Differences: Super Kick I vs. Super Kick II

[byebyepanda]

What are the differences IN SOUND with these two batter heads? I have a 20" bass if that helps with anything. Thanks!

[mind_drummer]

Both use the same felt muffling ring but the difference come from the number of ply.

SKI is single ply thus allowing more tone, resonance and less focused sound.

SKII is double ply which give a more focused sound, it's less boomy with less sustain but have the advantage of being more durable.

Both are excellent heads and both sound better without any other bass drum fillin' like pillow or blanket. I for myself prefer the SKI because of the tone and openess it offer. Also the it's easier too muffle a SKI to get about the same sound of the SKII than the inverse.

[JoeyWaters]

The Super Kick II, being 2 ply, moves less air than the Super Kick I and has less overall db volume. It will yield more attack, but the loss in db isn't worth it. If I had a 24" or 26" the SKII may be the way to go, but on your 20", I would not consider it. If you plan on playing a ton of double kick in a studio situation, or have a kick ass kick drum mic for live shows to make up for the lack of sound, then maybe the SKII is for you. Its a good head, but not for smaller drums. Just think of the difference in putting a Pinstripe on a 16" floor as opposed to a 10" rack tom. The Pin kills the 10" but sounds pretty good on the 16". All of this is just my opinion, of course.

I hope this helps you a little.

[JJJ]

I've got the SKI on both my 14X18 Slingerland and on my 18X22 Tama Starclassic Maple and they sound great in both environments. Whenever I bring the Slings out, sound guys are shocked at the bigness of the sound. It works for both jazz and rock. The SKI on the Tama was a switch from the Evans 3 which made the sound too muted. Needless to say, the Tamas are like D-Day! The SK's are the best one can buy on the market, regardless of style.

[Budiesel]

So since I have a 24 x 18 kick, should I lean more towards a 2 ply?

Also, how would the SK1 compare to the EMAD single ply version? (in sound)

[JoeyWaters]

To Bud, I would think that you could get away with a 2 ply easier on a 24". It would be a more controlled sound than a one ply for sure. Even though it would not be quite as full sounding as a one ply, the bigger kick may make up for it.

I have never used an Emad, so I cannot speak on that one.

[mind_drummer]

So since I have a 24 x 18 kick, should I lean more towards a 2 ply?

Also, how would the SK1 compare to the EMAD single ply version? (in sound)

The only thing I can say is many people have problem with the EMAD plastic ring retaining the muffling felt. In a thread on another forum, I think there were about five post in a row about that problem.

[Guinness]

Try a SK1/ Regulator combo for a huge boomy bass sound - the overtones.

[Mendozart]

So since I have a 24 x 18 kick, should I lean more towards a 2 ply?

Also, how would the SK1 compare to the EMAD single ply version? (in sound)
I use the SKII / PS3 combo on my 18 x 24 keller shelled DW with much success. I had a used SKI that I tried on it first and it wasn't happening. I don't know if it was because it was used, but when I put the SKII on it was amazing. I might even try the Regulator reso down the road.

[Steady Freddy]

The only thing I can say is many people have problem with the EMAD plastic ring retaining the muffling felt. In a thread on another forum, I think there were about five post in a row about that problem.

I'm having the same problem. The ring that retains the muffling rings is starting to fall apart.
On my EMAD reso the foam rings that go over the port have self destructed.

[Budiesel]

How long have you had your EMAD? Ive had one on my 22 x 18 for a year or so and the plastic hasnt fallen off yet or shown any chance of it doing so. I might just try all of them to see what I like the best. Just thought I would try to save some money.

[Steady Freddy]

How long have you had your EMAD? Ive had one on my 22 x 18 for a year or so and the plastic hasnt fallen off yet or shown any chance of it doing so. I might just try all of them to see what I like the best. Just thought I would try to save some money.

I think it's been on the drum since about last Oct./Nov. I was running an EMAD single ply prior to that and thought the two ply version had more punch and low end.

[RUSTE]

The only thing I can say is many people have problem with the EMAD plastic ring retaining the muffling felt. In a thread on another forum, I think there were about five post in a row about that problem.

I remember that thread. i think it must have been a bad batch as ive used them for ages infact several & never had that problem. Im using sk2 now just for a change. Change in drums so im trying new heads. Im thinking of buying another emad to compair as i did really like them & never had any trouble with them. I did have trouble with the rings coming of the emad reso though & prefer the aquarian regulaters im using to the emad reso.

[mikei]

Try a SK1/ Regulator combo for a huge boomy bass sound - the overtones.

I use a SKII and regulators on my double bass starclassic kit. It sounds friggin great. I am going with a SKI next time!

The regulator made a huge difference too.

[Guinness]

I use a SKII and regulators on my double bass starclassic kit. It sounds friggin great. I am going with a SKI next time!

The regulator made a huge difference too.

Yeah, I never have tried the SKII before, but have tried just about every combination under the sun to get the sound I wanted. It can get a bit expensive during the experimentation process :-). All I know is I have finally found what works and I probably will never use anything else. My band freakin' loves my bass drum sound and so do I. You can literally feel that sucker thumping in your chest.

Scott

[mikei]

Yeah, I never have tried the SKII before, but have tried just about every combination under the sun to get the sound I wanted. It can get a bit expensive during the experimentation process :-). All I know is I have finally found what works and I probably will never use anything else. My band freakin' loves my bass drum sound and so do I. You can literally feel that sucker thumping in your chest.

Scott


I cant wait to break one of these SKII heads. Then I will have "no choice" but to replace the heads!! Unfortunately, they are built like a tank.

You are right. To change both bass drum heads will cost about 80 bucks at least!

[Budiesel]

Guinness and mikei

What sizes are your bass drums?

[mikei]

I have a pair of 22 x 18 birch starclassic performers.

The SKII was a great upgrade for me. I tried the new remo muffled bass drum head at it was horrible.

Purchased 2 SKIIs on the advice of Fat Elvis (Great Guy!!! Knows his sh*t!) and noticed a huge difference. However, I felt that a new reso head might make it even better since I was using the tama stock resos. Anyway, the regulator made a HUGE difference. Just as much as the SKII.

[mikei]

I have a pair of 22 x 18 birch starclassic performers.

The SKII was a great upgrade for me. I tried the new remo muffled bass drum head at it was horrible.

Purchased 2 SKIIs on the advice of Fat Elvis (Great Guy!!! Knows his sh*t!) and noticed a huge difference. However, I felt that a new reso head might make it even better since I was using the tama stock resos. Anyway, the regulator made a HUGE difference. Just as much as the SKII.

I will definitely be moving to the SKI next. I know that I will lose a bit of durability, but I am willing to sacrifice that for an even bigger sound. No need for internal muffling with these heads.

I just purchased a Zep set with a 26 x 16 kick. The kick is so dangerous that I had to get a license for it before purchase.

When the stock batter breaks, I will be upgrading to an SKI and regulator head combo. It will probably shake the foundation of my home, cause yet another Southern California earthquake, any children my wife and I will have in the future! That combo (SKI and Regulator) will be like Viagra for a porn star.

[PureRockFury]

Differences:

One can barely be heard and the other can't be heard at all.

PS3 FTW!!!

[mind_drummer]

Differences:

One can barely be heard and the other can't be heard at all.

PS3 FTW!!!

Yeah PlayStation 3 is a good game console !

[PureRockFury]

Yeah PlayStation 3 is a good game console !

LOL I knew you would say something like that! :D

[mind_drummer]

LOL I knew you would say something like that! :D

Even if we have different view and opinion, I still keep it respectful with good sense of humor :-)

A+