Hey guys,
Beaters is one of my favourites and have tried various over the last few years. Thought to share some of my experience with you.
Iron cobras are great for fast playing without having the "light as a feather" feeling. They are the best medium solution between very light and bulkiness like the old danmars. Keep in mind though that the rubber version gets very sticky after a while (their rubber is of soft quality - not plastic) and it's very irritating. The IC felt version is a bit more expensive but probably worths it. I'll definitely get one in the future.
Pearl 4 way beater is bulky but worked fine with my Axis, however as someone else said very correctly, the cheap 2-side pearl beaters are awesome,tried with Trick and Axis and had a great feeling and a heavy sound(plastic side). One other thing about them though is that they are a bit shorter from IC and many other beaters.
I don't know why but that didn't affect the playing it was too little of a difference.
Danmar: I own and used to play the old big version then went to the "new,improved,smaller" one which was better. Very heavy feeling,strong attack.
A beater I've tried but don't own yet is the Gibraltar SC 3262. Plastic inside but wood outside. Great attack and light-normal feel,good price. I'll be definitely getting a pair of those in the future. (
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfr...SC3262-Solid-Wood-Bass-Drum-Beater?sku=446087)
I own the Trick Pro-1V big foot that comes with the aluminium beaters and thought to give some input on this.
What I realised with the Trick beaters is that despite the fact that are really light(aluminium) are very capable to deliver a powerful stroke. They are very adjustable and easy to do so. I own and tried Axis beaters and I coudln't say that for them.
However if you don't like that "very light feeling" on your bass drum playing I suggest you try going with heavier beaters.
What I haven't figured out yet is: what's the difference between the Aluminium and Black?
Is it only the colour or the material as well?
Hope this was of some help, just keep trying and you'll find your sound and feel,the options are many,just like women.