Bass drum drumheads are crucial components that define the fundamental tone and projection of a drum kit, significantly influencing how the kick drum sits in a mix for various music genres. From crisp attack to deep, resonant thud, the right drumhead can transform a drummer's sound. Products were evaluated based on damping systems, ply configuration, ease of installation, user reviews, and feature analysis.
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options - Versatile for All Music Genres
The Evans EMAD2 offers exceptional versatility and sound control through its adjustable damping system, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Search on AmazonSeteol 5 Pieces Drum Heads, 10" 12" 14" 16" 22" PET Drum Head Kit, Clear Bass Drumhead Pack, Standard Drumhead Pack Drums Accessories Fit for Rock & Metal
$45.99
The Seteol 5-piece kit provides a cost-effective solution for drummers needing multiple clear drumheads across their kit, including a bass drum head.
Search on AmazonEvans Bass Drum Heads - EMAD Heavyweight Clear Bass Drumhead - BD22EMADHW - 22 Inch
The Evans EMAD Heavyweight, with its dual 10mil film construction, delivers maximum durability and a powerful, focused attack preferred by heavy-hitting drummers.
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- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 22” drum head has an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply...
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
- A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
- The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
- Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- 22" diameter
- Thin underlay at the outer edge
- Dampens unwanted overtones
- Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
- 22" resonant drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
- A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
- The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
- Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- LIMITLESS TONE CONTROL: EMAD2 System Pack lets you customize bass drum's attack, focus, and sustain for your desired sound.
- POWERFUL & BALANCED: EMAD2 bass batter head's two-ply construction maximizes low-end and attack for a dynamic sound.
- EASY SUSTAIN ADJUSTMENT: Interchangeable damping rings in EMAD2 head enable precise control over sustain.
- MANAGE OVERTONES: EMAD reso head with offset port and foam damping ring provides enhanced control over drum's overtones.
- MADE IN THE USA - All Evans drumheads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 20” drum head has an outer ply of 6.5mil and an inner ply...
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- MAXIMIZE LOW END: EMAD Onyx bass drumhead delivers focused attack, enhanced low-end, and improved durability, making it ideal for heavy hitters
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY: The Level 360 collar design ensures balanced contact with the drum shell, allowing for easier tuning, extended pitch range, and optimum sound quality
- 2-PLY FILM: Made with two plies of 7.5mil film for improved durability while maintaining its punchy attack and powerful low-end
- REMOVABLE DAMPENING RING: Includes a removable, adjustable damping ring that controls overtones and helps achieve the desired amount of sustain
- VERSATILE: EMAD Onyx is suitable for a wide variety of musical genres, from rock and metal to R&B and funk, making it a go-to choice for drummers of all levels
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans batter bass drumhead and resonant drumhead have an externally mounted adjustable damping system (EMAD) that allows each player to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam damping rings.
- EMAD BATTER BASS - The Evans EMAD system value pack includes one 22” EMAD batter bass drumhead featuring a single ply of 10mil film providing an ideal balance of punch, power and low-end.
- REMAD RESONANT BASS – The set also includes 1, 22” REMAD resonant drumhead featuring an offset 4" microphone port in a single ply of 10mil film .
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the Evans bass drumheads to seat properly and in turn provides heads that are easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- SINGLE PLY FILM AND FOAM DAMPENING RING: Evans EMAD Resonant series offers better control of overtones and enhances pitch, focus, and attack. Ideal for rock and gospel music
- IDEAL RESONANT HEAD FOR EMAD BATTER HEADS: Perfect for use with the Evans EMAD series batter heads to create the perfect drum sound
- FIXED BLACK PLASTIC CONTROL RING: A fixed black plastic control ring is internally mounted, holding in place a foam damping ring that controls overtones and enhances pitch
- 4" OFFSET MIC PORT: The 4" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve that focuses pitch and enhances the attack while protecting the port
- MADE IN THE USA: All Evans drumheads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to ensure quality and consistency in every drumhead
- 22" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
- Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
- Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
- Also available in a coated version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
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Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Bass Drum Drumheads
Understanding Damping and Tone Control
The method by which a bass drum head controls sustain and overtones is a primary differentiator. Systems like the Evans EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) offer significant flexibility, allowing drummers to easily swap foam rings to adjust the attack and sustain without removing the head. This contrasts with heads like the Remo Powerstroke P3, which feature a thin underlay at the outer edge to achieve a more inherent, fixed dampening. In practice, the EMAD system allows for quick sound changes between songs or studio takes, while the Powerstroke P3 provides a consistent, pre-dampened sound that many drummers prefer for its simplicity.
Ply Configuration and Durability
The number and thickness of plies directly impact a drumhead's durability and sonic characteristics. Single-ply heads, such as the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head (B0002D0DAW) made with a single 10mil film, typically offer more resonance and a brighter tone but may wear out faster under heavy playing. Conversely, double-ply heads like the Evans EMAD2 (two 7mil plies) or the Evans EMAD Heavyweight (two 10mil plies) are designed for increased durability and a more focused, punchy sound with reduced overtones. For drummers who hit hard or play genres like rock and metal, the EMAD Heavyweight provides the robust construction needed to withstand aggressive playing over extended periods, offering a deeper, more controlled thud.
Material and Resonance
The material composition of a bass drum head profoundly affects its sound and feel. Most professional drumheads from brands like Evans and Remo utilize proprietary film blends designed for specific acoustic properties. However, more economical options, such as the Seteol drum heads, are often made from imported PET material. While PET can offer good resistance to percussion and abrasion, users report subtle differences in resonance and sustain compared to the more specialized films used by leading brands. PET heads tend to be clearer visually and can offer a punchy, fundamental tone, often favored for practice or specific genre applications where extreme nuance isn't the priority.
Fit and Installation Technology
Proper seating of a drumhead is vital for optimal tuning and sound. Evans' Level 360 Technology, featured on their EMAD2 heads, is engineered to provide a consistently even collar, allowing the head to seat itself properly on the drum shell. This facilitates easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and a more consistent tone across the head. While other brands, including Remo, produce heads with precise manufacturing, the Level 360 collar aims to minimize the common issues of uneven seating or difficulty achieving consistent tension around the hoop. Drummers often find that heads with advanced collar technology require less effort to get a great sound, especially when changing heads frequently.
Pros & Cons
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options - Versatile for All Music Genres
Pros
- Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System allows for quick sound customization without removing the head.
- Level 360 Technology ensures proper seating, facilitating easier tuning and a wider tonal range.
- Two foam damping rings provide versatile sound options, from open resonance to tight attack.
Cons
- The clear finish may show stick marks and dust more readily than coated options.
- While versatile, some drummers might prefer a head with a more inherently fixed, simpler sound profile.
Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead, 22"
Pros
- Features a thin underlay at the outer edge for consistent, built-in overtone dampening.
- Known for its clear, punchy attack and controlled sustain, making it a reliable choice for many genres.
- As a single-ply head, it offers good resonance while maintaining clarity.
Cons
- Lacks the adjustable damping flexibility found in systems like Evans EMAD.
- The clear finish might not be preferred by drummers seeking a warmer, more subtle aesthetic.
Seteol 5 Pieces Drum Heads, 10" 12" 14" 16" 22" PET Drum Head Kit, Clear Bass Drumhead Pack, Standard Drumhead Pack Drums Accessories Fit for Rock & Metal
Pros
- Made of imported PET material, offering good resistance to percussion and abrasion.
- Comes as a 5-piece kit, providing excellent value for outfitting multiple drums, including the bass drum.
- Clear design offers a clean visual aesthetic, allowing internal drum elements to be seen.
Cons
- May not offer the same nuanced tonal characteristics as premium, specialized film drumheads from leading brands.
- Specific damping mechanisms are not mentioned, implying a more open, less controlled sound without external dampening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking the Impact of Damping Systems
A common mistake is selecting a bass drum head without considering its inherent or adjustable damping capabilities. For instance, choosing a Remo Powerstroke P3, which has a subtle underlay for overtone control, might be insufficient for drummers who require extreme dampening for heavy music styles. Conversely, selecting an Evans EMAD2 and not utilizing its adjustable foam rings means missing out on the head's primary advantage of sound customization, leading to an unnecessarily open or overly dampened sound.
Ignoring Ply Configuration for Durability Needs
Many drummers mistakenly opt for a single-ply head, such as the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head (B0002D0DAW), when their playing style demands the robustness of a double-ply. Heavy-hitting drummers will find that a single 10mil ply head wears out quickly, leading to frequent replacements. The Evans EMAD Heavyweight, with its two 10mil plies, is specifically designed for maximum durability and impact resistance, a crucial consideration for drummers playing aggressive genres.
Not Matching Head Size to Drum Shell
While seemingly basic, failing to ensure the correct diameter of the drumhead to the bass drum shell is a frequent error. An 18†head will not properly seat on a 22†bass drum. While most products clearly state their size (e.g., 22†for many Evans and Remo heads), purchasing a kit like the Seteol 5 Pieces Drum Heads requires careful attention to confirm the bass drum head included matches the specific drum's diameter.