12 Best Drum Practice Pads – 2021 Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Drum Practice Pad + Reviews

 

If you want to buy the best drum practice pad and you don’t know where to start, we have your back covered. After going through some of the most popular manufacturers and their portfolio, and carefully reading expert reviews and buying advice, we’ve analyzed the resulting data and brought to your attention only the top models that are worthy of your hard-earned money. One product that you should pay close attention to is the Evans 2-Sided Practice. It is a portable piece, with close-to-real-feel that will also survive all your intensive practice tasks. If you need an alternative, the Vic Firth Heavy Hitter could be just as efficient.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

12 Best Drum Practice Pads (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

In the following minutes, you are going to learn all about the best practice pads drummers have at their disposal. We only chose user-friendly models, that are made with the best materials and overall quality so they will not only please you but impress you as well.

 

 

1. Evans RF12D RealFeel Acoustic Drum Practice Pad

 

This model is something that will come in handy more than once, especially if you have neighbors who complain a lot. You can use both sides of the product, so in case you need more versatility, you will have where to choose from.

The size of the surface is around the 12-inch threshold, which is large enough for the player who is used with bigger drumsticks – this way you don’t risk missing the product and hitting the table or wherever you put it on to practice. This is why you can successfully use it as a substitute for an acoustic drum.

It fits inside a snare basket with ease, and the one side has a natural gum feel, for a realistic experience. The other surface is made of sturdy recycled rubber, which is great for songs where you need a bit more of a workout. The rebound it offers is close to the real-life one, which makes it an excellent practice pad.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($34.99)

 

 

 

2. Vic Firth Pad Hhpql Heavy Hitter

 

If you are a marching tenor drummer and you are having difficulties finding a good pad, give this one a chance. The manufacturer specially designed this product with marching quads in mind, which were placed and laid out to match the feel and the placement of the real quads.

Moreover, even spacing is to scale, and the materials chosen are bound to be sturdy and not break or wear out in time. The two smaller pads are made of a thinner type of rubber, and the central quad pad is created from rubber too, but with a larger thickness for an authentic feel and feedback that is very educative.

The spock pads are not glued to the main body, so if you only need one of them, you can remove the other with ease. And because everything is created to emulate the real thing, you will have no issue transitioning from the pad to the actual instrument with ease.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)

 

 

 

3. Vic Firth Practice Pad Slim 

 

When it comes to popular alternatives from trusted brands, this model is the one that should make it to the top of your priorities. As you would want a practice pad to do, it gives an accurate feel of a snare drum to the one using it. Alternatively, it can be used to simulate a marching tenor or a bass drum.

The size comes in at 12 inches and it is constructed on an appealing wooden base, which doesn’t stand in the way of the acoustics of the product. These features make it compact and lightweight, so if you like to travel and practice at the same time, this model will allow you to do that comfortably.

The pad is made of rubber, and its elasticity is perfectly balanced so you can learn without any unnecessary bounce. It gives the player more articulation. Thus, he or she can extrapolate the tricks they learn with the help of the model to the preferred drum set.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

4. Vic Firth Double Sided Practice Pad

 

Kids especially will love this model. It is lightweight, easy to use and hold, and it is almost like it was created for their fragile hands. That being said, adults can still use it efficiently, without having the feeling the piece is too small and uncomfortable in any way.

All of these properties make it a fit choice for a family of musicians who want a versatile tool. The soft rubber the pad is created from is suitable for quiet practice, and it is also available with a harder type of rubber that intensifies the sound and the workout of each of your strokes.

The base itself is made of a dense kind of wood for an authentic feel, and which adheres to the surface you put it on. Moreover, if you are worried about the smell of rubber, you should know the product is odor-free for those with sensitive noses.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

5. Remo 8″ Practice Pad

 

An excellent tool for a beginner drummer lays right in front of your eyes. Furthermore, it can be used by an advanced drummer who wants to maintain his or her chops and style. If you are planning to play the real drums, you will be glad to hear this model features the same bounce and feel like the real instrument.

The tunable practice pad features the Ambassador Coated drumhead to achieve that realistic vibe. It can be mounted on a stand for upright playing positions and it has a protective rubber bottom, so it won’t scratch or slip if you place it on your tabletop.

When it comes to size, the manufacturer has every type of user covered. The standard is 8 inches, but it can also be found in 6 and 10 inches. And since the brand is so famous, you will never be ashamed to use this in public or around other musicians because they will appreciate the fact you invest in premium products.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($18.95)

 

 

 

6. Vic Firth Single Sided Practice Pad

 

Most buyers appreciate the excellent construction of this product, and on top of that, the fact that it is easy to use and light enough so you can carry it just about anywhere you want to go. If you are a frequent traveler, this will help you keep up with your practice even in a remote part of the world.

It fits well in most drumstick bags, but if you are not planning on using that, you can buy an inexpensive case from the Internet. And since the footprint of the item is reduced, you can place it on any desk or surface you have available.

Moreover, it has a simple yet efficient non-skid rubber base and a mounting thread, which you can use to mount the model on a cymbal stand. The surface of the pad is made of soft rubber, ideal for quiet practice. The base, as it is the case with most products in this category, is made of wood.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($19.83)

 

 

 

7. The Drumeo P4 Practice Pad

 

Drumming pads don’t have to be boring, as this model proves. It is colorful, it has a young vibe, and it can please many artists who also have a passion for aesthetics and chromatics. It is the meeting point of remarkable design and enhanced functionality.

It will inspire you to practice more and to take your creativity to new heights. The three unique playing surfaces offer a lot of versatility, so if you have more than one area where you would like to improve, you can do so with its help. Needless to say, it simulates the real feel of your preferred drums.

The model is great for developing and increasing your speed, to learn how to control the sticks, and to avoid annoying your family every time you want to learn a new song. Pat Petrillo, a world-renowned drummer designed the model, so you know that it is made to fulfill its purpose from the second you’ve received the package.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($84.08)

 

 

 

8. Remo RT0010-00 Practice Pad

 

The ten-inch diameter of this model is more than enough for both beginners and experts alike. It is a useful practice pad, to use as an alternative to banging a real drum and getting quickly on everyone’s nerves. Quality is good too, and the price is right when you add up all of its features.

Unlike other popular models, the head of the piece is replaceable. The pad is tunable, so you can personalize it as you wish and it offers the bounce of a real drum, especially if you use the right sticks. And if you need to mount it on a stand, it has the proper accessories to do so.

The RT-0010-00 measures 10 inches but is also available in a more compact size, at 6 inches, and if you want something in between, the manufacturer also has an 8 inches model available. It is very responsive, and it will be a pleasure to use it late at night, quietly, from the comfort of your bed.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($24.99)

 

 

 

9. Ultra Portable Practice Pad

 

The fashionable drum pad is the right step into the future. The red and black contrast is eye-catching, and the ergonomics of the product’s body will transform practice into a daily activity that you do with pleasure. It weighs around half a pound, which makes it ultra portable.

You should also know that it fits perfectly in all types of travel bags so that you can take advantage of its small footprint whenever you decide to go on a new adventure. You can as well use it in any weather condition if you decide to practice outside.

If it gets dirty or if the sound is not as robust as it used to be, just rinse it with some clean water and dry it with the help of a cloth or sponge to restore the pad’s sticky functionality almost instantly. This guarantees you won’t have to replace the product in the near future, which will save you a lot of money.

 

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

10. Zildjian 12″ Practice Pad

 

One music-related feature that stands out the most when it comes to this pad is its responsiveness. If you are someone who needs an accurate and flexible practice buddy, this might be what you’re looking for. It also rocks an 8mm mounting insert so that you can attach the product to a cymbal stand.

Its design is young and modern, and it features the red Zildjian logo and trademark, so everyone will know that you like high-quality music accessories. The base is solid, and it can stick to any support surface you might want to use in order to practice without being disturbed.

If you are feeling crafty and you want to strap it to your legs, you can use the insert for the stand to add any strap you can find on the Internet. However, keep in mind that it is not something the manufacturer advertises, but rather a bonus for those who want to experiment.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

11. Gibraltar SC-PPP Pocket 

 

This portable and light pad is built on a steel platform base, and on top, it has a natural gum rubber playing surface, which looks and feels great due to its dark gray durable finish that resists wear and tear, even if you use the product daily.

It has a standard thickness and is personalized with a 22-inch Velcro leg strap for those who don’t like to use a stand but that want to practice anywhere they go. This nifty item is ideal for a quick warm up before a show, when everything is hectic and loud.

Since it is small, it can even fit in your back pocket. The sturdy base also has non-skid rubber attachments, which allow for a better adherence on shiny surfaces. All of these features are going to make it your go-to practice tool, especially once you will realize how clean and accurate your hits sound.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39)

 

 

 

12. Gretsch Drums GREPAD6G 

 

Gretsch has been an expert drum pad manufacturer for many decades. And this product benefits from all the experience the brand has accumulated over the years. It is black, and it features the logo on the front, which in this case it is not tacky but something to be proud of.

The silica gel surface is a rare find on the market, and it feels great when you hit it with the sticks. Responsive is a word that doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling you get when you use it to practice your rhythm or tunes.

If you want something that emulates realistic stick rebound, this is your safest bet. The dense wood base, which has been praised by buyers, adds to its durability and also an authentic feel so you won’t have to compromise in any way. And because it is appealing and well-made, it can be a great gift for a musician.

 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($35.88)

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

If you are searching for the best drum practice pad for beginners and experts alike, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to make a buy that will have a long-lasting impact on you. Unlike guitarists or other musicians who can carry their instruments around anywhere they go, drummers cannot do that.

This is why investing in the best pad is such a good idea – because it will allow you to practice anywhere without having to carry a chunky drum with you and without disturbing anyone. Just make sure you buy the right size for your requirements, that the piece is light and that it provides the same feel and sound like a real drum. Down below you have more details about this.

The perfect size and its benefits

The best bass drum practice pad has to fit in your hands and on the desk where you put it. If you buy one that’s too small, it can limit your strokes and annoy you pretty fast, because you will hit the desk and not the item itself.

This will prevent you from practicing efficiently, and it means the item you opt for fails to fulfill its purpose. Also, make sure that the pad fits the size of your favorite new drum stick. The larger it is, the bigger the pad’s surface has to be.

A high-quality practice pad, which comes in the right proportions, can let you work on your technique and to improve your style without waking the neighborhood and without frustrating you. It will help you be more accurate and experiment more with your sound. It’s like if you were to practice with a good and quality banjo – size is relevant.

Moreover, if the product is too large, it won’t be portable. And if you are a traveling musician, like most artists are, you won’t be able to get your money’s worth as you will be limited to practicing in certain locations. A larger item is also weird to place on your thighs if you are the kind of drummer who does that.

 

Weight and portability

Drums are large, heavy, bulky, and take up a lot of useful space. The advantage of a small practice pad is that it provides a lot of portability for when you are on the go and at home. Pads are not fitting for live performing, of course, but they have a considerable advantage, which is keeping your skill set sharp without bringing your drum set from the studio home.

Portability might not be a huge issue if you don’t plan to travel domestically or overseas. But it is a nice bonus to take advantage of in case something unforeseen happens. The reviews of drum practice pads mention that a larger surface trumps portability, because it is easier for practice, even if it takes up more space.

Lastly, you should consider the weight of the pad you want. The smaller and lighter models tend to create problems with the pad moving around and slipping from its position while you use it. A more substantial pad, although not as lovely to hold, might stay in place, even if it sacrifices portability. All instruments have their downsides, even a premium cello for beginners.

One smart idea is to go into an actual shop and feel the weight of all your preferred pads, and then look online for better deals for those models. If that is not possible, check the weight of the product that sparked your interest and see if you have something around the house that weighs around the same and hold it on your leg.

 

How does it feel?

When choosing the right pad for you, no matter if acoustic or if it’s a digital drum practice pad, think about what feel and style of bounce you want. Most pads mimic the feel of real drums, while some of the other options available create different levels of resistance due to the materials the manufacturers utilize in their construction for practice purposes.

If you want more bounce in your strokes, a thin layer of rubber should do the trick. And if you desire a sturdier surface to build muscle and conditioning, a thicker type of material is required. So, the bottom line is to check the material that the pad is using to determine how it is going to feel when you use it for practice. The same thing should apply when you want to buy a new and improved electronic drum set.

Usually, pads are made of plastics, rubbers, gels, and woods to produce all sorts of different kinds of resistance. You should also note that these choices also have a saying on the volume and sound output. A softer pad is required if you need to practice quietly. Conversely, if the volume isn’t a permanent issue, there are more options available.

What else?

If you are a beginner and you casually practice during your free time, any standard pad model should do as long as the volume and the feel is right for what you have in mind. However, if you are a serious player, a future musician looking for a premium or a higher performing pad, choose the one that has many features and a generous surface.

A good drum practice pad will have at least one side that you can use, but the truth being said, you can find plenty of models that take advantage of both sides. If you are not a professional drummer, you don’t actually require a two-sided model. You can also use a stand for it, much in the same fashion as a good and sturdy trombone stand.

Furthermore, some brands even offer you a drum practice pad bag with your buy, a thing which can save you a few dollars by not having to order one on your own. Consider this if you plan to use the pad while traveling because it will protect the product from scratches and sharp objects. You could also use an accurate and cheap guitar metronome if you want to improve your rhythm.

 

Price

When it comes to the price, it should reflect the features you are getting and the materials used for the craft. But if you think of how expensive drums can be, buying a practice pad will seem like charity. You can find premium models that exceed the one hundred dollars threshold, and low-cost ones that are below forty bucks.

All you have to do when it comes to the ideal drum practice pad for sale is think about what you need and go for the piece that offers you that, without worrying about the price too much. Some people pointed out that if you want to buy other instruments and accessories, such as a unique and stylish ukulele for beginners and advanced players, you can follow the same rules.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Steps to Using a Practice Pad

2) What does a drum pad do?

3) Are practice pads good for learning drums?

4) Starting out on drums with just a practice pad and sticks