DW MFG Direct Drive XF vs. DW MFG Chain Drive XF vs. DW 9000 XF

[@BrandonMelvinDrums]

This was very informative. I have the regular 9000s now, but want the longer footboard XF model. I've seen Matt Garstka and Thomas Lang use the MFG ones and I prefer chain drives too so I may get them over the XF.

[@wilkinsnl]

Thanks for the vid man. Great service to us all.

[@SheriffJohnStone]

I had the 9000 double pedal for years. I upgraded to the Direct Drive you have on the left because I noticed the 9000 could not keep up with the articulation needed for some of the Meshuggah stuff I was trying to learn. I found with the 9000 there was some serious lag I had to compensate for when approaching like 160 to 190 bpm. I had to really compensate for this which was throwing me off balance and causing issues with my ankle. So switching to the direct drive, you are right it's like the pedal just doesn't have that solid feel that the chain drive does and yes, it sends vibration into your knees and ankles which really hurts. The direct drive requires more finesse and is a complete technique adjustment altogether. I'm trying give the direct drive a fair shot but I just can't get comfortable with it even after 4 months. For the cost, I'd expect a better feel. I will say my technique has improved though for sure using the direct drive and the knee and ankle pain has gone away.. Now that I'm hearing your feedback on the chain drive, I think I will try that one out as it seems to be the next step. Thank you for the video!

[@IronCobraPTW]

The direct drive is a very different feel for sure. Some people love it. For me, the chain drive was just what I wanted and fit my playing style Both are beautiful pedals. Good luck!

[@alecantanaitis7849]

Thank you the exact video i was looking for!

[@WarwickJaensch]

Great video, thank you!

[@rafaelchavarria9647]

nice video...I have been looking to buy a chain drive double pedal (I have an Axis direct drive), and I have been looking into the DWs 9000s or Yamaha FP9...have not checked the MFGs...will look into this...

[@ImaginaryAsh]

All 3 are great pedals. I'd like the MFG chain but it's the price that puts me off. Knowing myself though, I'll probably end up buying it at some point.

[@adriansalinas1572]

You mentioned that the standard size MDD pedal is the same size as the 9000 XF?? From the video side by side the MDD XF and the 9000 XF looks the same size. I’m curious. Can’t decide between the XF and regular.

[@IronCobraPTW]

The 1 inch difference is in the heel plate. the MDD has a smaller heel plate, and the overall footprint is still slightly larger than the 9000XF I found that the XF pedals have a slightly larger "sweet spot" I have big feet. They just feel better to me. It's definitely worth trying them out. At the end of the day regular vs xf isn't the biggest difference

[@adriansalinas1572]

@@IronCobraPTW so the MDD standard foot board is the same size as the 9000 XF foot board?? I have the 9000 XF and I like the size of its foot board so if the MDD standard is the same size then I can save some money and go with them.

[@IronCobraPTW]

​@adriansalinas1572 that is correct!

[@IronCobraPTW]

​​@@adriansalinas1572i just measured my mfg xf and 9000 xf. Mfg xf pedal board is 11¾, 9000 XF is 10 ¾. Just for reference

[@adriansalinas1572]

@@IronCobraPTW awesome thank you.

[@fastpctv2012]

I think the next generation pedals will have bindings and special locking shoes. Will call them drumming skates. Think about it. Your hands are always in contact with the drumsticks. How come our feet are not always in contact with the pedals? There's a loss of energy, and control. It takes effort and coordination to keep the feet in the "sweet-spot" while playing. Bindings would help with this. They should only attach to the ball of the foot, centered, and be only one "bolt" or magnet (or some hybrid) protruding (attached) from the bottom of the skates. The 'bolt' should be able to slide into an adjustable locking slot so you can find your best pivot point. The skates need to be comfortable. You would also have option to unlatch quickly so you don't feel trapped. think of other specialty shoes in other sports. You got rollerblades, ice skates, shoes that lock into bike pedals. All of these devices help to transfer energy and complete the sporting task and are not considered cheating because you're still using human skills to get the job done. Another idea is to develop drum pedal bindings with some type of magnet-bolt or hybrid of the two. I'm sure I'm not the first guy to think of these ideas but I'm surprised that there hasn't been any inventions that have come out in the last 50 years.

[@andresaguilar327]

Hi! greeat video! Do you like having a linear cam better than the eccentric configuration?

[@IronCobraPTW]

@@andresaguilar327 I have this pedal set to the accelerator cam. I had my 9000 set to the same. Linear feels closer to what the Direct Drive feels like

[@Ed-pw3vy]

How does the chain drive compare to the direct drive on doubles? I'm wondering if I would hate the direct as I play barefoot and previously removed a cowbell mounted on my bass hoop because I felt it too much in my foot. Currently have DW 5000 single. Thanks for the vid!

[@IronCobraPTW]

I felt like the direct drive was cleaner on the second stroke. The pedal really does follow your foot. It came up and hit me in the bottom of the foot a few times until I got used to it. The first hit feels the same in DD, second hit entirely different. CD is still quite a fast pedal, but would feel like your 5000. Just a much nicer version