Let’s face it. Unless you can afford a soundproof room, chances are that you won’t be able to pound on the drums all around the clock. That’s why drum pads are a great way to practice your rolls and repetitions almost anywhere without disturbing the neighbours.
If you don’t use a drum pad and are looking for one, look no further.
Vic Firth 12" Double-Sided Practice Pad
Number one on the list is a drum pad from Vic Firth, a well-known drum pad and drumstick manufacturer.
It comes with two options-soft or hard rubber, so you can practice quietly or enhance the practice to intensify each stroke.
Pros
- Feels authentic for its dense wooden base,
- Ideal size and weight that makes pad practical and portable
- Great for practicing all kinds of patterns
- Made of high-quality durable materials
Cons
- Delicate soft sound on the soft side can be too quiet for some
Nine-Piece EDMBG Drum Practice Pads
A second great practice pad comes from EDMBG. It has four headcovers – 12, 13, 14, and 16 inches.
Having size customization certainly helps allowing you cover even tom toms and bass drum.
However, one thing to note is that you may have to purchase additional pads depending on how many cymbals you have. There is only one in this set.
Pros
- Made of quality materials such as neoprene, foam, and rubber
- Rubber lowers the volumes but keeps the original tone
- Includes the bass drum pad
- Excellent silencers for practicing without disturbing the whole house
Cons
- Some pieces may seem too lightweight
- Lack of instructions on how to attach the cymbal and hat pads
Double-Sided Drum Pad from Kibaga
The third quiet drum pad on the list is made by the Kibaga. It is a 12-inch practice pad, made of rubber foam, and covered with a silicone layer.
Pros
- The silicone layer effectively reduces the noise
- Practical and portable-use it on the table, lap, or any flat surface
- The size of a pad is great for beginners and advanced players
- Quality materials ensure the longevity of the product
Cons
- Although it is meant to be quiet, some might find it almost mute
- The package contains the practice pad, not the drumsticks
Evans Real Feel 2-Sided Practice Pad
Another great practice pad made by Evans Realfeel might be just the thing for the drumming enthusiasts. Manufactured in the USA from scratch, in a company that has over 40 years of experience.
It is a two-sided pad that allows you to combine realistic rebound and less rebound for a quieter practice mode. The Evans pad is available in three sizes-6, 7, and a 12-inch practice pad.
Pros
- Engineered, designed and manufactured to the perfection
- The combination of softer and harder rubber for reducing or enhancing the tone
- High-quality fabric is resistant to tear and wear
- There is no need for stand-use the drum pad on almost any available surface
Cons
- Sound on the hard side can be a bit dull and hollow in some areas which may be distracting
Vic Firth 12" Single-Sided Practice Pad
Last but not least on the best drum pads list is another practice pad from Vic Firth. The difference from the first pad on this list, from the same manufacturer, is that this pad is single-sided.
Pros
- Practical, lightweight, and portable practice pad
- Compatible with most surfaces
- Excellent value for money
- Soft rubber surface for quiet practice
Cons
- For advanced players, the rubber might be too thick, and the bounce too much