Best
PRACTICE PAD
FOR ACCURACY
with This Pint-sized Pad
-
Overall: Guaranteed to increase your sticking accuracy
and consistency over time -
Best Feature:
Rock-solid, weighted aircraft aluminum base can be mounted
securely to any standard 8mm cymbal stand or pad stand -
TedScore™: 8.8/10
Best
OVERALL
PRACTICE PAD
Percussion Blackout
Practice Pad
- VST Extreme Killer Drum Workout
-
Overall: The 12-inch drum pad features Prologix's
low-volume, extreme-resistance playing surface -
Best Feature: Blackout's countersunk Flex Tech Rim,
which feels just like an actual snare drum -
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
AFFORDABLE
PRACTICE PAD
2-sided Practice
Drum Pad Practice Pad with
Dual Playing Surfaces
-
Overall: A 2-sided practice pad promises a
low-noise, light, and responsive practice solution -
Best Feature:
Fits inside most standard snare stands -
TedScore™: 8.5/10
As a drummer, I appreciate how crucial it is to have a practice pad that provides a realistic feel and response akin to an actual drum.
Practice pads come in various textures, sizes, and materials, each designed to cater to specific needs—whether for quiet practice at home or warm-up sessions backstage.
Given the many options, choosing the right drum practice pad can be daunting. When selecting a pad, consider factors such as rebound quality, portability, and the type of material.
Additionally, it’s important to consider whether you’ll use the practice pad for rudimental work, endurance training, or both.
I’ll tell you right now that the best drum practice pad I love using at home is the Prologix Percussion Blackout Practice Pad 12-inch—VST Extreme Resistance. It’s amazing, doesn’t cost too much, and has lasted me five years and still hasn’t broken!
The best practice pads should accommodate a variety of drumming exercises and should be durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Understanding how to use a practice pad effectively can make a difference in one’s progression and is something I’ve found invaluable on my drumming journey.
Choosing the
Right Practice Pad
When I select a drum practice pad, I focus on material choices, travel size, and how well it mimics the feel of an actual drum.
Material and Surface Options
The playing surface is critical for an authentic drumming experience.
I prefer rubber surfaces for their durability and quietness, but mesh heads are great for a more realistic feel. Some pads also come with double-sided playing surfaces, offering a mix of responsiveness and resistance.
For example, one side might have less rebound to strengthen my wrists, while the other side feels more like a snare drum.
Size and Portability
I always consider how easy it is to take my practice pad with me. A portable pad is usually 6 to 12 inches in diameter, which fits nicely in my backpack.
6 inches: Extremely portable, but a smaller target.
8-10 inches: A balance between portability and playing surface.
12 inches and up: Less portable, but more space for practicing different strokes.
Rebound and Feel
The response of the practice pad greatly affects my play. Some pads offer less rebound, which can be tiring but excellent for building technique.
Others try to replicate the feel of an actual snare drum, providing a realistic playing experience.
I remember that a pad with too little rebound could throw off my dynamics when I switched back to a real kit, so I looked for a middle ground.
Top Practice Pads
for Drummers
In my experience, a good drum practice pad can be the cornerstone of developing technique and speed for any drummer. Let’s look at some brands and models of the best pads.
Wicked Chops Practice Pad
I find the Wicked Chops Practice Pad to be incredibly useful for honing in on my accuracy.
Its small surface area forces me to improve my precision with each strike, making it perfect for experienced drummers looking for a challenging yet affordable practice tool.
Ahead Wicked Chops Practice Pad
FEATURES: Guaranteed to increase your sticking accuracy and consistency over time
OTHER INFO: Rock-solid, weighted aircraft aluminum base can be mounted securely to any standard 8mm cymbal stand or pad stand
- Ultra-portable — fits in a stick bag or pocket
- 1.5" soft gum rubber playing surfaces
- Small playing surface can be a challenge for beginners
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
ProLogix Blackout Series
ProLogix Pads Blackout Series has a distinct, quiet feel, which I appreciate during late-night practice sessions.
Their variety in terms of feel and tension is perfect for simulating different drum heads. Four different playing surfaces are also available, and the built-in rim is a bonus for practicing rim shots and cross-sticking.
Prologix Percussion Blackout Practice Pad 12-inch - VST Extreme Resistance
FEATURES: The 12-inch drum pad features Prologix's low-volume, extreme-resistance playing surface
OTHER INFO: Blackout's countersunk Flex Tech Rim, which feels just like an actual snare drum
- Low-volume, extreme-resistance playing surface promotes precision stick control
- 360° countersunk Flex Tech Rim makes rim shots and cross stick playing realistic
- It's not that cheap!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Evans RealFeel Pads
I’ve always recommended Evans RealFeel Pads to my fellow drummers for their durability and realistic rebound.
These double-sided pads offer a two-in-one practice experience: one side is coated for snare-like bounce, while the other is softer for a less rebound-intensive workout.
Evans RealFeel 2-sided Practice Drum Pad
FEATURES: A 2-sided practice pad promises a low-noise, light, and responsive practice solution
OTHER INFO: Fits inside most standard snare stands
- 1 side with natural gum for realistic rebound and low output
- 1 side features harder recycled rubber for greater production and articulation
- Larger size and heavier weight compared to smaller pads
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Reflexx Pad
The Reflexx Pad has a unique design helps me focus on developing my hand and wrist technique.
Its thin, reduced rebound surface makes me work harder for each stroke, improving my stick control and endurance.
Zildjian Reflexx Conditioning Pad - 10-inch
FEATURES: The 10-inch practice pad has two versatile sides
OTHER INFO: Flexx surface offers a realistic and responsive feel
- Promotes control, strength, and endurance
- Flexx surface for high-velocity techniques and realistic stick bounce movement
- Work surface is ideal for low-velocity techniques and low-noise
- Higher price compared to more basic practice pads
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Setting Up Your
Practice Station
When I set up my drum practice pad station, I ensure stability and a noise-controlled environment. This makes practicing not just more productive but also enjoyable.
Stands and Mounts
I use a snare stand for my practice pad because of its adjustability and stability.
I position the pad so that the top head is flat and comfortable, mimicking my snare drum. This ensures I can transition easily between practice and performance.
For those using full kits, securing your practice pad with a cymbal stand or specifically designed mounts can be a great way to integrate the pad into your existing setup.
Remember to adjust the tension to make sure the pad doesn’t bounce excessively and feels like a real drum.
Creating a Quiet Practice Environment
To make my practice sessions neighbor-friendly, I set them up in a room with minimal echo.
Sometimes, I use a superpad, which has a lower volume output but retains the feeling of hitting a drum. I’ve also found placing my practice kit on a rug helpful to dampen the sound further and keep everything from sliding around.
Acoustic treatments like foam panels can help, but simple solutions like heavy curtains can make a noticeable difference in reducing noise leakage.
Sound Dampening:
Super Pad: Lowers volume without losing drum feel
Rug Placement: Absorbs impact and prevents sliding
Noise Reduction:
Room Selection: Choose a room with minimal echo
Simple Acoustic Treatments: Heavy curtains or foam panels can minimize sound transmission
Alternatives to
Traditional Practice Pads
While traditional practice pads offer a great way to hone your drumming skills, I’ve come across interesting alternatives and other pads that provide unique features and can add variety to your practice routine.
Electronic Pads and Mesh Heads
When I need to practice quietly or crave a variety of sounds, electronic drum pads are my go-to.
I love electronic pads’ built-in metronome and recording capabilities, making practice sessions disciplined and easily trackable.
Mesh heads, however, are fantastic for their realistic drum feel. They’re designed to replace the skins on acoustic drum kits, allowing me to practice on the drums without making too much noise.
Homemade and DIY Pads
You can create drum practice pads that suit your preferred feel and rebound using foam, rubber, or even old mouse pads.
Here’s a simple guide to making your own:
You can use everyday items as alternatives to custom practice pads. I have used books for practicing when a pad wasn’t available.
It’s not only for practicing stick control on toms and snare but also emulates the feel of working with a cymbal, allowing me to work on my ride cymbal patterns silently.
Best Drum Practice Pads:
Things to Remember!
Choosing the right drum practice pads can spark a thrilling drumming journey. Your practice pad is a silent hero, ready for midnight sessions or on-the-go rollouts.
And yes, the feel and tone of response are key to mimicking that real drum vibe.
Now that you’ve seen options ranging from rubber to mesh, your quest is to find one that strikes a chord with your drumstick.
Some prefer the bouncy feel, while others crave the quiet, but remember, durability is an important factor in your choices. Let your practice pad be durable, echoing your beat for years.
The best pad shapes your skills, honing them for the spotlight. It doesn’t take center stage but plays a pivotal role backstage. Imagine nailing those tricky rhythms, thanks to countless hours with your trusty pad.
So grab one that resonates with your drumming soul and let your sticks fly!
We have one last thing to talk about!
Now that you know the best drum practice pad and want to learn more about drums, this next article will cover the comparison between acoustic and electric drums. Read on!
ha, who needs a quiet practice environment when you can annoy your siblings instead?
Intriguing article by Sam Jowett. While I appreciate the diversity of practice pads reviewed, it’s important to mention that nothing truly replaces the experience of practicing on an actual drum-set. The nuances in tone and dynamic control are something pads can’t fully emulate. Nevertheless, for portability and noise reduction, these options are valuable.
Gotta say, the ProLogix Blackout Series is a game changer for endurance training. Solid rebound and feels great under the sticks. Hats off to Sam Jowett for spotlighting these!
Definitely versatile, MiaS. Great for any skill level.
cool, but is it good for beginners or more for pros?
hey, anyone tried the Reflexx Pad? heard it’s kinda different from the usual stuff. worth it?