6 Best Remo Custom Bass Drum Heads for Every Drummer (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing from the best remo custom bass drum heads comes down to how you want your kick to sound, how much air you need inside the drum, and whether you plan to mic it. This list compares six Remo and Evans bass drum heads across batter and resonant options, with attention to attack, sustain, durability and the damping features that make each one more or less suitable for practice, recording or live work.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead – 22 Inch	Balanced all-around use	Clear batter with a controlled, focused tone
Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head (22-Inch)	Punchy rock and metal	Coated batter with built-in front-head pillow
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”	Adjustable attack and focus	Externally mounted damping system
Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch	Complete setup in one purchase	Batter and ported reso head with swappable rings
Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone hole	Recording and live miking	Pre-cut mic port
Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drumhead, 22″	Budget-minded drummers	Simple, low-maintenance clear head

Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead – 22 Inch

Best for: Balanced all-around use

This is a strong choice for drummers who want a clear, articulate kick without a lot of extra sustain. It suits jazz, pop, rock and worship settings where the kick needs to sit in the mix rather than dominate it.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Clear single-ply batter head (Emperor line)
• Designed for standard bass drum shells

Pros

• Clear, focused tone with controlled decay
• Works well for both practice and stage use
• Consistent tuning stability for most players

Cons

• Less attack than coated or two-ply heads
• May need a pillow or damping for heavier playing

Bottom line: A dependable pick for drummers who want a clean, versatile kick across many genres.

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Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head (22-Inch)

Best for: Punchy rock and metal

Drummers who want a defined, punchy kick with a bit of warmth tend to gravitate toward coated Powerstroke-style heads. This model is aimed at players who need projection and attack for louder settings.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Coated batter head with white falam patch
• Powerstroke 3 construction

Pros

• Strong attack and projection
• Falam patch helps with durability at the beater point
• Good fit for heavier playing styles

Cons

• Less clear articulation than clear heads
• Sustain can feel fuller than some players want for jazz

Bottom line: The right choice for rock, metal and anyone chasing a punchy, present kick.

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Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

Best for: Adjustable attack and focus

This head is built around an externally mounted damping system, so you can change how much the kick rings without opening the drum. It works for drummers who play multiple styles on one kit and want a single head that adapts.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Clear head with EMAD external damping system
• Includes foam damping rings for tone adjustment

Pros

• Easy to adjust attack and sustain on the fly
• Versatile across genres
• Helpful for controlling resonance in smaller rooms

Cons

• External damping hardware adds setup steps
• Some players prefer a fully open, unmodified sound

Bottom line: A good pick for drummers who want flexible tone control in a single head.

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Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch

Best for: Complete setup in one purchase

This pack bundles a batter and a ported resonant head with the EMAD2 damping system, making it a practical option for drummers replacing both heads at once or setting up a new kit.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Batter and reso pair, 2-ply batter
• Ported reso head with swappable damping rings

Pros

• Matched batter and reso heads in one package
• Punchy 2-ply batter with adjustable damping
• Good starting point for dialing in tone

Cons

• Higher commitment than buying a single head
• Ported reso may not suit every shell or mic setup

Bottom line: The most convenient route for drummers who want a full, matched kick setup.

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Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone hole

Best for: Recording and live miking

Drummers who mic their kick from inside the shell often need a pre-cut port to keep the mic close without hardware compromises. This resonant head is aimed at that workflow.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Resonant head with pre-cut microphone hole
• Designed for internal miking setups

Pros

• Pre-cut mic hole saves DIY work
• Useful for studio and live sound reinforcement
• Works with a variety of kick mic placements

Cons

• The mic hole limits use for drummers who do not mic inside
• Owners should verify fit with their specific shell

Bottom line: A focused choice for recording drummers and anyone running an internal kick mic.

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Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drumhead, 22″

Best for: Budget-minded drummers

This clear head offers a straightforward, no-frills option for students and drummers who want a reliable kick head without extra features to manage.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inches
• Type: Clear single-ply bass drum head

Pros

• Simple to install and maintain
• Clean, natural tone for practice
• Easy to pair with common pillows or damping

Cons

• Limited tonal adjustment compared with EMAD-style heads
• May need extra damping for louder stage use

Bottom line: A sensible starting point for beginners and anyone who wants a dependable, simple kick head.

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Buying Guide

Head Type: Coated, Clear and Resonant

Coated batter heads generally produce more attack and a warmer midrange. Clear heads tend to sound more open and articulate. Resonant heads sit on the back of the drum and affect sustain and projection. Match the batter to your playing style and room, then pick a reso that complements it.

Good picks for this: Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head (22-Inch), Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead – 22 Inch

Ply Count and Thickness

Single-ply heads are typically more flexible and responsive, while two-ply heads are often described as punchier and more durable at the beater spot. Owners often report that two-ply batters hold up better under heavy playing, though the tradeoff is usually a slightly tighter feel.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch, Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drumhead, 22″

Size and Shell Fit

Most kick drums are 22 inches, but check your shell’s nominal size before buying. A head that is even slightly off can fail to seat properly on the bearing edge, which affects both tone and tuning stability. Measure the bearing edge if you are unsure.

Good picks for this: Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead – 22 Inch, Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

Damping and Tone Control

Damping determines how long the drum rings. Internal pillows, external rings and built-in systems all shape sustain. If you play in a small room or need a tighter sound, plan for damping from the start rather than adding it later.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”, Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch

Miking and Recording Needs

If you record kick drum from inside the shell, a pre-cut mic port saves you from cutting a hole yourself. Make sure the port location suits your mic position before you buy.

Good picks for this: Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 Inch with Microphone hole, Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Pack, 22 inch

Durability and Beater Wear

Heads wear fastest at the beater contact point. Reinforcing patches, such as falam or similar materials, help delay wear. Coated heads can also tolerate heavier play, though they may need more frequent cleaning.

Good picks for this: Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head (22-Inch), Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drumhead, 22″

Care and Tuning

Tune in small, even increments and check tension at each lug. Keep the head clean and store the drum in a stable environment. Humidity swings can affect tuning, so consider using a hygrometer if you live in a changeable climate.

Good picks for this: Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead – 22 Inch, Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

FAQ

What size bass drum head do I need?

Most standard kick drums use a 22-inch head, but measure your shell’s nominal size before buying. Check the bearing edge if the drum is non-standard.

Are Remo heads compatible with Evans damping systems?

Compatibility depends on the specific head and the damping hardware. Check the listing and your shell’s mounting setup before combining parts from different brands.

Should I choose a coated or clear batter?

Coated heads usually offer more attack and warmth, while clear heads sound more open and articulate. Many drummers pick based on genre and room size.

Do I need a resonant head as well as a batter?

Many kick drums sound fuller with a reso head, but some styles favor a batter alone. Experiment with and without the reso if your drum allows it.

Can I use a mic hole head for regular playing?

Yes, but the pre-cut port is best suited to internal miking. If you do not mic from inside the drum, a standard reso may be a better fit.

How often should I replace a bass drum head?

Replace heads when they show visible wear, dents, or loss of tone that tuning does not fix. Frequency depends on how often and how hard you play.

Conclusion

The best remo custom bass drum heads for most drummers are the ones that match their sound goals and setup. The Remo Emperor SMT Clear Drumhead suits balanced everyday use, while the Remo P31122-C2 Coated Powerstroke 3 fits punchy rock and metal. The Evans EMAD2 options give adjustable tone control, and the resonant mic-hole head serves recording work. The Remo Powersonic Clear is a practical starting point for budget-minded players.

Sources

• Workplace noise exposure guidance that can help drummers plan hearing protection during loud rehearsals and gigs (osha.gov)
• Background on hearing health and noise-induced hearing loss for musicians (nidcd.nih.gov)

Related reading

• Remo Silentstroke Drum Heads: 6 Best Picks for Quiet Practice (2026)
• Remo Silent Stroke Drum Heads: 7 Best Picks for Quiet Practice (2026)
• Remo Drum Heads Ambassador: 5 Best Picks for Every Drummer (2026)
• Evans EMAD Bass Drum Heads: 5 Best Picks for Every Drummer (2026)
• Evans Bass Drum Heads: How to Choose, Tune and Care for Yours
• Custom Kick Drum Heads: A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Yours

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