Which DW Kick Drum Pedal is Right for You?

[@sweetwater]

Which DW pedal do you have your eye on? 👀 Hit those Like and Subscribe buttons for more videos like this one!

[@krusher74]

non of them, Tama and pearl have equivalent pedals for way less $

[@billwarner213]

I use the DW9000 double-kick pedals and absolutely LOVE them - the best pedal I’ve ever used from ANY manufacturer. But after learning more about the MDD and MCD line I can’t WAIT to check them out - thanks for the great vid!

[@tmaddrummer]

@@krusher74 yes they are both good and less expensive, but after moving up to the MCD, this is by far the very best pedal ever made, and so is the matching Hi-Hat. As long as you're happy with what you got, that's all that really matters.

[@tmaddrummer]

I've been playing the MCD for the past 5 years, and I've played and really liked Ludwig, Axis, Pearl, and Tama, but I have to say that for me, the MCD is the finest pedal I've ever owned. The adjustments and ergonomics are probably the best that I've ever played, and the adjustments can be done very quickly and easily. Nick you're the best, and I'd watch you review anything DRUMS! Thanks and Blessings!

[@OrangeCounty2023]

I've been use a lot of pedals and have only dw 9000 single pedal now. I love my 9000 single pedal.

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks for sharing the pedals. I am 59 and just started learning the drums. Every little bit of info will help me understand the different parts along with how it all works and what I can use as a learn more and get better.

[@Imabassplayer2]

I bought a 5000 single pedal a few years ago because my old bass teacher had one on his kit. It was a fantastic feeling pedal. I have to be honest I was not happy with the 5000. The pedal felt sluggish and no power. So I tightened the spring and it still felt sluggish. So I didn't use it much. I bought a 9000XF on a great deal and out of the box it felt like the 5000 on full spring tension. Which was a little shocking. I kept the factory settings because it ok. Then I found a 9000 second hand for a steal. When it arrived I noticed the spring was upside down. The narrow part of the spring was at the bottom. Which makes sense to stop the felt falling out. But the pedal was fantastic very powerful. So I turned the spring on my 5000 upside down and the pedal felt completely different. It had the power and speed I was looking for. I now love my 5000 which I didn't thinks was possible for a while. The biggest negative about DW pedal is they lock you in to what DW want your settings to be. On the 5000 the beater and pedalboard are not adjustable separately. I do think it is worth a mention because they are not that adjustable. Thats where the Iron Cobra beats DW pedals hands down. Independent pedalboard and beater adjustment is a must and Tama dose it and at a cheaper price. DW pedals are overpriced because of the lack of adjustability. Having to remove the chain on the 5000 to change the hight of the board is annoying, with little options on the accelerator cam. If you lose the link pin I think that's what it's called then the pedal is useless. The slot on the 9000 cam isn't long enough to get the board higher or lower in relation to the beater. They are overpriced for the features considering Tama and Mapex have their higher end pedals cheaper and have move flexibility. DW are well built and will last a very long time. If the 5000 had a clamp holding the beater on the pedal like on the Iron Cobra, then it would be a pretty close to being the perfect kick pedal. Just my thought on owning DW pedals and others and seeing the differences. If DW put the tension spring narrow side down from the factory then that would be a great. I do love my DW pedals just took some extra work to get them feeling good for me.

[@masecardrums]

Fwiw the footboard angle is absolutely adjustable on a 5000, but you have to detach the chain and reattach it so it starts on a different tooth on the sprocket. Similar process to installing a new bike chain.

[@JoeNocella]

Love how the designs have improved over the years but prices like $1,200 on a double pedal are a little crazy.

[@adamdiazzz]

I totally agree but they will last you a long time

[@arieslove6144]

Joe exactly.

[@Lupine.]

I bought the direct drives and then they released the XF version a month later. The only reason I regret buying them; not waiting a little longer.

[@lajollascott]

I'm not even in the market for a new pedal right now, but I was glued to every second of this.

[@billyrayvalentine7972]

I'm dreaming of a new pedal and kit. I had a stroke in 2010 and sold everything. I'm better now and wish I still had my DW pedal and kit and 8 inch Ludwig snare. For recording my favorite was a wood beater with a pinstripe head and a center pad on the head. I don't remember what DW model it was . 2000 ? The sound was bass punchy with clear top end I'm eyeballing Sweetwater in 2022.... The 9000 looks great and I've never used the MCD or MDD but all those adjustments are incredible

[@stevebarnes9345]

That was a SPECTACULAR presentation….. just perfection! Thanks!!!!

[@moments_with_IH]

nice video! I've used the 2k, 3k and 5k even the 9k but I always go back to the 3000. It just feels natural, has less resistance and feels awesome! Cheers

[@jamesspafford5985]

I love my DW-9000 double pedals!!! Paired with a 3 leg DW-9000 hi-hat and refitted with a Trick driveshaft, it truly is a thing of beauty!!! Add in those DW-101 turned to the plastic side, and OMGAWD, it feels and sounds amazing!!!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Meh. Dyna sync destroys all DW pedal.

[@normanwilmoth7404]

That's cool I did the same thing and switched my driveshaft to a Trick. Only difference is I'm playing Tama's newer version speed cobra's. Trick makes a great universal driveshaft that in my opinion knowing how it feels makes the slave of any brand double pedal almost equal to the feel of the main pedal👍

[@richie7782]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 I concur went from a 9000 to Dyna Sync with a Trick driveshaft it destroys the 9000!!!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@richie7782 Oh wow. I'm using a demon drive shave on my Dnya sync with Speed cobra beaters. Plenty of power and thud!

[@bdevil6]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 that's your opinion, but DW pedals are the highest selling pedal for professional drummers to date.

[@fubar1217]

I have a 5000 double pedal that I bought back in 1991 or so. After I upgraded to a newer 5000 a few years later, I still used that old 5000 on an electronic practice kit. It got so much use that I wore out the sprocket and hinge on the main pedal and had to replace them! I still have that pedal although it's sitting in a case since I've been using a 9000 for the past 8 years or so.

[@jonashellborg8320]

Hahaha! Owned my 2000 pedal for a year and didn’t know I could change the beater angle! Thanks Nick!

[@danglesnipecelly13]

I’ve had the 9000’s double pedal for over 10 years. You really can’t go wrong with it. One of the greatest pedals ever

[@paulcarangelo2062]

I play a DW Collector Series double bass with 2 single MDD pedals. Absolutely love them! I also use the MDD Hi Hat so all pedals match!

[@evan242503]

Well La Di Da, arent you a fancy fellow. Maybe someday your playing will justify this.

[@robertkees6048]

I got lucky and bought an almost new 9000 from a financially distressed drummer on Craigslist for $225 for the double bass version. It's by far the best pedal I've ever played, it's so light and smooth it allows me to do things I can't do on other pedals. It is to my drumming as Spinach is to Popeye.

[@Kammoflars]

I got the Axis shirt boards before switching to 5000’s and to Iron Cobras and back to Axis longboards. I would definitely get DW again if I started playing the drums again.

[@davidaustin9638]

Nice demo. Easy to tell that you really love your job Nick. And you are a hell of a drummer by the way! 🤘🏽

[@danawallace3129]

I have owned DW 5000 single chain and DW 8000. Now I have the 9000.I personally enjoyed the response of the 5000.these pedals will last over All Brands from experience.

[@joecopa]

Nick really did a great job in explaining in detail these really good DW bass drum pedals. What I find amazing is that Buddy Rich for many years used a basic old outdated Rogers bass drum foot pedal and did so many intricate and amazing things with unprecedented speed I could just imagine what he would do with anyone of these modern day foot pedals OMG!

[@MB-pc4cs]

I have the DW 2000 Double Pedal. I don't even know why I bought a double pedal other than to just have it but don't even double bass. Really, it's awesome. It's perfect and probably indestructible. I can't imagine breaking this pedal. It's smooth and responsive. Honestly, I don't think I would ever need anything more, there is no way I would ever drop $1000+ on any kick pedal. I paid $175 for mine 12 years ago.

[@joeovermoe2124]

I didn’t know the 9000s had a belt drive option! I have the Pearl Eliminator Powershifters with belt drive, and I LOVE the belt drive feel! I’d love to try out the 9000s sometime. Also, the DW beaters with the adjustable weight are AMAZING! I have them on all of my pedals.

[@arieslove6144]

the eliminators are some of the best all around drum pedal that pearl can make. I keep my powershifter on heavy - the perfect combo of seep and power. i love the black and red cam- however the black is the best

[@daleonov]

Thanks for the in depth explanation! I have a single chain DW5000, didn't know it had such a history.

[@frogeater9030]

I don't have a DW mainly due to $$, but I do have the PDP Concept Series direct drive pedal. No complaints and very smooth.

[@drumgear]

Nice video i use my 5000 series twin pedal and my 9000 series single pedal for many many years. In my humble opinion the best pedals ever .🥁🥁✌️

[@NoahHirschy]

Along with the awesome presentation by NDV, great B-Roll and edit work going on here, good job guys 👏🏻😉

[@dabking94.19]

I have a Delta II "Chian Drive" Turbo 5000, a Delta III Accelerator 5000, and both the Delta IV 5000 Accelerator and Turbo pedals. Love them all! Also have a 4000 double pedal i got for free. Next on the list is an 8000 series pedal.

[@markmullen9919]

Not a fan of their drums but used a 9000 for years. It was fantastic.

[@strange_horse_art]

I have mdd.... Tried many before (pearl demon/tricks/speedcobras/9000).. It's not the same world ... Close to tricks but more power ... It's a price , had the chance to find them brand new for a fair price ! Easy to adjust , no latence in between left and right , smooth but present , and the shaft is way better than 9000.

[@Macho_Man_Randy_Savage]

amazing breakdown. i've used tama and trick but now considering trying a dw pedal...

[@mrdrumz48]

I'm an iron cobra guy myself, But the 5000 is an awesome pedal as well.

[@Storkemain]

Super video, and great job in explaining how these pedals work in details. I own a pair of DW - Machine Direct Drive's (MDD) and as you mention in the video, it's a great pedal for blastbeats, speed metal and so on. I've always been used to play chain driven pedals, but this one is no exception. I've found out that by setting it up correctly, I managed to make it feel like a "Hybrid" of a Direct Drive and Chain pedal.. If that makes sense? It made the pedal feel even more versatile. But that's just my opinion, it might not work for everybody, but I think people should try them out, and try different settings when trying them out. :-D Best regards, and happy holidays!

[@TimNye850]

Raise for this guy! Great demonstration.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

I've owned several PDP and DW pedals over the years and you can't go wrong with any of them.

[@icerag]

My 2000 double has lasted for well over a decade and is still mint. Good enough for non-metal playing. Think hard before you buy the more expensive options.

[@joemama22]

I use the older 500 version with a strap and without the bottom plate. It fits into my trap case, unlike the newer versions.

[@bijikedelai]

make another video like this with Tama pedal pleaseee

[@snaven921]

WOW talk about a review video 100% complete

[@walcoman]

My old single chain dw5000 still does my exact Kick Drum version that Bonzo created on the song Good Times bad times, hands down the best and most responsive for my use anyways

[@spencerharding5919]

I got the 9000’s not XF. With two legged 9000 hi-hat stand works beautifully. Would really like to see the next step up with that direct drive tho. Love that two of my inspiring drummers Thomas Lang and Chris Turner use these pedals. I’m a DW fan.

[@panndaacookies213]

I'ma bout to have the same set up soon ! I have the hihat stand next is the kick pedal. Is it worth it? I have a 5000 series 1st gen dw kick pedal. Got it at a flea market for 50$ in AZ

[@gerrysturis]

Nice work Nick. Very comprehensive..............Cheers!

[@kayleighdrums4431]

gotta go with the 9000, chef's kiss.

[@JarJarJesses]

Oh, thx, I didn't get the "twist" for the pad yet ;) I'll change right now to plastic...

[@TheQuestion31]

I think most of the difference in feel between the single and double chain 5000s is actually down to the footboard. The single chain uses the old smaller footboard which is lighter in weight.

[@TonyGellaDrums]

Own 8000 double pedals. Very good! On video 8000 missed

[@NilsHedstrom]

Great vid! SHould do one with Tamas pedals

[@nico_poriol]

I do not own the direct drive but analyzing its system, i think the one you adjusted first for "foot board height" is actually an adjustment for the cam feeling/offset. Farther from the main rod, gives you more acceleration maybe.

[@vernon7896]

Love my Speed Cobras

[@xdeathdownx]

you forgot the 7000s my guy!

[@RonHarkey-cq2ci]

I don’t think they make them anymore

[@TheTubeMeister]

I have the Pearl Demonator double pedal. Love it!!

[@MatthewVlossak]

I hope you do this kind of video for Tama’s pedals! My personal favorite.

[@larrytate1657]

Agree. Imo the latest version of the rolling glide iron cobra is the most controllable pedal on the market. Perfect balance of speed and weight.

[@davidhoffmann345]

And for the price!? Tama for sure!

[@andyham6094]

SMe here. Speed cobras are the best for my feet. Sold my dw90002’s for them and a lot cheaper, faster, smoother, and more durable. Better all around.

[@MatthewVlossak]

@@larrytate1657 The Iron Cobra is my bread and butter. I have the power glide version

[@MatthewVlossak]

@@andyham6094 Tried the Speed Cobra’s and loved them. I use the new Iron Cobra’s though. I’ve had DW pedals and felt I had to really use a lot more of my leg and foot than I wanted to. Switched back to Tama and never looked back.

[@YeetYeet-sg9mp]

I got a dw 5000 pedal from my neighbor who upgraded to the 9000 and I absolutely love the 5000s

[@crusher0427]

I have the 3000 hi-hat stand. It's got a nice feature with only two legs, but the response is way slower than my old Tama stand, so I returned to the old one.

[@UserNameNiemand]

Would've been nice to see the shaft or connection link overview for all dw double bass pedals, because they've been changed too.

[@IRLguy777]

They renewed them? I know that the connecting rod is the weak point of all those pedals, just a basic design that has too much play. Pretty sure the direct drives have a nice ball bearing connecting rod though.

[@UserNameNiemand]

@@IRLguy777 Nick mentioned about them, double pedals, but haven't talk about them much. Yeah, those shafts are pretty clumsy, but I've noticed that since 5k series they've been updated. I have 5002 double, just thought it'd be useful to know what's changed for those who own doubles.

[@eyelesspulse1084]

I've been trying to get into playing more death metal and deathcore, but all I've got at the moment is a 3000 double pedal. I was originally shooting for the 9000 but the MDD is calling my name

[@guiltyspark343able]

The look very cool....but definitely I'll keep my speed cobra

[@Nugtroen]

great informative video about the DW pedals. next please do Tama, Pearl , Yamaha too

[@jeremy20100712]

Nice presentation. I've been using the original DW5000 for live playing since the mid 1980s and a model that was not mentioned in the video, a DW4000 on my studio kick.

[@metaldude3519]

I have a pair of 5000 pedals that I have been using for 33 years. They're still as smooth as the day I bought them. Now I am looking for a double pedal and have to decide whether to continue with the 5000 or move to the 9000. Decisions, decisions...

[@mikeschumacher9715]

Have the 9000 hi-hat stand. Sank money into the 9000 remote pedal and the angle is way high and not adjustable. So there's that.

[@isaacgylfe]

Thanks for doing this. Do more like this

[@JulesO]

Tested a 9000 today and I was impressed at how easy it was to play fast with decent strength! I've had my 3000 for 5+ years and they've never felt like the 9000! Does anyone know of things to alter on the 3000 for it to be faster like 9000? The difference was seriously a game changer!

[@jrfrondelli2023]

The DW9000 is the only pedal that I've ever come across that I can adjust to closely mimic the action and feel of my beloved and legendary Asba Caroline pedal, which I lost in Hurricane Sandy. In addition, it's construction is far superior.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Meh Cobras destroy DW

[@CornerStoreDrums]

Lets go!! 💯💯 SWEETWATER always top notch!

[@TheLikeButtonLMAO]

After playing a dw9000, I loved the way it felt, but having the spring on the inside of the pedal is insanely annoying.

[@Iskulaatikko]

I was hoping to see the 7000 series here as well, i bump into them every now and then second hand, was wondering what the difference is to others.

[@Theratron]

I have the 7000 series (double bass pedals and hi hat stand) and they seem to be identical to the 3000 series....

[@trieck]

They are no longer being made.

[@mikel.laughridge9480]

@@Theratron The 7000 pedal was renamed 3000. Same pedal just was changed to 3000 to keep things more simple in the line up. I have a 3000 and they are great for me.

[@Theratron]

@@mikel.laughridge9480 thanks for confirming that! Yup, it's a great pedal!

[@bradproctor6499]

Found a combo hi hat double bass 5000. Got it on layaway while I consider it

[@jimmylinear8426]

Love your videos Nick!

[@johanjotun1647]

The only pedals worth having are axis or trick, and both are backordered for years

[@Renodrums-vq8nv]

I'm an Iron Cobra guy and always will be, But I've played DW pedals once in a while at some gigs. I prefer the 3000 out of all DW pedals.

[@mathewreed818]

I call BS. The 5000, 9000 and MDD are all miles ahead of the 3000. I’m thinking you’re just biased against DW and their prices. No seasoned player is going to take the 3000 over the 9000.

[@Renodrums-vq8nv]

@@mathewreed818 So I can't have my own opinion? Do you and I have the same leg? I don't think so.

[@mathewreed818]

@@Renodrums-vq8nv you’re certainly welcome to your own opinion. I’m just not buying it, that’s all. I mean no offense and not looking for a social media argument. My opinion is that your opinion is biased due to price or distaste for the brand. Just my opinion.

[@Renodrums-vq8nv]

@@mathewreed818 If price was the issue toward my opinion, I wouldn't be playing the Iron cobra. It's the same price point as the DW 5000.

[@mathewreed818]

@@Renodrums-vq8nv iron cobras are good pedals. My gigging hi hat stand is cobra. Love it.

[@Spooky0910]

I really wish I could get a DW 9000 single pedal it’s just so expensive

[@stinkfloyd1]

I've used the DW9000 Double pedal for years. First, in plain bad English, the rod is garbage. I had to swap out to a universal Trick rod. It's night & day because the DW rod is terrible. With every double pedal, there's lag. To me, there is still a noticeable lag. This is why I'm going back to two kick OR looking at the Tama Dyna sych direct-drive double pedal. I keep hearing it has something other direct-drive pedals lack. That is power. The dyna sych not only has the speed, but the power for slower tempo. I'm interested in reading or hearing anyone currently using them.

[@stevenmcgriff970]

I think the 7000 is right for me what do you think.?

[@sambecause6332]

I've got a DW 7000 double

[@NOAHCASAS]

IN HIGH SCHOOL LIKE IN 2OO2 I BOUGHT THE 5OOO ACCELERATOR DOUBLE CHAIN SINGLE PEDAL AND ABOUT 7 MONTHS LATER DW CAME OUT WITH THAT 9OOO PEDAL LINE IT'S OK I DON'T FEEL LIKE I MISSED OUT I STILL HAVE IT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS I'M PLAYING IT TILL THE FOOT BOARD BREAKS

[@thexennialdrums]

Can you do a video like this for hi-hat stands as well?

[@galgogergo]

I was surprised that you cannot seem to adjust beater angle AND footboard height independently from each other on the 9000 series, only on the MDD/MCD versions. (something which is availabe even on my 20 year old Iron Cobra 🤓 ) Nevertheless, great pedals!

[@realatalltimes]

You left out the 7000's😮

[@Romans219]

The DW 5000 is the best pedal for the price and the 9000 pedal is the best all the way around if you want to pay the price. I own both.

[@sidiqnur]

love my DW5000 double pedal

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Cobras are way better

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

Missed the killer PDP/DW BOA!

[@asifwekere]

Wasn’t there an 8000 series?

[@strippedupper5261]

What about the 7000 series?

[@jamesdrums4399]

I use a DW 9000 double pedal

[@jimmychristensen7112]

MDD for sure 🤘

[@BadaDing]

All of them!!

[@anthonybovee5181]

Now, I know I have seen a DW long board foot board in person, actually. Not the extended foot board that was shown. The Long board I saw had no heel plate and sat on top of the hinge. Just like an Axis Long Board pedal. Was this a one time thing, or some kind of cancelled product? I'd be all over those machined pedals if they came in long boards.

[@TheArthurtelles]

I think the ones you mentioned are the DW 8000 series. It was advertised as a very heavy hardware, those things weighed as much as my TV. You will probably find some photos around the web.

[@koolBOY8323]

there's that little hitch where tama bought part of camco too. making the iron cobra a sibling of these in a way. better IMO.

[@landonpeckham7752]

Can we do this for Pearl and Tama at least? I love this concept so much!

[@jordyncoetzee]

I love 5000's and 9000's

[@rs9217]

❤ my DW900 ...when I'm rich, I'd get direct drive

[@Theratron]

Heh, I actually have the 7000 series (double bass pedals and hi-hat stand). Do they still make those? They seem to be identical to the 3000 series from what I see here. They're pretty great, especially considering value for money.

[@Masky.Malsawmkima]

Not much difference with regards to the "feel" of the 3000 pedal in comparison to the 5000 pedal. I have played both,they both are great. If I'm on a tight budget I will go for the 3000 pedal.

[@drastic209562]

How about Tama iron cobra?

[@Samford404]

@@drastic209562 That's the best pedal for the price no doubt (talking about the 900 one) its smooth as hell, durable, and very customizable, been playing it for 2 years now, best for that price for sure.

[@alexsouza1750]

The 3000,s it’s same construction pedals looks like I am decid go on it!!🥁

[@yuzthestrongman1218]

Where the first double pedal? i want to see it

[@level27xrock]

Anyone go from a 9000 to a MCD? Is there any major difference in performance/feel aside from the different foot board and way you adjust the pedals? Is the MCD just a more simple way to put it, a glorified 9000 in a Tux? Or is it truly better in all ways and worth the extra $$. I own a 9000, would like to try a MDD or MCD, never played either- Any comments/advice appreciated

[@slowwwwBurnnnn813]

Great video.. thank you

[@larrytate1657]

Woo careful with that 9000 beater adjustment if you went a touch more the nut on the inside would’ve came off and it becomes nightmare! Don’t loosen a “goo amount”, loosen it just enough until the beater can be moved around.

[@quaz18]

I d love to see the same deep dive for pearl pedals too!

[@sk00chy93]

Someone help me out, I’ve never had a good pedal before, I want something that can play a bunch of things anywhere from funk to metal but also some faster stuff that only requires a single pedal. I guess I just want something that can keep a beat but play fast when needed. Which ones of these pedals would you guys suggest?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Sk00chy. Thanks so much for your interest. I’m a big fan of the 9000 series single pedal. It’s super adjustable for your needs, especially the cam angle. That’s my choice. Jason Thiele, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1391, [e-mail]

[@venteach.6289]

I’ll literally take any of them

[@garyrice2987]

What made DW discontinue the 8000 pedal? It’s quicker than the 5000 and not as expensive as the 9000.

[@johnnybgoode2333]

I think you kind of answered your own question. Sounds like it was competing with the 9000 series, which probably makes them the most money.

[@azza0575]

I prefer the DW 8000.