Kick Pedal Drive Types Explained

Your kick-drum pedal is a percussive translator, taking the groove from your foot and broadcasting it to your audience. As such, knowing the differing drive types will give you a better handle on choosing the right pedal for you. That’s true for all drummers regardless of experience! Being comfortable with your kick’s drive mechanism means your music will feel more natural, enhancing your performance and confidence behind the kit.

There are essentially three drive mechanisms to consider when choosing the right kick pedal: chain, direct, and belt. Let’s talk about what makes each type unique and how to apply them to different musical situations!

Chain-drive Pedals

Let’s begin with the most popular drive type: the chain-drive pedal. As the name suggests, these utilize a chain in conjunction with the cam of the pedal to transfer the motion of your foot into the motion of the beater. (Not sure what the “cam” of a pedal is? See the sidebar below.) You’ll find chain-drive pedals with both single- and double-chain designs; the latter is more prominent in today’s drumming world. Reasoning for the double chain’s popularity has to do with a few different factors, including its more forward control and ability to withstand the stresses of harder playing.

Due to their universal popularity, chain-drive pedals transcend genres quite easily, and there really aren’t any strict rules on when you should and shouldn’t use one. However, we tend to see a lot of rock and metal drummers using chain drives. More strength and performance reliability means less major maintenance and fewer headaches onstage, which is key for heavier-footed drummers whose genres often take a toll on their pedals! We carry about a hundred chain-drive pedals here at Sweetwater available in both single- and dual-beater configurations. Check it out!

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Direct-drive Pedals

Despite the overwhelming popularity of chain drives, direct-drive models were actually the original bass-drum pedal design. They work by bridging the beater and the footboard with a solid piece of metal as opposed to using a chain or belt. The advantages of this solid drive type and “cam-less” approach are greater percussive consistency and speed and even response from the drumhead as there is typically far less unaccounted-for sideways movement and flexibility.

With that in mind, drummers who require quick and uncompromisingly precise kicks for their bass drums will love direct drives. And, while there are plenty of single kick pedals that use the direct-drive mechanism, you’ll note that double kick models are a little more frequent. For players utilizing a double kick, rhythmic precision and kick rate are of the utmost importance, and you just can’t beat the movement of a direct drive. Metal, math rock, and other drumming genres of that nature will appreciate this drive type. But, again, it all depends on your preference!

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Belt-drive Pedals

The third drive type also has roots in the kick pedal’s early stages of life but has gradually decreased in popularity over the years as chains have risen in status. Belt-drive pedals are similar to chain-drive pedals in that they require cams but differ in their lightweight feel and functional purpose. Unlike their unreliable historic counterparts, which used actual leather belt material, modern belt drives are actually quite strong and are usually constructed from nylon or other fibrous materials of similar heavy-duty calibers.

Despite being the least common of the three main kick-pedal drive types, these pedals certainly serve a purpose! Most belt-drive pedals are less powerful while remaining quite responsive, offering quiet and frictionless operation that low-volume drummers require. The firm modern construction of belt drives is less flexible than chain mechanisms, allowing for collapse-proof playability that, in a way, is almost reminiscent of direct drives. For jazz drumming and lighter-impact playing, we recommend trying out a belt drive!

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What’s a Cam?

While drive types are incredibly significant to your kick pedal’s action, they aren’t the only factor. We’ve mentioned that both chain- and belt-drive pedal mechanisms utilize cams; however, understanding a little more about their qualities and uses makes a world of difference in how they feel.The cam is an interesting piece of your sonic equation because it is perhaps one of the few instances where you actually have a literal view of sound shaping! Essentially, the cam is the metal guide for the path of your belt or chain — its shape influencing the reaction of the beater — and it can come with a few different profiles. Fully round cams feature an even curve that sends the belt or chain downward to your footboard in a nearly vertical line, providing a smooth, even transfer of energy from your beater to the bass drum head. In contrast, an offset cam is rounded on top but comes to an abrupt point at the front, creating a sharper inward angle of your drive down toward the footboard. As a result, offset cams offer a bit more resistance at first but, consequentially, a much greater striking force toward the bass drum head.A great example of differing cam types is illustrated by the DW 5000 Series Turbo and the DW 5000 Series Accelerator. The Turbo features the fully rounded, smoother-playing cam, while the Accelerator, as the name suggests, comes equipped with an offset cam that increases the kick speed as you press further down on the footboard. Being in the same series, both come in at the same price point even while serving different purposes, proudly ensuring that your preference in playing style won’t impact your budget. They’re both even available in single and double configurations! Additionally, some pedals, like the Pearl Eliminator Redline, offer easily interchangeable cams of a variety of shapes so that you can adjust your pedal’s action on the fly! Perfect for swapping kick styles onstage or while recording without having to buy a separate pedal, a versatile setup like this one from Pearl can really come in clutch.

Conclusion

While each of these three drive types tends to see consistent use within particular genres, it’s imperative to prioritize personal comfort and to know that how it feels is the real key factor! And, as kick pedals and their mechanical systems have evolved over time, you really won’t find many examples where durability is a major issue. Don’t forget that, whether you’re a beginner just looking for a great starter piece or a pro wanting a more comfortable fit, it’s always a good idea to get in contact with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for personalized guidance from one of our drum-savvy gear experts! Happy hunting!
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