Gear - DW MFG MDD Double Pedal Review - Pros and Cons

[@alexanderqbe]

this video is so great man, respect for the gear review for people and for making it so easy to understand and compare visually.

[@BenReigel]

Thank you so much!

[@badwolfsat5]

I have a set of those Hard Core beater's and you can use them with those pedals and other double pedals that are close together. All you have to do is losen the lug and rotate it 90°s. They're thinner that way and work very well. My DDrum Quicksilver pedals are close together and I was like damn. I spent a lot on these beater's and really like them. So I tried to make it work and it did. It's nice having double pedals that are more centered on the middle of the head.

[@JustinGoldsmith]

I use the hardcore beater on a speed cobra 910. Best pedal setup I've ever played.

[@jamesjackson5418]

You put that beater on this MDD?

[@drumutron]

Man it's great to have a take/review on something direct drive that isn't from trick or axis. + never new DW was so responsive with their customer service. Thanks for the upload, can't wait for the next one 👌

[@BenReigel]

Thanks Miles! Funny story - I've been in contact with DW regarding the pedal and they said they'd pass on the suggestions to their R&D department. What a cool company! They're so huge but still care about us as individuals. I've reached out to other companies over the years for this or that - sometimes never even got a reply.

[@johnrevilla4835]

Great video! It is 2 years old but I just now upgraded to the machine double pedal. I will say that they do send velcro strips with the pedals now, if they didn't before! Thanks for the video

[@GrinNBarrettM82A1]

Appreciate the unbiased, fair review... I've been playing my 9002's for over a decade, and I think it's time for something different!

[@chromebull884]

Definitely would recommend the Tama Dyna Sync pedals

[@GGeorge5677]

Most definitely the smoothest pedal I’ve tried as well. I also own 9000xf and Duallist D3 pedals. MDD is the best I’m aware of.

[@screamo4211]

i played the DW 5000 double for a lil more than 20 years myself and I just ordered this pedal with the extended footboard. A lot more than $1,000 now at $1,329 as of May 2023

[@skyko]

Did you get it yet? Do you like it? 😉

[@Rockin_Ross]

DW5k double. I’ve been rocking that for 15 years and don’t plan to change. While I do Iove direct drive (as I use a Speed King single), the 5k just has a better feel for the money.

[@idn]

Very well done review. I also own this double pedal but haven't experienced any of the issues yet, beyond the wide foot plates. I am a size 12/46 shoe, so that doesn't bother me much at all so far.

[@dreamopeth]

The chain version of this pedal is the best I've ever laid my foot upon. Better than a 5000 and the legacy that's had.

[@jesusbruschi9579]

would you tell me if it´s worth upgrading it from the 9000s?

[@dreamopeth]

@@jesusbruschi9579 yes if you want a more solid and responsive pedal with more power. My playing now more suits something like a ludwig speed flyer another great pedal way cheaper than these.

[@Allinguts]

Thanks for this video, now in 100% sure that im not gonna buy them, great review!

[@mattchase2112]

I heard the pedal board flexes as well due to the thin aluminum

[@lancerains4185]

Got one ... Love it.. It's literally a work of art..

[@Lupine.]

I love my pair. I just wish it had the leverage of my Axis pedals, so now I want the XF model.

[@ricohorton]

Still don't like the raised heel plate. It caused Plantar Fasciitis in my heel. Should have made it slant down to the end of the base plate.

[@antondubkov]

yeah that's the single thing that turns me off in this and other DW pedals...

[@sickdrummer3831]

I have the DDrive. I am a fan. Yes it’s pricey but after a few gigs it’s paid for itself. I love the self adjusting beaters. The adjustment access do simple. I use the full 40 gram weights on both beaters. I also purchased the new hi hat to match 2 leg. The hat stand bro is super sensitive like a direct drive. Toe clamp on this pedal is sick and very well engineered. Dude your snare stand is wanky. Lol.

[@alexcs123]

Just to let you know... con #1 can be solved by tightening the silver colored hex nut on the top of the beater

[@BenReigel]

Hey Alex, you're right! Tightening the hex stops the beater head from doing its 'self correcting' movement, but the adhesive from the earlier version Control Beaters was faulty and caused the felts to pop off. DW told me in an email they've strengthened their adhesive so it shouldn't be a problem anymore.

[@vihro]

As far as I remember you might turn the hardcore beater head around so it won't strike to each other.

[@derekdelgado2439]

Hey man! Great review. How would you compare this pedal to the chain drive version? Also how do either of these versions compare to the DW 9000 XF pedal? Can’t decide which to get! Haha

[@BenReigel]

Hey Derek! After playing the 5000 for 20 years I also considered the 9000. It's the natural upgrade. The 9000XF has an extended footboard which is nice if you're tall and have a size 12+ shoe. Some people like it for heel-toe but I think that technique is obsolete compared to heel-up doubles or constant release. The MFG chain drive is a step above the 9000 in my opinion. Super fast and buttery smooth. The only real insane difference is direct drive vs chain. It's a whole other animal. It's like comparing a stick shift to an automatic. I def recommend testing out a direct drive at a shop before buying (even from another manufacturer like Axis) but if you come to the same conclusion I did, that direct drive is the way of the future, go for the MDD! Took me months to get used to the feel but now my single foot double top speed is around 240bpm (16ths). That's up from around 210. Not that speed is everything, and speed without control is nothing...okay now I'm just ranting. Hope this helps man!

[@DarkBlackReaper]

Can you compare it to Trick Drums Pro 1 V BigFoot if you ever tried one?

[@BenReigel]

Hey Djordje! Very similar pedals. To me, the Trick feels more like an Axis. For some reason it's easier for me to play the DW, especially fast double strokes.

[@DarkBlackReaper]

Thanks for response!

[@CymbalsOnly]

Ben Reigel - oh my, I’m so glad to hear you say that. That was exactly my issue with the Trick. For some reason, I just could not execute fast double strokes with the same accuracy and precision as with any other pedal. It felt like work, and they lacked punch. I did like a lot about the Trick, but ultimately couldn’t keep it.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

I thought that the auto correcting beat was an awful idea, like thats why the felt is rounded

[@deaffatalbruno]

would be interesting to compare this to a demon drive pearl. I am on 5000 double, have demon drive single ( direct drive). love the feel. So now thinking of getting a direct drive double. The downs u mentioned are not on the demon drives, but I have no idea how the feel compares.

[@jaminrice]

I've been playing a demon direct drive single for about 5 or 6 years now. Just got this pedal in the mail today, so now that I'm looking at videos of it, I appreciate a comment such as yours! Did you end up getting a DD double?

[@deaffatalbruno]

@@jaminrice yes i did. I love it, think it is great, but haven’t been able to compare to any dw direct drive, since I only got 5000 series one chain drive .

[@exteminus4150]

@@jaminrice You left us hanging. How's the MDD compare to the Demon Drive?

[@Danfromoverthere]

Thanks man, very informative

[@BenReigel]

Thanks Danny!

[@Danfromoverthere]

Ben Reigel no thanks needed more like thank you! Honest reviews like this can really help out especially when they cost this much. I’m looking to back to playing after many many years away and many spine surgeries I finally feel great. So looking to maybe upgrade from my iron cobra dbl bass pedal it’s still in great shape for being 10 yrs old. This is a nice pedal but for the price I’m not so sure. I’ve been looking at the direct drive pedals I don’t know much about them

[@BenReigel]

Although no pedal is perfect, I'm really happy with the MDD. The flaws I point out are kind of small and after some time with this pedal, I can honestly say it's smoother and easier to play direct drive when you get the hang of it. Speed isn't everything, but I'm faster on this pedal for sure. Also - my L5 is pretty much gone (old injury) so I give you MAJOR props for getting back into drumming! Staying relaxed has helped me a lot. :) Best wishes Danny!

[@Danfromoverthere]

Ben Reigel thank you so much. And I hope you healed up good and don’t have much pain with your L5. I look forward to playing again so much.

[@fireyourrocketts]

There have been instances I could have gotten this pedal but have sticked to the 9000 series; I have 1 right and 1 left configuration as I was interested in trying to learn to play left naturally as I am left but have played always the same way Simon Philips sets up, I also own the Pearl Demon Eliminator Direct Drive which can be converted to left and that was one of the features that I liked when got them but have never really found the sweep spot of adjustment on those; not enough time playing with them so set them aside for the 9000's. I am now convinced I would never pay 1K for those pedals; at that price point there should be no cons at all. I think they are severely overpriced but then again, everything is like that these days!

[@MiNiMeMiniatureDrumCovers]

They cost way more than 1k actually , this is 3 years old, 1399.00 !

[@fireyourrocketts]

@@MiNiMeMiniatureDrumCovers Holy spikes! I have been under a rock! forget it even if I had the money I remember I paid $600 for the DW9000 double right and left configuration each; according to this change they probably cost more now too!

[@isiscruz9075]

What's the "feel" difference between this pedal and the dw 9000s?

[@BenReigel]

Hey Isis! That's a tough one - The MDD is direct drive and 9000s are chain so the best way I can describe it is maybe using a car analogy. Ever drive an insanely fast car? Direct drive pedals feel like one in the way you hit the pedal and there's an immediate response. A chain drive pedal is (subtly) more floppy...almost like it has lag. Personally, over the years I had been subliminally compensating for the tiny amounts of delay with each stroke. Direct drive is instant. Zero delay. You hit the gas and you better be ready because the beater is already at the bass drum head. That kind of response can be tricky, because the pedal is truly showcasing the exact movement of your foot. It can take a bit to get used to but for me it was worth it.

[@isiscruz9075]

Ben Reigel thanks for the info. I have the 9000s. Soon or later I'll have to get new pedals. So I was thinking of getting these pedals. They're the same price as new axis, tricks and dominator pedals. So idk why people say these are over priced when all new direct pedals cost the same. Haha, they're all 900$+.

[@korbendallas7181]

What snare stand is that? Great vid.

[@BenReigel]

The snare stand is a Mapex 400 Series. By far the smallest/lightest I own. I use it for practice pads when I travel but.... well I'd never gig with it hehe

[@korbendallas7181]

@@BenReigel Single braced Mapex? I have the 800 and 600 and they're great. I had to ask because its black and looked very lightweight.

[@BenReigel]

@@korbendallas7181 Mapex Armory is fantastic in my experience. You're 100% correct about the snare stand. I did some digging and it's not Mapex at all. It's a Sound Percussion Labs Kicker Pro black snare stand. I've amassed quite a bit of gear over the years. I've never purchased a Sound Percussion kit, so it must have been from one of my 'buy all of some dudes stuff' from craigslist events. Good eye!

[@davidgoode7416]

Great review, thanks

[@kushking420]

Great review man

[@jeremykeithwilliams]

Have you compared it to trick drums pro v 1?

[@BadRonald1]

I've played it and thought it was ok not $1,000. Then I played this one pedal that was so smooth I had to have it. The Iron Cobra 900 Rolling Glide.

[@PabloJ1968]

What brand of direct drive have you tried other than DW?

[@joshdougherty7357]

Would you be able to swap footboards from a 5000 pedal? Also can you separate them and make 2 single pedals if you wanted too

[@BenReigel]

Hey Josh! Unfortunately the answer is no for both questions. The footboards are totally different and there's no way to hook a beater to the secondary pedal.

[@ChimichangaGuy]

Czarcie kopyto are the hands down best pedals

[@uonadtehrrocks]

Need a little more sum up of the new tech and adjustments and stuff, you only went over the negatives really, still thumbs up

[@BenReigel]

You're right! I was worried the vid came off a bit negative. There are a ton of vids covering every little detail of the pedals. I thought I'd point out some things I hadn't seen or read anywhere. All said though I LOVE them. Most cons are little detail things - velcro strips etc.

[@krusher74]

In Europe they are 1429 euro!!!, every other major brand's pedals top out at about 1100, and with pearl demon drive being only 722 and tama Dyna sync 635, I just can't see what these are bringing to the table for double the price.

[@Tomas.justin]

Saw the throne you’re using, no reviews on the dw airlift on youtube, was wondering if you could do a review on it? Or maybe give your thoughts? Was debating bet the airlift and a roc n soc

[@BenReigel]

Hey Justin! Regarding hydraulic thrones - I personally find they're too bouncy. For me, seat movement is the enemy. The throne in the vid is the 5000 Series Tractor Top. I was using it for years but made the switch to a custom throne. It's actually made me better on the kit if you can believe that. Never thought a throne would help me play, but if you're after performance over comfort, maybe the vid I did about it will help. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p36Tip2PeLJ6pbs

[@douggoble9695]

I like the feel. I would pay the price.

[@nicolasfrossard4315]

So is a 9000 better ?

[@BenReigel]

The 9000 is an awesome pedal. The MDD is direct drive so they're two different animals. I chose direct drive over the 9000 because I feel like it's the future. Chain drives have come a long way since they were invented by a drum shop in NYC in the late 1970s using bicycle parts! Both pedals are great - just different drive systems.

[@Deagledrumzz]

Since Axis came out with these designs before anyone,I would think when looking into these Ferraris it's best to ask yourself why not try the original. LOOOOONG before anyone was using aircraft aluminum on their pedals Axis was already making all these innovations, while other companies were just trying to copy and catch up. Now before anyone says i use Axis because i'm on the payroll that is anything but the truth. I happened to be at a Namm show in the 90's right about the time Axis came out with their 1st model, they were at the Ayotte booth, and I was going to the Ayotte booth because i play Ayotte drumzz. I was always on the lookout for gear that i felt was superior to what I had before. At that time I was using Dw5000 with chain drive, and the Luddy speed king. Well after trying the Axis X I was hooked.NEVER did I play such a fast precise pedal, and over the years I tried and bought several other high end pedals like the Axis. I can safely say that all of the other warp drive pedals are great, but the Axis has the best feel. And they are precise and read what your foot is telling them to do.BTW those flat beaters I.M.O are useless, the best Axis beater is the wrecking ball beater and can be used on any pedal.BTW good review.

[@charliejanto6771]

DW pedals👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DavidKrautscheid]

you forgot one thing..you cant change the peater position seperately from the geometry.

[@klank67]

Yamaha make really nice direct drive pedals that don't seem to have any of these shortcomings.

[@tbird5]

He super good at drumming

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

You just sold me a pedal! Picking up one of them new pedals. Chain drive. Direct drive feels awful.

[@stevengonzalez4111]

This was a great review, thanks bro. You hit a lot of nails on the head. I love and hate my dirict drive peddles. I’m too accustomed to the “5000 ”. They are smooth as silk but, it’s going to take some time getting used too.

[@BenReigel]

Thank you Steven! Hang in there man. I went through the love/hate phase too haha.

[@MiNiMeMiniatureDrumCovers]

No longer JUST 1000 dollars unfortunately 😢 now more like 1,500 after tax. Or 1399.00 anyways, sucks because about to get one and wish was that much cheaper! Good video 😎

[@ricohorton]

I didn't like the MDD version. I went with MCD. I didn't care much for raised heel plate.

[@jasondranger2165]

Does the chain drive not have the raised heel plate?

[@ricohorton]

@@jasondranger2165 yes same heel plate. 🤮

[@jasondranger2165]

@@ricohorton thanks for your reponse! I just got mdd....great power so far but a bit less smoothness than Axis Longboard X.....which I still have👍

[@ricohorton]

@@jasondranger2165 I have other pedals as well. Really like my Tama DynaSync

[@jasondranger2165]

@@ricohorton I was eyeing that as well as trick. DW MDD was the only one of the 3 in stock at the time. I'm only a week and a half in right now and I'm starting to practice with all 4 weights to build me up some lol

[@TigerKoehn]

I understand reviewing the important build of the pedal, however you didn't play the pedal once to go over the performance of the pedal. The point of the pedal is how it performs . You didn't play the pedal once to go over how the pedal will perform with different foot techniques. I would surmise that is the most important aspect of a pedal . Review. Regardless, that you for the breakdown of the features of the pedal

[@BenReigel]

Hey Tiger! Interesting comment. I never considered showing the pedal in motion. I think, my thought was that it's a piece of hardware, and any video of me using it would be akin to showing off. That said, I personally look for a reviewers endorsement when I watch videos. I can't feel the pedal through the screen, so I rely on what the reviewer has to say - I mention it's the smoothest pedal I've ever played from any brand near end of my short review. Testing out different techniques is a great idea, but would be too showy for me personally to make. I wanted to keep it about pros and cons I'd experienced. Physically, the footboard moves about 2 inches. So there isn't much to see. Unlike a cymbal or drum, there's nothing to hear. Even so, I'll consider including clips of 'using' hardware if I make additional review videos. Thanks for your input!

[@hellion605]

“the direct drive is the way of the future” :)))))) yeah, right

[@BenReigel]

Ok I'm curious, what do you prefer? Leather/nylon strap drive from the 1800's? Or bicycle chain from the early 1900's? Direct drive has been around for a long time, but as tech and materials improve I still think it's the logical way forward. Zero lag pedals ftw

[@ratboy2072]

you old dudes are so weirdly against innovation lmao, theres one of you on every single drumming video about new pedals/double strokes/triggers/whatever else

[@robblevins]

One thing that is important to me is that these are machined in the United States. The 9000s are not. Even without the added weight for stability and smoothness, or getting too far into sustainability and patriotism, I would still gladly pay more knowing this.

[@interestingdiscovery1523]

Thanks bro. .

[@yeti.o2w]

Rotate the harcore beaters and they will fit with lots of room

[@saulhudson302]

Dude your so right. I new the beaters were no good. I would use wooden but that's me. I am not buying this , not because of your video but there's others just the same apart from the 1 piece aluminium. It's a rip off.

[@jamieseiple]

I used the same Ludwig Speedking Buddy Rich used and it was amazing! Cost me $15 back in the day, probably would be $150 now. The DW pedal is a waste of money...a BIG waste.

[@KarlCityRun]

How do you "snap a footboard"? Haha :)

[@BenReigel]

LOL I know right?! I remember looking down like..what..in the world..

[@KarlCityRun]

@@BenReigel can't think of a scenario where the footboard snaps while playing. Lol

[@larrytate1657]

It used to be an issue on 5000s a long time ago, they’ve strengthened the boards since. But they had a weak spot in them.

[@Anomaly92]

Well, the video was basically only cons :D

[@BenReigel]

You're right it does come off that way and I regret that haha. I wanted to point out things that I noticed but hadn't seen talked about. To me, the cons are small and have easy workarounds. About 4 years with this pedal now and I'm still really happy I got it!

[@ZoranVručinić]

Many heavy words for the best pedal in the hole world, the mcd double bass pedals. It's perfect pedal for playing everthyng, all stiles playing pedals but I have sm101 beaters zbog navike i godina sviranja. Now cost much more, many more...and i still got perfect. Period. Just play drums, fuck the rest!

[@jvt9749]

Baseplate is humungous. Legendary DW fragility. Overpriced as per DW

[@berenjarrett4210]

I've never seen a broken footboard like that lmao

[@pearlguy6351]

Wow $1000 holy smokes glad I’m a pearl guy 🤣🤣🤣

[@classe-tmb]

cons it costs almost 2k in 2024

[@midinerd]

next time... play it

[@BenReigel]

Meh, I feel like visually seeing it hit a bd head doesn't really mean much. Plenty of vids out there of drummers showing off with it though. Btw - 6 years from purchase - STILL loving it and zero complaints

[@aungyelin959]

He talk like Music is win guy?

[@suggoz]

DW, the Iphone of the drumworld. Over priced and over worked. If you buy pedals for 1000$ you sir have more money then brains.

[@BillTheBubble]

trick pedals trump all.

[@stefanaleksic4113]

Only Yamaha

[@robertcenin5679]

A THOUASAND DOLLAR PEDAL AND YOUR EXPECTING IT TO FIT ON A $40 BASS DRUM...................

[@BenReigel]

Yup! For the price, it should fit my stencil kits, and my Pearl Masters Custom, and my DW Collectors Series, and my Premier APK, and my Ludwig Hollywood kit...etc. Too much to ask? 🤣