Today, I want to share my experience with the RTOM DBS practice pad, a fantastic tool that’s quickly become a favorite in my collection. If you’re familiar with RTOM, you know they’re renowned for their Moongel dampening gel, a staple in the drumming community. Now, they’ve brought us the DBS practice pad, and it’s nothing short of impressive.
RTOM, renowned for the Moongel dampening gel, sent us the DBS practice pad for evaluation. It’s nothing short of impressive. It’s a great tool that’s quickly become a favorite in my collection of practice pads.
First impressions
The RTOM DBS has a dual-surface design. One side is a Moongel-like surface designed to absorb rebound, making it harder to play and fantastic for building wrist strength. The other side is a soft rubber, offering a quieter practice surface that’s perfect for developing technique without disturbing the household.
Putting it to the test
I lined up the DBS pad with several other practice pads in my arsenal, including a cheap Amazon pad, a marching style pad, the Vater red pad, and the Drumeo P4. I played the same patterns at the same volume and velocity across all of them. Without a doubt, the DBS pad stood out as the quietest, making it ideal for those late-night practice sessions.
For a 7″ practice pad, it is a bit on the pricier side, coming in at nearly double the price of most other pads on the market. But the cheaper pads don’t provide nearly as much value in building chops, technique, and stamina while playing.
Portability and accessories
One of the best things about the DBS pad is its lightweight design. Weighing in at just about a pound and a half, it’s perfect for drummers on the go. Whether you’re touring, heading to a practice session, or just need to fit it in your backpack, it won’t weigh you down.
RTOM is soon releasing a Pad Grip Mount for the DBS pad. This accessory will clamp onto the back of the pad, allowing you to attach it to a cymbal stand. This feature is incredibly convenient for band practice, letting you warm up or practice quietly while others are tuning or jamming.
The RTOM DBS practice pad is a solid investment for any drummer looking to improve their technique and build endurance. While it’s particularly beneficial for intermediate and advanced drummers, beginners will also find it useful once they’ve developed some basic skills. The dual-surface design, lightweight build, and upcoming Pad Grip Mount make it a necessity for drummers looking to improve their playing.
