DARWIN FTW vs PHANTOM - Which ACD Unlimited pedal should you buy?

Hey everyone, in this video I want to try to help you to figure out the differences between the ACD Unlimited Darwin FTW and Phantom series pedals.
I forgot to mention in the video that if you want a different beater surface, N+1 beater or heavy springs, these can all be ordered with the Phantom pedals at the time of ordering, you just need to send Dennis an email before or after ordering to let him know.
Also, A hardcase option for the Phantom will be available in the near future, but any aftermarket case will fit the phantom
Please check out my other videos showing both of these pedals in much more details-
DARWIN FTW. PT.1 - • Darwin FTW Double Peda...
DARWIN FTW. PT.2 - • Darwin FTW Double Peda...
PHANTOM - • ACD Unlimited PHANTOM ...
HOOP CLAMP - • ACD Unlimited Darwin F...
Also check out my other videos showing ACD Unlimited pedal parts!
I Proudly endorse -
SONOR Drums
Istanbul Agop Cymbals
REMO Drumheads
ACD Unlimited Pedals
JH Audio In Ear Monitors

[@the6ig6adwolf]

There is no wrong answer or poor purchase between the two pedals. Heck, if you can afford it, buy both and support Dennis. He's a good dude and deserves it.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Absolutely!

[@SpaceCadet412]

I bought both, Darwins with all the extras, the Phantoms which I already received and have been playing around with them to dial it in. I must say the phantoms are lovely. The smoothness of the pedal is unmatched and the flexibility of changing things out to get the perfect setup is impeccable. I should be getting the Darwins in Oct. That wait list is mighty stacked. I also snagged the Hi_hat stand so it will match the Darwin’s. It also a well made piece of art that is fully functional. Crazy how light it is and all the adjustments that can be made to make it your own as well. Dennis kills it.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Both are awesome pedals. You’re going to love the Darwins. Definitely take the time to experiment though as that’s a whole other world of adjustability!

[@reezlaw]

I got the Phantom and I couldn't be happier! It's a work of art really. Like others have said, it seems to be helping improve my playing. This goes against everything I've always known and believed in but I actually do perform better with my ACDs than I did with my old Trick. It's also such a pleasure to set up, so many little thoughtful details, what used to be a chore and a nuisance is now done in seconds. 100% money well spent

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Absolutely! I think if the ACD pedals as the ultimate problem solvers!

[@reezlaw]

@@James-Chapman-Drums ACD even fixes other pedals, I have modded my old Iron Cobra with ACD hardware and it's night and day! Dennis is a genius

[@m0tus]

As soon as I found out about the existence of the Phantom, I immediately ordered it despite the fact that the only video introducing the product was yours. Great demo, I can't wait for the phantom to arrive to me; and your new video only confirms that it was a good purchase.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Glad my videos have helped! They’re great pedals, you won’t regret it!

[@reezlaw]

Isn't it insane that it's not getting more attention? David Diepold was supposed to cover it but it's been months of radio silence

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

@@reezlaw it’s tricky to find the time. David is super busy. My Phantoms are actually the pair that he was sent to check out. I got them from him with his settings (crazy fast!). But it still took me a couple of months to get enough time to shoot and edit the video. I always say that guys on KZbin who look like busy working musicians rarely are, otherwise they wouldn’t have time to be full time on KZbin! I’m sure when David has the time he’ll get around to it. I’m excited to see it, he’s a beast! But I agree, ACD pedals should definitely be getting talked about more!

[@JorgeParagliding]

Hi James, thanks for this video. Your video would have been super useful to me a couple of months back 😀 I used to own a Darwin Double Pedal and ended up selling it. I liked the pedal a lot but I really wasn't playing enough double pedal to justify it and in all honesty never got it setup to 100% satisfaction, most likely my inexperience, not the pedal. That being said, I bought a single Phantom Pedal and man did I find the pedal for me! It has improved my playing ten fold, it feels so natural under my foot. I am tempted to get the other half and turn it into a double and give double bass playing another try. I also got the short board and so far prefer it to the long board but will continue to swap from time to time. You are right by saying pedals are a very personal thing. Although the Darwin is definitely a "Ferrari" I am happier with a Phantom "Porsche" 😎

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

I’d get the double conversion and try it out! At least then you have the option and can always use it as a single when you want to!

[@tobiaswinter1358]

Thanks you so much! Some badly needed explanation about ACD pedals

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

You’re welcome! They’re amazing pedals!

[@Anomaly92]

Thanks for the video. Overall it seems to be like I anticipated. When you go for strap drive, the only drastic difference is the cam geometry. I am happy with my phantoms!

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Absolutely. The Darwin will always be my favourite because anything I want, I can get from them. But my favourite feel 90% of the time is exactly what the Phantom does.

[@Eleutherarch]

Thanks for this video James - you delivered as you said you would. It was very thorough. Although I'd lean towards the Darwins for the aesthetics, the philosophy of the Phantoms resonates more with me. I stopped the pursuit of perfect pedal settings long ago. As long as they're easy to play, it's good enough. I noticed your bass drum technique is pretty vertically-oriented. Could there be stability issues (ie: side-to-side rocking) on the Phantoms for those of us using lateral swivelling motions? Cheers!

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Hey, thanks! No, there’s no problem with swivel. When I play fast for longer or if I’m playing faster than in the video, I use swivel (especially in my on my right foot). There’s a bit in the Phantom video where I show how it works with swivel and slide techniques.

[@zbass2135]

James, man! Your chops are killer!!! Love the videos, thank you for the content! I’m very interested in the Phantoms, any idea on warranty?

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Thanks! Everything ACD makes has a lifetime warranty. Any problems and Dennis will always help you out. He’s a good dude!

[@zbass2135]

That’s awesome❕👍🏻 Thank you for the response and info. Keep up the great videos 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@krusher74]

As a Sonor guy did you ever use the Giant step? I was using a direct drive Pearl demondrive but as a Sonor player wanted to try a Giant step, I found one used at a good price in strap drive and love it. even in well used condiction it has no play or squeeks. And i prefer it over the Pearl (which i though was the ultimate) its about time you got together with Sonor and helped them redesign the Giant step as a longboard.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

I’ve had a giant step, perfect balance and 4000 series pedals from Sonor. All are great. The 4000 is more budget friendly, but a great feeling pedal at that price point. The perfect balance is super smooth and feels great, but isn’t available as a double. The giant step is a really well engineered pedal. Super smooth and rock solid. I have nothing negative to say about it at all, except it’s not my feel! It’s quite a heavy feeling pedal to play. I had to have my beater much lower than I usually would to try to lighten the action. I think because it’s quite a heavy duty pedal, that translates into the feel of the pedal. I do think Sonor could have a go at getting more into the pedal market again. They were pioneers with pedals a while back. I might speak to them and see if they have anything in the works, but even though im a Sonor artist and Sonor obsessed, I’m staying with my ACD pedals, and Sonor are really cool for not minding that. I know some other brands can be less understanding.

[@krusher74]

@@James-Chapman-Drums every other brands seems to let their guyst use DW! I've seen so many rig rundowns with tama/pearl etc where they are using DW!

[@SeeninSeattle]

Is the double spring set up meant to help with rebound when you have low tension on the main spring?

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

If you’re meaning the double spring part I have in the Darwin in this video, then not really. The Darwin and phantom spring geometry already do that by making the spring travel more distance during the stroke. The double spring really keeps the efficiency of the spring. It’s more that when one spring is no longer working at its more efficient, the other spring sort of takes over and keeps it there. The result is response like nothing I’ve ever tried. I’ll be doing a video on this part soon!

[@zbass2135]

Bro!!! Your videos are rocking. You still plan on posting a video of the Phantom short boards? I’d like to see it🤘🏼🤘🏼🤞🏻

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Thanks! Yea I’ve been super busy but will definitely be finishing this when I get back from shows over the next little while.

[@luismoramatus]

Hey man! Thank you so much for making these videos! They are helping me a great deal to make a decision :D I'm wondering if you'll make you demo of the shortboard pedal any time soon? I'm thinking to buy it but it would be great to hear your opinion on that, just to have more context. Until you release the video, could you share some of your thoughts? Thank you once again!

[@robinjohnson6301]

Hi James, great video - super informative! As you mentioned, the Phantom doesn't ship with any kind of case. But if I was to buy a Darwin FTW backpack separately, would a Phantom double pedal fit in there? If not, is there any case you'd recommend?

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Hey, I think it does, but j always recommend using a hard case wherever possible. I like to use pelican style case and just pick out the foam needed. Even the cheap Amazon ABS cases do a decent job.

[@pghdrummer1654]

Upgraded my dw 9000 pedals with acd longboards, drive shaft and beaters. Can't get the beater shifter to work though. But this made the dw a lot better imo. Have a phantom on the way. Can't wait for it! Have you played the acd hi hats? I ordered those also so I'm pretty excited about those. Have a dw9000 hi hat to compare it with

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

I haven’t actually tried an ACD hihat stand yet. I keep looking at ordering one because I like everything to have the same feel. But I’m so used to my speed cobra stand and the response of it that for now I’m happy. Would love to hear your thoughts when you get it though as I used to have a 9000 stand

[@galgogergo]

Did you get them? :) how are they?

[@user-DeadSelf]

hey how do you compare the 9000 to the phantom? i'm looking to finally take the plunge to double bass. as a single pedal 9000 player for over 10 years I was planning on doing 9002 + Trick drive shaft, but found out about these pedals. did you go direct drive, strap or get a kit for both?

[@abletonlivefordrummers8974]

James , awesome videos. I have a phantom and it is Amazing! However , I need to get another single pedal and would like to maybe give a try to the Darwin. I am curious about which one feels lighter and smoother , specially because the Phantom has a bigger foot plate and potentially heavier ( although I am not sure about that) and Phantom one also looks thicker. I have small feet so maybe I'll be able to play faster , lighter and smoother with the Darwin. What do you think? Thanks!

[@warrobotslifehacks5139]

He said, that phantom has lighter feelings, because of longer footboard

[@abletonlivefordrummers8974]

​@@warrobotslifehacks5139 Yes , I get that. However, we cant forget that if you equip the Darwin with the FatBoy Cam , it will possibly feel very similar to the Phantom stock configuration. I assume that what makes the Phantom to feel lighter is the cam and not neccesarily the board. I might think that if Darwin's board is shorter , as a result , it is lighter than the Phantom and wouldnt that mean it could feel lighter than the Phantom , with some adjustments and the FatBoy cam? I am just guessing. Thats why I asked for James' thoughts regarding my theory.

[@warrobotslifehacks5139]

@@abletonlivefordrummers8974 the longer footplate, the lighter feelings. But i think, that short board has more control. It's good for grooves and patterns, but maybe not so good for double bass. I think, that Darwin just more versitile. Because you have more options for excentric feelings if you need it

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

Both are awesome. Neither is smoother because the action is essentially the same. The phantom has a lighter feel in general due to the extra size footboard and the larger cam, but you could get the fatboy cam for the Darwin’s and they’ll feel really similar. You can’t go wrong with either, but the Darwin is still my main pedal!

[@Pubwie]

Bass pedals have come a long way. I got a DW9000 and a set of Tama 910 SpeedCobras. However, these ACD ones might be the best pedals on paper I have ever seen.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

I’ve had both of those pedals and they’re both great, but the ACD took it to a whole to level. If you get chance, definitely get your feet on some to give them a try!

[@mvw623]

James , you’re also testing the double spring ? 😊 How does that feel , compared to a single one ?

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

It’s very different! I’m still experimenting with it, but it’s great for speed. It helps the perpetual motion type of feel in the pedal. It basically makes the spring even more efficient but having one spring take over when the other becomes less efficient. So far I like it, but more testing needed before I make the video for it!

[@justindrumz2556]

Love my phantoms! Extra features weren't worth a year+ wait for me personally.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

They’re still really adjustable. I love my Darwins, but my phantoms more than get the job done.

[@bdubzdrumz]

That reversed beater element on the Phantom is just bizarre to me. Otherwise they seem right up my alley

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

It’s just a quirk of the design. Honestly in the first take of this video I forgot to even mention it because after a while you don’t even notice. Someone on a gig pointed that my pedals were unusual after they played it and I only realised later that they meant the beaters.

[@RELAXALOT]

For me the only thing that I do not like about the Phantom Pedals (and why I will not buy it) is that left and right beater are crossed on the double pedal (linked to the opposite foot). Sorry to say but for me in this price range is a absolut deal breaker!

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

That’s a strange thing to be upset about. It takes second to adjust to that. Do you really watch every single stroke you play while playing?

[@RELAXALOT]

@@James-Chapman-Drums Hi. I just don't get it why a pedal like this (also not cheap) is designed like this. If it saves 10-50 bucks on parts I would in my opinion be good to make it that amount more expensive and build it regular.. I think when you exercise each leg independent it could be a bit wired... but I could not test it and so I can not tell for sure... Anyway the stuff of ACD is great (I checked the Darvin pedal once)...

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

@@RELAXALOTif you had two bass drums and the beaters were operated by the opposite pedal I could see it as a big problem, but on a double pedal both beaters are to one side anyway so it really doesn’t cause confusion. Honestly it’s shocking how quickly you become used to it. I think the cost would have been more than 10-15 dollars as Dennis already had a working design with the Darwin. The idea with the phantom is it’s been adapted to work as a double pedal in as few additional parts as possible. They aren’t cheap, but they’re really well priced for what they are. Pearl charge more for a mass produced die cast pedal made on an assembly line.

[@krusher74]

ACD really needs to get another employee to keep up with production. I bet a good percentage of people dont order becuase they want somthing now and dont want to wait months, If i broke a pedal and needed to replace i would have to go for somthing i could get in a few days. But i guess being in overdemand is good for a small business.

[@James-Chapman-Drums]

I think there have been a few times when they could have expanded, but then the quality would go down. And to hire a skilled engineer like Dennis would probably up the price of the pedals more. Believe it or not, Dennis doesn’t make a huge amount on each pedal because he’s not really money driven. So I think he prefers to keep control of the quality himself and not up the prices unless absolutely necessary. That’s partly what the Phantoms are for too as they’re usually available in a few weeks rather than months. I get what you mean though if you were to break the pedal and need something right away. But that’s why I always have a backup of everything I would need as a working drummer. Even if it were a cheap Amazon pedal just to have something to hit. The ACD pedals are made to order and very high end though, so to be fair you’d have to wait a year to get a Sonor SQ2 or other custom products. In the guitar world there are people waiting a couple of years for custom guitars from big brands! Thanks for watching!

[@mvw623]

Brake a Acd pedal ? How? 😂 Dennis has very good service, and mostly little parts in stock He always is trying to help people out. We waited only about 4 weeks for the phantoms But the wait was worth every day. AWESOME pedals , and awesome parts.

[@SeeninSeattle]

When one of the straps on my Darwin started acting up I emailed Dennis and had a new one within a week, no questions asked and no charge. No other company is going to provide that kind of support. I waited almost a year to get my Darwins and if I lost them today I’d gladly wait another year for a new set.