RockBand.com


View Full Version : Final Compairason Review: Drumpads4rockband, DrumSoft, RocPadz



CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 07:46 AM
This is the final now that I have used and played for a bit with all the pads. I always do a final review like this because my first review is done on the first of second day, and somethings you cannot tell from a couple of hours of play.

In this review I tell it like it is! I let you know who my top companies are and why, and where you should put your money. If I step on some toes I am sorry, but like I told all of you my job in these reviews is to give it to you straight as I see it from using the product.

With that said here it is the Final!!

EDIT: I know Compairason is misspelled as I think I hit a button and did not notice it until it was produced. Sorry:)


<object width="512" height="323"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.1.14" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="flashVars" value="id=7437545&vid=2384205&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/i/bcst/videosearch/2776/62528643.jpeg" /><embed src="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.1.14" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="323" allowFullScreen="true" flashVars="id=7437545&vid=2384205&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/i/bcst/videosearch/2776/62528643.jpeg" ></embed></object>
Which Pad company is top? Watch and find out!

Big Hef
04-17-2008, 10:43 AM
I don't mean to rain on your parade...but you've actually misspelled COMPARISON several times in your post, not just the video. No big deal, just letting you know for future use.

RBrafter
04-17-2008, 10:55 AM
I appreciate the effort of doing these reviews.

It would be great to have a product score or rating comparison at the beginning of the video.

Nuggie
04-17-2008, 11:13 AM
He cena, excellent final review. It's very helpful to see this and be able to compare all 3 together, instead of looking at 1 at a time

You mention that you like Drumsoft the best in terms of product selection, pricing, the research they put in.
However, what I would like to know, purely based on performance and nothing to do with the price, which one is better, the ROCPADZ sponge rubber neoprene with nylon top or the DRUMSOFT micro-cellular urethane dual?

Thanks again cena

ozram
04-17-2008, 11:17 AM
Mate awesome reviews. Nothing like seeing a review from someone that has actually used all products. Im sure this will help everyone on the forum whom doesn't know where to spend their RB $$$.

My drumsoft pads should arrive at the end of the week.

Sayburr
04-17-2008, 12:08 PM
Now, to throw a curve in these wonderful reveiws... HMX is now selling their own pads:

http://www.rockbandstore.com/detail.php?p=59557&v=rbs_rock_the_game_game_and_gear

http://www.rockbandstore.com/img/product/catl/00059557-288045.jpg

v1g1lance1
04-17-2008, 12:25 PM
Wow - wonder when that happened?

Sayburr
04-17-2008, 12:34 PM
Not sure, but after watching the review above I doubt they stack up to the pads CENACHAINGANG54 talked about.

killer_roach
04-17-2008, 12:45 PM
CENACHAINGANG54: Which drum set are you using? I'd heard some people say you shouldn't pad a EL set (which is what I have), and thought I'd get your advice on it.

dady5000
04-17-2008, 12:45 PM
Someone likes wrestling :rolleyes: Good Review, it'd be nice to have a visual representation of what you said.

Nuwidol
04-17-2008, 02:36 PM
Just wanted to throw in a quick thumbs up for Drumsoft Customer Service.

I ordered a set of the original pads (shipped to UK) & for some reason they didn't make it here. I emailed Drumsoft asking when they were shipped & they said they offered to send me another set but this time with priority shipping & online tracking.
Both at their expense.

Now i'm just waiting gor them to arrive :D

Nuggie
04-17-2008, 02:47 PM
Just wanted to throw in a quick thumbs up for Drumsoft Customer Service.

I ordered a set of the original pads (shipped to UK) & for some reason they didn't make it here. I emailed Drumsoft asking when they were shipped & they said they offered to send me another set but this time with priority shipping & online tracking.
Both at their expense.

Now i'm just waiting gor them to arrive :D

I'm also looking to get some pads from Drumsoft to the UK (all ready for the 23rd baby!)

What pads did you order and how much did it cost in total inc. P&P? I'm guessing that UK will get the QM drum sets or even the newer SL kits, so we won't have to worry about narrowing down our choices. I'm currently thinking about the MCU dual or the thick or thin version

CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 03:42 PM
I don't mean to rain on your parade...but you've actually misspelled COMPARISON several times in your post, not just the video. No big deal, just letting you know for future use.

OK I stated it was wrong on the video first of all. Second do you know how many spellings I got for that one word? And my spell checker did not like them all. I use to be a spelling ace now I am now so I always check. So google the word and tell me what you get!

CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 03:44 PM
He cena, excellent final review. It's very helpful to see this and be able to compare all 3 together, instead of looking at 1 at a time

You mention that you like Drumsoft the best in terms of product selection, pricing, the research they put in.
However, what I would like to know, purely based on performance and nothing to do with the price, which one is better, the ROCPADZ sponge rubber neoprene with nylon top or the DRUMSOFT micro-cellular urethane dual?

Thanks again cena

That is tough which is why you cannot go wrong with either. Let me break it down like this. If you want a little more rebound and if you want to feel a little bit more cusion, then RocPadz. If you still want rebound but have something a little closer to a real drum feel then Drum Soft.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 03:47 PM
CENACHAINGANG54: Which drum set are you using? I'd heard some people say you shouldn't pad a EL set (which is what I have), and thought I'd get your advice on it.

I use the QM. If you go back to the Drum Soft review http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44072&highlight=drum+soft

I talk about the 4 pads that they do have for the EL;)

BigZ7337
04-17-2008, 04:11 PM
Cena, currently I'm using the sock mod on my QM drums so that fast rythms are recognized. I was wondering if you can perform drum rolls with the RocPadz without any other modifications. If so, I'll probably pick them up, the drums would sure look better when my friends came over :D

jader201
04-17-2008, 10:20 PM
Thanks for posting your reviews. The community definitely benefits from the time you've put into doing this.

I have a question, and maybe you've answered this in one of your other threads/reviews (if so, I apologize), but I didn't hear any mention of it in your comparison review. Do you have any idea how these vary with the SL set? That's the set I have (after I RMA'ed my EL set due to 3 busted pads), and unfortunately, I'm finding little information on this set in regards to pad mods or related issues/performance.

You may not have any information on this, and if so, that's fine. I wanted to ask though, since you seem to have put a lot of time into this.

Regardless, thanks again for what you've done.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 10:48 PM
Cena, currently I'm using the sock mod on my QM drums so that fast rythms are recognized. I was wondering if you can perform drum rolls with the RocPadz without any other modifications. If so, I'll probably pick them up, the drums would sure look better when my friends came over :D

Yeah man I have not used the sock mod with these and I have had no need to. Rolls are just fine.:D

CENACHAINGANG54
04-17-2008, 10:53 PM
Thanks for posting your reviews. The community definitely benefits from the time you've put into doing this.

I have a question, and maybe you've answered this in one of your other threads/reviews (if so, I apologize), but I didn't hear any mention of it in your comparison review. Do you have any idea how these vary with the SL set? That's the set I have (after I RMA'ed my EL set due to 3 busted pads), and unfortunately, I'm finding little information on this set in regards to pad mods or related issues/performance.

You may not have any information on this, and if so, that's fine. I wanted to ask though, since you seem to have put a lot of time into this.

Regardless, thanks again for what you've done.

From the research I have done the SL is close to the QM. From what I have read it is more sensitive than the QM. Due to this the SL should be able to be covered with pads just like the QM. supposedly it is also built better than the QM and the EL combined!

I am going to be buying a second set. If you guys would want a review on it I can see if I can find a SL set and do a review on it if you like? If it is not as good or the pads do not work I can always return it withing seven days.
This way all of the questions will be answered. I am looking to buy another set in about a week so let me know.

MrBrownstain420
04-18-2008, 12:12 AM
Which one of these will help me beat blinded by fear? ... That song is absolutely crushing me. My red pad may be shot finally. This set did pretty good at 2 months.

Bah!
04-18-2008, 01:07 AM
Just wanted to chime in and thank you for all your reviews, and tell about my experience (though limited) with Drumsoft.

First off, i have two sets of EL drums (which both work flawlessly, go figure) so i went with the MCU thin pads with the Alien design. The thin pads don't cover the rims, just the face of the drum.

I played a good 2-3 hours last night, and another 4-5 today and they don't even show marks from where they've been hit...they literally look just like they did when i opened the envelope. I don't use the sticks that came with the game, however, i use Zildjian 5B anti-vibes with nylon tips, which are quite a bit better and easier on the drum pads.

My set of covers were already on the way when i read your review, so i was a little worried when i read they might wear easily, but from the looks of things (and i know 8 hours isn't a ton of time) the MCU thins will probably last me a very long time.

I would definitely recommend the MCU thins to anyone with an EL set. I've noticed no sensitivity loss at all and about a 50% (or more) reduction in sound, which considering how thin these pads are, is very impressive. Living in an apartment the noise was a huge issue before. From just a vanity aspect the graphics on the pads are well done and look really, really nice along with the jet black pads.

Overall i'm very pleased with the Drumsoft pads and will be ordering a second set for my other drums very soon.

Nuwidol
04-18-2008, 06:11 AM
I'm also looking to get some pads from Drumsoft to the UK (all ready for the 23rd baby!)

What pads did you order and how much did it cost in total inc. P&P? I'm guessing that UK will get the QM drum sets or even the newer SL kits, so we won't have to worry about narrowing down our choices. I'm currently thinking about the MCU dual or the thick or thin version

I ordered the original neoprene pads (thats all they offered when i ordered them)
I've got a QM set so they should be fine.

BigZ7337
04-18-2008, 06:26 AM
Which one of these will help me beat blinded by fear? ... That song is absolutely crushing me. My red pad may be shot finally. This set did pretty good at 2 months.

http://rockband.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6377


Check out Gurnkillers 3-stick method, for me I taped two of my older thin sticks together to make it easier for me. You still have to hit the bass notes, and switch from G+Y to G+B, but with it I was able to pass it.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-18-2008, 07:11 AM
Which one of these will help me beat blinded by fear? ... That song is absolutely crushing me. My red pad may be shot finally. This set did pretty good at 2 months.

Well if you have a bad pad neither until you get some good ones:p

However I would say the MCU Dual if you have the QM. You cannot tell me you will not lose it a little bit on this song and the rim is covered. So I would go with those for that.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-18-2008, 07:17 AM
Just wanted to chime in and thank you for all your reviews, and tell about my experience (though limited) with Drumsoft.

First off, i have two sets of EL drums (which both work flawlessly, go figure) so i went with the MCU thin pads with the Alien design. The thin pads don't cover the rims, just the face of the drum.

I played a good 2-3 hours last night, and another 4-5 today and they don't even show marks from where they've been hit...they literally look just like they did when i opened the envelope. I don't use the sticks that came with the game, however, i use Zildjian 5B anti-vibes with nylon tips, which are quite a bit better and easier on the drum pads.

My set of covers were already on the way when i read your review, so i was a little worried when i read they might wear easily, but from the looks of things (and i know 8 hours isn't a ton of time) the MCU thins will probably last me a very long time.

I would definitely recommend the MCU thins to anyone with an EL set. I've noticed no sensitivity loss at all and about a 50% (or more) reduction in sound, which considering how thin these pads are, is very impressive. Living in an apartment the noise was a huge issue before. From just a vanity aspect the graphics on the pads are well done and look really, really nice along with the jet black pads.

Overall i'm very pleased with the Drumsoft pads and will be ordering a second set for my other drums very soon.

Hey man thanks for that! This is why I posted I think on page one in response to what I though would rip them. On reviews I go off of what I see. I have used mine for a little of 15 hours now and I have no problems. I had to switch from my Vic Firth Dave Weckl Edition sticks to my Zildjian 5b Travis Barker Signature. I switch because my Vic Firth's paint was wearing off and the wood was exposed.

I think these will last a very long time and I am one of very few people posting on YouTube right now using these pads.

mugs
04-24-2008, 02:58 PM
Can someone give me a quick rundown of what to buy??

QM Set -- Cheap= Expensive=
EL Set -- Cheap= Expensive=
Whatever other Set -- Cheap= Expensive=

is it possible to get this information without having to watch the 17 minute video??

CENACHAINGANG54
04-25-2008, 03:18 AM
Can someone give me a quick rundown of what to buy??

QM Set -- Cheap= Expensive=
EL Set -- Cheap= Expensive=
Whatever other Set -- Cheap= Expensive=

is it possible to get this information without having to watch the 17 minute video??

Well in that 17 minute video is alot of stuff that needs to be known if you are going to try the best pads for you. It does not talk about price of set's, but it does tell you which company has a solution if you have an El set which cannot be covered usually.

The QM set and the SL set you will have to do either one or two things. One you will need to go buy a stand alone kit. On the side of the box it will tell what type of kit is in the box. If you find it this way they all cost the same price which is $79.99

Or you can RMA the set and hope to get a QM or SL back. From what I have heard the QM is better than the SL and that the SL is more sensitive than the QM. However as far as I know the SL can be padded

I hope this answers your question.

Guitaroz
04-27-2008, 02:23 PM
I posted this on another thread just now but i figured it would be more appropiate here:

i just traded in my faulty QM and got a EL:(:(:(.....i really want to get the rocpadz, will it still work with the el or should i get something from drumsoft?

Jimmik
04-27-2008, 02:52 PM
I can tell you put a lot of work in reviewing these drum kits, great video!

Melchiah
04-27-2008, 03:16 PM
I have an EL, and...even though it seems to work perfectly (the only imperfection is my skill level, at the moment), if I do decide to get drum pads, it looks like I'll be going for the MCU Thins.

Thanks for the reviews!

Ventura
04-27-2008, 06:31 PM
Just wanted to throw in a quick thumbs up for Drumsoft Customer Service.

You and me both.

I bought a set from Drumsoft back when they only had the one set of pads for sale, which were obviously designed for just the QM kit.

I emailed the guy in charge, Robert, and he apologised for the convenience and said he'd send me out a set of their Thin MCU pads, which tested the best as far as minimising sensitivity loss on the EL set is concerned.

Unfortunately as a hard/expert player, after just a couple of plays I've found that the MCU pads are starting to break down over use. This is a real shame because they'd proven to be the best pads as far as minimising sensitivity goes.

Anyway, another email to Robert and he's sending me out yet another set of pads, and once again he apologised for the inconvenience. So I'm in Australia, been having problems, and this is the third set of pads he's sending out to me.

While their product has thus far underperformed, I can't praise their customer service enough.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-28-2008, 10:26 AM
I posted this on another thread just now but i figured it would be more appropiate here:

i just traded in my faulty QM and got a EL:(:(:(.....i really want to get the rocpadz, will it still work with the el or should i get something from drumsoft?

Yeah man you will not be able to get RocPadz you are going to have to go for the MCU thins from DrumSoft. The same thing happen to me as well and now none of my pads work because it is an EL. The pads I have from DrumSoft were meant for the QM as it is the dual and the top layer is the thick. I tried using just the MCU part and my EL is not having it. So I am going to have to order some Thins from DrumSoft or RMA my set and hope for another QM.

CENACHAINGANG54
04-28-2008, 10:29 AM
You and me both.

I bought a set from Drumsoft back when they only had the one set of pads for sale, which were obviously designed for just the QM kit.

I emailed the guy in charge, Robert, and he apologised for the convenience and said he'd send me out a set of their Thin MCU pads, which tested the best as far as minimising sensitivity loss on the EL set is concerned.

Unfortunately as a hard/expert player, after just a couple of plays I've found that the MCU pads are starting to break down over use. This is a real shame because they'd proven to be the best pads as far as minimising sensitivity goes.

Anyway, another email to Robert and he's sending me out yet another set of pads, and once again he apologised for the inconvenience. So I'm in Australia, been having problems, and this is the third set of pads he's sending out to me.

While their product has thus far underperformed, I can't praise their customer service enough.

Sorry you seem to be having problems. I am also an expert drummer and none of my DrumSoft pads has started showing signs of breaking down. As I have stated I cannot use the ones I have now due to now having an EL set. But I will be getting the thins.

I am glad Robert took care of you, and hope you have better success in the future:)

msiew
04-28-2008, 05:51 PM
Thanks for all the reviews, Cena.

Just wanted to post my thoughts after using the drumsoft MCU dual pads briefly.

I've noticed a very slight loss in sensitivity, but nothing too severe. The rebound isn't quite as good as I hoped with these pads, but it's not bad. I think I just have to get used to the new feel. They just feel a lot spongier. Not bad, necessarily, just different.

However, the main reason I got them was for sound dampening and they're just remarkable in that regard. I can hit the drums pretty hard and there's very little in the way of noise being made. It certainly changes the gameplay experience for the better in that regard.

So, overall, I'm pretty happy with the purchase. I might just use only the MCU layer if I'm not happy with the feel of the set after a while, but they are very good pads and the both the neoprene and MCU layer seem very sturdy.

Hindesite
04-28-2008, 07:59 PM
If you reading this and are considering Drumsoft's MCU Dual pads, their most expensive and highest quality pads for the QM set, I'd personally recommend them for you.

I've purchased a set of them for my QM set with the Space "Pimp Your Pads" design and honestly I'm very happy.

There's some negatives, I will admit. Though the sensitivity near the center of the pad is just as good (if not improved), the sensitivity of the pads closer to the rims diminishes with the weakness of the tap. Before the pads, a light tap anywhere would register. Now, only light taps at the center will register. Do I consider this a major fault? No, because the pads are extremely durable, and you can really pound them with little to no damage. I've played about 10 hours or so total since I got them and have almost no wear, yet... and that's with extremely agressive playing. That's not saying you HAVE to beat them to get a note to hit, but it will take a little more force then before if you're hitting too far away from the center.

Now for the pluses, they cancel the noise very well (though not entirely), they give a little extra rebound, and they look very cool the way the span the width of the drums (including the rims) and come with the custom design (at an extra cost). The dull thud from hitting the pads, even on extremely hard hits, is much more plesent on the ears, and the absence of rim clacking is a God-send.

These pads are highly recommended. :)

v1g1lance1
05-08-2008, 12:37 PM
Good summary Hindesite. I was just about to post the same thing. I break a lot of combo's on the pads because I'm not used to having to play them harder (I generally play really softly). That said, once I'm used to them it shouldn't be a problem.

Overall very happy, and I love the noise reduction.

Oh, and I don't have to use the sock mod anymore. I haven't had any roll issues with them.

jmarks2001
05-12-2008, 04:18 PM
I have an EL that works pretty well, no dropped beats as far as I can tell (playing on hard). I didn't like the look of the MCU thins, and from the looks of them, I didn't think they would help reduce the noise by all that much, so I took a chance and got the single neoprene. They just arrived today, but I haven't gotten a chance to try them out yet.

Cena - Based on your experience, do you think they will work for me or should I return them before I peel off the paper and stick them on?

I wish I found this thread before I ordered.


Also, has anyone tried using a practice tips (like these, http://www.innovativepercussion.com/pages/products/product_group.asp?group_id=59) in combination with pads. I would think think that maybe the added weight/surface area of the tip would add a little more force to the hit, while deadening the sound even more.

Jaacar
05-12-2008, 04:32 PM
Also, has anyone tried using a practice tips (like these, http://www.innovativepercussion.com/pages/products/product_group.asp?group_id=59) in combination with pads. I would think think that maybe the added weight/surface area of the tip would add a little more force to the hit, while deadening the sound even more.

I just purchased some 3/8" latex tubing from Home Depot and stuck that on the end of my drumsticks. Works great for not only sound dampening, but gives a little bit of rebound as well.

ThyDemise
05-12-2008, 06:52 PM
thanks for the reviews. i recently put on a set of MCU Thick (which cover the rim) pads on my EL set and i have to say i absolutely love them. the rebound for my taste is more than fine, the sound of my kit was cut in half if not more and so far no loss in sensitivity. i dont have a lot of time on them but the time i did spend wailing on em didnt leave behind any sign of use. very satisfied. :)

BigZ7337
05-12-2008, 09:20 PM
I bought a set of RocPadz, and today was the first day I played with them on, and I improved my score by around 200,000 points to ~9.6 million career score. Thanks for the reviews Cena, every drummer with a qm should have a set of these.

karmajack
05-12-2008, 09:43 PM
...Also, has anyone tried using a practice tips (like these, http://www.innovativepercussion.com/pages/products/product_group.asp?group_id=59) in combination with pads. I would think think that maybe the added weight/surface area of the tip would add a little more force to the hit, while deadening the sound even more.

I have these Tama Practice Tips ($4.20 @ Guitar Center) They add a good amount of weight and rebound to counter act having to hit harder with pads installed. I'm using the MCU Duals myself and love them.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j106/karmajack/tamatips.jpg
Here's a pic of them on my sticks (Zildjan anti-vibe 5a nylons with Vader grip tape)
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j106/karmajack/100_0206.jpg

jmarks2001
05-13-2008, 02:49 PM
I have these Tama Practice Tips ($4.20 @ Guitar Center) They add a good amount of weight and rebound to counter act having to hit harder with pads installed. I'm using the MCU Duals myself and love them.


So I slapped the Single Neoprene pads on my set last night, and I love the way they felt. After a couple songs of getting used to them, I started improving scores left and right. Later on in the night, after my kids went to bed, I played a little more and I noticed a lot of missed notes in really simple sections that I wasn't truly missing. I think it's because I have a natural tendency to play "softer" when my kids are asleep. I never had a problem playing softer on my padless drums, but I think the sensitivity has definitely decreased.


karma - Are you using the MCU Duals on an EL set? Have you tried playing on it without those practice tips? And if so, can you confirm that adding the tips had a positive effect?

karmajack
05-13-2008, 09:41 PM
So I slapped the Single Neoprene pads on my set last night, and I love the way they felt. After a couple songs of getting used to them, I started improving scores left and right. Later on in the night, after my kids went to bed, I played a little more and I noticed a lot of missed notes in really simple sections that I wasn't truly missing. I think it's because I have a natural tendency to play "softer" when my kids are asleep. I never had a problem playing softer on my padless drums, but I think the sensitivity has definitely decreased.


karma - Are you using the MCU Duals on an EL set? Have you tried playing on it without those practice tips? And if so, can you confirm that adding the tips had a positive effect?

Against suggestion, I am using the MCU Duals on an EL. I'll get to "why" part of that later. Yes I did try the MCU's before I got the Tama tips and the sensitivity was pretty bad. Peformance, though still not perfect, is much improved with the Tama Tips. Since you are using the the single neoprene pads, I would assume your sensitivity would be much greater than mine. The MCU Duals are much thicker.
As to why I'm using the MCU's on an EL, three reasons...
One: When I got them I was planning on using them on a QM set that my friend was selling which he later decided to keep.
Two: My drumset is modifed. I have added a full cymbal set to my drums. In doing so, there are few times when I'm actually using the Y, B, & G pads as I am striking the proper cymbals for the related notes. On the rare occasions that I do use the stock pads, They still respond well enough as to not undermind my score.
Three: I play heavy. If I were to play lightly I'm sure I would get crap for a response.

scourge
05-14-2008, 12:48 AM
Cena thanks a million for posting these vids man. This is just what I was looking for. I'm gonna order some now.

Can't thank you enough. I hope someone is sending you some free stuff for your efforts.

CENACHAINGANG54
05-14-2008, 01:31 AM
Thanks Scourge.

The companies are good to me.:)

CENACHAINGANG54
05-14-2008, 01:36 AM
Just to let everyone know, RocPadz has revamped their site. Go check him out at www.rocpadz.com Also he has created a set of color pad iron ons. Now your RocPadz can have the four colors! They will be ready to be sold in June but you can see them now at the site.

Nuggie
05-14-2008, 06:25 AM
Hey Cena, will you be posting a comparison video between Rocpadz/Drumsoft & the Premium Drum covers?

CENACHAINGANG54
05-14-2008, 07:19 AM
Thought about it but did not think anyone wanted another comparison video even if it is adding a new company. If it is something you guys want I would be more than happy to do one.

Nuggie
05-14-2008, 08:45 AM
I guess it would be quite a bit more effort

How about just a quick text summary in here which one you prefer, Premium Drum Covers or Drumsoft (which you rated the best out of the first 3 companies)

CENACHAINGANG54
05-14-2008, 07:48 PM
I guess it would be quite a bit more effort

How about just a quick text summary in here which one you prefer, Premium Drum Covers or Drumsoft (which you rated the best out of the first 3 companies)

Yeah Nuggie I could do that

CENACHAINGANG54
05-14-2008, 08:29 PM
For Nuggie and everyone else, for the first time I am going to do this in writing. I am only doing the three, because I think these are the ones everyone has bought the most or are the most interested in at this time. However when it comes to Drumpads4rockband, I still feel the same way as I did in the first comparison.

Nuggie made mention that in the first one I ranked DrumSoft number one which I still do. To quickly recap they were number one not only for their pads, but they had the best pricing solution for everyone and was the first company that has a solution for all of the people with EL sets. The other reason was because they had the cool feature pimp your pad which no one else has been doing and I think it made everything look cool.

Before I go on let me tell you the criteria on which I base my opinion on who is 1,2,or 3.

1. Quietness. How much does the pad dampen the sound

2. Thickness and protection. Is the pad thick enough to protect the drum yet at the same time not having you lose sensitivity.

3. Pricing: Is the price something everyone can afford across the board. When I say this I mean can someone living pay check to pay check with the current gas prices be able to buy a pair of pads.

4. Customer Service: Although listed last this is the most important of all to me. If I am treated well then I know all of you will be once you go to buy from these good people.

So I am going to do this one a little different and give you a rank based on all the criteria. This may or may not make a decision for you easier, but you know what I think now that I have used all three.

First of all let me say that these 3 companies are the top companies for your padding solution in my opinion.

Lets tackle number 1 Quietness.
If I had to give an honest rating based on me using them and the people around me that listen to them.

Premium Rock Band Drum Covers wins the war on quietness. You can increase the thickness of them to dampen as much as you want up to four pads. In my opinion The premiums cut's down the sound by atleast 70&#37;

RocPadz would be next. Due to the thickness of the pads and the material used, it reduces the sound of the drums by atleast 60%

DrumSoft comes in third with this one but still has good sound dampening. Due to the fact that they use a hard neoprene rubber in the duels, it makes the surface a little harder and a little louder, but not by much. Also the MCU being a nice but then material cuts sound but not as much as the other two. The sound with these pads are cut by at least 50 to 55%

Bottom line all three are good choices to cut sound, and you can hear what you are doing and not the annoying sound of the drums.

2. Thickness and Protection.
All three are number one when it comes to protection. No matter which one you buy it covers the drum head therefore protecting the drums because you are not hitting directly on the head. If you want the whole head to be covered, then DrumSoft's MCU Thick and Premium Drum Covers are the ones for you.

When it comes to thickness once again all three are very good. The RocPadz are 1/4 thick and if you do the duel MCU's from DrumSoft they are also 1/4 thick with all layers.
With Premium Covers you adjust to the thickness you want. I have not measured with all of the pads on, but it is pretty close to the others. So the #1 Winner in this field: All Three

2. Pricing:
The clear cut winner here is DrumSoft. As stated in the other ones their cheapest pad is $10 and it works on both the QM and the EL. RocPadz are number 2 as their pads cost $31.00 us and $39.00 International. And #3 Premium Drum Covers as their covers cost $34.00

Now let me say this. In the first comparison I stated I agreed with all of the pricing and I still do. When it comes to DrumSoft I think enough has been said about them because they do have a solution that will make you happy and not cost alot.

When it comes to RocPadz, remember he has went above and beyond as well. Making improvements to the adhesive, and now he is coming out with color Iron ons for the RocPadz that can go on the current set you already have.

Premium Drum Covers are hand made folks! Someone has to sit behind a macine after they made the pattern to give you what you have right now if you own them. I think $34.00 is a good price being on how they are made.

So although I gave you a rank on the pricing, I still think that the price they charge for is a fair price.

Last but certainly not least Customer Service:

All three in this area is Number 1! I could not have ask for three better people customer service wise than Patrick, Robert, and Mike!

To this day I still have contact with all three wanting to know how everything is going and if there is anything that has come up for them to handle. I feel very comfortable sending you to either three, and I know if problems arise it will get handled.

So there you have it my comparison on the top three now that I have and I continue to use all three. I hope this helps everyone decide on what to buy.

On a side note. This is why I do video. If I had to type this much with every review I would have no hands! LOL

Until The Next Review

PEACE, LOVE AND KEEP ROCKING!!

EDIT: I forgot to talk about sensitivity. This is just from my findings but all are good. I have not lost any sensitivity using either pad. When I had the really bad sets, the pads/covers actually help out my drums a little bit. So I say all three are #1 contenders when it comes to sensitivity.