Mapex Saturn or Pearl Session?

[BoxcarDrummer182]

i need a new set. i've been lokng at the new mapex saturn 4 piece (24x20 bass, 12x9, 16x16, 14x7 snare) or a pear session smx in a standard set up. finish doesn't matter. i need a good mountng system, new hardware would be nice, and good shells. so which is better?

[somedrummer]

Well, I just own the Pearl Session, and can say that is is definitely great. The mounting system is good, the shells are 6 Ply HCSMS Maple. Very much pro quality stuff at a reasonable price.

As for Mapex, they seem to have their stuff together. The bass drum is virgin, at least on the one I looked at. If that's a big deal to you, you could go that way. It's really your choice.

The Sessions are good.

[Class A Drummer]

Im also a session owner. It is an absolutley amazing drum set. The sound is amazing. I have not tried out the mapex saturn, but after trying out other mid-pro level drum sets, the session is probably my favorite. Oh and the best thing about them are the finishes are all really cool.

[harryconway]

Mapex Saturn would be my choice. It's a pro level kit. The Pearl Session is a high-mid level kit.

[CHOPS36]

Mapex Saturn all the way!!

The quality of their Saturn kits and finishes are amazing!!! They may not offer a whole lot of color choices, but to get that same quality kit in a Pearl, you would have to wait a while for a custom order. Or if you get lucky to see exactly what you wanted in a store front. MApex is really making their mark these days...............

If it were me, and had to decide between these two kits, Mapex..... without a second thought.

[dingbat]

I think Saturns have plenty of color options, 11 of them listed on the US company site, with another 4 ready to be introduced very shortly -

TX (ROOT BEER BURST)
TG (GREEN APPLE BURST)
TH (ELECTRIC BERRY BURST)
TJ (GALAXY BURST)

link to the new colors - http://usa.mapexdrums.com/news/news_story.asp?ID=136

most likely after the NAMM trade show in the next week or two. However, they will be discontinuing colors -

SU (Twilight Stardust
RV (Violet Stardust)
SE (Emerald Stardust)
TA (not sure if TB, was meant, which is Transparent Black, as I don't see TA as a color code on the US site

***as with all discontinued product lines, anything remaining in distribution warehouses will probably (not guranteed depending on how much overstock they may have left) be sold at reduced close-out prices sometime in the near future by certain retailers, keep your eyes open for some nice discounts.

Outside of finishes, what are some other things that will effect the decision to buy - price point, thicker (Session)/thinner (Saturn) shells, 10 lug(Saturn) or 8 lug(Session) BD and snare, virgin BD, all maple or maple/walnut composite, product warranty(Mapex limited lifetime shell warranty to the original purchaser)? - just some things to consider as far as what is important to you.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Get the Mapex Saturn. Beautiful kits and much better than the Peal imo. I am very biased towards Pearl though.

[Rhythmic Disciple]

Saw the Saturn config you mentioned in my local shop - VERY nice indeed. Enormous bass drum and toms look cool. Awesome finish too. High spec for a mid-range kit...

If you play any kind of heavy rock, get the Mapex because you won't be disappointed!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Personally, I prefer the look of the Mapex and definitely the Mapex hardware features (particularly the tom mounts). The extra lugs on the bass drum and slightly different shell composition also lean me personally towards the Saturn.

[BoxcarDrummer182]

the electric berry finish is the one i'm interested in. that and also the galaxy burst or whatever it is.

[MagnZ]

Mapex Saturns!!!!!!! I own the saturns and could not have been happier:) Pearl session's are great drums 2. Really good sounding drums, but the mapex sounds better in my ears:)

[tomtom]

The Pearl Session is a high-mid level kit.

Very true, but after having played more or less ALL lines from Pearl (masters and Reference included) I find the best sounding Pearl kits are the Pearl session studio (birch) kits. Great drums and a lot of bang for the buck.

I have to admit I haven´t tried out the Mapex Saturns but I´ve heard nothing but rave things about them.

[harryconway]

Very true, but after having played more or less ALL lines from Pearl (masters and Reference included) I find the best sounding Pearl kits are the Pearl session studio (birch) kits. Great drums and a lot of bang for the buck.

I have to admit I haven´t tried out the Mapex Saturns but I´ve heard nothing but rave things about them.
The question, however, is directed towards the Pearl SMX.