Pearl Export or Tama Superstar?

[harribee]

I've been playing the drums for just over a year now. The kit I currently own is a CB. It's been reskinned but I'm still not satisfied by the sound I get from it.

I've been looking around and two kits that I like the look of are the Pearl Export and the Tama Superstar.

I was just wondering what your opinions on these kits are, which sounds better and is more durable (I hit my drums pretty hard). If you have any suggestions as to other drum kits I should check out, that'd be great as well.

The kind of music I play most is rock and triphop, if that helps.

Thanks in advance.

Harriet x

[Henry II]

The Superstar is considered Tama's mid-level kit, and the Export is Pearl's entry level kit.

Superstar! Better hardware and hoops, too.

[Drummer Karl]

Hahaha! the funny thing is: Ihave got a Tama superstar as my first main kit...and I`ll get an export as my second kit...I`d choose the superstar! awesome drums, better wood...just a little bit better...

Karl

[harryconway]

If money is not a factor, Superstar.

[Stu_Strib]

Superstars are far superior. Better shells, better rims, better all around.

And the Export isn't the entry level from Pearl; the Forum series is.

[mind_drummer]

The Superstar is considered Tama's mid-level kit, and the Export is Pearl's entry level kit.

Superstar! Better hardware and hoops, too.

January Modern Drummer edition evaluated 10 intermediate kit and they classified the Export and the Superstar in that category...

Myself I opt for the Superstar without a doubt but I'm little TAMA toward biased :-)

[dannypenalver]

PEARL I have a 199something one and its great the rest are great copy's of good patents! as in holders,wood,etc, go by the pearl!!!!!!!!!
I did!! they are good to be honest!

[dingbat]

Tama Superstars without a doubt - thin resonating shells, precise bearing edges which is a very nice surprise in this price point, majority birch plys in the construction, die cast rims, more friendly tom mounting system for infinite positioning, wider tuning range.

[MapleCustom2B]

I'd take the Superstar over the Export. Much more bang for the buck.

MC2B

[jazzdrummer0829]

ah yes id say superstar as well, very easy to tune and it gives you a great sound, whereas even if you spend a good amount of time tuning export it tends to sound dead

[hawk9290]

Tama!!!
Pearl really doesn't deliver until you get into their higher-end lines. The Exports aren't awful, but the Superstars have superior shells, hardware, and sound

[old rocker]

I can not speak about Tama but I have Pearl EXR and are very pleased with them. Changed the drum heads to Evans EC2 and they sound real good. Checking the Guitar Center the prices seem comparable. Pearl's hardware is fine. I am sure both are good, so get the ones you like the best. (including the looks and sound)

[Afrolicious]

Played both, the Tama was a lot better, I went for a Sonor Force 2005 though (but the Tama would've been my choice if I hadn't found the Force 2005).

[Ironcobra]

tama, fo sho, yes pearls good, but come on, its tama, you cant beat it

[tomtom]

Tama Superstars.

I´ve played probably 30 or more Pearl Exports and they are simply among the worst kits made IMO. I have 24 students and from time to time they bring some drums so that I can show them the tricks of tuning, changing heads etc. A few have Exports and I have NEVER been able to get even a decent sound from a Pearl Export. Simply dreadfull drums.

Tama Superstars I´d use in the studio any day, they´re that good.