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Last updated: 16 Nov 2021

Reviewing The Best Drum Practice Pads For Beginners

Best Overall
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SLINT Practice Drum Pad Set
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Runner-Up
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Evans Realfeel Practice Drum Pad
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Also Consider
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KIBAGA Double Sided Drum Pad
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Honorable Mention
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Remo RT-0008-00 Tunable Drum Pad
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Derek Sautter
By Derek Sautter
Published 2:29 pm
Show contents
  • 1 SLINT Practice Drum Pad Set
  • 2 Evans Realfeel Practice Drum Pad
  • 3 KIBAGA Double Sided Drum Pad
  • 4 Remo RT-0008-00 Tunable Drum Pad
  • 5 Donner Drum Practice Pad
  • 6 LOLUNUT 12 Inch Silent Drum Pad
  • 7 PAXCESS Electronic Roll-Up Practice Pad
  • 8 Donner Drum Practice Pad Kit
  • 9 Vic Firth Double-sided Practice Pad

Shy of practicing your drums? Parents don't want you bringing the house down? Neighbors complaining? Been there, done that. I've also bought enough practice pads to know the good from the lot. These magical pads help you practice your drums with little-to-no volume. If you're planning to buy practice pads for yourself, know that there's a certain feeling that comes with playing drums and you don't want your drum pads to cloud that feeling. Whether you're planning to practice on top of your snare or get a solo pad to practice in your lap or on a tabletop, we've got you. This guide comprises detailed reviews of 9 excellent drum practice pads of 2021. At the end of this article, there's also a buyer's guide to help you easily make this purchase.

Let's get started and get that ba dum tss going - but without volume this time.

Optimum Drum Practice Pads Worth Considering in 2021

1

SLINT Practice Drum Pad Set

– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP

Whether you’re just learning to play the drums or need a practice pad for warming up, get your hands on this kit! It comes with a 12-inch, double-sided practice pad, 3 pairs of 5A drumsticks, a drum stand with bag, drumsticks bag, a bag for drum pad, and 6 gels. 

It’s the perfect solution if you’re just getting started as a drummer or want an affordable and peaceful solution for getting used to your child playing and learning the drums! 

Pros
  • It’s a complete kit, comes with pads, drumsticks, bags, and more
  • The practice pad is double-sided and has a solid wood base in the middle
  • Comes with warranty
Cons
  • The drumsticks included are three pairs of the same type (5A)
2

Evans Realfeel Practice Drum Pad

– Runner-Up
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THE SCOOP

Available in multiple sizes and comes with an option to be bought with drumsticks and stand – we’re particularly zeroing in on this 12-inch double-sided practice pad.

Costs only about $35, is made up of gum and recycled rubber, and sports a fabric finish that resists the inevitable wear. One side is soft, meant for realistic rebound and the other is hardened to build endurance. It’s an excellent practice pad for kids and adults alike!

Pros
  • It’s available in three sizes; 6″, 7″, and 12″
  • The bottom is non-slip for added grip
  • The pad has a sturdy design with smooth edges
Cons
  • The hardened side sounds relatively dull
3

KIBAGA Double Sided Drum Pad

– Also Consider
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THE SCOOP

This is also a 12″ practice pad – it’s got a rubber foam side as well as a black bottom side with EVA polymer, making sure that your pad won’t move while you’re hitting it.

Moreover, the qualitative material comprising of 1″ robust wood and a silicone layer contributes to supreme durability! It’s good for both kids and adults.

Pros
  • Their customer service is excellent – will replace your product if it’s faulty
  • Can’t be beaten for the price of $20
  • You can put it over your snare drum easily
  • Both front and back are glued very well – you don’t have to worry about the tops coming apart
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a stand or pair of sticks
4

Remo RT-0008-00 Tunable Drum Pad

– Honorable Mention
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THE SCOOP

Available in three sizes; you can get this pad for any of your drums! It’s designed with the look and feel of a real drum and allows you to practice no matter where you are.

The best part? It offers a muffled sound response and allows you to adjust the tone as well as the feel of the pad through tuning. We’re hands over heels in love with this drum practice pad!

Pros
  • Available in three sizes; 6″, 8″, and 10″, and two beautiful finishes; black and grey
  • You can easily mount the rubber pad on a tabletop or a stand
Cons
  • It’s not a silent practice pad – so if you’re looking for quiet rubber, this isn’t it
5

Donner Drum Practice Pad

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THE SCOOP

This one’s also available in two colors and three sizes – great for beginners, be it kids or adults. It sports high density and elastic rubber. Moreover, it’s anti-slip, odorless, and environmentally friendly.

The bottom has EVA polymer that helps with slippage and promotes shock absorption. Lastly, the high-density stable wood board makes things very stable for practicing in peace! 

Pros
  • Comes with a 30-day unconditional moneyback guarantee
  • Environmental protection and durable built
  • Available in blue and grey finishes
  • Comes in two sizes; 8-inches and 12-inches
Cons
  • It might be a little too hard for some people’s liking
6

LOLUNUT 12 Inch Silent Drum Pad

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THE SCOOP

This drum practice pad gives you high elasticity and is environmentally durable! The bottom is soundproof, shockproof, and has anti-skid characteristics to keep you practicing in peace. The whole kit includes a practice pad, a bag for the pad, and a pair of hickory drumsticks with a water droplet tip. 

Pros
  • It’s constructed from solid wood, elastic rubber, and foam
  • It’s a silent, quiet practice pad
  • They’ve got an excellent customer service and will help you with any encountered issues within 24 hours
Cons
  • The practice pad’s carry bag is ordinary – may wear out quickly
7

PAXCESS Electronic Roll-Up Practice Pad

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THE SCOOP

Next on our list is a very unique electronic drum set that can easily be used as a practice pad. The best part? It allows you to play 3 toms, snare, ride, crash, and hi-hats! Just connect a pair of headphones with it and you’re good to go!

It’s excellent for kids, to help them train better since childhood. It’s also good for adults to get the hang of using the drumsticks and learning the basics. The battery timing is 10 hours, it’s a 7-pad practice drum set, and comes loaded with 8 demo songs, 3 rhythms, 5 timbres, and more! 

Pros
  • It allows you to record and play demo songs
  • It’s available in two colors; green and black
  • Equipped with a 2400mAh rechargeable battery
  • Feedback from the drumsticks and pad interaction is good
Cons
  • It’s not a traditional drum practice pad – instead think of it as something to look forward to if your goal is to enjoy playing in silence under a budget
8

Donner Drum Practice Pad Kit

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THE SCOOP

Next on our list is another complete drum practice set to get you playing in no time! Comes with 3 pairs of drumsticks, a drumstick bag, a high-grade snare drum stand, a portable special backpack, 6 drum gels, and a drum practice pad!

The practice pad is 12-inches in size, is double-sided, comes with a high-density and elastic rubber top and EVA polymer bottom!

Pros
  • The whole kit comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Comes with a backpack that can accommodate all your practice essentials
  • An excellent way to get a hang of the drums without buying the kit itself
Cons
  • The stand is a bit short even at it’s maximum height – an adult may have problem practicing standing up
9

Vic Firth Double-sided Practice Pad

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THE SCOOP

Last but not least, this practice pad by Vic Firth offers dual-surface, both playable and provide a realistic feel and response. 

It’s basically just natural rubber over a durable wooden base but glued-well and stable! Portable for practicing on the go and at low volumes – if you’re looking for a beginner, low-costing practice pad, we’d suggest that you get it with your eyes closed!

Pros
  • It’s available in two sizes; 6-inches and 12-inches
  • The softer side has a better bounce and feel but lower volume
  • The harder side; black rubber surface has a higher volume, tight articulation, and quick rebound
Cons
  • The harder side is very loud and the softer side is still pretty loud

Finding Your Next Drum Practice Pad: A Buyer's Guide

A drum practice pad doesn't have to be expensive to be a quality one.

This means that whether you're a beginner or a professional, both of you can get your hands on the same practice pad and you'll be more than happy!

In this section, we'll review the few things you have to keep a check on when buying a drum practice pad. We'll also be answering a couple of internet's most frequently asked questions about the product in question.

Let's get started!

Can I Make My Own DIY Drum Practice Pad?

If you're running short on funds, it's something you don't want to spend your money on, and you've got an eye and creativity for a DIY, you can easily make your own drum practice pad!

You'll need these materials that you can get within $10:

  • A round wooden board
  • Superglue
  • A rubber-like material

Just make sure the wooden board is smooth and doesn't have any sharp ends. Once you've got that out of the way, modestly apply glue on it, and paste the rubber over the board. The size of the rubber should be the same as that of the board.

What Do You Need to Avoid When Buying a Drum Practice Pad?

A couple of drum practice pads out there will not be worth your money and time so it's wise to not spend there.

Plain rubber

So, if you get a plain rubber pad and just throw it on top of your snare, it's going to do you no good. Your drum will still be loud and the bounce will be terrible. Some sellers out there do compel beginners to buy such pads and they honestly do no good.

Heavyweight

When traveling around, we already mostly have a lot to handle - laptop, headphones, luggage bag, a book perhaps. The last thing you'll need is to carry a heavy practice pad with you.

In case you do end up buying a heavy drum practice pad, you'll mostly find it sitting at your home. So, it's better to steer clear of a heavyweight practice pad - aim for portability instead.

Noise

If practicing quietly is one of your main concerns then you'll need a practice pad that helps you achieve that. The soft, gummy part of a practice pad is usually what helps you get a lower volume.

The Evans' and Vic Firth's drum practice pads that we reviewed above are particularly the ones with quiet playing surfaces. 

The feel doesn't inspire you

If your practice pad doesn't motivate you to get out of your routine, or bed, and play, then you aren't doing it right.

The feel, bounce, response, articulation of your pad should be quick and tight to keep you coming back for more.

Most of the practice pads reviewed above are good-enough feel-wise to have this concern out of the way. We'll suggest you buy double-sided practice pads that have both hard and soft surfaces - it gives players a healthy variation to switch between.

Buy a Solo Pad or a Practice Drum Set?

If you already have a drum kit and you're used to practicing on the kit, and your main goal is to practice with a low volume, we suggest that you get proper muting practice pads and throw them on top of your drums. This will have you playing at a very low volume.

However, if you're an absolute beginner and you're looking for a portable gadget to practice drums wherever you want to, get yourself a solo practice pad. You can place it over your snare or over a tabletop and just use your hands or drumsticks to practice.

If you want to take this up a notch and have a proper stand to practice on, get yourself a complete practice drum pad set that usually comes with drumsticks, a stand, and the practice pad. We've reviewed 3 such sets above - don't forget to check them out!

How Much Do Drum Practice Pads Usually Cost?

The drum practice pads can cost anywhere between $20 and $100. There's no reason to incline towards the high-price side unless you see significant features that you otherwise are unable to get your hands on.

More often than not, the ones you find in the $20 - $50 price range will offer you everything you can expect out of a decent drum practice pad.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the difference between a mute pad and a drum practice pad?

A: While the latter can also serve as a mute pad for your drums, it doesn't do so flawlessly. The former is a rubber pad that you put on top of your drums and as a result, you get little-to-no sound. The latter is a wooden board with a rubber top and can be played individually as well as by putting it on top of your drum. There are also tunable drum practice pads available - we've reviewed one of them above!

Q: Are practice pads worth it?

A: It depends. If you're going to use them to practice more often, they'll turn out to be great to get your hands warmed up for different playing techniques. You can easily just stuff a drum practice pad in your bag, with a pair of drumsticks, and then practice anywhere you want to! 

Q: Do drum practice pads make sound?

A: This varies from one pad to another. Some double-sided pads have a different sound response from each side - the soft side is usually quieter and the hard side usually gives out loud volume. Similarly, some pads are tunable and have volume while the other, simple ones have little-to-no volume.

Derek Sautter
By Derek Sautter
Derek is a professional musician who specializes in percussion and works with the independent WGI group Cap City Percussion. With a Bachelors of Music from Capital University, specializing in Music Industry studies, he consistently finds himself playing and teaching percussion to anyone who has the will to learn. Derek is also a former member of DCI groups Legends (2014-15) and Colts (2016-18); he is also the percussion technician and instructor of the drum line at Olentangy High School. You may find him playing a gig throughout the greater Columbus, Ohio area.
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