Mapex Black Panther 2020 Metal Snare Drums - Drummer's Review

Here's our review of all of the new-for-2020 metal shell Black Panther snare drums from Mapex. Filmed at Cube Studios, July 2020.
00:15 - Introduction
02:23 - Atomizer (14" x 6.5", 2.0mm Seamed Aluminium Shell)
04:23 - Metallion (14" x 5.5", 1.2mm Seamed Brass Shell)
06:25 - Persuader (14" x 6", 1.2mm Hammered Brass Shell)
08:24 - Predator (14" x 6", 1.2mm Seamed Copper Shell)
10:28 - Cyrus (14"x 6", 1.0mm Seamed Steel Shell)
12:30 - Wasp (10" x 5.5", 1.0mm Seamed Steel Shell)
14:42 - Thoughts & Conclusion
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[@SheldonKreger]

For those who haven't owned one of these yet - they have a VERY unique feel due to the ventilation. I really love the way that I can record them without dampening. The vents really control the sustained "ring" you get from other brands. You DO get a nice "ring" but it diminishes right away. Overall, they feel very controlled and manageable.

[@sheliumorg5189]

MAPEX is on-track for becoming a serious contender in the coveted realm of mass produced excellent drum makers.

[@eucabusas]

Idk if it was Nolly who tuned those snares but I gotta say at the intro they were all fine tuned accurately to the same note/hertz giving a true test of the different materials/depth the snares have. Great job!

[@RossTheSoundGuy]

It took 3 of us with 14 snares quite a while, same pitch as the wood panther snares!

[@alrecks619]

i think Nolly parted ways after the studio went from Middle Farm to Cube Studios, so i don't think that was him.

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

They all sounded great in my opinion! I have a Mapex Chromium snare that I don’t know much about, but I love it as well. However I would like to get some of those Super Saver hoops!

[@beatsbyluck9838]

Love mapex drums💯

[@21DaHoagie12]

Awesome selection from mapex! Definitely an old familiar sound with the brass drums but I think the copper snare with a high tuning sounded the sweetest to my ears.

[@sheliumorg5189]

same

[@richboshart1201]

Great review. I’m not a Mapex guy, but within this price point there are few better.

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Found a mint condition one on Reverb, have been wanting a BP Mapex snare for far too long now to pass it up, so I have my first Mapex snare on the way thanks to this video. Was looking for a good brass snare to go with my collection again since I let my 2nd gen Pearl Free Floating brass piccolo get away from me years ago. The Metallion sounds very dry, controlled and cutting, as I want. The design elements are going to be cool to see and try in person compared to my other snares. Thank you for the helpful videos and inspiring drumming!

[@clarkzinho]

I have the metallion one, and its amazing. Very unique drum tone and feel. Can be very loud, tough. Everytime I rehearse with my band, I bring the metallion with me and compare to the snare drum sitting in the studio. The Mapex is always VERY powerful in comparison.

[@nilblasco9142]

So, the Wasp is the next generation of the Stinger?

[@simonnunn7808]

Own the Metallion and tune very high. Can’t imagine much else working better for my needs. Was a present from my wife, she clearly has a good ear 😁

[@BIGBOUTYAH]

It has to be the Predator for me.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Brass FTW ... Always ...

[@sheliumorg5189]

check out the mapex armory kits

[@drumsanddrumming]

How is the Atomizer compared to Supraphonic and Gretsch aluminium snares?

[@yanb.193]

Check out the Drum Center of Portsmouth video of "10 best aluminum snare drums". The Atomizer comes off as darker with a softer attack. To be honest, I find it to be the least interesting of the series, because to me the whole point of aluminium is a bright dry crack and it doesn't have it. YMMV of course. Best affordable aluminum snare remains a used Ludwig Acrolite, but if you must go new the Tama SLP Dry Aluminum is really good. This is no diss on Mapex, I got the copper shell Predator and am loving it.

[@drumsanddrumming]

@@yanb.193 thank you for answer. Actually I had a Tama aluminium but didn't like it at all. I have a Supra, a Gretsch solid aluminium etc and they are both great

[@yanb.193]

@@drumsanddrumming was it the Tama Starphonic? I have never tried a Starphonic I liked.

[@drumsanddrumming]

@@yanb.193 yes the starphonic

[@yanb.193]

@@drumsanddrumming there you go. The SLP is a lower tier model, but with 8 lugs and classic triple flanged hoops it's a lot more open sounding.

[@jamesadams7131]

I wish they would have used a non-muffled head for the comparison. I understand that these drums come with these heads, but a more open sound would give a better representation of the true sound of the shell. IMO.

[@joshuavonkampen9493]

The Ambassador X is a 12-mil single-ply head; there's no built-in muffling. Just slightly thicker than a standard 10-mil Ambassador.

[@roybeckerman9253]

USA or Chinese made Remo heads ?

[@joelcapelmorales8924]

I think they are from Taiwan

[@roybeckerman9253]

Nice..but I think the Tama SLP line, has it over the new Mapex Black Panther line ..