How I test drum kits

When you buy an electronic drum kit, you want to be sure that it plays well. Because electronic drum kits aren't always on display in a store, it's nice to have someone who has tested the drum kit for you. And that is exactly why I started E-Drums, so I can test the drum kits for you and you know for sure that you are making the right purchase 😉

How do I test an electronic drum kit?

I test every drum kit based on:

• Play feel (how realistic and responsive the kit is)
• Sound (quality of the sounds and module)
• Build quality (strength and stability)
• Ease of use (set up, connect, play)
• Price-quality ratio

Everything you read in my reviews is based on my own experience. This experience stems from 15+ years of drumming experience and knowledge of electronic drum kits.

1. Play feel

By playing feel, I mean: how close does the electronic kit come to a real acoustic drum kit? And can the e-kit replace an acoustic kit to some extent? I mainly look at:

• How do the pads react to soft and hard blows?
• Does it feel natural (is it comparable to acoustic)
• How do the cymbals and hi-hat play (do they move naturally)?

2. Sound & module

The sound determines your playing pleasure to the vast majority. Just sit behind a Millenium kit and then behind an Efnote kit. The difference is bizarrely huge. I test:

• How realistic the drum sounds are
• Dynamics (does the sound react to your playing; for example, hard and soft tapping on the ride)
• Headphone and speaker usage

3. Build quality & sustainability

Ideally, you buy a drum kit to enjoy it for a long time (years). That is why I pay attention to:

• Stability of the rack
• Quality of pads and cymbals
• Fasteners and hardware
• How “cheap” or premium it feels

4. Ease of use

Some kits are easy to use, but some require just a little more preparation and attention. I look at:

• How easy it is to get started
• Navigation of the module
• Connections (headphone, USB, MIDI)
• Settings

I also take the price into account. Naturally, a 150-euro drum kit is easier to operate than a 7,000-euro drum kit. The latter has many more functions and features, but even then, it is important how easy this process is.

5. Value for money

Ultimately, it comes down to the question: Do you get value for money? I compare the drum kit with other models in the same price range and assess:

• What you get for the price
• Where it excels
• Where it might fall short

My honest opinion

My reviews are independent, based on my own use, and aimed at drummers (beginners to advanced). I always try to answer the question: Would I buy this drum kit myself or recommend it?

I am not always satisfied with what I test. Some kits are disappointing or simply too expensive for what they offer. I always state this honestly in my reviews, even if it might disappoint someone.

Who are my reviews for?

My reviews are primarily intended for:

• Beginning drummers looking for their first electronic drum kit
• Drummers who want to practice at home and don't want to be a burden to others (neighbors or housemates)
• Drummers who are undecided between drum kit A or B