6 Best Mapex Bass Drum Heads for Every Drummer (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing among mapex bass drum heads comes down to what you need the kick to do: punch in a small room, controlled sustain on a gig, a clean mic’d sound in the studio, or simple durability for daily practice. This list is built on specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly describe, with attention to ply construction, damping options, head size, and whether a head suits a resonant or batter role on a Mapex-style kit.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
Evans EMAD Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head	Most drummers wanting adjustable damping	Externally mounted damping system in a dark finish
Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone Hole	Recording and live mic placement	Built-in mic access hole
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch	Focused, punchy low end	Three-ply resonant construction
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch	Players who want to shape attack and focus	Two foam damping rings included
Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead, 22 Inch	Controlled sustain with full kick tone	Adjustable damping on a resonant head
Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack, 18 Inch	Drummers buying a full head setup at once	Batter and resonant heads with interchangeable damping rings

Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Best for: Focused, punchy low end with controlled sustain

This is a strong choice for drummers who want a defined kick that cuts through a mix without boom. It suits rock, pop and jazz players who value articulation over a wide, washy tone.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch
• Resonant (front-side) head designed for the back of the kick
• Black finish

Pros

• Tight, focused attack that suits mixed genres
• Good control of ring and sustain
• Consistent tone when properly tuned

Cons

• Less adjustable than damping-system heads
• May sound dry for players wanting a very open, boomy kick

Bottom line: A dependable pick for drummers who want a defined, controlled kick and do not need external damping hardware.

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Evans EMAD Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head

Best for: Drummers who want adjustable damping in a dark, low-glare finish

This head belongs to the EMAD family, which uses an external damping system so you can change attack and sustain without cutting the head. It fits players who gig in varied rooms and want one head that adapts.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch
• Externally mounted adjustable damping system (EMAD)
• Onyx (dark) finish

Pros

• Damping adjusts without modifying the head
• Dark finish reduces visual glare under stage lights
• Good range from dry to open tones

Cons

• Damping hardware adds a small setup step
• Some players prefer a simpler, undamped head

Bottom line: The most versatile choice here for drummers who play multiple styles and want to tune their kick’s character on the fly.

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Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone Hole

Best for: Recording and live setups that need a mic placed inside the drum

The pre-cut microphone hole makes it practical to place a mic inside the kick without drilling your own opening. Home studio and gigging players who mic inside the shell will appreciate this layout.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch
• Pre-cut microphone access hole

Pros

• Simplifies inside-the-drum mic placement
• Works for both recording and live sound
• Useful for players who change mic positions often

Cons

• Mic hole can affect tone if the opening is larger than needed
• Specific construction details should be confirmed on the listing

Bottom line: A practical choice for anyone who mics the kick from inside and wants to skip the drilling step.

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Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Best for: Players who want to shape attack and focus with included foam rings

The clear EMAD2 gives an open, natural look and pairs with two foam damping rings for quick sound changes. It suits drummers who experiment with muffling and want a transparent head.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch
• Externally mounted adjustable damping system
• Two foam damping rings included
• Clear finish

Pros

• Two damping rings offer distinct sound options
• Clear finish suits a natural, open look
• Versatile across music styles

Cons

• Foam rings wear over time and may need replacing
• Clear finish shows more visual wear than dark heads

Bottom line: A flexible clear head for drummers who want damping options without giving up a traditional look.

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Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead, 22 Inch

Best for: Controlled sustain with full kick tone on a resonant head

The REMAD resonant head is built for drummers who want the back head to shape sustain while keeping a full, open kick. It suits jazz, rock and session players who tune for balance.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch
• Resonant head with adjustable damping

Pros

• Good control of ring without losing body
• Adjustable damping gives tonal flexibility
• Well suited to a resonant-side role

Cons

• Works best as a resonant head, not a batter head
• Requires some tuning time to find the sweet spot

Bottom line: A good resonant partner for drummers who want full tone with sustain they can control.

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Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack, 18 Inch

Best for: Drummers buying a complete head setup with damping included

This pack bundles a batter head, a resonant head and interchangeable damping rings, so you get a full system in one purchase. It is a sensible option for replacing both heads at once or setting up a smaller kit.

Key specs

• Size: 18 inch
• Includes one bass drum head, one resonant head, two interchangeable damping rings and foam damping rings
• 1-ply construction

Pros

• Complete system in one package
• Interchangeable damping rings allow sound customization
• Good fit for smaller 18-inch kicks

Cons

• Size limits its use on standard 22-inch kits
• Bundling means you may not need every component

Bottom line: Best for drummers with an 18-inch kick who want both heads and damping in one set.

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Buying Guide

Head Size and Fit

Measure your shell’s nominal diameter before buying. Most kick drums are 22 inches, though 18-inch and 20-inch shells are common too. A head that is even a little off can seat poorly, so match the listed size to your drum exactly.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head, Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack

Resonant Versus Batter Role

Decide whether the head will sit on the front (batter) or back (resonant) of the drum. Resonant heads usually have a lower profile and affect sustain more than attack. Confirm the head’s intended role in the listing before you order.

Good picks for this: Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead, Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head

Damping Options

Damping controls how long the drum rings. External damping systems let you change tone without cutting the head, while foam or felt strips offer simpler control. If you change sound often between songs, damping hardware is worth considering.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, Evans EMAD Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head

Microphone Access

If you mic the kick from inside the drum, look for a head with a pre-cut mic hole or plan to add one carefully. Keep the opening small and placed well so it does not change the tone more than you expect.

Good picks for this: Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone Hole

Use Case and Musical Style

Rock and metal players often want a tight, punchy attack. Jazz drummers may prefer more open, resonant sustain. Think about the rooms you play, the volume you need, and whether you need one head to cover several styles.

Good picks for this: Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head

Durability and Construction

Ply count and film thickness influence both tone and how the head handles repeated strikes. Thicker heads usually sound darker and last longer under heavy use, while thinner heads respond more quickly. Check the construction notes in the listing.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack, Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead

Care and Replacement

Keep heads clean and avoid over-tightening, which can crack the film or stress the hoop. Replace foam damping rings when they flatten or crumble, since worn rings change your tone. Check the head regularly for dents or tears.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack

FAQ

What size bass drum head should I buy?

Match the head to your drum’s nominal size, most often 22 inches. Measure the shell if you are unsure, because the listed size must match the drum exactly.

Do I need a resonant head on my kick?

Not always. A resonant head adds control over sustain and can deepen the tone, but many drummers play with only a batter head. Try both if your kit allows.

What is the difference between a batter and a resonant head?

The batter head is struck by the beater, while the resonant head sits on the opposite side and shapes sustain and projection. Their roles affect attack and ring differently.

How do damping rings change the sound?

Damping rings press against the head to reduce ring and tighten the note. Different ring thicknesses or placements give different levels of control, so experiment to find your sweet spot.

Can I use a mic hole in any head?

You can cut one, but a pre-cut hole saves effort and placement guesswork. Keep any opening small and confirm the head’s construction first.

How often should I replace bass drum heads?

Replace heads when they show dents, tears, or a dead, uneven tone that tuning does not fix. Gigging drummers often replace them more frequently than casual players.

Conclusion

For most drummers, the Evans EMAD Onyx 22-inch Bass Drum Head offers the broadest flexibility thanks to its adjustable damping. Recording players who mic inside the drum should look at the Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone Hole. Drummers who want a tight, controlled kick can consider the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, while those who want to shape sound with foam rings may prefer the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head. The Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead suits players who want controlled sustain on the back, and the Evans EMAD System Bass Drum Pack is a sensible all-in-one choice for an 18-inch kit. Confirm sizes and roles before buying.

Sources

• Consumer product safety guidance that can help when handling and storing hardware and accessories (cpsc.gov)
• Research on hearing health and protecting your ears during loud rehearsal and performance (nih.gov)

Related reading

• Evans EMAD Bass Drum Heads: 5 Best Picks for Every Drummer (2026)
• Evans Bass Drum Heads: How to Choose, Tune and Care for Yours
• 7 Best Resonant Bass Drum Heads for Every Drummer (2026)

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