One of the most overlooked but important elements of your drumkit is the heads. This has a huge effect on both the sound and feeling of your drums, and making the wrong choice can be more detrimental than you might expect.
Whether you’re struggling with a snare drum head that just doesn’t cut it, or your toms lack the depth you crave, the right drum heads can make all the difference. Finding the best drum heads tailored to your specific needs can elevate your playing experience and sound quality significantly, and help your drums fit like a glove.
Today, I’ll guide you through the best options available, outlining which style of head is better for certain genres, and helping you to find the right match.
My top pick, the Remo Emperor X, stands out for its durability and superior tone, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned drummers. This product and guide will help you find the perfect match for your drumming needs, ensuring that every beat you play resonates with excellence.
Quick Summary of the Best Drum Heads
- Remo Emperor X – Tom Pack / Snare Head ( Best Overall )
- Evans Hydraulic Glass – Tom Pack / Snare Head ( Best for Deep Sound)
- Aquarian Texture Coated – Snare ( Best for Beginners )
- Evans G2 Clear – Tom Pack / Snare Head
- Remo Pinstripe – Tom Pack / Snare Head
- Evans EC2S – Tom Pack / Snare Head
- Aquarian Super-Kick II – Snare
- Remo Ambassador Coated – Tom Pack / Snare Head
- Evans Genera Dry – Snare Head
Why You Should Change Drumheads Often
I know that many drummers leave the same heads on their kit for years, until they are thin and nearly beaten to a pulp. While there can be something said for this beaten aesthetic, I personally think its better to change your heads regularly – for tone and feel. In fact I know many professional drummers who change their heads nearly every show.
Here are some of the key benefits I’ve noticed from regularly changing drum heads:
- Improved Sound Quality and Consistency: The difference in tone is immediately noticeable. Fresh heads bring out a clear, vibrant sound that old, worn-out heads simply can’t match. I find that my drums sound more alive and responsive with new heads. Also, with new heads, I get a consistent tone across all my drums. This uniformity is crucial, especially during recording sessions or live performances where every detail matters.
- Better Tuning Stability: New drum heads are much easier to tune. They respond well to tension adjustments and make it quicker and easier to find the right pitch. Also, fresh heads hold their tuning better, meaning I spend less time tweaking and more time playing. This stability is a game-changer during gigs, where constant retuning can be a hassle.
- Enhanced Playability The feel of new heads under my sticks is much more satisfying. They have a better rebound and response, making my playing more dynamic and expressive. Because they respond so well, new heads help me refine my technique. Every ghost note, rimshot, and roll comes through with clarity, pushing me to play more precisely.
- Experimentation: Trying out different types of drum heads – coated, clear, single-ply, double-ply lets me experiment with my sound. This experimentation keeps my playing fresh and exciting.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Drum Heads
I remember in my early days of drumming I would get a bit overwhelmed choosing new drum heads, especially if I went into the store. But after a bit of research, it’s pretty easy to understand the types, variations, and what the differences are.
Material: Drum heads come in a range of materials, each effecting the tone, feel, and durability.
- Mylar: The most common material for drum heads, known for its durability and versatility.
- Coated Heads: Provide a warmer, more controlled sound. Ideal for jazz, funk, and other genres requiring a softer, more nuanced tone.
- Clear Heads: Deliver a brighter, more open tone. Perfect for rock, pop, and other genres that need a more aggressive, cutting sound.
Ply: The ply refers to how many layers of material are used, which effects the sensitivity and strength of the heads.
- Single-Ply: Typically thinner, offering more sensitivity and resonance. Best for softer playing styles and genres requiring a wide dynamic range.
- Double-Ply: Thicker and more durable, providing less sustain and a more focused sound. Great for heavier playing styles and genres requiring a powerful, punchy tone.
Coating: Some drum heads are coated with a grainy material, changing the feel and tone.
- Uncoated: Produces a bright and open sound with more sustain. Ideal for live performances where projection is key.
- Coated: Adds warmth and control, reducing sustain and focusing the tone. Perfect for recording and intimate settings, also better for brush-based playing.
Thickness:
- Thin Heads: More responsive with a higher pitch and greater sustain. Suitable for lighter playing and softer genres.
- Thicker Heads: Less responsive but more durable, offering a deeper pitch with reduced sustain. Ideal for harder hitting and louder genres.
Sound Control Features:
- Built-in Dampening: Some heads come with built-in dampening rings or other features to control overtones and focus the sound.
- Dampening Accessories: External dampening options like gels, rings, and mutes can be added to any head to control sustain and overtones.
Playing Style and Genre:
The style of music you play is the largest guiding factor in what type of drum heads you should go for. Here are some pointers.
- Rock: Drum heads that can handle hard hitting and produce a punchy, aggressive sound. Double-ply and clear heads are often preferred.
- Jazz: Drum heads that offer sensitivity and a wide dynamic range. Single-ply and coated heads are commonly used.
- Funk: Requires heads that provide a controlled, articulate sound with a quick response. Coated heads are a popular choice.
- Metal: Needs drum heads that are durable and can produce a deep, powerful sound. Thicker, double-ply heads are ideal.
You should now have a good idea on what kind of heads will be most suitable for your style. Now, let’s have a look at my recommendations!
The 9 Top Drumheads
Here are some of my favorite drum heads, covering a wide range of styles and genres.
1. Best Overall – Remo Emperor X ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil Mylar each)
- Sound: Powerful, focused, deep, and resonant
- Coating: Clear or coated variations are available
- Sizes Available: 8″ to 18″
- Typically Used For: Rock, heavy-hitting styles
As a heavy hitter, I’ve found the Remo Emperor X to be the ultimate drum head for its exceptional durability and tonal quality. The double-ply construction, with each layer being 7-mil Mylar and a 5-mil black dot reinforcement on top, is a game-changer.
This combination provides a powerful, focused sound that can withstand intense playing sessions without losing its crispness, but also provides the articulation and detail for more delicate and nuanced beats.
Whether I’m in the studio or on stage, the Emperor X consistently delivers a deep, resonant tone that’s perfect for rock but versatile enough for other genres as well. Its reliability and performance make it my top pick every time I play.
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2. Best for Deep Sound – Evans Hydraulic Glass ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil each)
- Sound: Deep, fat, wet, short sustain
- Coating: None, features a thin layer of oil between plies
- Sizes Available: 8″ to 18″
- Typically Used For: Classic rock, funk
The Evans Hydraulic Glass drum heads have transformed my sound with their deep, fat, and wet tone. Featuring a thin layer of oil between two plies of 7-mil film, these heads produce short sustain that’s ideal for classic rock or funk. One of the biggest advantages is how easy they are to tune and maintain, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers like myself. The unique construction effectively reduces overtones, giving my drums a controlled and focused sound that I love.
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3. Best for Beginners – Aquarian Texture Coated ( Snare Head )
- Construction: Single-ply (10-mil)
- Sound: Warm, full, versatile
- Coating: Proprietary Z-100 texture coating
- Sizes Available: 8″ to 18″
- Typically Used For: Various genres, beginner practice
Starting out as a drummer, I needed a drum head that offered a good balance of durability and playability, and the Aquarian Texture Coated heads delivered exactly that. Their 10-mil single-ply construction combined with the proprietary Z-100 texture coating provides a warm, full sound that works well across various genres.
They are forgiving for those still developing their technique. The longevity of these heads, thanks to Aquarian’s proprietary coating process, has been a huge plus, as they resist chipping and wear even after extended use. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone just beginning their drumming journey.
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4. Evans G2 Clear ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil each)
- Sound: Bright, open
- Coating: None
- Sizes Available: 6″ to 20″
- Typically Used For: Rock, jazz
The Evans G2 Clear heads have become a staple in my setup due to their bright, open sound and durability. The double-ply design, with each layer being 7-mil, ensures a balanced tone that works beautifully for styles ranging from rock to jazz. They have a more resonant, bright tone which might make them more on the jazzier end, especially for players who prefer a more melodic drumming style. Without any dampening, these are fairly ringy heads, which can make them a bit ‘love or hate’.
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5. Remo Pinstripe ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil each)
- Sound: Focused, punchy
- Coating: Internal overtone control ring, clear or coated varieties.
- Sizes Available: 6″ to 30″
- Typically Used For: Rock, pop
Rock drummers, including myself, often rely on the Remo Pinstripe heads for their distinctive sound.
The double-ply construction with an internal overtone control ring provides a focused, punchy sound that can cut through any mix. These heads are incredibly durable, handling aggressive playing with ease.
I used coated pinstripes for many years, I found them to be perfect for funk/hip-hop/rock drumming, thanks to the slight resonance and slap. They’re not too ringy, but not completely dead, so you get a nice balance between tone and transient. I also prefer the slightly more muted tones of the coated variation – but thats just personal preference.
Click Here to Buy the Tom Pack:
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6. Evans EC2S ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil each)
- Sound: Deep, resonant, controlled attack
- Coating: Sound Shaping Technology (SST) for overtone control
- Sizes Available: 6″ to 18″
- Typically Used For: Various styles, including rock and pop
The Evans EC2 SST drum heads have been a fantastic addition to my kit. They feature Sound Shaping Technology (SST) that controls overtones and enhances low-end frequencies, resulting in a deep, resonant sound with a controlled attack. They consistently deliver a rich, full sound that fully captures the range and energy of my playing. They might be generally more geared towards harder styles of playing, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you’re a quieter and more nuanced drummer.
Click Here to Buy the Tom Pack:
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7. Aquarian Super-Kick II ( Snare Head )
- Construction: Double-ply (7-mil each)
- Sound: Powerful, punchy, excellent low-end response
- Coating: Built-in floating muffling ring
- Sizes Available: 18″ to 26″
- Typically Used For: Rock, other genres needing strong bass
When it comes to the bass drum, the Aquarian Super-Kick II is my favorite. This is a purely vintage sounding drum head, which is ideal for Jazz, but I also really like the sound it makes for rock and other styles. It gives you a much rounder, warmer-sounding kick drum, without the clicky transient that I’m personally not a fan of. This helps the kick to blend into mixes better, delivering power and bass but not being too ugly or cutting.
If you’re playing more modern styles like metal, these won’t make the cut for bass heads, as you typically want something a bit brighter and more aggressive. But if you want a solid, warm thump – these are the ones to go for.
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8. Remo Ambassador Coated ( Tom Pack / Snare Head )
- Construction: Single-ply (10-mil)
- Sound: Warm, open, resonant
- Coating: Coated
- Sizes Available: 6″ to 40″
- Typically Used For: Various genres, versatile use
Arguably the most classic and iconic drum head, the Remo Ambassador Coated heads are ‘classic’ for a reason. Having one of the longest heritages as far as modern drum heads go, Ambassadors truly changed the game when they were released, and have been loved by drummers for generations. They have a fantastic balance between attack, sustain, and tone, and offer warm notes with dry but present overtones. Being coated, they have a more controlled decay and thicker attack – which makes them a great choice for most genres where definition and speed are key.
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9. Evans Genera Dry ( Snare Head )
- Construction: Single-ply (10-mil)
- Sound: Crisp, articulate, minimal overtones
- Coating: Coated with small vent holes around the perimeter
- Sizes Available: 10″ to 14″
- Typically Used For: Snare, precise and controlled sound
For a crisp, articulate snare sound with minimal overtones, the Evans Genera Dry snare head is unmatched. Its unique design features small vent holes around the perimeter, reducing sustain and focusing the attack. This is ideal if you want a more penetrating, dry, clap-like snare hit.
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