How to Choose the Right Batter Drumheads (The Real Problem Isn't the Options)

We all know changing drumheads is the #1 way to bring a kit back to life. But here's where most drummers get stuck: staring at catalogs with a zillion different options, each promising a "completely different tone."

Sound familiar? You're not alone.

The Real Problem Isn't the Options

Choosing tom heads becomes painful and confusing when you approach it backwards. Most drummers start by asking "What's the best head?" instead of asking the right question first:

What sound are YOU hunting for?

Before you spend another dollar on new heads, define your sound:

• What sounds good to YOUR ears?
• What kind of bearing edges do your shells have?
• What tone works best for YOUR style of music?

Once you answer these fundamentals, choosing heads becomes much easier. Let me break down the landscape for you.

Coated vs. Clear: Your First Decision

Coated Heads (My Personal Favorite is the Remo Coated Ambassador)

• Warmer in tone overall
• Tune much easier in my experience
• Give you that bright stick slap aspect
• Essential for any jazzy brush work
• Sticks just seem to bounce and handle better

Clear Heads

• Very bright tone that cuts through the mix
• Higher in pitch but lack the stick slap I prefer
• Great for studio and live settings where you need to cut through

My recommendation: Pick one or the other and move on. This isn't the time to overthink—once you've decided coated vs. clear, the real fun begins.

The Weight Categories That Actually Matter

Here's how I break down the essential categories:

Single Ply, Lighter Weight

Best for: Open, singing sustain from your toms

• Nice resonance and great stick feel
• Examples: Remo Ambassador, Evans G1, Aquarian Classic Clear, Aquarian Hi-Frequency Series

2-Ply, Medium Weight

Best for: More focused attack with full-bodied tone

• Toms won't sing as much but produce nice, rounded tone
• Examples: Remo Emperor, Evans G2, Remo Powerstroke 3, Aquarian Studio X

Heavy Weight

Best for: Heavy hitters and shared drum kits

• Minimal sustain but maximum durability
• Nice, full, dark thud with little sing
• Examples: Remo Pinstripe, Remo Controlled Sound, Evans Power Center Evans Hydraulic

The Beautiful Truth About Drum Heads

Every single brand, model, and variation yields a wide array of sound differences. This is the beauty of new drum heads—they can take ANY drum set and change the sound dramatically!

The key is knowing what you're aiming for before you start shopping.

Quick Challenge: Before your next head purchase, record yourself describing your ideal tom sound out loud. Be specific: "I want warm, controlled toms that tune easily with good stick response for jazz and fusion work."

Now shopping becomes simple.