WHAT'S The BEST PRACTICE PAD?! - How To Choose One!

There are a LOT of practice pads out there. This video will help you narrow down your choices before you buy!
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[@Gretschnut]

Rob you keep impressing me with your expansive knowledge and technique . I sort of had you pegged as a "groove drummer" based on your cool/hip demeanor, but your knowledge and technical skills go very deep. Really enjoy and am getting a lot from your vids. Thank you kind sir.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Gretschnut Hey thanks a lot for watchin’, man. And you’re welcome 🙂👊🏽

[@sandc411]

a basketball on a snare stand pressurized to 7-9 lbs per sq inch. that's what i use...

[@prod.eu0ne]

Can you do a video about it?

[@shanom]

Carlos ! Great idea . Im going to try it

[@zenchillin1]

Wish I had a 🏀

[@RA2Music]

I agree with everything you said Rob. I strongly encourage my students to get a good pad to begin with. I usually recommend the Vic Firth or Evans RealFeal pads. I have used both extensively and think they are solid performers. I personally use the Prologix Russ Miller 3 in 1 pad. It has a gum rubber primary surface, a neoprene insert for a bit more resistance, and a thin textured plastic insert for brush work. It is a 13” pad which I prefer because it is the same size as my primary snare drum. I also pair this with an Evans RealFeel bass drum practice pad with an identical Yamaha/Danmar pedal set up as I have on my kit. With this combination, there is no technical exercise I cannot work on whenever I want. To expand on your closing thoughts. I see my pad as a musical instrument in and of itself, so even though I use it to develop my technique I also want to play music with it, the two should not be separate. Keep up the good work Rob.

[@shanellpettway7854]

O

[@MrStingraybernard]

i got the Evans reelfeel and love it

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Nice and simple, man👌🏾

[@difficultkill3r636]

I just ordered it because my birthday is in 5 days and I’m pretty happy and I play tenors so I’m nouns a snare person I just wanted something I can take on the go that is efficient

[@greenflagracing7067]

The best one is the one you use.

[@steampunkhulk5559]

@@zechell862 correct knees are great practice pads

[@benaskrensintellect332]

What is that one called? His white vic f that he uses

[@newground1341]

All do respect could you please reveal what rubber pad it is your using in these/this video??????? Kindly

[@J.RProductions2024]

True but the best one is the one that excels you

[@paulysci925]

I just set up a Dw go anywhere practice kit with all 7” moongel pads, it’s fantastic! I cost me $118 for the 4 pads and $80 for the Dw go anywhere so it was $200 in all but I cannot express to you how good it feels and how quiet it is! I really recommend this setup for anyone it’s worth the investment it’s the best I’ve ever played and I’ve had everything including 3 td-30 kits which is an amazing kit but doesn’t give you the right rebound and feel for real unassisted rebound practice like you’ll find on a real kit. Ps if your technique is good it’s easy to get rebounds from a gel pad

[@dianecandoflamtaps3688]

I have the gel pad for developing muscle. It has helped my double strokes and overall strength and endurance with long rolls.

[@Nelsdrums]

You are awesome. Love the down-to-earth explanations. A lot of sensible thought process. And you're fun to watch. I have the same Ludwig brand Billy Gladstone hard rubber vacuum pad that I got with my first snare drum. Works great on a table, or on the snare. Also has a small 6" target, though the pad itself is made for 14" snare drums.

[@bennymalone]

I’ve bought and tried quite a few and I always come back to my Evans Real Feel

[@DavidOakesMusic]

I got the Drumeo Silent pad and also a Stagg cheapy Pad which had bad reviews ( which genuinely has no problems at all. ) and I use them both equally.

[@camilomateus]

One of the better drumming channels in KZbin. Thanks Rob.

[@rosejuliette9180]

In my bag since I was 15 years old I have had a 'pro-mark POCKETPAD' and I'd for sure. Its playing surface is only 2" by 6" and is kinda oblong in shape but because of this I can always have it in my bag or even my stick case and without a doubt it did wonders for my accuracy. I currently have my whole kit set up with mesh heads but that little pad gets used every day.

[@Cpayne30]

I have the Evans RealFeel and I love it. I like a nice, sturdy pad with wood.

[@wayneholderbee205]

I was considering making my own Outta wood or something. Original practice pad was a 5 gallon bucket

[@pocketdrummer9192]

YOU MADE SOME PRETTY GOOD POINTS HER ABOUT THE DRUM PADS. I HAVE A EVANS PAD AND A MOONGEL PAD FOR THE SNARE. UNFORTUNATELY I HAD TO STOP PLAYING FOR LIKE 10 YRS BUT WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PICK IT BACK UP THE MOONGEL REALLY HELPED ME OUT ESPECIALLY WITH STAMINA AND STRENGTH. I COULD REALLY FEEL THE DIFFERENCE AFTER SPENDING LIKE 3-4 HRS A DAY ON THAT PAD THEN GOING TO THE EVANS PAD OR TO THE DRUMKIT. AWESOME VID BRO...KEEP IT UP I AM BECOMING A FAN

[@rhythm-t3023]

I just got a marching snare practice pad and a practice bass-drum pad. The reason why I chose those pads well I always a pad that sound like a actual marching snare drum sound. And the practice bass-drum pad I want something to work on foot at the same time so that way whenever I'm ready to get behind on my drums. So those pads I mostly use them to work on my rudiments and marching cadence that brings me back in high school.

[@BennyTheBusker]

Great advice, as usual Rob! However, I'm sorry to say there was one error at about 7:45 mins. You made a common mistake which often confuses beginner drummers so I think it's worth mentioning. You said, "... an even harder black surface to help you work a little bit harder...". However, I think you made a slip of the tongue because, as you know, the harder the surface is then the easier it is to play due to there being more bounce. So the advice should have been, "an even SOFTER black surface to help you work a lttle bit harder". As you rightly said, the gel pads are the softest of all and that is why sticks don't bounce and why it is harder to play on them - like it is on pillows too. I've noticed even some drum pad makers don't make this clear. For example, Prologix has four grades of practice pads going from green, the hardest rubber which has most bounce so is easiest to play, through red then blue to black, which is the softest rubber with least bounce and hardest to play. Prologix describes these four grades as increasing in "resistance", with the black being called the "Extreme Resistance" pad. Since resistance is not usually associated with softness then I think that could confuse some people too. So the general rule for practice pads is this: The harder the pad, the easier to play; the softer the pad, the harder to play. I hope you don't mind me mentioning and clarifying this for the benefit of others. Anyway, thanks a million, Rob, for sharing your excellent videos!

[@mpcvore]

Another good video, even if i already have 2 practice pads (both are "rubber pads", i don't practice very much, i confess). Your videos help me to improve my English too, i almost understand evrything you say, man, your accent is so "goodsounding" to me...! Tanx...!

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

Offworld BYOSPHERE with the snare insert. Newest product from a great company producing quality products at a fair price with great customer service. Ordering mine soon.

[@barrybebenek8691]

Subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago. So much info, and your teachings are fantastic. So glad I found your channel brother! 👍🏼 Looking forward to more.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Awesome. Welcome to the channel, man 🙂👊🏽🇨🇦

[@joeysmith04622]

I have a lot of pads now if your a set player I recommend realfeal, innovative percussion gum rubber pad, or the vater gym rubber pad... I’m a big set player but I’m also on a drumline so I also recommend xymox(unless you can’t afford it or don’t have enough patiences cuz it took me 7 months to get mine) or an invader or Vic Firth slim/stock pad

[@ap3montes739]

I bought the EVANS RealFeel, and its pretty good, as well as easy to carry from one place to another. I highly reccommend it.

[@tegan12356789]

THANK YOU! I'm starting from scratch and finding a beginner pad/kit is so confusing

[@drakeblackledge6111]

Thanks for the vid!! I been wondering what practice pad to buy and I think I know now!

[@heidisavoie]

Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!

[@JeffMisa]

Super super helpful and loaded with good insight. Thank you for making this video! 🤘😁

[@jpswissnut1849]

This is perfect, i was looking for a practice pad. Thank you Rob!!

[@Max-dd4ow]

I use a Vic Firth digital camp practice pad, and it’s amazing

[@kyleinnes4963]

The beach metaphor was peak

[@richardstandish2053]

Rob...important to highlight while discussing PADS would be to also discuss the TYPE of stick to use while practicing. Different sticks for different applications on the Pad. Yes ? Thanks.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Nah. Just practice with whatever sticks you use on the kit

[@Hotsauce-cj7kj]

You didn’t mention the THIRD reason to use practice pads lol. For to keep quiet whilst practicing in apartments/condos. Anyways. Rob. You are my brother man. Thanks for creating this killer channel.

[@SmallSoldier]

Thanks for the insight! I’m a new subscriber!

[@johnclay1251]

Extremely helpful. Thank you very much!

[@richardpine8011]

Prologix feel the best to me and having the rim allows you to practise utilising rimshots.

[@tdrum21]

I like the remo rubber pad & the moon gel pad for working on strength & muscling out notes more. It’s like playing on a slack floor tom.

[@manteristo5325]

You sound good on practise pad You sound great on drums. Great advice and very useful video Thank you

[@nickgoogle4525]

Does it make sense to mimick a gel pad to some extent by adding one or several layers of a thick towel - thus reducing the bounce also (also making it quieter for night / late evening practice)?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Absolutely. I actually shot an example of doing just that that never made it into the video. But yea, that's what I do when I'm chillin in front of the TV.

[@Eddie_da_head_]

Personally I love the reflexx pad. The workout side is great, it has a fairly decent sound and makes you work for your diddles and flams. The only down side is you can’t really do buzzes that well

[@paulysci925]

Ian Cochrane reflexx pad worth the money and wait?

[@Eddie_da_head_]

Paul Fuller drum study personally I didn’t wait long for mine once I ordered it, now they are out of stock a lot but I believe they’re working out increasing stock. The price personally wasn’t high, it’s only 60 plus shipping and tax so it’s not that bad. Assuming you’re not on a budget and you’re able to get it I would you’ll notice a big increase in your playing.

[@gmcs279]

Rob I love you man!

[@jimrichardson1833]

Thanks so much for this well done video.

[@Drumzlut]

Great video ! Thanks Rob

[@lil_weasel219]

Could you tell me the name of that Vic Firth rubber practice pad? ^^

[@borgullet3376]

Another great one... Thanks Rob

[@brandondurham86]

Great info. I'm looking into learning to play and want to start out right. Is there any specific sticks you should learn with?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Nah. You’ll go through a hundred pairs before finding the one you dig. Sticks have gotten super specific with diameter, length, taper, tip shape and size, wood tip or nylon tip, hickory, maple or oak...blah blah blah. Just start by picking a random brand (Promark, of course 😉) and pick up a 5A wood tip which is right in the middle. See how your hands like it. You’ll know from there if you wanna go heavier or lighter.

[@RomanZozulya]

Very informative video. Thanks a lot)

[@thundermolloy]

Have you ever tried the drumeo practice pad? 3 teirs and 4 different materials intended to mimic a drumsets different textures

[@tdrum21]

Matthew Molloy those look nice

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

I haven’t but they look pretty awesome

[@kevinbirch]

The Drumeo pad is fantastic, yes.

[@dianecandoflamtaps3688]

I don’t like it. Going to sell it soon. Two of the surfaces sound and feel like playing on a kitchen counter. Very hard surface and not much difference. One of them is rubbery. I hate it! Played it maybe a total of an hour.

[@benaskrensintellect332]

What is the white vic firth pad called? Its not on their site or amazon? It sounds really quiet and better than the other vf pads. Thank you!

[@shhs1227]

I don't what it's called or if you found it/an alternative yet but you'd be better off looking on sweetwater or reverb for that kind of stuff. I rarely find stuff good for prime drum wise on Amazon and actual manufacturer sites don't usually carry the older stuff

[@LH-zv2zq]

Rob, have you done a video on playing a sample pad? It would be nice to hear your inclusion of one with your acoustic set.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

I'm kinda old school, man. I know...it's 2017. But I ain't much of a fan of the 'lectronics. I've only used a DTX pad on stage less than a handful of times. HOWEVER...hang tight for a review soon on the new Yamaha EAD 10. That thing is bananas. Electronics for drummers that hate using electronics!

[@josefinacupido9872]

Haya Rob what about practice for whole kit? Pads

[@riyadhlodewyk502]

Thank you Rob!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

You're welcome 🙂

[@rythmblood27]

Thank you so much. Great video with practical advice. But do you advise practicing with the practice pad placed on top of your actual snare, get a specific stand for the practice pad or place pad on something else? I’ve seen some sold with a stand. Again, thanks

[@sergioandresrodriguezcor-nf6mk]

Thanks for this video. What do you think about the ZILDJIAN reflexx?

[@lew123drums]

Rob, Why do I have such a hard time transferring my pad work (Real Feel, Sabian Quiet Tone, Yamaha, Moon Gel, etc.) to the actual drum set? I can roll out some fine doubles on the pads, but when I get behind the kit they are lame at best ... How do I fix this?

[@jedaffra]

Cover your pad with a couple of old t-shirts or face cloths. That will cut down the rebound. Also, practice accenting the second stroke of a double, on a pillow or gel pad.

[@joeysmith04622]

Either get a pad with a closer feel to your set or maybe like put a few shirts on your pad

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

lew123drums buy old snare, fill with a pad from foamrubber. Done and the best pad there is. Cheap too.

[@lolodrums]

Same prob to me, i use Evans realfeel grey rubber...but the rebound is poor compared with the snare drum head.

[@Danfromoverthere]

Where did you get the large moon gel practice One?

[@lil_weasel219]

I dont play drums, never have, but I do want a practice pad to learn rudements well ^^. EDIT; rudiments

[@tristan5494]

Thanks rob

[@raylt7]

THANK YOU

[@atlantic_love]

Do you ever work with marching band drumlines?

[@TamboJazz]

If all world governments dedicated themselves, to the arts including music, dance, sculpture, painting, and so on w`d have a better world, since people who play, sing, dance, and paint, are happier and more productive,which would lead to general sustained, and sustainable development BLESSINGS

[@rhythmfield]

Julio Figueroa YES Brother!! 👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿 - peace to you and your family

[@featurce5017]

Which one, offworld percussion gum rubber or the regular???

[@Leotardoification]

I disagree on your points on gel pads. It doesn't make much sense to use super bouncy rubber pads unless your entire kit consists of tight snare drums. Get good on a rubber pad and you will still suck on the toms and low tuned snares. Get a gel pad and you will become fast and consistent on the entire kit. This is also why so many "old greats'" mantras go along the lines of "if you can play it on a pillow, you can play it on anything".

[@leebas]

Hey Rob, which one would you recommend out of these two - Vic Firth 12D or Evans RealFeel practice pad?

[@AufdemLaufenden777]

Thanks sooo much again

[@unclejuju12]

Might sound dumb but do I have to worry about the snare skin stretching if my practice pad is a bit heavy?

[@coryribley]

Good video bro

[@elmono8894]

what would you recommend for advanced drummers or percussionists? I know lots of percussionist who practice with very heavy sticks and this Remo practice pads that give close to zero rebound and I would like to know your thoughts on that... is that a good setup to do gymnastics on the pad?

[@justinclark2126]

Hi rob love this video do you think that gel pads are good for building fast chops or do you have another technique for that

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Justin Clark Gel pads are great for strengthening the muscles used during proper technique. Speed is a result that comes afterwards. Don’t make that your target.

[@hillie47]

For a while I practiced with big heavy sticks (3A or Vic Firth American Classic Metal, proper tree trunks so to speak) on a not too bouncy pad for single stroke stuff from the stick control and syncopation books. Then move to the kit and make my regular sticks (VF Extreme 55A) fly with ease.

[@justinclark2126]

hillie47 yea I use marching sticks and have done a 6 min exercise everyday on a gel pad where you play as hard and as fast as you can with 1 min rest in between but I was wondering if he had another way of approaching speed

[@johnfoschino46]

Rob, I'm having a problem. My Vater 12" pad, (after using it for two years) has created a bubble. I don't know how to get rid of it. Any advice?

[@170adamb1]

And the 3rd unmentioned reason for a practice pad is noise!! Not everyone is able to keep a kit at home!!

[@paulysci925]

Reflexx pad worth the money and wait?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Haven’t touched the Reflexx pad yet but it looks pretty dope. I’d get one

[@paulysci925]

Rob Brown I ended up getting one I thought it was overpriced at first because it’s essentially 2 layers of wetsuit glued to a wood block but I’ve grown to like it a lot! It’s just $20 over what I think they should charge for what you get but it’s great if someone has disposable income, I’d recommend it over most other pads but it’s pretty darn close to the noise and feel off the prologix midnight pad which can be had for $25 if you shop around

[@pameladiez4933]

Thank you,for your drum pads lessons.wonderful.💡🤪🎊🤑🌟😁💡

[@NelsonMontana1234]

The REMO's are pointless. Too loud. Mesh feels nothing like a drum. "No bounce" pads are also worthless because you can practice on a book wrapped in a towel. A good bouncy pad doesn't "help" -- it points out your articulation. Get a good gum rubber. I like the Vic Firth stockpad. The Gretch is good too.

[@glytch5]

accenting the second hit on the double... something I will NEVER be able to to do lol. My brain just won't do it.

[@Ray-ij8ot]

Just work on it slow and speed it slowly you can do it

[@glytch5]

@@Ray-ij8ot its like starting from scratch again

[@barbarapape8433]

what is the name of the blue practice pad? i have been looking on line and i cant find it.

[@ride4kix]

Heck I use my mouse pad works great.

[@tbone8358]

OffWorld Invader V3 check em out

[@philw3953]

God who remembers pre internet drumming. Pay out the nose for drumming info

[@sofakinggood5829]

Rob, how do I make my Bass drum sound better? I have a Tama vintage imperial star. I have adjusted the lugs a few times and it just sounds like crap. It's not even as low as my floor Tom. I would consider changing my heads but was hoping to find a fix. What do you think?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Sofa King Good There’s a full kick tuning tutorial on my channel, man. Seems to be making a lot of drummers happy. Check it out. Just type ‘rob brown tuning’ in the search bar to get to it.

[@independentcountry9647]

Hey Rob. Where i can buy exactly this pad Vic Firth???? Is defferent what i can buy, but not like your. Thanks from Poland

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

This version is a good 9 or 10 years old, man. The newer ones are a bit different now

[@TheTrueAlpharius]

Is there a way to "combine" a gel-pad with bass drum practice?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Asides from duct taping one to your kick head, not really. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen a gel practice pad for kick 🤔

[@TheTrueAlpharius]

Guess, I'll tape some on my bass-drum practise pad :) Thanks for you replay man!

[@gildevanalves3813]

thank

[@jacobdavis736]

Ahead practice pad is good.

[@EvanGorczyk]

The best practice surface I use for building muscle is a pillow.

[@andrewzar1423]

What is that snare drum?

[@CallingAllDrummers]

What is that snare?

[@rhythmfield]

Sam West I had the same question- looks interesting!

[@PostLagone]

Is that scottish grip?

[@rossrinkenbaugh4005]

Another great video Rob, thanks again. Anyway, what would you recommend for practicing Ghosting? I'm still trying to build up my traditional grip ghosting whenever I can.

[@Gretschnut]

Hey Ross, you might try a séance and a sheet with holes cut out for the eyes. LOL!

[@rossrinkenbaugh4005]

Gretschnut LOL that'd really stir up the ghost notes 😊

[@MonacoRocha]

PILLOWS = Best Pads .. Simple Torture But The Best ...

[@EvanGorczyk]

Have you ever marched before?

[@jakekww]

can anyone tell me the practice pad he was holding up at 7:30 please

[@jakekww]

also what cheap sticks I should use as a beginner.

[@alexdodd808]

Vic Firth standard pad

[@alexdodd808]

and any standard 5A's are your first sticks.

[@manuelfernandez302]

Mucho hablar poco hacer.

[@snareromie5295]

At first I hated the invader