Mapex Mars Series Kit - Drummer's Review

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Here's our review of a Mapex Mars kit with accompanying hardware pack. Filmed at Middle Farm Studios, June 2019. For full specs, please visit our website: www.drummersreview.com, and to connect with us further, check out our social media channels...
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[@pyroeuropa]

Most underrated drum company

[@faioladrums]

Tailgunner. Agreed

[@Rockin_Ross]

Tailgunner Absolutely. I’ve seen more pros endorsed by them than ever before and the sound and build quality is always top notch.

[@larrytate1657]

If they were made in Japan or Germany people would say they’re the best. Lol.

[@MeTuLHeD]

Yes indeed. Ever since they went with those outside roundover edges, their toms just sound fat and amazing.

[@noneofmybusiness9895]

I've got the Mars crossover with 12/14/16 toms and my 12" tom thats hanging from my boom stand, is the best sounding piece of the kit. So powerful and deep with hardly any overtones or ringing out. 👍🏻

[@jamesfulmer7080]

I knew if you reviewed this kit you would dig it. I've never been good at tuning. When I got my MARS kit home I put EVANS g2's on the batter and g1's on the resonat side my jaw hit the floor! I couldn't believe I made those drums sound that good. Then I realized it was the drums, more particular the SONICLEAR bearing edges. MAPEX is doing a lot of really good things. They are definitely underrated.

[@donsak111]

soniclear bearing edges makes a TON of difference...own a Mars too,so much easier to sound good right out the box

[@williamperri3437]

@@donsak111 they sound as good as Armory kits practically.

[@williamperri3437]

Do you remember your tuning process? I would have been in heaven as a teenager if I had a kit that could tune really easy and I was shocked and how good they sounded. Was it kind of a matter of just finger tuning and then a little bit of ear tuning? When I was a kid I literally would just memorize the turns and try to do tension tuning

[@alexgeorge8503]

Man I just got the Mapex Mars crossover kit Black on Black.. It's on back order. I have a PDP concept already and from the reviews even though the set is less, I feel like I am not going down in quality! so excited to hear these things. I even ordered a 20 strand for the snare and in the market for a throw down for the snare if you have any ideas what will fit it for replacing the throw down please let me know!

[@alexgeorge8503]

@Jotunn The Mapex Mars crossover is a great set for metal with the one tom and 2 floor toms plus my PDP is far away at home that I play with for gigs. Like 5 hours away now.. Plus I was looking for a third set now. I will love these forever and they will now be a part of my collection! Right now I’m jamming on a Alesis command kit and I miss the acoustic feel already.

[@DavidEpstein]

I really think Mapex gets a bit of a bad wrap for being associated with some their much lower end beginner kits, but I think in the intermediate range, they really do provide the best value. I played Mapex Pro M and Meridian Maple drums for years for live and studio use, and they are simply affordable, well built, great modern-sounding drums.

[@TheHarrisal21]

Are these kits any good?

[@Martin-kn6vc]

@David Epstein I totally agree! We have a Meridian Birch at work, and I used it for a session back in March. Their intermediate kits are absolute sleepers! The Meridian Birch floor tom and kick that we used for our session were some of the best drum sounds I've recorded, and I've recorded Pork Pie, Mapex Saturn and Tama Starclassic kits. Mapex have amazing drums for their various price points.

[@BC-mg2yj]

Funny you used the phrase “bad wrap” that all I can think of when I look at the cheesy faux facade

[@erictorres4889]

The Tama Superstar classic drums are great sounding affordable drums too and built strong .

[@davidhanson5181]

I bought this same exact kit except its the crossover version with 2 floor toms going to turn this kit into an electronic kit

[@W4RD1N8ER]

I have a Mars kit and it is better than anything I have owned before and I love it! I got this kit at a steal barely used with stock everything. I took it home was not really impressed with stock heads I got Evans G2 double plys for the top kept the stock rezzies on the bottom and what a huge difference! Once I played them like this I went back to the store where I got them and ordered an 18 by 18 floor Tom to go with it and started buying the rest of the hardware to complete the kit I have 10”, 12”, 16” floor 18” floor 14” snare and 22” kick Mapex double kick pedals and a set of roto toms to go with it. I like the blood wood finish and the entire kit has performed better than I could have imagined! I had a chance to switch to Tama which is my all time fave manufacturers for drums I kept the Mars kit and have been real happy that I did. I have also played these with a complete set of Evans hydraulic Red drum heads this drum set looks insane with them on! They are not as sensitive as regular 2 plys but sound good on my kit tuned with a tunebot tuner there is a lot of room on this kit to play with. I have them in my studio and play them daily. This drum set far surpasses all my older drum sets Mapex has put out a real nice drum set super affordable did not have to part with a leg or an arm to get one. I though these were just no namer shit drums when I got them BOY! I was never so happy to be that wrong in my life, great drums. Thanks Mapex!

[@mattnormandrums]

My kit is Mapex Mars. Toms ranging in size from 8”-18” depending on the setup. I am floored at how great they all sound. Easy to tune. Great projection and they record SO WELL. I often consider getting a “nicer” kit to maximize sonic potential when tracking. If I didn’t know they were mid level drums, I wouldn’t be thinking of a nicer kit. They sound that good!

[@davidsuprenant893]

I love to see review's on kits in these lower price points.I sincerely hope all drummers someday get there dream kit.Until they do,there are a lot of drum companies offering great kits at very affordable prices.For years I've been preaching to younger players and people on tight budgets to consider a kit like this and spend your money on good quality cymbals. You can usually make a less expensive kit sound good by replacing the heads ,but cymbals they are what they are.!!! I sincerely hope someday the cymbal companies offer something affordable that sounds as good as some of the kits that are being produced now days.!!!

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

I don't see the point in buying very expensive drums when you can make mid range kits sound just as good with some nice heads and learning how to tune them well.

[@Agent-px8vj]

I have a smokewood set for gigging, swap for better heads and they sound great!, also have a Saturn kit

[@Agent-px8vj]

@Stephen Parker Mars kit are good but if you can afford an Armory they are nicer, my nephew has an Armory they have a nicer finish and the shells are made with 2 different timbers

[@TheHarrisal21]

Since you have this kit is it high enough quality to stand up to gigging weekly or is it better to just go a step up and get the armory? Reason I ask is I saw this kit for $250 and want to get it but I don't want to have to spend money twice and get another kit.

[@Agent-px8vj]

Cr8zyH the mars kit will be fine but I prefer using a better snare maybe swap the top heads for better quality ones

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

I have remo suedes on my smoke kit! They sound crazy good and really level them out.

[@stairmaster3001]

Love the reviews. I found the Mapex Mars rock shell pack for an insane deal brand new. So I picked it up. This review helped me make my decision!

[@donsak111]

awesome sets for the money for sure

[@williamperri3437]

Do ulove the kit?

[@johncollins5552]

Spot on review, you won't get better for the money. Closest I feel is stage custom, probably a bit more expensive but versatile kit with better snare.

[@EverythingisFire]

They're introducing 'bop' sizing in this line soon. Pretty excited to see those out in the wild.

[@avramnovorra]

The snare could have sounded better with die-cast hoops and a thicker head, maybe a CS Black Dot, but those toms and bass really got my attention.. Good one guys!

[@DrummersReview]

Thanks for your feedback Avram. Thanks for watching and subscribing. Best wishes, DR

[@vitae8570]

Purchased this kit in dragon wood and LOVE IT!!! I've played a Pearl Session kit and Tama Starclassic. This Mapex blew me away with the sounds I can achieve everyday! I don't have one bad thing to say about the kit. Don't let the price fool you into thinking you're settling for less. This is my go to kit, no hesitation!

[@jakethepitador2558]

Well said. It sounds as good if not better than kits twice the price.

[@rcjd7834]

These sound amazing! I found Mapex drums because that is what Arch Echo's drummer plays, and his drums always sound amazing. I love their overall sound profile. The Mars config with the 22" kick, 14 and 16" floor toms and a 12" rack tom displaced a Tama Superstar Classic from my wishlist. I also love the way the black hardware looks.

[@sotirissugahgalore]

best bang for the buck. Well done Mapex!!!

[@seanb2108]

I realised halfway through that you did this with the stock heads. WOW

[@jamesadams7131]

I have a Saturn V and I've been thinking about getting a Mars kit for smaller gigs. Thanks for the review, you took any doubt out of my mind. I'll add one of my Mapex Black Panther snares, new heads and this kit will be singing!!

[@Fab_Rice]

Don t forget to hear this sweet cymbals too ;) I'm hoping for a review of the stage custom one day :D

[@josemiguelpradavonborries9703]

Mapex Mars!!! : great, great, great for value!!! 👍👍👍👍👍🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱✋✋✋

[@YourAmigoNiko]

Just picked up this shell pack pre-owned. Thank you!

[@ryanthomas8045]

That sounds phenomenal ! Love your reviews !

[@DrummersReview]

Glad you like the kit and we are glad you like our platform. Best wishes, DR

[@cristiancamberos5]

@@DrummersReview does it come tuned like that? Or you tuned it ? Thank you

[@Takes680]

I love Mapex i owned a Saturn.V and it was amazing only got rid of it because of moving and had no room to keep it got top $$$ for it and I miss it so much Im now going to get a small Mars kit in the same finish you have in video again never been disappointed with Mapex

[@JoseLopez-di1eo]

I have a Mars Kit on the Homewood finish. And I love it. I sure about the snare. I replaced the Bayer head with an Evans genera dry..its what In at. But Ill dwao it for a UV1 Sinn and pureaound wires. I know I can make this snare sing! The rest of the kit is fenomenal.

[@Medievalfan94]

Regarding the snare: Its the heads. I own the Mars set from 2015 I think in black night wood and I swapped the heads for Evans Hazy 300 on the reso and Evans UV1 on the batter side and that makes a world of a difference. It still is more of a drum that likes the higher tuning, but the crack you get out of it is amazing.

[@jjdrumworks]

When recommending kits to younger players, these are always on my short list, along with Yamaha Stage Customs and Pearl Exports. Where i live, Pearl Exports are the best kit that includes cymbals, The Mars is the best lone shellpack for the price, and the Stage Custom are the best kit with hardware for the price. The Mars really responds well at low tuning, and have a great ease-of-use factor due to the bearing edge. I've always found them extremely easy to tune.

[@isihernandez9752]

Absolutely agree, I make the same recommendations to begginers (or any one on a budget).

[@TheHarrisal21]

What about using as a kit for gigging?

[@jjdrumworks]

@@TheHarrisal21 all of these kits I have played on stage at least once. They're popular "house drums". When buying a gigging kit, it's important that it be durable, and sound good. Most places I play, the sound guy gets rid of most of the drum tone and tries to get thumpy attack out of all the toms. That's mostly rock shows. Jazz is a different creature.

[@isihernandez9752]

@@jjdrumworks Agree, and I'd add that, since often on a stage you have to share a kit with a few bands (sometimes it's a house kit, sometimes is one of the drummers who must provide it), it would also be a good idea that it is a kit you don't mind too much if it gets some scratches, etc... I mean, not one with the most fancy finish of your dreams, if you know what I mean....

[@jjdrumworks]

@@isihernandez9752 definitely. i have 2 kits. One cost me $500, one cost me $2500. I bring the $500 kit to gigs, and the $2500 kit stays home or goes in the studio.

[@fckgooglegooglefck9124]

+1 for best sounding floor tom, IMO. very bubble-gummy, defined but not syruppy or sludgy

[@holzi2k]

Amazing for the price.

[@toynazi]

If you don't want to pay a ton of dough get these and replace the heads right out of the gate. You will be shocked at the sound you can get out of them with better heads.

[@clayevans2472]

I have a Mars kit. I agree the snare is not good. I’m happy otherwise. New heads and new snare, you have a solid kit

[@chiefwarrior2567]

Clay Evans I do to the bass drum sounds like a cannon tho with the stick heads. I put a genera reso and a g2 batter on the toms. I’ve paired mine with a Ludwig acrolite and it sounds like a top notch kit

[@dressedtosmellgood]

if you put on a better strainer and puresound wires, the snare will surprise you. it's very throaty and full bodied. not my favorite but good enough for any gig. I upgrded to the top hoop to an S-hoop to help focus the tone. Really a nice sound,

[@johncollins5552]

It's time drum manufacturers stopped wasting unnecessary wood on oversized bass drums. 14 deep is enough for any diameter under 24 and easier to store and move from practice room to gig. It would also reduce costs,win win! This is partly why if you buy this kit you should invest in an emad2 to control the booming sound. It makes no sense to have modern shallow Tom's overpowered by oversized bass drums, it's not just this fine Mapex kit, all the others are still doing this.

[@Rancherinaz]

I agree

[@thatboisam2378]

Love the sound of them!!! I just have an electric kit

[@dogmart]

Please do a review of Tama Starclassic Birch-Walnut kits.

[@adamsims2886]

Just ordered one yesterday and can’t wait to hear it

[@danrivera7]

This is the first video I have seen this drummer inspired by the kit.

[@johnbertasius2612]

I like it .... not the greatest sound you'll hear, but you certainly get good value for money. For that price it's a winner.

[@DrummersReview]

Thanks for your comments and feedback John. Thanks for watching/subscribing! Best wishes, DR

[@willrenfroe3878]

Just bought the crossover version. Replaced all the tom batters with Evans G2's, Kick with with an EMAD and dampening pillow. Pretty happy with the sound. Haven't even tried the snare out, figure its prob not even worth comparing to my Ludwig Supraphonic.

[@GeraldLawMusic]

Love the attention to detail in the reviews!

[@everettsutton35]

It sucks that they don't have that finish in the states

[@clayevans2472]

Everett Sutton I believe this their new wrap for this model and will be available soon if it’s not already

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

They have a grey and black smoke wood. Looks badass

[@joebrooks3638]

What's better? Armory or Mars? Which is more expensive? Which is beginner level vs moderate to high end? I know Saturn V is Mapex top kit next to Orion

[@ronniek7748]

These sound killer! Nice and deep

[@firmans12]

Is it nolly?

[@myliebiii]

I have same kit and i dont know how to tune the toms.. To which notes ??

[@aidanrobles7621]

Hey don't pay attention to what notes you have to tune to cause I used to do that and realized it didn't matter at all. Just tune it to your liking with all the pegs at the same tension!

[@myliebiii]

💪🏿

[@chopper265]

Do u think this would be a good upgrade from the tornado mapex for an intermediate

[@pause9071]

I love how birch kits sounds, but for the snare I prefer maple, l mean a mapex mars kit with a black widow snare and that's the way to go for me

[@smithnwesson990]

Used to have Mapex M Maple. Loved it.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

They really do sound like drums.

[@user-iu3tx7ng2o]

Make a review for Mapex Saturn V exotic please

[@budda777pl]

Interesting finish.

[@DustyCowdog]

Those sound great... the drummer kicks butt, too.

[@Nikoo033]

The high tom sounded a bit thin, but overall sounded good.

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

I put the remo suedes on these these for that exact reason they really level out and sound good!

[@jeffryseitz9699]

I don't have the Mars kit but I got the Saturn kit. Those are nice drum shells but I would change the heads and use Evans hydraulic drum heads. No Chinese drum heads Lol. Beautiful Paiste cymbals too.

[@drummerjeroensimons]

Pdp m5 next maybe? Thanks a lot Nolly!!!

[@chriswright8464]

Good review Nolly!!

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings!

[@mikaeliyusa8412]

Perfect example of ACOUSTIC!!!!!!!!

[@euex]

Bass drum is singing :)

[@MadWinter889]

Does the Mars series comes with 1.6 mm hoops or 2.3mm?

[@teddale5093]

1.6mm

[@andyman2462]

These sound so good. And I agree this company is so under rated. I have a mapex mandirian snare And it's the best snare I own. And those heads are factory. Who are they made by

[@andyman2462]

I've never seen mapex make a bad kit

[@edmakey5780]

Not liking the 10" tom. Wish different configurations were available like 14" floor tom and 20" BD.

[@DrumGodCarlton]

Can any tell me what cymbal arm can go into the Tom holder

[@christopherjobe2260]

Forget the kit, Post a how to on what steps you took to get that incredible mix out of those cheap drums with stock heads. My Mapex Mars bop sounds like a fisher price kit compared to these even in a decent FOH mix. What did you do to get that wet ass attack and not just turn into bright and boingy. Great work

[@sebas112001]

Guys, this Mapex Mars vs Gretsch Catalina Maple? What do you think is better? I know this one’s birch but I still can’t decide between the overall quality of the drums

[@Rancherinaz]

Following

[@danalnajes]

Grestch kills this Piece of Shit all over

[@Markfoster01]

Budget drums? Mmm sounds awesome

[@eusevis]

i just searched for the cheaper birch drums, but these drums sound better than drums twice it's price, damn.

[@Shurmstick]

Do they come in this finish both in Birch 4 maple

[@georgwassner9427]

WOW!

[@uddeshyasonkar8069]

i am so confused between mapex mars and pearl decade. I am playing for 3 years now, but this will be my first drum kit. can anyone help me on that?

[@thibaultlarapidie2339]

what are the microphones on the drums

[@jasonmusic9938]

what heads would you recommend using on these birch drums? i have clear emperors on my armory toms, clear embassadors underneath, but bought this birch for a different sound to have.

[@EverythingisFire]

Are Remo UX just a different thickness or is it overall lower quality than 'UT'?

[@dressedtosmellgood]

basically just different thickness yes. they sound like complete shit. throw them away as soon as you get the kit.

[@bbfoto7248]

@@dressedtosmellgood @EverythingisFire TIP: Don't throw the UX heads away. Cut them into various muffling rings or "platters" for your drums, similar to the "Big Fat Snare Drum" rings and accessories.

[@kevinsmith7701]

The kick is bothering me. I have the Saturn V's and no matter how hard you hit the kick, it responds very well. This one seems to give out (choke out) on the more aggressive strokes?

[@luismoro9016]

amazing sound!!!

[@flacomigue9829]

Buen test. Fuiste a fondo!!! Buenos detalles.

[@user-yq5od9uj3f]

Does anyone know if this kit is maple or birch?

[@Shurmstick]

Okay so I see this kit in different places and some people say it's birch some say it's maple.

[@nashlongkumer]

Can someone tell me what brand those tom mice are .?

[@saikatdas9123]

Tama imperialstar or mapex Mars?? Guys what you suggest

[@Mike_Webb78]

I don't get why you don't just upgrade the heads when you do these reviews. You know thats the first thing anyone is gonna do when they get a new kit. You guys ALWAYS say in all your reviews..."I'd love to hear how this sounds with improved heads...etc.." Why not just do it??? Damn....

[@ChristopherHero]

Obviously it's to show a true demonstration of what someone would receive when purchasing the kit.

[@giuliano8031]

Chris Harry But then they use the Paiste Signature cymbals. No one would use the stock heads when he has these kinds of cymbals.

[@itstimurka]

@@giuliano8031 What's the point of your comment? For sure someone who's interested in this video is looking for drums not cymbals

[@giuliano8031]

Equ1libr1um "Obviously it's to show a true demonstration of what someone would receive when purchasing the kit." And then they use 1000$ worth of cymbals. If you don't get me now, I just can't help you.

[@itstimurka]

Giuliano a true demonstration of what kind of drums the customer would receive, not the whole kit with cymbals

[@favd2002]

The Hiunday of drums

[@joshj392]

what mics are those?

[@jimdrumsburton9925]

I looked and felt a Mars kit at my local music shop. I WAS NOT IMPRESSED. You must get a different quality of these drums in UK. (I'm in the USA). I picked up the snare and it was really light weight - not the good kind of light - the kind of light weight you that makes you think, wow if I hit it too hard it may break apart. I thumped it and it needed its snares tightened. The snare throw had a plastic knob! I picked up a mounted tom and it too seemed too light to be a lasting instrument. Wow if this is what modern drum-making has come to, count me out. I'll stick with my 90's Ludwigs. If this Mars kit is best in its class - I guess I shouldn't look at any of its competition. What a POC.

[@larrytate1657]

Thin shells, light but sound rly good.

[@Rancherinaz]

They're birch .

[@nielsurban6392]

This or Yamaha stage custom for metal live drumming?

[@favd2002]

Export maybe

[@NIKKO500]

Mars vs stage custom ? ? ? ?

[@questionauthority9418]

What brand cymbals are you using?

[@vaughnfernandes205]

Paiste

[@laiftaim]

Georgeous but... don't like wrap finish. No covering... miss Meridian Birch. No ball mount, no, no... all the drum manufacturer... They can do better.

[@tylorkenniston1192]

If Nolly thinks they’re good enough, then I’m in. Lol

[@TonyGellaDrums]

Eargasmic sound OMG!!!

[@terry7044]

Who the drummer?

[@JD-eq4dp]

Sounds pretty dashed good to me. Far better than the vastly overrated DW.

[@robburgess4556]

First thought: Those drums are gorgeous; the tom heads sound cheap.

[@chrisbrocato9871]

Mapex makes some great sounding drums but they sure do put some unflattering crappy stock heads on their drums from the factory. I just picked up a used Mars kit in basically new condition that still had factory heads and it wasnt an hour with the kit before I went to my nearest music store to got all new heads haha. I put Pinstripe batters with Ambassador reso's and it sounds fantastic, very focused, round and musical tone from the toms. The current Mapex lineup is filled with beautiful kits, the aesthetic changes they have made in the past few years as far as new logo, lugs, and finishes have made for some great looking kits.

[@mikedulin1325]

@@chrisbrocato9871 I hate the new logo and badge..big and bulky. The older badge to me is much nicer, classier.

[@TheHarrisal21]

@@chrisbrocato9871 you recommend this kit or go the step up and get a armory kit? I saw this kit for $250 and want to get it but I don't want to regret not getting a more higher level kit.

[@daveyboy8907]

@@TheHarrisal21 250,,thats cheap I would have jumped on that..

[@TheHarrisal21]

@@daveyboy8907 ended up getting the armory studioease for $600.00

[@aarthoor]

The toms sound like tupperware boxes. An immediate change of head would be essential I think.

[@Alfredo_Miguel]

I don t believe that kit have só much good sound, propably the sound was produced first... Am i rong?

[@hamadbernes1980]

Rings on toms really are bad quality, seems a blade , and chrome is not so shine like other brands , toms lugs are so thin , and quartered in the past of time... but Pros have it , Sound Great ......... great sound , but bad quality.....

[@michaelanderson2881]

Hint: just because every other amateur video production overuses multiple angles and nausea-inducing cuts, YOU DON'T HAVE TO. Especially when, like here, the additional POVs add absolutely nothing to the content.

[@isaiahcalderon3388]

Para mi esta bateria mapex mars en color madera es mejor que las caras ❤el sonido es muy diferente a las otras solo necesitas ponerles parches de alta gama y el sonido seria ufff chulada con mics profesionales mas chuladas los precios de esta bateria andan entre 1,300 dolares la madera birch es mejor que la maple hay baterias que tienen mas capas pero si hacen eso aumentarles capas a las baterias de cada marca arruinarian el sonido no sirve Si quieren sonar bien las baterias serian de 6 a 7 capas brindan mejor sonido con parches de alta gama Mapex es la mejor marca de bateria la construcciones son muy altas que las dw u cualquier otras

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

Tama imperialstar sounds better in my ears for this price range

[@rhythmista7707]

I know it's a lower end kit, but that finish is awful. It looks like my aunt's old basement wall paper.

[@brodrick406]

they have many other finishes check out bloodwood and nightwood

[@raydickison1499]

Gotta agree. I dig the wood look but this is way off. The bloodwood is bad ass though.

[@DeaganZ3488]

Smokewood is a nice finish.

[@Rancherinaz]

I love that finish . Saw a set for sale on FB marketplace and had to look them up which brought me to this video . To each his own I guess but I personally think they are really cool looking .

[@ClassificheIntriganti]

Toys drums

[@Djentstructer]

I asked someone if Nolly looks like a druggie and guess what the person said? He said, "No, this is a very cute baby." and idk why but i died laughing.

[@Deadleg]

These drums so ridiculous sounding for the price.