Evans EMAD Bass Drum Heads: 5 Best Picks for Every Drummer (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing among evans emad bass drum heads can be confusing, because the EMAD family covers several sizes, batter and resonant options, and damping setups that change the feel of a kick drum a great deal. This guide is built for drummers who want a clear path from “I need a kick sound” to a specific head. Our selection criteria were drum size and common use, the internal damping system and how easily it can be adjusted, the construction (ply count, clarity, and whether the head is a batter or resonant), brand reputation for consistency, and the general patterns owners tend to report about tone and durability.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”	Drummers who want a single, versatile 22-inch batter	Externally mounted adjustable damping system
Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch	Players who want a matched batter and resonant set	2-ply batter with ported EMAD reso head
Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch	Drummers seeking a darker, more muffled kick	Onyx finish with EMAD damping
Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head, 16 Inch	Smaller kick drums, jazz and fusion kits	Focused attack at a compact 16-inch size
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch	Players who want controlled sustain and a focused low end	EQ3 resonant design

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

Best for: Drummers who want one head that works across many genres and can be dialed in quickly.

This is a sensible starting point for a player who plays rock, pop, and general gigging and wants adjustable attack without buying extra hardware. It suits drummers who expect to change damping often or who are still learning how kick tuning affects their groove.

Key specs

• 22-inch diameter
• Externally mounted adjustable damping system
• Includes two foam damping rings for sound options
• Clear finish

Pros

• Damping adjustment lets you move quickly between tight and open tones
• Versatile enough for most genres
• Clear head gives a bright, articulate attack

Cons

• Clear heads can sound brighter than some players want for dark rock or jazz
• Owners often mention that damping rings take a little practice to place well

Bottom line: A strong first choice for a drummer who wants flexibility and a familiar, punchy clear sound.

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Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch

Best for: Players who want a matched batter and resonant set in one purchase.

The pack format suits drummers replacing both heads at once, especially those building or refreshing a kit. The batter and reso are designed to work as a pair, which can simplify tuning.

Key specs

• 22-inch size
• Batter and reso heads included
• 2-ply batter head
• Ported EMAD reso head
• Swappable damping rings

Pros

• Convenient matched set for a complete bass drum setup
• Ported reso helps with projection and control
• Swappable rings allow tone changes without new heads

Cons

• Buying both heads means spending on a resonant head you may not need if you already like your reso
• Pack sizing only helps if you plan to replace both heads at the same time

Bottom line: Best for drummers who are re-skinning a kick from scratch and want a balanced, coordinated pair.

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Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch

Best for: Drummers seeking a darker, more muffled kick.

The Onyx finish points to a darker character than the clear versions. This fits rock, metal-leaning styles, and players who want less ring and more thud from the kick.

Key specs

• 22-inch size
• Onyx finish
• EMAD damping system

Pros

• Darker, controlled tone suits heavier styles
• Damping system allows further sound shaping
• Consistent with the EMAD family for easy comparison

Cons

• Darker tone can feel too dead for players who want open, resonant kicks
• Less suited to jazz or light styles where attack and openness matter more

Bottom line: A good pick for drummers who want a dark, focused kick sound with EMAD adjustability.

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Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head, 16 Inch

Best for: Smaller kick drums in jazz, fusion, and compact kits.

A 16-inch kick is common in jazz and smaller configurations. This head suits drummers who want a tight, focused attack with the same damping flexibility found across the EMAD line.

Key specs

• 16-inch diameter
• Clear finish
• EMAD damping system

Pros

• Right size for compact kick drums
• Focused attack suits articulate playing
• Adjustable damping for fine-tuning

Cons

• Only useful if your kick is actually 16 inches
• Less low-end weight than larger heads

Bottom line: Pick this if your kick is 16 inches and you want clarity and control over raw depth.

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Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Best for: Players who want controlled sustain and a focused low end.

The EQ3 is a resonant design, so it sits on the far side of the kick from the beater. It suits drummers who want a defined low end with a bit of sustain and a black finish that stays visually subdued on stage.

Key specs

• 22-inch size
• Resonant head
• Black finish

Pros

• Focused, controlled low end
• Resonant design gives a fuller, more projected tone
• Black finish suits stage setups

Cons

• Resonant heads are only half of a kick setup, so you still need a batter
• Owners who want a very open, boomy sound may need different tuning

Bottom line: A solid choice for drummers building a resonant side for controlled, stage-ready kick sound.

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Buying Guide

Head size and drum diameter

Bass drum heads are sized by diameter, and the most common sizes are 22 inches and 20 inches for standard kicks, with 16 and 18 inches for smaller kits. Measure your shell’s nominal size before you order. A head that is even an inch off will not seat correctly.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head, 16 Inch

Batter vs. resonant head

The batter is the side the beater strikes, and it controls attack and feel. The resonant head sits on the opposite side and shapes projection and sustain. Many players pair a damped batter with a more open reso, but some prefer both heads matched. Decide which role you need before you buy.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Damping system

Damping controls how long the head rings. EMAD-style externally mounted systems let you adjust attack and sustain without changing heads, which is useful if you play several styles. Check whether the damping ring is included and how it mounts to your shell.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch

Finish and tone

Clear heads tend to sound brighter and more articulate. Black or Onyx finishes often produce a darker, more muffled character. Think about the music you play most and the room you play in, since a dark head can get lost in a live mix while a clear head may sound thin in a dead room.

Good picks for this: Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch; Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head, 16 Inch

Ply count and construction

Two-ply heads are common in kick drum batters and offer a balance of durability and attack. Ply count affects both how the head responds to the beater and how it holds up over time. Check the listing for ply information before buying.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Durability and care

Kick heads take heavy impacts, and beater placement matters a great deal. Keep the head clean, check the damping ring for slipping, and replace the head if it develops dents or deep dimples near the beater spot. Loosen the tension rods before transport to protect the head and the bearing edge.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Matching to your pedal and style

Your pedal and beater affect how a head feels as much as the head itself. A heavier beater on a thin batter will wear faster, while a softer felt beater may suit a dark, muffled head. Try to match the head to your playing style rather than chasing a single famous sound.

Good picks for this: Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch; Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch

FAQ

What does EMAD stand for on evans emad bass drum heads?

EMAD refers to Evans’ externally mounted adjustable damping system. It lets you change how much the head rings by adjusting a damping ring that sits outside the head rather than taping or padding the inside.

Are evans emad bass drum heads good for beginners?

They can be. The external damping makes it easier to find a workable tone quickly, and a versatile 22-inch clear head is a common first choice. Beginners should still check their drum size and the difference between batter and reso heads.

Do I need both a batter and a resonant head?

Most kick drums use a batter head on the beater side and a reso head on the far side. The reso is not strictly required, but many players use one for projection and to help the drum sound fuller. Some open-reso setups omit it for a more muffled sound.

What size bass drum head should I buy?

Match the nominal diameter of your shell. The most common sizes are 22 inches for standard kicks and 16 to 18 inches for smaller drums. Measuring the actual shell size is more reliable than guessing from the kit name.

How do I tune an EMAD head?

Start with the head snug but not tight, set the damping ring so it lightly touches the head, and adjust tension evenly across the tension rods. Tune in small increments, playing the drum after each adjustment. Consult your drum manufacturer’s guidance for precise tension settings, and ask a qualified drum technician if you are unsure.

Can I use EMAD heads on a double bass setup?

Yes, as long as the head size matches each kick drum. Players with two kicks often choose matched heads for consistency, though some prefer a damped batter on one drum and an open head on the other.

How often should I replace a bass drum head?

There is no fixed schedule. Replace the head when it develops dents, dimples, or uneven wear near the beater spot, or when it no longer responds to tuning. Heavy playing and aggressive beaters shorten a head’s life.

Conclusion

For a versatile, adjustable starting point, the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” is the most flexible pick in this list. Drummers building or re-skinning a complete kick should look at the Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch. Players seeking a darker sound will find the Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx 22-inch fits heavier styles. The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head, 16 Inch suits compact kicks, and the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch is a focused resonant choice. Match the size and role to your drum first, then choose the tone that fits your music.

Sources

• Product safety guidance relevant to drum hardware and equipment handling (cpsc.gov)
• Hearing health information for musicians exposed to loud, repeated sound (nih.gov)
• Workplace noise and hearing conservation guidance for performers and crews (osha.gov)

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