The Best Drum Practice Pads 2023 – Love Music Your Way Reviews

The best drum practice pads of 2023 offer everything a drummer needs to take them from novice to master. Their authentic response ensures the feel of a real drum, while their rubber heads prevent noise pollution. Some pad sets mimic a full drum kit. Others incorporate multiple surfaces into a single pad, for easy transportation. We’ll be examining models from both categories today.

Our Top Drum Sets

Best Pick

DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand
DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand

DW is arguably the most popular manufacturer of drum kits in the world. It should come as no surprise, then, that our Best Pick goes to the DW Go Anywhere Pad Set. This kit is made up of multiple drum practice pads, thus recreating the look and feel of a real drum kit without the noise or bulk. It even includes a bass drum pad, a feature rarely included on rival pad kits. The pictured stand comes free with this set and can be erected in a matter of minutes, ensuring you don’t lose any precious practice time.

Budget Pick

Lannive 12 inch Drum Practice Pad - 3 Different Playing Surfaces - DRUMSTICKS INCLUDED
Lannive 12 inch Drum Practice Pad – 3 Different Playing Surfaces – DRUMSTICKS INCLUDED

The Lannive Drum Pad boasts multiple different surfaces incorporated into a single practice pad. This allows beginners and novices alike to perfect all kinds of drumming techniques without need for a full practice kit. Its small size means it can be easily transported, so you can practice your drumming in the green room, at your hotel, or even on your tour bus.

Quick Comparison Table: Top 10 Best Drum Practice Pads

Name and FeaturesImage
1. Tromme Drum Practice Pad (Best Kick Drum Microphone


The 12-inch surface of this practice pad makes it possible to achieve a variety of tones. Its superior sound control prevents noise pollution while an included carrying case ensures easy transportation.


 Tromme Drum Practice Pad & Carrying Case – 12 Inches
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2. DW Go Anywhere Pad Set (Best Drum Practice Pad Kit)


Composed of five heavy-duty pads, including a unique bass drum pad, this set recreates the feel of a real drum kit. Its response and natural feel are complemented by its minimal noise output. This kit and its included stand can be easily transported and erected.

 DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand
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3. Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set (Best Portable Drum Pad)


This electronic multi-pad set can be connected to headphones for full volume playing. The kit’s dual speakers feature super bass effects, mimicking the power of a full-size kit. The set can be rolled up when not in use, saving space and simplifying transport.


 PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set, Roll Up Drum Practice Pad Midi Drum Kit with Headphone Jack Built-in Speaker Drum Pedals Drum Sticks 10 Hours Playtime
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4. Remo Tunable Practice Pad


This pad comes fitted with a replaceable Ambassador Coated drumhead. This recreates the response and feel of a real drum. While it can be mounted on a stand, this pad’s non-slip base lends itself perfectly to table use.

Remo RT-0008-00 8 by Remo" class="alignnone size-medium" />
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5. Slint Practice Pad Bundle


This bundle contains one of Slint’s lightweight yet robust practice pads. This pad is accompanied by a sturdy stand, drum gels, and three pairs of drumsticks complete with portable covers.

Practice Pad & Snare Stand Bundle - Drum Pad Double Sided with Drumsticks and Drum Stand for Four Inch Snare Drum With Two Different Surfaces for Drum Practice - Silent Drum Double Sided Practice Pad
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6. Drumeo P4 Practice Pad (Best Way To Practice Drums For Beginners)


This compact offering from Drumeo features four different surfaces in a single pad. Each mimics the sound and feel of a particular component of the traditional drum set. The small size of this practice pad allows drummers to perfect multiple techniques while on the road.

The Drumeo P4 Practice Pad - Four Different Playing Surfaces
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7. Asmuse Drum Practice Pad


This affordable practice pad features a natural gum rubber surface. This recreates the feel and sound of a traditional drum without the noise. The pad is supported by a solid wood frame with a non-skid foam base. This ensures stability even during intense practice sessions.

 Asmuse Drum Practice Pad Single Sided Rubber Surface Training Mute Silent Drum Pad(8 Inch Black)
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8. Lannive Drum Pad (Best Cheap Practice Drum Pad)


This single pad boasts three separate surfaces, each producing its own unique sound. This allows drummers to practice a variety of techniques without a multi-pad kit. Furthering the convenience of this practice pad is its lightweight design, which allows it to be carried in a backpack.

Lannive 12 inch Drum Practice Pad - 3 Different Playing Surfaces - DRUMSTICKS INCLUDED
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9. Gibraltar GBDP


This 10-diameter pad is specifically designed to be used as a bass drum practice pad. Its air channel design recreates the feel of a real bass drum. Meanwhile, three large spurs keep it in place throughout your practice session.

Gibraltar Gbdp Bass Drum Pad
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10. Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad


This drum pad features a distinct surface on either side. The first of these boasts the response one would expect from a real drum. The second surface is markedly more rigid, which will allow you to develop your strength and control. This pad is available in three sizes, all of which can be easily transported.

Evans Realfeel 2-Sided Practice Pad, 12 Inch
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Top 10 Best Drum Practice Pads Detail Reviews

1.  Tromme Drum Practice Pad

Tromme Drum Practice Pad & Carrying Case – 12 Inches
Tromme Drum Practice Pad & Carrying Case – 12 Inches
Key Features
  • Non-toxic silicone head
  • 12-inch surface
  • Carrying case included

Product Review

If you’re a novice drummer, there really isn’t any need to go spending hundreds of dollars on a full practice pad kit. The typical newbie can get everything they need to develop their skill set from a single practice pad. Enter the Tromme Drum Practice Pad.

Although it does not come as part of a kit, like some of the other practice pads in this article, the Tromme Drum Practice Pad does boast a 12-inch surface. This provides ample room from a novice drummer to experiment with techniques and tones. Furthermore, this practice pad features a silicone head. This may seem like an insignificant point at first, but it is actually quite advantageous. Most practice drum pads come fitted with a gum rubber head. While gum rubber heads certain have a lot of benefits, they can be toxic. This, obviously, won’t be of much concern to older drummers, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re searching for a practice pad for a child. Additionally, certain gum rubber heads are prone to wear and tear. The non-toxic silicone head of the Tromme Drum Practice Pad is markedly more durable than many of its gum rubber counterparts. Tromme manufactures its heads in a number of different colors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that fits your preferences and aesthetic. All can be easily attached to a standard snare drum basket.

When you purchase the Tromme Drum Practice Pad, you will be gifted a free carrying case for easy transportation. However, it is the only accessory you should expect to receive with this drum practice pad. Although most promotional shots issued by Tromme also feature a stand and a pair of drumsticks, they are not actually included with this pad. In a way, this is to be expected given the low price of the product, but it feels a little deceptive nonetheless. While the actual head of this pad is undeniably durable, the same has not always been said of its additional features. Some who have purchased this pad have complained about its wood base becoming scratched during playing. Others have reported its Tromme logo falling off after only a couple of rehearsals. These issues are purely cosmetic, but can be extremely disheartening, especially for a young player.

Pros
  • Heavy-duty head
  • Compatible with standard snare drum baskets
  • Available in multiple colors
Cons
  • Stand and drumsticks not included
  • Cosmetic features prone to wear

2. DW Go Anywhere Pad Set (Best Drum Practice Pad Kit)

 DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand
DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand
Key Features
  • Full kit design
  • Included stand
  • Heavy-duty Pads

Product Review

DW has been behind some of the best beginner drum sets ever produced, as well as a plethora of high-quality models for intermediate and expert players. The brand has also produced a variety of practice pads to help beginner players reach these levels. Among the most popular of these is the DW Go Anywhere Pad Set.

The first thing you’ll notice about the DW Go Anywhere Pad Set is its full kit design. It is composed of five separate pads. These include an 8-inch tom pad, a 10-inch snare pad, and a 10-inch floor tom pad. The kit also includes an 8-inch cymbal pad and, perhaps most notably, a bass pad. Bass practice pads can be difficult to find and are rarely included in kits. The particular bass pad which comes included with this set can be controlled via single or double pedals. All five pads boast a natural feel and rebound. Their heavy-duty construction means they can withstand regular use, even when practicing rock and heavy-metal drumming. DW includes a stand with each purchase of its Go Anywhere Pad Set. This stand comes fitted with rubber feet for heightened stability. Meanwhile, its lightweight design means it can be easily transported and erected.

The Go Anywhere Pad Set is one of the most impressive drum practice kits on the market. However, its many features, combined with the excellent reputation of its manufacturer, mean a high price tag. If you want to add this kit to your rehearsal studio, you must be willing to drop close to $200. Although this kit features a bass drum pad, it does not come packaged with a pedal. If you already own a drum pedal, this won’t be a problem for you. If you have not yet purchased a drum pedal, however, you’ll have to make some extra room in your budget to get one. Obviously, this is less than ideal if you’ve already spent $200 on the pad set itself.

Pros
  • Includes a total of five pads
  • Stand is fitted with rubber feet for stability
  • Bass pad is compatible with single and double pedals
Cons
  • May cost you in excess of $200
  • Drum pedal not included

3. Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set (Best Portable Drum Pad)

PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set, Roll Up Drum Practice Pad Midi Drum Kit with Headphone Jack Built-in Speaker Drum Pedals Drum Sticks 10 Hours Playtime
PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set, Roll Up Drum Practice Pad Midi Drum Kit with Headphone Jack Built-in Speaker Drum Pedals Drum Sticks 10 Hours Playtime
Key Features
  • Electronic pad set
  • Super bass effects
  • Roll-up design

Product Review

If you’re hoping to ignite a passion for drumming in your child, the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set should be high on your shopping list. Arguably the best electronic drum pad on the market, this set is perfect for young drummers who want to experiment with a variety of sounds beyond the traditional drum tones.

As an electronic drum pad set, the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set features adjustable audio. Volume can be raised or lowered from the kit’s control center. This is not a feature of acoustic drum pads, which gives this product a unique advantage. Similarly, this kit is compatible with headphones, allowing drummers to experience the fullness of its super bass effects without angering their neighbors. Most drum pads are easy to transport compared to traditional drums. However, the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set is portable even for a drum pad set. As its name suggests, this set can be easily rolled up and stashed inside a backpack or carried under your arm to a practice session. This kit is powered by its rechargeable battery. When fully charged, it boasts a playing time of 10 hours, literally guaranteeing your young drummer hours of fun.

The best drum sets for kids are essentially regular drum kits on a smaller scale. This allows juvenile drummers to familiarize themselves with traditional drum kits and develop playing habits that will benefit them when they graduate to a full-size kit. Unfortunately, the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set does not mimic the appearance of a traditional drum set. Consequently, you’re child may struggle to adapt to a traditional drum set when they are introduced to one. For this reason, we advise using the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set in conjunction with a traditional kit. This kit features an integrated metronome. However, the tempo of this metronome cannot be adjusted. This renders it virtually useless.

Pros
  • Multiple integrated tones
  • Dual-speaker design
  • 10-hour battery life
Cons
  • Does not mimic a real drum kit
  • Metronome tempo cannot be adjusted

4. Remo Tunable Practice Pad

 Remo RT-0008-00 8
Remo RT-0008-00 8″ Gray Tunable Practice Pad with Ambassador Coated Drumhead
Key Features
  • Ambassador Coated drum head
  • Non-slip base
  • Tunable design

Product Review

If you’re searching for a practice pad that will effectively recreate the feel of your personal kit, you should pay careful attention to the Remo Tunable Practice Pad.

The most noteworthy feature of the Remo Tunable Practice Pad is the tunable design from which it takes its name. This will allow you to customize the pad to your preferences while experimenting with a variety of tones. Adding to the ultra-realistic feel of this drum pad is its Ambassador Coated head. This is one of the most versatile drum practice pads on the market. Remo manufactures it in multiple sizes. These include 6, 8, and 10-inch models. Additionally, each size is available in several colors, including red and grey. Adding to the flexibility of its practice pad is its non-slip base. This allows it to be placed upon a flat surface for table-top practice. However, those who wish to mount this head on a traditional stand will be able to do so. Coming in at just 1.32 pounds, the Remo Tunable Practice Pad can be easily transported, although you may experience some difficulty fitting the 10-inch model inside your backpack.

The Remo Tunable Practice Pad can be mounted on a stand for upright playing. This is a valuable feature as it allows the drummer to create an environment similar to what they would experience on stage. It is important to remember, however, that the pad does not come packaged with a stand. It is possible to purchase the pad and a compatible stand as part of a set, but you will have to sacrifice the low price tag which makes this pad so alluring in the first place. If you’re purchasing a drum pad as a quiet alternative to practicing on your actual kit, you should avoid the Remo Tunable Practice Pad. Many who have purchased this pad have complained about its lack of noise control. While this is a great choice for perfecting tones and accents, it is far from ideal for late-night practice sessions.

Pros
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Affordable
  • Compatible with a stand
Cons
  • Stand not included
  • Louder than most practice pads

5. Slint Practice Pad Bundle

Practice Pad & Snare Stand Bundle - Drum Pad Double Sided with Drumsticks and Drum Stand for Four Inch Snare Drum With Two Different Surfaces for Drum Practice - Silent Drum Double Sided Practice Pad
Practice Pad & Snare Stand Bundle – Drum Pad Double Sided with Drumsticks and Drum Stand for Four Inch Snare Drum With Two Different Surfaces for Drum Practice – Silent Drum Double Sided Practice Pad
Key Features
  • Multiple accessories
  • Lightweight design
  • Double-sided head

Product Review

All of the practice pads included in this article are of an extremely high quality. However, a lot of them have the notable disadvantage of being sold as single products with no additional accessories. If you’re an experienced drummer and already have the necessary equipment, this won’t be an issue. For a beginner drummer, however, it may be a major inconvenience. Thankfully, there is this comprehensive bundle from Slint.

The centerpiece of the Slint Practice Pad is, of course, the pad itself. Lightweight and compact, it is perfect for maintaining your chops while on the road. It boasts a unique double-sided pad, with a distinct surface on either side. On the primary side of the pad is a natural gum rubber surface. This successfully recreates the rebound of a real drum kit. On the opposite side of the pad is a harder surface with less rebound. Slint claims that the rubber used on both sides is 55% quieter than that used by competing brands. Both pads are surrounded by a sturdy wooden frame. This allows it to be easily mounted on top of the included stand. The stand itself is a professional-quality, double-braced model. It ensures superior stability and will not falter even during intense practice sessions. Also included in this bundle are three pairs of 5A drumsticks. All accessories and the pad itself come accompanied by a corresponding travel bag. Slint is extremely confident in the quality of its products. So confident, in fact, that it backs each purchase of this bundle with a lifetime warranty.

While the pad and the stand included in this bundle are of the high quality Slint’s customers have grown used to, the same cannot be said of the drumsticks. Many who have purchased this bundle have complained about the included drumsticks being damaged beyond use after only a couple of practice sessions. It is also worth noting that the stand has a limited number of height settings. Most drummers can only comfortably use it from a sitting position.

Pros
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Double-braced pads
  • Robust wooden frame
Cons
  • Drumsticks are easily damaged
  • Stand is not suitable for standing playing

6. Drumeo P4 Practice Pad (Best Way To Practice Drums For Beginners)

The Drumeo P4 Practice Pad - Four Different Playing Surfaces
The Drumeo P4 Practice Pad – Four Different Playing Surfaces
Key Features
  • Multiple surfaces
  • Three separate levels
  • Brand recognition

Product Review

The Slint Practice Pad Bundle is a great product for novice drummers. However, it is this offering from Drumeo which we believe to be the best way to practice drums if you’re a beginner. Modern Drummer shares this opinion. In 2018, a Modern Drummer readers poll voted the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad “Best Educational Product”.

So what exactly makes the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad so special? For starters, it boasts multiple surfaces on a single side. These will allow you to practice snare, high tom, floor tom, and cymbal techniques without a full pad kit. These surfaces are spread over three levels, beginning with the snare surface on the first level and rising upwards to the cymbal surface on the third level. Both tom surfaces sit next to each other on the second level. By arranging the levels of the pad in this manner, Drumeo has managed to simulate the movement required to play a full kit. This pad was designed by Pat Petrillo. Petrillo is a world-famous drummer and music teacher. His book Hands, Grooves, and Fills is considered to be one of the finest musical education books ever written. Petrillo drew on his experience and the expertise of the Drumeo team to create the P4 Practice Pad.

Drumeo has developed a reputation as being one of the finest brands in music education. While this means you can be certain of a quality product, it also means you should be prepared to drop more money than you would on a similar product from a lesser-known brand. Despite being a single pad, the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad will cost you in excess if $50. Unlike many of the other pads on this list, this model can only be attached to a stand via clamps. This can be an inconvenience if you don’t already own a suitable stand.

Pros
  • Simulates movement around a real kit
  • Designed by Pat Petrillo
  • Perfect for beginners
Cons
  • More expensive than many other single pads
  • Only compatible with clamp stands

7. Asmuse Drum Practice Pad

Asmuse Drum Practice Pad Single Sided Rubber Surface Training Mute Silent Drum Pad(8 Inch Black)
Asmuse Drum Practice Pad Single Sided Rubber Surface Training Mute Silent Drum Pad(8 Inch Black)
Key Feature
  • Natural gum rubber surface
  • High-density compressed wood
  • Non-skid base

Product Review

If you’re searching for an affordable drum practice pad, it’s hard to go wrong with this model from Asmuse. Despite being a product of one of the most popular brands in the industry, the Asmuse Drum Practice Pad can be purchased for less than $20.

One of the most impressive features of this drum practice pad is its surface. Composed of natural gum rubber, it promises realistic rebound with minimal noise output. The Asmuse Drum Practice Pad is available in an 8-inch model. This makes it a popular choice among parents searching for a pad their children can practice on. Its moderately-sized surface boasts all the room of the average drum head while remaining easily navigable for small hands. Meanwhile, its lightweight design ensures your little drummer won’t have any trouble transporting the pad to and from lessons. Additional sizes and colors are also available. Complementing this pad’s natural gum rubber surface is its heavy-duty frame. Composed of high-density compressed wood, it eradicates the risk of wear and tear even after years of use. Beneath this frame, you’ll find an EVA foam base, which provides stability throughout playing sessions.

There aren’t a whole lot of drawbacks to the Asmuse Drum Practice Pad. However, it does have a few shortcomings you should be aware of, especially if you’re a veteran drummer. This pad offers only one surface. This means it produces a limited number of tones. For novice drummers, this isn’t the biggest issue in the world. For experienced players who wish to expand their repertoire, however, it is far from ideal. Similarly, this pad does not come packaged with any included accessories. If you’re in need of drumsticks or a stand, you’ll have to make some extra room in your budget. Thankfully, this won’t put too much financial strain on you, given the low cost of the pad itself.

Pros
  • One of the most affordable practice pads on the market
  • Lightweight design
  • Multiple sizes and colors available
Cons
  • Limited tonal possibilities
  • No accessories included

8. Lannive Drum Pad (Best Cheap Practice Drum Pad)

Lannive 12 inch Drum Practice Pad - 3 Different Playing Surfaces - DRUMSTICKS INCLUDED
Lannive 12 inch Drum Practice Pad – 3 Different Playing Surfaces – DRUMSTICKS INCLUDED
Key Features
  • Multiple playing surfaces
  • Lightweight design
  • Non-slip base

Product Review

Continuing our theme of affordable drum practice pads is this offering from Lannive. While it will set you back about $10 more than the previous drum pad, it remains a low-cost alternative to most other practice pads on this list. But despite its low price tag, the Lannive Drum Pad boasts a plethora of features, the most noteworthy of which are outlined below.

The Lannive Drum Pad is separated from other practice pads in its price range by its multiple playing surfaces. Despite being a single pad, this model boasts three distinct playing surfaces. These surfaces mimic the tones and responses of a snare, cymbal, and multiple toms. With so much versatility in one lightweight pad, drummers can practice all sorts of playing techniques on the go. To ensure stability even while practicing on a tour bus, Lannive fitted this pad with a non-slip base. Additionally, the manufacturer includes a set of drumsticks with each purchase of this pad to help you make the most of its multiple surfaces.

The Lannive Drum Pad comes in at 12 inches in size. This recreates the feel of a traditional drum to complement the pad’s realistic sound. However, it may also pose a problem for young drummers. Its 12-inch surface may prove difficult for small hands to navigate, thus making certain surfaces of the pad impossible to reach. Much like the Slint bundle examined earlier in this article, the drumsticks included with this drum pad are not of the highest quality. While they will likely endure through a number of practice sessions, you can expect signs of wear to start to show sooner than they would on a more expensive set of drumsticks.

Pros
  • Low price tag
  • Drumsticks included
  • Suitable for tour bus use
Cons
  • May be too large for young players
  • Drumsticks are easily damaged

9. Gibraltar GBDP

Gibraltar Gbdp Bass Drum Pad
Gibraltar Gbdp Bass Drum Pad
Key Features
  • Bass drum design
  • Large spurs for stability
  • High-density rubber

Product Review

As plentiful as drum practice pads are, a bass drum model can be difficult to find. Tracking down a high-quality bass drum practice pad can be even more challenging still. Thankfully, there is this offering from Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar GBDP is a purpose-built bass drum practice pad. It utilizes an air channel design to recreate the feel and tone of a traditional bass drum. Just like a traditional bass drum, a bass drum practice pad really takes a beating when in use. In lesser-quality bass drum pads, this makes maintaining stability throughout practice almost impossible. With the Gibraltar GBDP, however, this is not an issue. The manufacturer equipped this practice pad with three large spurs. These spurs ensure the pad remains in position even on carpeted surfaces. Speaking of surfaces, the GBDP boasts a 10-inch head. This means it is compatible with both single and double pedals. Meanwhile, its high-density rubber composition ensures you’ll get years of use out of the pad, even with daily practice sessions. Gibraltar makes the GBDP bass drum practice pad available in a number of packages. Those who are trying to keep costs down can purchase a single unit for just a little over $50. While this may seem pricey compared to traditional practice pads, it is relatively affordable when it comes to bass drum pads. Those who wish to do so can also purchase this drum pad as part of Gibraltar’s GBDP two-pack.

If you are considering purchasing the Gibraltar GBDP, it’s important to note that it comes with a Proposition 65 warning. This means it may contain potentially harmful materials outlawed in California. From a performance standpoint, the GBDP does not have any glaring flaws. However, a number of people who have purchased it have complained about its noise output. This is noticeably louder than many other drum practice pads. As a result, it is a major inconvenience if you’re trying to practice without disturbing your neighbors.

Pros
  • 10-inch head
  • Two-pack available
  • Long-lasting design
Cons
  • California Proposition 62 warning
  • Too loud for late-night practice sessions

10. Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad

Evans Realfeel 2-Sided Practice Pad, 12 Inch
Evans Realfeel 2-Sided Practice Pad, 12 Inch
Key Features
  • Dual-surface design
  • Gum rubber surface
  • Lightweight body

Product Review

Bringing this look at the best drum practice pads of 2019 to a close is this offering from Evans. Despite being the final brand featured on this list, Evans is certainly not least. It has been responsible for some of the finest drum practice pads ever produced. Chief among them is the RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad.

As its name suggests, the Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad boasts two distinct surfaces. The first of these sides utilizes slightly textured rubber to recreate the feel and rebound of a traditional drum. The second side, meanwhile, features recycled rubber. This makes for a firmer drumming experience with minimal rebound. Both sides of this practice pad boast natural gum rubber, eliminating the toxins present in some rival drum practice pads. Evans manufactures the RealFeel in a number of different sizes. Those who choose to purchase it can choose between a 6-inch, 7-inch, and 12-inch model. The 6 and 7-inch units are ideal for young players whose hands are still growing. The 12-inch model is perfect for adult drummers, be they total novices or experienced players. Whatever size you choose, you can be certain of a lightweight design and easy transport. Evans manufactures this practice pad in the United States. This means it must adhere to the country’s strict manufacturing regulations, ensuring it is of a higher quality than pads produced in countries with more lax laws. The RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad is suitable for table-top use. However, it can also be attached to the Evans Apprentice Pad Stand. This stand is compatible not just with the RealFeel, but with any practice pad with an 8mm threaded insert. With adjustable height and tilt, it can be altered to suit the needs of any player.

It is important to remember that the Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad does not come with a stand included. If you wish to add the brand’s Apprentice Pad Stand to your percussion arsenal, you must be prepared to drop some extra cash. Speaking of cash, it is worth pointing out that this pad is a little more expensive than other budget drum pads. While it does boast the added advantage of two separate playing surfaces, some may find its typical $30 price tag difficult to justify.

Pros
  • Manufactured in the United States
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Compatible with Evans Apprentice Pad Stand
Cons
  • Evans Apprentice Pad Stand not included
  • More expensive than other budget practice pads

Things To Consider Before Buying A Drum Practice Pad

Each of the drum practice pads listed above is of the highest quality. However, one of them is bound to suit your needs and preferences more than the others. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to help you find the drum practice pad that is right for you.

Skill Level

When purchasing any piece of musical equipment, you should always consider your skill level. This remains the case with drum practice pads. Many of the practice pads discussed above – such as the DW Go Anywhere Pad Set – were designed with experienced drummers in mind. They boast the heavy-duty surfaces and tonal variety an experienced player needs to keep themselves in pique drumming condition. For a novice player, such pads may prove overwhelming. They will likely complicate practice sessions to the point that it is virtually impossible for them to make any real progress. If you are a beginner drummer hoping to reach intermediate and, eventually, expert, level, there are several practice pads more suitable to your current skills. These include the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad. With several surfaces on one straightforward pad, it will allow you to perfect basic drumming techniques without complicating matters beyond comprehension.

Age

Practice pads, like traditional drums, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For that reason, you should give careful thought to the age of the player you are buying for when shopping for one. For an adult drummer, a 12-inch pad is encouraged. This recreates the dimensions of a traditional drum. However, a 12-inch pad may prove too large for a younger drummer. If you are searching for a practice pad a juvenile drummer can use, we recommend going with a 6 or 8-inch model. Smaller practice pads are easier for young drummers to navigate. You may also want to consider purchasing the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set examined above. Although suitable for all ages, its bright colors, digital tones, and roll-up design make it particularly appealing to children. It is virtually guaranteed to spark a love of drumming in your child.

Pad Design

Each drum practice pad is designed to mimic a certain type of drum. Many single-surface practice pads closely resemble the look and sound of the traditional snare drum. However, there are multi-purpose practice pads which are designed to recreate the sound of a snare, as well as other drums present on the traditional kit. The aforementioned P4 Practice Pad from Drumeo, for example, is designed to mimic snares, toms, and cymbals. For this reason, we often recommend to those trying to familiarize themselves with the layout and sounds of a full-size drum kit. Then there are practice pads which are designed to recreate the look and feel of the average bass drum. Such practice pads are more difficult to come by than their faux snare alternatives, but they are not impossible to find. If you’re searching for a bass drum practice pad, you should seriously consider the Gibraltar GBDP, which made an appearance on our list. The DW Go Anywhere Pad Set, which was awarded our Best Pick, also features a bass drum practice pad.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never purchased a drum practice pad before, you probably have a couple of questions you’d like answered. Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about drum practice pads.

What Is The Best Drum Brand?

There are countless drum brands in operation now. Many of them are churning out high-quality products at a rapid pace, as is proven by the ten drum practice pads listed above. However, only one drum brand can reign supreme. This brand is DW. Also known as “Drum Workshop”, DW has been responsible for some of the best drum kits, practice pads, and accessories of all time. For drummers searching for a DW practice pad, we suggest the brand’s Go Anywhere Pad Set, which started off the list above.

Why Use A Drum Practice Pad?

You can stock your percussion arsenal with the beat drum machine, the finest traditional kit, and the sturdiest drumsticks, but it won’t mean anything if you don’t know how to make them talk. Unfortunately, practicing drums is more difficult than practice many other instruments. The heightened noise output of a traditional drum kit makes it difficult to practice late at night. Additionally, its large size makes practicing virtually impossible when you’re on the road. This is where a drum practice pad becomes useful. A quality drum practice pad uses rubber or similar material to create a surface that has the feel and tones of a real drum without the noise output. This will allow you to practice late into the night without disturbing your roommates or neighbors. Meanwhile, the small size of the traditional drum practice pad means it can be easily transported. Whether you’re in a hotel or on the tour bus, a drum practice pad will give you everything you need to perfect your technique ahead of the evening’s show.

What Is A Good Drum Practice Pad For Beginners?

Far too often, we hear about novice drummers giving up their percussion aspirations after only a month or two of practice. One of the main reasons people abandon drumming is subpar equipment. If you purchase an inferior-quality practice pad, you can expect your passion for drumming to be wiped out within only a few practice sessions. Similarly, if you purchase a practice pad intended for more advanced drummers, its many features may intimidate you into trying a different instrument and quitting music altogether. If a novice drummer is to reach their full potential, it is imperative that they start out on a practice ad that was designed for people of their skill level. There are numerous drum practice pads intended for beginners featured in this article. Our personal favorite is the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad. With four distinct surfaces, the P4 allows novice drummers to familiarize themselves with the tones of the traditional drum kit, even if they are yet to purchase one. By incorporating all four of these surfaces into a single pad, Drumeo prevents the intimidation a beginner might feel when faced by four separate pads. For young drummers, we recommend the Paxcess Roll-Up Drum Set. Its roll-up design, combined with its variety of voices, ensures your child will be entertained for hours. Additional quality beginner practice pads featured in our above list include the Lannive Drum Pad and the Slint Practice Pad Bundle. As you may remember, the latter of these comes packaged with a stand and drumsticks, giving the novice drummer everything they need to get started on their percussion journey.

How Do I Clean A Drum Practice Pad?

The drum practice pads featured on this list boast sturdy construction. This ensures they will hold up under years of regular practice sessions, even if your preferred genre is rock or heavy metal. However, if you really want to guarantee your chosen pad’s longevity, you should be sure to clean it on a regular basis. Thankfully, cleaning a practice pad is pretty straightforward. Once every couple of weeks, use a rubber cleaner to treat your drum pad. You should be able to find some sort of rubber cleaner online for relatively little money. If you live in a city, the chances are you live near a store where you can pick it up in person. Auto buffs often use rubber cleaner to maintain certain parts of their vehicles, so if there is a mechanic’s or an auto shop in your location be sure to check it out.

Apply a small amount of rubber cleaner to your drum pad and spread it across the surface using a microfiber cloth. This will rid your drum pad of any marks and stains while simultaneously moistening the rubber and preventing it from drying out. The whole process should take no more than a couple of minutes. However, if your drum pad has been mistreated over the years, restoring it to prime condition may be a bit of a challenge. For this reason, we advise you to take good care of your drum pad between cleaning sessions. Store it away when you’re not using it, ideally in a protective bag to prevent dust build up. Also, be sure to use your drum pad only for its intended purposes. There is no better way to destroy a drum pad than by using it as a table or as a coaster (yes, some people actually do that).

Conclusion

Given the sheer volume of drum practice pads on the market, finding the right one for you can be a challenge. It becomes even more difficult if you are a novice drummer and have not yet figured out what separates a quality practice pad from the not-so-quality ones. Thankfully, 2023 has seen the rise of some truly impressive models. Each of the practice pads discussed in this article boasts a wide-range of features and utilizes modern engineering techniques to ensure stability throughout years of regular practice. Some of the models included on this list – such as the DW Go Anywhere Pad Set – are more suited to experienced drummers. Others – like the Asmuse Drum Practice Pad – promise everything a beginner may need to begin their journey towards expert status. Whatever drum practice pad you choose from this list, you can be certain that it is one of the best of 2019 and will last you through the incoming decade and beyond.