Tama Accu-Strike Cobra Beater

I've been playing drums for over twenty years and this is absolutely the best beater I've ever used. The build quality, the weight, everything. The only instance I can think of where I wouldn't use this is maybe in a trad jazz context. Aside from that, this thing will work in any genre. Also, the angle of the beater itself is adjustable, which should just be a standard beater feature by now but, of course, it's not. My 20" Yamaha Stage Custom kick is on a riser and the hoops are just deep enough to make the beater hit at too much of an angle, so the aforementioned feature is a lifesaver.UPDATE, 10/14/23: Everything I said in the original review still stands, but I did encounter a very unfortunate flaw that seems to be common with this model: if you use a plastic protector pad on your bass drum head, the rubber beater can actually end up getting stuck to it. Thankfully, there's a very simple solution. I took an adhesive label with a paper surface, attached it to the beater and cut around it (see attached photos.) Problem solved. No more sticking to the bass drum head.

This is meant for E-Drums and probably not enough weight for acoustic. This will make your e-drum bass head last and will not wear as much as long as you put a pad protector like evans.. not bouncy and quieter.

I’ve played drums on and off for over thirty years and during that time, have at various points, incorporated double bass into my playing. The last time I was full time gigging was 2006. I recently got back into playing and wanted to really begin to get better at double kicking.I landed on an Efnote E-kit which has pressure sensors in the kick pad. I purchased a DW 3000 double pedal to go along with the kit, but it is really sluggish to me. Patterns that I can play on the floor, don’t easily translate to a pedal in general, but the DW was really making it difficult to do relatively simple patterns. After a fair amount of research, I found that the Tama Iron Cobra is a good mix of smoothness and weight. However, I can’t afford one right now.So, this is where the beaters come in. The stock beaters on the DW are very top heavy, but they do make an impact. The problem is that I’m not skilled enough to brute force the learning curve of a heavy pedal.It was suggested that lighter beaters may help. Given that the price of two clocks in at about $60, I figured it’s worth a shot.When Accu-strikes arrived, I compared the feel with my stock DWs. They are a bit lighter (not a lot, but enough). The first thing I noticed was the Accu-strikes are incredibly well balanced. I’m not constantly fighting or trying to reign in the forward momentum of the DW beaters.While these won’t compensate for a lack of skill, I’m definitely not fighting with the pedal to get it to do what I want.It’s worth mentioning that because my kick pad is pressure sensitive, it’s imperative to be able to get some power behind my kicks and these do not disappoint. They hit every bit as hard as the DWs and are easier to control.Also a plus is the ability to adjust the angle of the striker, which by default is angled up a touch too high, but is easily adjustable with a drum key.I’m really pleased with them so far. I know at least one other reviewer mentioned they stick to their Falam Slam. My setup is in a well air conditioned house and I haven’t experienced and sticking at all, but it’s probably something to be mindful of if you’re actively gigging.I like the overall design, aesthetic, power and most importantly, balance. I really can’t stress that last point enough. So, if you’re unhappy with your current pedal or double pedal, try changing out the beaters for something that suits your style. I would give these a solid recommendation for all styles, single and double playing.Plus, $60 beats $550 for a new pedal. Even then, I’d imagine if you’re here reading reviews, you already know that the best most expensive pedal won’t make up for a lack of skill, but it may very well be a little more user friendly.I highly recommend the Accu-strike beaters.

Though I love my Speed Cobras, I never really got on board with the beater design. After 1 month of suffering, trying to make the best of what the felt, triangular oem beaters, I went with a pair of beaters from Trick. They worked well, and until trying these upgraded beaters from Tama, I was content with them. Well, I am no longer content with them. HOME RUN, Tama!!!!! These are what my feet have dreamed of for decades! The weight, feel ,and response of these beaters falls into perfect symbiosis with the pedal, which instantly translates to smoother, faster, more proficient playing and technique. If you play either Iron, or Speed Cobras; UPGRADE TO THESE BEATERS, NOW!!!!!

Beater feels great, nice balance, good punchiness, basically everything I expected, except the weight that Amazon lists within the product information (1.6 ounces) is WAY off. I bought these specifically looking for something significantly lighter than my DW two-way beaters, and while it is a small reduction in weight, it is nowhere near as light as advertised. Kitchen scale has it coming back at 94 grams / 3.3 ounces - literally more than twice as heavy as advertised! I should have figured that a beater weight that low was likely incorrect; should have gone with my gut. If you're looking for the lightest beaters on the market that still pack a punch, you'll likely want to invest in a Low Boy Lightweight Wood Beater instead.

Perfect feel—responsive—but not too bouncy. Light. Fast. This replaced my trick beater, which I had for many years.

After trying a lot of beaters on my Roland bass pad, this is simply the best. Makes my bass pedal feel just like an acoustic set. Don't use a felt beater! The mesh and felt abrade each other causing expensive premature failure, and rebound feels dead. Hard plastic does not rebound authentically. The silicone rubber on this beater and the adjustable head result in the best beater available. Absolutely love it. Oh and it is also quiet on the mesh head unlike anything else out there.

I've been using old iron Cobra wood beaters on my Roland kit. These feel much much better. Better weight and balance, better rebound feel, better looking too. All around recommend for e kits, and I'm sure these would sound fat and wet on acoustic as well.