliminator Demon Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal	Direct Drive	Control Core Beater	Adjustable
DW DWCP5000AD4 Accelerator Single Bass Pedal	Dual Chain	Tri-Pivot Toe Clamp	Adjustable
Single Kick Bass Drum Pedal by GRIFFIN	Chain Drive	4-Sided Felt Beater	Adjustable

“After mulling over the endless reviews of every kick pedal out there, I really didn't want to spend the bucks on this thing, but I finally did. There's no comparing this to any other pedal on the market; from its seemingly endless customizable features to the flawless design and sheer beauty. It’s worth every penny.” Rowena Smith, Verified Buyer on the Pearl P3000D Eliminator

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, finding the right bass drum pedal can make all the difference in your playing.

To find the perfect match for your style and needs, it's a great idea to consider all your available options—and for that, what better place than Geek Stands?

With our wide bass drum pedal collection and some of the best deals on the market, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. 

But what if you’re looking for something that offers a bit more than a single bass drum pedal, you wonder? 

Well, why don’t we take a look at the double bass pedals then….

2 - Double Bass Drum Pedals: Two Times the Fun

Double bass drum pedals are the perfect choice for drummers who want to create complex and powerful beats. 

With two pedals to play with, you can achieve faster and more intricate rhythms showing off your skills and reaching heights previously unattainable with a single bass drum pedal. 

But hold on, before you hand over your credit card information, there are a few things you need to know. For one, there are a few double bass drum pedal types you need to familiarize yourself with so you can find the best for you. 

• Two-Chain Drive Pedals: These are the most common type of double bass drum pedal on the market. They consist of two separate pedals connected by two chains.
  The two-chain drive design provides good balance and control, making it easier to execute fast strokes.
• Direct Drive Pedals: These pedals use a one-to-one ratio to transfer the motion of the footboard directly to the beater. This design provides a highly responsive feel and makes it easier for you to execute quick and precise strokes.
  Direct drive pedals are the most preferred option for fast-paced styles and genres.
• Belt Drive Pedals: Belt drive pedals use a strap or belt instead of a chain to transfer the motion of the footboard to the beater. They provide a smooth, even feel, that makes it easier to play with finesse and control.
  However, belt drive pedals also require more maintenance than chain or direct drive pedals.  

Now that you know a bit more about double bass drum pedals, here’s a list of some top options you should consider, and a comparison of their key features to ease your decision-making:

• Double Kick Drum Pedal for Bass Drum by GRIFFIN - Deluxe Twin Set Foot Pedal - Quad Sided Beater Heads - Dual Pedal Two Chain Drive Hardware
• Deluxe Double Kick Drum Pedal for Bass Drum by GRIFFIN - Twin Set Foot Pedal - Quad-Sided Beater
• Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra Bass Pedal - Double Pedal
• Yamaha DFP-9500D Double Foot Pedal - Direct Drive; Case Included

Brand	Model	Drive System	Beater Type	Customer Ratings
Griffin	Double Kick Drum Pedal	Two Chain Drive	Quad Sided	4.9/5 stars
Griffin	Deluxe Double Kick Drum Pedal	Two Chain Drive	Quad Sided	4.8/5 stars
Tama	Speed Cobra Bass Pedal	Double Chain Drive	Cobra Coil	4.8/5 stars
Yamaha	DFP-9500D Double Foot Pedal	Direct Drive	Two Way	4.8/5 stars

“This is the most awesome pedal I've played on, especially for the price. I'm so glad I bought this because it is smooth and has many adjustments that you can make to fit your needs. These are double chain driven as well and are just a solid piece of equipment that just works for my needs.” Anshu Bava, Verified Buyer on the Deluxe Double Kick Drum Pedal

For further details on each of these pedals and more options, check out our pedal collection on Geek Stands. Here you'll find a wide variety of high-quality double bass drum pedals and the best deals on the market. 

Here is a brief walkthrough video on the double bass kick drum pedal:

No matter your skill level, we have something for everyone looking to take their drumming to the next level.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different chain tensions to find your preferred balance between responsiveness and feel.

3 - Chain vs Direct Drive: The Great Debate

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If you’ve hung out with other drummers, you’ve probably heard, or been part of a hot debate over whether chain or direct drive systems are better. 

We’re here to put an end to the debate through an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each system. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chain Drive Pedals

Chain drive pedals have been around almost as long as drum pedals have existed, and remain a popular choice for drummers all over the world to this day. 

But are they truly the cream of the crop as some would have you believe? Let’s explore what they offer and where they fall short to find out.

Advantages of chain drive pedals:

• Chain drive pedals provide drummers with smooth and responsive action when playing. This makes them formidable at fast and intricate playing.
• Chain drive pedals are generally more affordable than direct drive pedals. They offer an ideal balance between price and performance, which is great if you’re on a budget.
• Chain drive pedals are easy to maintain and repair. Their simple construction means that their parts are easily replaced in the event of excessive wear or damage. 

Disadvantages of chain drive pedals:

• Chain drive pedals can be noisy. Their chains tend to rattle and vibrate as you play, which some drummers can find a little distracting. 
• Chain drive pedals require more regular maintenance and cleaning. The chains are prone to getting clogged with dirt and debris, which if left unchecked will affect responsiveness and can cause damage. 
• Chain drive pedals don’t offer the same level of precision and control as direct drive pedals. They feel a little heavier under the foot thanks to the chains, and this can impact their responsiveness.

Bonus Tip: Take the time to clean your chain drive pedal after each practice session to prevent debris buildup.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Drive Pedals

Direct-drive pedals are a relatively recent innovation, but they have gained massive popularity thanks to their high responsiveness—a feature that some drummers swear by. 

But is that all it takes to make them the better option? Let’s let their advantages and disadvantages speak for them. 

Advantages of direct-drive pedals:

• Direct-drive pedals are most popular for their quick and accurate response. This is the feature that’s responsible for their “go-to” status for precise and technical playing.
• Direct drive pedals are generally quieter than chain drive pedals, thanks to the lack of noisy chains that rattle and vibrate while playing. This is one of the key pain points for drummers who want a clean sound. 
• Direct drive pedals offer a high level of customization and adjustability. They allow you to fine-tune every detail of the pedal to suit your specific needs and playing style. 

Disadvantages of direct-drive pedals:

• Direct-drive pedals are typically more expensive than chain-drive pedals. They are less accessible for beginners or drummers on a budget.
• Direct drive pedals are more complex to maintain and repair. Their construction features some intricate parts that require professional attention to keep them in tip-top shape.
• Direct drive pedals may not be suitable for all types of music or playing styles. They are geared towards precise and technical playing, which is not always ideal for all styles of playing.

Why This Matters: Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of chain and direct drive pedals helps you make an informed decision when choosing the right pedal for your drumming style.

So there you have it. All the facts about chain and direct drive pedals. But the question still remains—which one is better, chain or direct drive? 

Here’s the kicker, in truth, the answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and playing style.

The smooth action and affordability of chain drives make all the difference for some drummers. Other drummers cannot imagine life without the precision and customization of direct drive pedals. 

Ultimately, the best bass drum pedals are those that feel most comfortable and natural under your feet. 

But no matter what bass drum driver you choose, you’ll find a variety of high-quality options on Geek Stands to help elevate your music and take it to the next level. In fact, here are a couple of our favorite options from each camp to get you started:

For team chain drive:

• Double Kick Drum Pedal for Bass Drum by GRIFFIN
• Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra Bass Pedal

For team direct drive:

• Yamaha DFP-9500D Double Foot Pedal 
• Pearl P3000D Eliminator Demon Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal

Here's a video explaining about 4 different drive types in bass drum pedals:

Rock Out on Your Bass Drum Pedal With Geek Stands

Congratulations! Now you know everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next bass drum pedal. 

The only thing that's left is to log on to Geek Stands, find your perfect pedal, and place your order. 

But why Geek Stands, you wonder?

Well, at Geek Stands, we’re committed to providing fellow music lovers and artists with professional equipment and accessories at the most competitive prices.

We’ve set up our operation such that we’re able to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on various items. That's hard to beat. 

But that’s not all that sets us apart. You see, with over two decades in the industry, we still maintain a 99 percent satisfaction rate from our clients across multiple platforms. This is a reflection of our dedication to the quality of your products and the services we provide. 

So if you're ready to rock out, visit our online store to place your order, and allow us to help you write the next chapter of your music career.