New Ludwig Speed Flyer and Speed King reviewed by Carter McLean

IBitePrettyHard

IBitePrettyHard

Senior Member

The Speed Flyer looks like a pedal I would definitely use (if I wasn't already happy with my Tama Speed Cobra). Pedals have improved so much in the past 25 years, everyone is making great pedals now it seems.

I know some of you like the Speed King, but just watching Carter play it I can tell it's not for me. It definitely has less power and a "stiffer" action. Too old fashioned for my taste.
 
The Speed Flyer is basically the Atlas Pro, with some cosmetic and minor mechanical tweaks. I've been using the Atlas since 2015 and am very happy with it. Feel-wise they seem the same, so I'm not in a hurry to upgrade. What I mean is, if you find a new Atlas Pro, grab it and save a few bucks. The Speed Flyer is $199, Atlas Pro should be $150 while they last :)

Bermuda
 
bermuda said:
The Speed Flyer is basically the Atlas Pro, with some cosmetic and minor mechanical tweaks. I've been using the Atlas since 2015 and am very happy with it. Feel-wise they seem the same, so I'm not in a hurry to upgrade. What I mean is, if you find a new Atlas Pro, grab it and save a few bucks. The Speed Flyer is $199, Atlas Pro should be $150 while they last :)

Bermuda
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Bermuda, old thread but does your atlas have play in the heel hinge side to side? There’s one at my local music go round for 279 (a double) and it’s in like new condition. The pedal swings fine I was just put off by the loose back and forth.
 
TJK said:
Bermuda, old thread but does your atlas have play in the heel hinge side to side? There’s one at my local music go round for 279 (a double) and it’s in like new condition. The pedal swings fine I was just put off by the loose back and forth.
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Sorry, just saw this -

I just checked my 'local gigs' pedal and there's no play. It's snug and smooth.
 
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Rattlin' Bones said:
Do these have beater angle adjustments, or foot pedal height adjustments?
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Beater angle, yes.

If by height you mean does the heel raise? No. But there are two different chains to adjust the footboard angle (which is independent of the beater angle adjustment.)

Further, the spring assembly is also adjustable on the axle, which at first seems unnecessary since the other two axle pieces are already adjustable. But it's actually a quick way to adjust both the angle and footboard once their relationship is dialed in. It's a very well-thought-out pedal, I believe designed by Josh Allen before he started his INDE company.

I'm still very happy with mine. :)
 
bermuda said:
Beater angle, yes.

If by height you mean does the heel raise? No. But there are two different chains to adjust the footboard angle (which is independent of the beater angle adjustment.)

Further, the spring assembly is also adjustable on the axle, which at first seems unnecessary since the other two axle pieces are already adjustable. But it's actually a quick way to adjust both the angle and footboard once their relationship is dialed in. It's a very well-thought-out pedal, I believe designed by Josh Allen before he started his INDE company.

I'm still very happy with mine. :)
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Which pedal are you referring to, Bermuda?
 
bermuda said:
Atlas Pro, which has become the Speed Flyer and appears to have the same adjustments.
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Thanks. I had read that the Speed King had virtually no adjustments except springs.

I like the shape of the pedal it looks harder for my foot to slip off - it seems wide in the right place.
 
Rattlin' Bones said:
Thanks. I had read that the Speed King had virtually no adjustments except springs.
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Speed King is a whole other animal. People love it... or they don't. Early on and before there were 50 different pedals with infinite adjustments, I used Speed Kings but never really loved them. I think I still have 9 or 10 in my arsenal, somewhere.

But in its defense, and although not very adjustable, some drummers did some pretty fancy footwork with them. It's really all about personal preference anyway. If there was one universally incredible pedal out there, everyone would be using it.

The reissue has eliminated the squeak and the play of the footboard hinge, and it feels like the original. Those who love the Speed King would be very pleased with the new version.
 
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