[MerlinTKD]

My own :

- Never played the Axis, but they're very popular among the faster drummers... the longboard in particular. They look pretty damn interesting to me, but for myself, I'd rather test drive before buying. Just me.

- DW 5000 or 9000, Tama Iron Cobra, Pearl Eliminator, and Gibraltar Intruder are all great pedals, slightly different in feel from each other, but you can't go wrong with any of them. Between them, I'd advise getting the one you get the best price on.

I used to use an older model Gibraltar Intruder that I liked a lot, but it was used when I got it, etc... went to Sam Ash for a big sale, all set to pick up an Iron Cobra, but grabbed a deal on a pristine used DW 5002 - not a regret since. The feel is much like the Gibraltar, IMO, while the Tama and Pearl are somewhat similar, all four are good quality.

They ARE all a little different, though, so it's important to at least tap your foot on them in the store, to get an idea of the feel... but I don't think you can lose with any of them.

As far as setup goes... if you've never used a double pedal (or two singles), first off: SET THEM UP THE SAME! Your less dominant foot will struggle for a bit, as you develop the muscles and nerve responses, but in the long run you'll be much better off - nice even strokes with both feet, instead of a weird horse-gallop

For specifics... set the beater about 45 degrees, not too close, not too far away; if there's a shaft weight, experiment with it, see what feels good; and set the springs loose enough you don't have to fight to make the stroke, but tight enough it bounces back on it's own. Again, you'll have to experiment, see what's best for you.

Good luck!!

[DeL07]

Now what you say is true, Axis don't necessarily have to be triggered, but it's extremely hard to get them to cut through in an acoustic environment... Mic wise, you could always mic near the beater skin to get a decent and loud note but at the sacrifice of tone, and anything at a Port hole won't do... Especially if you play fast...

I've always been extremely proficient with my double bass and power has NEVER been a problem for me.. But even after getting used to the "unique" feeling of Axis I just never had as good note definition as the "big 3"... Even after adjusting my technique, adjusting the pedals and beaters... etc... Even in the studio I went in with an old band, the engineer asked that I match my acoustic tone with a 35% mixed in trigger because he wasn't getting it in the mix...

Now this is my personal impression....

Obviously when I'm referring to high speed tempos and all that, it's because this is mainly a rock/metal oriented forum....

[Oogadee Boogadee]

there's an extensive review and comparison of the tama/pearl/dw models. all strictly from and adjustability and durability standpoint. read it. it's stickied in the hardware section.

Pearl Drummers Forum - Iron Cobra DW 9000 5000 and Eliminator: Information and Reviews

the reviewer is a highly experienced drum tech who's really been around for many top national touring drummers.

check it out.

i've owned axis longboards, iron cobras, and eliminators. I totally agree that the longboards are great for double strokes and heel toe. I also agree that they suck for power. I tried every little adjustment under the sun - enough to make me puke. No matter what, untriggered and unmiced (rehearsal situations), I was always struggling to hear myself above the two half stacks of Mike and Dave. Even after severely adjusting my technique.

they're great for some.... they suck for others. there's no real middle ground with them. doesn't mean they're bad. I'd actually be willing to try the shortboards though. that might be a good middle-ground. Direct linkage, with a normal feeling throw.

[Jason]

DW9000 SUCK.. there is a design flaw in them..

[D-EJ915]

Originally Posted by Jason

DW9000 SUCK.. there is a design flaw in them..

yeah the boards snap...

[Seedawakener]

Originally Posted by Jason

DW9000 SUCK.. there is a design flaw in them..

My drummer just got those! He says they rule.

[Ancestor]

She went with the 9000s. There were some factors that influenced her choice. Most particularly the fact that DW has very good support. The sales guy (who I trust) told us that DW had a turn around time on replacement parts as fast as a day or two.

We did adjust the cam and beater length for better speed. Still really need to spend a few hours dialing it in. Faster = less power, seemingly. But the tone sounds better to me. Overall it seems to be a lot better. Even the angle for the beaters is better.

[TMM]

what about using double Sonor Twin Giant Steps?

[JJ Rodriguez]

Everyone here seems to think that using those is cheating

[Benzesp]

Speed King! The name says it all