Best Bass Drum Drumheads of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Bass drum drumheads are an essential component of any drum kit. They are the largest drumheads and are responsible for producing the deep, booming sound that characterizes the bass drum. These drumheads are available in a variety of materials, including coated and clear film, and come in different thicknesses to suit different playing styles. Some bass drum drumheads feature built-in dampening rings or other features that help to control overtones and produce a more focused sound. Whether you're a beginner or a professional drummer, choosing the right bass drum drumhead can make a significant difference in the quality of your sound.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22" Cover #TOP 1
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22"
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head - 22-Inch - Black Dot Cover #TOP 2
Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head - 22-Inch - Black Dot
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead Cover #TOP 3
Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bass Drum Drumheads

#TOP 1

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22"

BD22EMAD2
Clear
22-inch
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22" Cover
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options - Versatile for All Music Genres

The Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum Head is a versatile choice for all music genres. With its externally mounted adjustable damping system, you can easily control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The Level 360 Technology ensures that the drum head seats properly, making it easier to tune and providing a wider tonal range. Made in the USA, this drum head is designed with high-quality materials for added durability. Whether you're a professional drummer or just starting out, the Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum Head is a reliable option that allows you to customize your bass drum tones to suit your musical style.

What We Like
Easy to tune
Durable and versatile
Great sound quality
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Price may be slightly high
#TOP 2

Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head - 22-Inch - Black Dot

P31322-10
#N/A
Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head - 22-Inch - Black Dot Cover
Remo P31322-10 Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head - 22-Inch - Black Dot

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head is a 22-inch diameter drum head with a black dot. It features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head, which helps to subtly dampen unwanted overtones. This results in a near-perfect balance of response and tone control, allowing you to achieve the desired sound with ease. The Powerstroke 3 is one of Remo's most preferred resonant bass drumheads, known for its reliability and quality. With its innovative design, this drum head offers superior performance and versatility, making it an ideal choice for both professional drummers and enthusiasts alike.

What We Like
Great sound quality
Increased durability
Fast delivery
Perfect for bass drums
Excellent tone control
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for all preferences
#TOP 3

Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead

SN-1022-00-
Grey
Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead Cover
Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead, 22"

The Remo Silentstroke Bass Drumhead is the perfect solution for drummers who live in apartments, condos, or dormitories. This 1-ply mesh drumhead offers the ultimate in low volume, making it ideal for practicing without disturbing your neighbors. Available in sizes ranging from 6" to 24", this drumhead works well with external electronic triggers.

What We Like
Incredibly quiet operation
Durable and resilient material
Excellent rebound and responsiveness
Reduced overtones, no additional dampeners needed
Great for practice and studio use
What We Don't Like
Chewed up sticks may tear heads
#TOP 4

Evans UV EMAD Bass Drumhead, 16 inch

BD16EMADUV
brown
16-Inch
Evans UV EMAD Bass Drumhead, 16 inch Cover
Evans UV EMAD Bass Drumhead, 16 inch

The Evans UV EMAD Bass Drumhead is a top-of-the-line drumhead designed to enhance the performance of your bass drum. Made from a single ply of unique 10mil film, this drumhead offers unmatched durability and consistency. The patented UV-cured coating ensures that it can withstand heavy playing without losing its quality. The drumhead also features Evans' patented EMAD system, which provides added punch and attack to your bass drum sound. With the Level 360 Technology collar design, you can easily achieve proper contact between the drumhead and drum shell, resulting in improved tone and resonance. All Evans drum heads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA, guaranteeing high-quality craftsmanship. Upgrade your bass drum sound with the Evans UV EMAD Bass Drumhead.

What We Like
Great sound quality
Durable UV-cured coating
Versatile dampening options
Easy to tune
Punchy attack
What We Don't Like
Some sound may feel unidimensional
Single-layer design preference
#TOP 5

Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

BD22RB
Smooth Black
22 Inch
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch Cover
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Bass Drum Head is a high-quality 22-inch drum head designed to enhance the sound of your bass drum. Made with a single ply of 7mil film, this resonant drum head offers durability and a clear, focused sound. The internal overtone control ring is perfect for microphone recording, ensuring a balanced tone from the studio to the arena. The 5-inch offset mic port, featuring a plastic sleeve, not only enhances the attack and pitch of the drum, but also provides protection for the port. With options available in frosted, onyx, smooth white, and coated white versions, the Evans EQ3 Resonant Bass Drum Head offers versatility and superior sound for drummers of all styles. Manufactured in the USA, this drum head is a top choice for professional drummers.

What We Like
Punchy sound quality
Easy installation
Great appearance
Effective microphone port
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Size may vary
#TOP 6

Evans UV1 16 Inch Bass Drumhead

BD16UV1
16-Inch
Evans UV1 16 Inch Bass Drumhead Cover
Evans UV1 Bass Drumhead, 16 Inch

The Evans UV1 Drumhead is designed for exceptional performance. Its patented UV-cured coating enhances durability, ensuring it stands up to rigorous play. The single ply construction, made from a unique 10mil film, delivers an open and expressive sound that resonates beautifully across various musical genres. This versatility allows you to adapt the drumhead to different styles, making it a great choice for any drummer. Additionally, the innovative Level 360 Technology collar design guarantees a proper fit between the drumhead and shell, maximizing sound quality and ease of installation.

What We Like
Perfect product
Highly recommended
Fast delivery
Good quality
#TOP 7

Evans BD22EMADONX

BD22EMADONX
black
22 Inch
Evans BD22EMADONX Cover
Evans Bass Drum Heads - BD22EMADONX - EMAD - Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head

The Evans Onyx Bass Drum Head is a versatile drumhead designed for heavy hitters. It features the Level 360 collar design, which ensures balanced contact with the drum shell, allowing for easier tuning and extended pitch range. The two-ply film construction provides improved durability while maintaining a punchy attack and powerful low-end. The included removable damping ring allows you to control overtones and achieve the desired amount of sustain. With its focused attack, enhanced low-end, and improved durability, the Evans Onyx Bass Drum Head is the ideal choice for drummers of all levels. Whether you're playing rock, metal, R&B, or funk, this drumhead will deliver the perfect sound for your music.

What We Like
Excellent punch and dynamics
Great for on-the-fly tuning
Versatile sound for various genres
Durable and well-manufactured
What We Don't Like
Durability not fully tested yet
#TOP 8

Remo Ambassador Coated Bass Drum Head - 22 Inch

BR-1122-00
Coated
Remo Ambassador Coated Bass Drum Head - 22 Inch Cover
Remo Ambassador Coated Bass Drum Head - 22 Inch

The Remo Coated Bass Drum Head is a versatile drumhead that delivers a bright attack and controlled sustain. Made with a 1-ply 10-mil coated film, this drumhead is ideal for use on toms, bass drums, and snares. Whether you're a beginner or a professional drummer, this drumhead offers excellent performance and durability. With its coated surface, it provides enhanced stick response and produces warm tones. The Remo Coated Bass Drum Head is available in various sizes, ranging from 6" to 40", making it suitable for drummers of all preferences. It is no wonder that this drumhead is considered the world's most popular 1-ply coated drumhead. Upgrade your drum set with the Remo Coated Bass Drum Head and experience its superior sound quality and versatility.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Warm tone
Easy tuning
Durable construction
Great price
What We Don't Like
Coating wears off quickly
Size may vary
#TOP 9

Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head

BD22RONX
Black
22 Inch
Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head Cover
Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

The Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head is a 22" drum head made of 7mil film and coated with a frost matte coating. It has an internal overtone control ring for every microphone situation, a 5" offset mic port with a plastic sleeve to focus pitch and provide protection, and it is available in frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white versions. Being made in the USA, it is designed, engineered and manufactured to offer the best quality.

What We Like
Great low end sound
Beautiful matte finish
Excellent sustain and tone
Perfect match with EMAD
New life for kick drum
What We Don't Like
Matte finish not for everyone
Preference for Remo heads
#TOP 10

Evans BD22REMAD

BD22REMAD
Black
22 Inch
Evans BD22REMAD Cover
Evans Bass Drum Heads - BD22REMAD - REMAD - 22-inch Bass Drum Head

Enhance your drum sound with the Evans BD22REMAD Bass Drum Head. This 22-inch drum head is part of the Evans EMAD Resonant series, designed to offer better control overtones and improve pitch, focus, and attack. Its single ply film and foam dampening ring provide excellent resonance control, making it ideal for rock and gospel music. The fixed black plastic control ring and foam damping ring work together to further control overtones and enhance pitch. The 4" offset mic port with a plastic sleeve enhances attack, focuses pitch, and protects the port. Made in the USA, this Evans drumhead ensures quality and consistency in every performance.

What We Like
High-quality drum head
Amazing sound quality
Good tone and low end
Easy tuning
Mic accessibility
What We Don't Like
Picture and description inaccuracies
Interchangeable rings removed
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are standard bass drum head sizes?

Standard bass drum head sizes vary depending on the genre of music. For jazz, shell diameters of 18 and 20 inches are popular. For other genres, diameters of 22 and 24 inches are standard. Some heavy metal drummers may prefer 26-inch bass drums for their extra low end.

2. Why cut a hole in bass drum head?

Cutting a hole in the bass drum head offers several benefits. It improves projection, allowing the sound of the bass drum to travel further. It also provides more attack and greater definition from the bass drum beater, especially when only the resonant head has a microphone. The hole allows the resonant mic to capture more beater definition, and it reduces rebound from the bass drum beater.

3. How do I know what size drum heads I need?

To determine the size of drum heads you need, measure the width or diameter of the shell. Use a tape measure and put it across the open shell from one edge to the other. For example, if the exterior of your bass drum measures 28 inches, you'll need to buy a 28-inch head.

4. How often do you need to replace a bass drum head?

The frequency of replacing a bass drum head depends on usage. If you're practicing and playing regularly, you should consider replacing heads every six months or so. However, this timeframe is not set in stone, and if you notice indents, bumps, or cracks on the drum head, it's likely out of tune and should be replaced sooner.

Editor's Notes

During our bass drum drumhead research, we found 24 bass drum drumhead products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,745 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bass drum drumheads list. We found that most customers choose bass drum drumheads with an average price of $48.87.

The bass drum drumheads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bass drum drumheads, including Evans, Remo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.

Bass Drum Drumheads Comparison Table

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Brand Evans Remo Remo Evans Evans Evans Evans Remo Evans Evans
Material Synthetic - Mesh Shell Drum Head Synthetic Material Metal Acacia Wood Plastic, Film, Ply Film and Foam
Item Weight - 1.5 pounds 1.5 Pounds 0.3 Kilograms 0.66 Pounds 10.6 ounces 1.85 pounds 1.6 Pounds 0.79 Kilograms 0.81 Kilograms
Material Type - Plastic Mesh Shell Drum Head Synthetic Material Metal Acacia Wood Plastic, Film, Ply Film and Foam
Size - 22" 22" 16-Inch 22 Inch 16-Inch 22 Inch 22" 22 Inch 22 Inch
Color Clear - Grey brown Smooth Black - black Coated Black Black
Model Name Evans EMAD2 - SN-1022-00 BD16EMADUV EQ3 UV1 - 1 BD22RONX BD22REMAD
Item dimensions L x W x H 23.5 x 1.5 x 23.2 inches - 1.1 x 23 x 23 inches 23.13 x 1 x 23.13 inches 23 x 0.91 x 23.2 inches 23.25 x 1.1 x 23.25 inches - 23.1 x 23.1 x 1.4 inches 23 x 0.91 x 23.2 inches 23 x 0.91 x 23.2 inches
Global Trade Identification Number - - 00757242542712 00019954265830 00019954500788 00019954265694 00019954960032 00757242146927 00019954959890 00019954948924
Color Name - - Grey brown Smooth Black - black Coated Black Black
Body Material - - Bass Wood Bass Wood plastic Synthetic Material - - plastic Plastic
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy