Metal drummers are picky about their bass drum hardware for one reason: the double kick is the loudest, fastest thing most of them play, and a pedal that feels vague at speed will show up in every blast beat. After months of playing, swapping and repairing pedals, these are the ten double bass pedals that hold up best, starting with the Tama Iron Cobra 200 as our pick of the best double bass pedals for metal drummers.
Direct drive dominates at the top end of metal, but plenty of working drummers stay on chain drive and prefer it. The right pedal for you comes down to your kick pattern, your foot size, and whether you play freestanding or on a pedalboard.
We compared drive types, footboard lengths, beater options, spring tension adjustments, mounting footprints and the small geometry problems that only show up once the pedal is on your board. Every pick below names the specific use case it suits, so you can match a pedal to your playing instead of matching a brand name to a genre.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Double Bass Pedals For Metal (October 2026)
Tama Iron Cobra 200
- Single-chain Power Glide cam
- Iron and stainless steel build
- Highest rated in the group
All 10 Double Bass Pedals Compared Side by Side in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 |
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 Tama HP30TW Standard Double Pedal |
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| Tama 310 Speed Cobra |
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 Griffin Quick-Kick Double Pedal |
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 DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal |
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 PDP Concept XF Direct Drive |
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 DW 9000 Double Bass Pedal |
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 Pearl P3002D Demon Drive |
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 Pearl P2052C Eliminator |
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 PDP 700 Series Double Pedal |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200: the best double bass pedal for metal overall
Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 Double Bass Pedal
Iron and stainless steel build
10.6 lb
15 x 11.55 x 7.6 in
Single-chain Power Glide cam
Pros
- Iron and stainless steel construction
- Single-chain Power Glide cam
- Highest rated in the group at 4.8
- Stays planted under hard heel-toe playing
Cons
- Single chain has less finesse than dual chain or direct drive at extreme tempo
- Memory locks need a careful first setup
The Iron Cobra 200 is the pedal we come back to after every head swap. It is a heavy iron frame with stainless steel components, 10.6 pounds of it, and that mass is the reason it does not creep across the floor when you dig into a blast beat.
Drive is a single-chain Power Glide cam, which gives a lively, springy return that suits heel-down players who want the beater to snap back quickly rather than drift. Reviewers repeatedly describe the action as smooth and consistent, and the ratings reflect that: 4.8 stars across 578 reviews, the highest average in this roundup.
Set-up takes patience. The memory locks and spring tension adjustments need a couple of passes before the pedal feels right, and the beater angle should be dialled in before you judge the drive.
For most metal drummers this is the safest first serious double pedal because it is heavy, simple and endlessly serviceable.
If you play progressive metal with wide heel-toe patterns, look at the Speed Cobra longboard further down. If you play blast beats flat out and want maximum finesse, move up to a direct drive.
Why metal drummers pick the Iron Cobra 200?
Weight is the underrated advantage here. On a slippery stage floor or a rehearsal-room carpet, 10.6 pounds of iron and stainless steel means the pedal stays exactly where you put it, which is worth more than a marginal speed gain from a lighter frame.
The single-chain Power Glide cam also needs far less attention than a linkage-heavy direct drive. There is no cam to unscrew and no spring preload to relearn when you change shoes, and the whole assembly is simple enough to service in a bedroom with a drum key.
Where it falls short for metal?
A single chain has less refinement than dual-chain or direct-drive mechanisms at the very top of the tempo range. If you are chasing sustained 16th-note doubles at extreme speed, the beater can feel marginally less defined than a chainless linkage.
The memory lock hardware is also a learning curve for a first double pedal owner. Budget an evening with the manual and a drum key rather than expecting it to play perfectly out of the box.
2. Tama HP30TW Standard Double Pedal: the easiest metal double bass pedal to start on
Tama Standard Double-bass Drum Pedal
Iron construction
8.9 lb
7.1 x 9.1 x 15.1 in
Includes DS30 beater
Pros
- Sturdy build that stays put on the floor
- Easy to set up and customise
- Smooth playability
- DS30 beater included
Cons
- Instruction booklet is confusing for first-time owners
- A little slack in the footboard out of the box
- Spring tension needs time to dial in
When a drummer asks where to start with a metal double bass pedal without stretching the kit budget, this is the answer. The HP30TW is polished chrome over an iron frame at 8.9 pounds, with the DS30 beater already in the box.
Reviewers call it the Swiss Army knife of budget double pedals: it is stable, it is customisable, and owners report a real jump in speed and tone once it replaces the pedal that came with an electronic kit.
Chain drive means there is no adjustment period to push through. You set the spring, set the beater angle, and play. That simplicity is why it works for drummers moving from a single pedal mid-practice rather than over a weekend.
It is a chain-drive pedal on a compact iron frame, so it will not out-run the Iron Cobra 200 at the extreme end. For most metal playing, from 16th-note doubles to groove-heavy prog patterns, that ceiling is not something you will reach quickly.
Why this pedal works for a first metal double pedal?
Setup simplicity is the real win. Chain drive needs no linkage tensioning, so a beginner can go from unboxing to playing blast beats the same evening instead of spending a day learning a direct drive mechanism.
The DS30 beater that comes with it is a serviceable 2-way design, and because the frame is iron with adjustable feet, the pedal holds its position on hard floors without needing a rug or a pedalboard.
Where it falls short for metal?
Some owners report initial slack in the footboard and spring tension that drifts over the first few weeks. It is fixable with the adjustment points, but budget time for it rather than assuming the pedal is faulty.
The included instruction booklet is genuinely confusing if you have never owned a double pedal. Budget twenty minutes with a video alongside it, because the spring and beater angle steps are the only part you really need on day one.
3. Tama 310 Speed Cobra: best long-footboard double pedal for heel-toe metal
Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra Bass Pedal – Double Pedal
Double-chain drive
Long footboard
Recessed cam with LiteSprocket
Pros
- Long footboard suits large feet and boots
- Very fast and smooth response
- Thick heavy build that does not shift
- Full complement of adjustments
Cons
- A loose main beater on one pedal needed a hex key fix
- No wear pad included for the batter
- Fewer fine adjustments than higher Speed Cobra models
The long footboard is the headline here. If your heel-toe patterns are wide, or you wear boots, or you play shoeless, the extended board changes how much leg you can use for a double kick.
Drive is double chain with a recessed cam setting and LiteSprocket, and reviewers describe the response as fast and smooth with a strong feel underfoot. At 4.7 stars from 308 reviews, it holds its own against pedals well above it in the line-up.
Several owners who expected professional-tier results for this say they would put it up against the DW 9000 on feel alone. That is a bold comparison, and the 9000 still wins on refinement, but the Speed Cobra 310 is genuinely quick.
The thick metal construction means it does not shift during play, which matters when you are driving hard with a blast beat and pushing the pedal past its comfort zone. Assembly and spring setup take a couple of iterations.
What the long footboard changes for metal?
A longer board gives you room for a full heel stroke before the toe engages, which is exactly what wide heel-toe and swivel double kick patterns need. Drummers on small feet can still sit further forward without cramping.
Double-chain drive also holds a consistent power curve at speed, so a 16th-note double pattern keeps its volume and attack even when your foot speed climbs through a rehearsal.
Where it falls short for metal?
This model sits below the higher Speed Cobra tiers in fine adjustment range. If you want to micro-adjust spring feel and beater response while playing, you will be reaching for hardware the 310 does not have.
Quality control is not perfect. One owner received a loose main beater that needed a hex key, so check the beater hub and shaft before your first rehearsal. There is also no wear pad in the box for protecting your bass drum batter.
4. Griffin Quick-Kick Double Pedal: a low-cost double pedal for rehearsal spaces
GRIFFIN Double Bass Drum Pedal (Quick-Kick Series) – Heavy-Duty Foot Board Set, Twin Chain with Quad Beaters for Rock & Metal Drumming
Twin chain drive
13 lb alloy steel
6 x 9 x 16 in
Quad-sided beater
Pros
- Quick twin-chain response out of the box
- Heavy all-metal build
- Includes a spare tensioner and hex wrenches
- Plenty of adjustment points
Cons
- Inconsistent quality control on some units
- One owner reported a chain failure after two months
- Noisy
- Stock carpet spikes are too short for plush carpet
The Griffin is the value outlier of this list, and the 4.2 rating tells you exactly what that means. Get a well-assembled unit and you have twin chain drive, a quad-sided beater and 13 pounds of alloy steel for a very modest outlay.
The extras are unusually generous: a drum key, hex wrenches and a spare tensioner that converts the assembly into two single pedals. Adjustments cover footboard height, spring tension and beater position, plus memory locks.
Metal-specific warning: the supplied beater is a foam design, and most metal drummers will replace it early. That is a cheap fix, but it is a fix, not an oversight on your part.
Several reviewers point to rehearsal-room and backup duty rather than touring, which is honest advice. It is a pedal to learn double kick patterns on without putting your first-stage kit investment at risk.
Why it earns a place in a metal kit?
Twin chain drive with double spine weighted pedal plates gives a predictable, even response, which is all you need to practise blast beats and 16th-note doubles consistently. The quad beater gives four levels of attack for different kick tones.
At 13 pounds it is the heaviest pedal in this roundup, so it stays planted on hard practice-room floors without a pedalboard. Heavy frames matter more than most buyers expect.
Where it falls short for metal?
Quality control is the issue that drags the rating down: cross-threaded set screws and hinge pins machined out of alignment have been reported, along with a chain failure after about two months of use. Inspect the unit on arrival.
It is also noisy and the supplied carpet spikes are too short for plush carpet. On a soft carpet it will walk, so plan on a hard floor or a pedalboard.
5. DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal: the most versatile chain double pedal
DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal
Single chain Turbo Cam
3 kg
10 x 12.75 x 8 in
Dual-adjustable toe clamp
Pros
- Well-built metal parts with smooth squeak-free movement
- Wide foot spacing adjustability
- Adjustable felt or plastic beater heads
- Even factory spring tension across both pedals
Cons
- Lightweight feel that some players call wimpy
- Asymmetric rim lock is awkward on electronic kick pads
- Can grip the bass drum less firmly than a normal pedal
The DW 2000 is the pedal that shows you do not need a top-tier model to play metal well. The single chain Turbo Cam and bearing spring rocker assembly deliver smooth, rattleless movement that owners describe as far better than its class suggests.
It weighs 3 kg, which is light for a double pedal, and that is the honest trade-off. Wide foot spacing adjustability, adjustable spurs and DWSM107 Flyweight beaters with felt or hard heads make it adaptable to different kick patterns.
One underappreciated detail: factory spring tension is even across both pedals, so the master and slave return at the same rate. That removes the single most common complaint about budget double pedals before you start.
Owners report it holding up over four-plus years of regular play, which is the metric that matters if it lives on a rehearsal kit rather than a display shelf.
Why metal drummers value the DW 2000?
Smooth, squeak-free movement is the priority for anyone recording or playing fast. Chain rattle bleeds into a mix and into a rehearsal room, and this pedal is unusually quiet for its class.
The beater head adjustment matters more than most guides admit. Swapping between felt and hard plastic changes the attack enough to sit a kick properly in a death metal mix versus a prog pattern.
Where it falls short for metal?
At 3 kg it carries less mass than the iron-framed pedals in this roundup, and players who lean on the pedal describe the feel as wimpy compared with the Iron Cobra 200. If your style is aggressive and drive-heavy, weight matters.
The rim lock is not symmetrical, which makes mounting on an electronic kick pad awkward, and some owners say it does not clamp the bass drum as firmly as a standard pedal. Check your grip before a rehearsal.
6. PDP Concept XF Direct Drive: the best entry point to direct drive
PDP By DW Concept Direct Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal with Extended Footboard
Cobalt aluminium direct drive
10.6 inch footboard
11.35 lb
Needle-bearing hinge
Pros
- Direct drive with a solid
- loose-free feel
- 10.6 inch brushed aluminium extended footboards
- Very little setup needed out of the box
- Punchy enough for a 24x14 maple kick
Cons
- Occasional spring squeak when not playing
- Slight delay in the slave pedal for some players
- Springs feel weak even at full tension
This is the pedal we point people toward when they want direct drive without stepping into the professional tier. The cobalt aluminium low-mass drive and DW-designed linkage with a universal joint give a feel that is noticeably more solid than chain drive, with no chain to slap.
Metal drummers like the 10.6 inch brushed aluminium extended footboards, which make foot slides and fast single strokes easy, and several owners say it makes a 24×14 maple kick loud enough to cover a band without pushing the beater hard.
Setup is minimal, which is a genuine advantage over some other direct drives. You set the beaters, check the linkage and play.
Fan arguments centre on control and the slave-pedal feel. Critics, mostly experienced players, describe it as a budget build with slight slave slack, weak springs at maximum tension and a narrow ideal tempo ceiling.
Why metal drummers consider it?
Direct drive removes the backlash you feel in a chain under load, so a fast 16th-note double pattern stays accurate when you are pushing the pedal rather than easing into it. That precision is the whole argument for direct drive in metal.
The extended footboard and dual aluminium base plates give you a stable platform and enough room for heel-toe motion, and the needle-bearing hinge keeps the joint smooth after months of rehearsal.
Where it falls short for metal?
The slave pedal can feel slightly delayed or loose for some players, which is the fault line in every budget direct drive. If you are the kind of player who notices that immediately, save up for a higher tier.
Springs feel weak even at maximum tension, footboard height cannot be set independently of beater height, and there are reports of spring squeak when the pedal is not being played. A few owners also reported internal cam or slave-arm breakage, so treat it as a stepping stone rather than a touring workhorse.
7. DW 9000 Double Bass Pedal: the best chain-drive double pedal for touring
DW 9000 Double Bass Pedal w/Bag
EZ Infinite Adjustable Cam
2 kg
17 x 9 x 16 in
Five year cast parts warranty
Pros
- Plays well out of the box with little adjustment
- Crisp response and smooth chain drive
- Huge range of customisation
- Noticeably quiet
- Carry case included
Cons
- Base plate can warp if the pedal is dropped
- The slave arm is the weakest component
- Premium pricing for a chain pedal
The DW 9000 is the benchmark chain-drive double pedal in this group, and for touring it is the one we recommend most often. It plays well out of the box, needs almost no adjustment, and the chain drive is smooth and crisp under load.
Adjustability is the real draw: the EZ Infinite Adjustable Cam, floating swivel spring, Delta II ball bearing hinge and Tri-Pivot toe clamp let you set up almost any playing style, then change it. At 4.7 stars from 154 reviews it sits alongside the Pearl Demon Drive as the next-highest rated pedal here.
Owners who have tried Tama, Pearl, Trick, Czarzie Kopyto and DW Machined models repeatedly rate it as having the fewest annoyances of any of them. The nylon carry case is included, and it is noticeably quieter than older DW models, which matters on stage and in the studio.
Durability is strong but not indestructible. The base plate can warp if the pedal is dropped, even in its case, and the slave arm is the part owners most often upgrade.
Why touring drummers choose the 9000?
A pedal that needs no adjustment on arrival matters on the road. If you unpack it in a green room, set the beaters and play, you have eliminated a whole category of failure that a fussy direct drive can introduce.
Quiet operation is underrated on tour. A pedal that rattles under a blast beat is audible to the front of the room and to anyone recording a live set, and the 9000 is repeatedly praised for staying refined at speed.
Where it falls short for metal?
It is a premium-priced chain pedal, and the value argument gets harder to make against the Speed Cobra 310 and the Iron Cobra 200. You are paying for refinement and adjustability rather than raw speed.
The slave arm is the weakest component and is frequently replaced by owners. Treat it as gear you lift rather than gear you kick into the van.
8. Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive: the best premium pedal for studio work
Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
Chainless direct drive
6.5 lb
15.5 x 17 x 9.5 in
Duo-Deck longboard
Pros
- Exceptionally fast
- quiet response with no pops
- Long beater stroke with real power
- Converts between longboard and standard quickly
- Both beaters hit the head evenly
- Carry case and lifetime warranty
Cons
- The master-side pedal has no way to secure itself to carpet
- Longboard conversion screws can strip
- Chainless slave sits wide and can clash with a hi-hat stand
The Demon Drive is a working drummer’s pedal. Chainless direct drive, Ninja bearings and a Duo-Deck longboard give a fast, smooth and quiet response that avoids the pops and clicks that show up on a studio track.
What surprises people is the power. The long beater stroke drives hard even though it is a direct drive, which is the usual complaint about the mechanism. Both beaters hit the head evenly, so your kick tone stays balanced between feet.
Conversion is genuinely fast. Duo-Deck goes from regular to longboard in under five minutes, and the assembly converts to two identical single pedals in about ten. That versatility is why it stays in a touring case.
Click-lock spring tension makes your settings repeatable, which is exactly what you want when a pedal is going in and out of a case. A carry case is included and Pearl backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Why it suits recording and metal?
Quiet operation at speed is the whole point. On a fast 16th-note double pattern, chain mechanisms can add a transient click that repeats on every note, and the chainless linkage here stays clean.
The stroke adjustment and Control Core beaters let you change the character of the hit without changing pedals, which is useful when one track needs a fat doom kick and the next needs a tight blast beat.
Where it falls short for metal?
The chainless slave pedal sits wider and can clash with a three-leg hi-hat stand, so check your kit geometry before committing. On a tightly packed stage setup this is a real problem, not a nitpick.
Longboard conversion screws can strip if you overtighten them, and the master-side pedal has no way to secure itself to carpet.
Some buyers feel the adjustability does not justify the price against cheaper models. A long-standing owner who plays this pedal for years argues the default setup is nearly as good as anything cheaper.
9. Pearl P2052C Eliminator: the best chain double pedal for heel-down power
Pearl P2052C Eliminator Double Bass Drum Pedal, Chain Drive
Chain drive with power shifter
9 lb
9.5 x 15.5 x 17 in
Zero Play Hinge
Pros
- Chain power and ankle-friendly feel
- Very smooth action from the Zero Play Hinge
- Built for regular gigging over years
- Power shifter plus traction grips for fine control
Cons
- Dual pillars on the slave limit hi-hat clearance
- Converting the double into two singles is fiddly
- Adjustment options can feel overwhelming at first
Plenty of metal drummers move up to direct drive, try it, and come back to chain because of ankle feel and raw power. The P2052C is the pedal those drummers usually land on, and reviewers switching from direct drives single out exactly those two qualities.
Mechanically it is a chain drive with a power shifter, a Zero Play Hinge, Ninja bearings, a roller hoop clamp and independent traction grips. At 9 pounds it has the mass to stay put without feeling like a floor tom.
The response is exceptionally smooth and the quad beater covers a range of kick tones. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as resilient and responsive, and they single out one quality above the rest: the spring tension holds steady over months, which is what keeps tight playing tight.
That consistency is what makes it a touring choice. Smoothness does not degrade, and the roller hoop clamp grips the bass drum securely at a range of hoop depths.
Why heel-down metal players keep choosing chain?
Chain drive compresses under load and returns with a familiar spring action, so heavy heel strokes on a blast beat feel more forgiving than a chainless linkage. Your ankle stays in the same relationship with the beater across the whole stroke.
The power shifter is the quiet hero here. It changes the beater drive without taking the pedal apart, which means you can move from a doom kick to a fast pattern mid-gig without re-tuning springs.
Where it falls short for metal?
The dual pillars on the slave pedal limit how close it can sit to a hi-hat pedal. On a compact stage setup that geometry can be a dealbreaker, so measure before you commit.
Converting the double into two singles is a fiddly task, and the number of adjustment options can feel overwhelming the first time. Plan a setup session rather than expecting it to work out of the box.
10. PDP 700 Series Double Pedal: a narrow-footprint pedal for tight kit layouts
Pacific Drums and Percussion 700 Series Double (Single Chain) Bass Drum Pedal (PDDP712)
Single chain drive
9.5 lb
14 x 10 x 8 in
Concentric cam, 2-way beater
Pros
- Solid base plate in alloy steel
- Single chain with concentric cam for consistent power
- Beater angle adjustment plus a 2-way beater
- Compact footprint that fits beside a hi-hat
Cons
- Single chain is less refined at high tempo than dual chain or direct drive
- Fewer adjustment options than premium models
- Better suited to learning than to demanding playing
The 700 Series exists for a specific problem: a kit where the double pedal slave footboard is fighting the hi-hat stand for space. Its compact 14 x 10 x 8 inch footprint is the reason it is on this list.
Construction is alloy steel with a solid base plate, and the single chain with a concentric cam gives consistent, predictable power. Beater angle adjustment plus a 2-way beater let you tune the attack for the head you have on the kick.
Reviewers position it as a good entry point for a player moving from a single pedal. It sets up easily, it does not move around, and it does what a double pedal needs to do at practice tempo.
It is not a fast-tempo weapon. Single chain drive gives less speed and refinement than dual-chain or direct-drive mechanisms when you are playing sustained 16th-note doubles at speed.
Why compactness matters on a metal stage?
Footboard clearance is a complaint you will hear often in double pedal discussions, and a narrower slave pedal solves it without a workaround. If your hi-hat stand is close, this is a pedal that simply fits.
The solid base plate means it does not need a rug or velcro to stay in position, and 9.5 pounds is enough mass to handle hard playing without creeping.
Where it falls short for metal?
Single chain drive is the ceiling. If you are already playing fast double kick and want more definition, you will outgrow this pedal and want a dual chain or direct drive instead.
Adjustment options are limited compared with the premium models, and some owners consider it better suited to practice and learning than to demanding playing. It is a stepping stone.
How to Choose a Double Bass Pedal for Metal?
A good double bass drum pedal is one that stays accurate when you are playing fast enough to make mistakes, and one that fits your kit without a fight. Those two criteria eliminate most options quickly.
1. Drive type: chain, dual chain or direct drive
Chain drive compresses slightly under load and returns with a familiar spring action. It is the easiest place to start, needs no linkage adjustment, and heel-down players often find it more forgiving on the ankle. Dual chain adds a second chain run for a stiffer, faster response with more definition at speed.
Direct drive replaces the chain with a mechanical linkage. It feels solid and loose-free, and It is the most common choice at the top end of metal, but the swinging pedal motion feels strange for the first few sessions and many players quit before adapting. Budget two weeks of adjustment before you decide it does not suit you.
The short version: pick chain for your first pedal, and move to direct drive once your double kick patterns are consistent.
2. Footboard length: standard or longboard
A standard footboard suits most drummers and takes less floor space. A longboard gives you room for a full heel stroke, which is what wide heel-toe and swivel patterns need, and it is why the Speed Cobra 310 sits near the top of this list. Larger feet and anyone playing in boots should lean longboard.
3. Beater material and adjustability
Felt beaters are quiet and round; hard plastic beaters cut through a bright kick tone and survive heavier heads. Most of the pedals here accept a 2-way beater, and two of them include a beater in the box. The exception is the Griffin, whose supplied beater is a foam design most metal players replace immediately.
Adjustable beater angle matters more than most guides admit. Setting the beater at roughly a 60 degree angle and matching the spring tension on both pedals is the first setup job on any new double pedal.
4. Slave pedal recoil and spring tension matching
The most common technical complaint is that the slave pedal feels looser and less responsive than the master, which is largely down to the extra mass of the connecting rod or cable.
Match the spring tension across both pedals first, then set the beater angle on both sides. If the slave still drifts, check the linkage or connection for play before blaming the pedal.
Start with maximum spring tension and back it off until the beater returns cleanly without bouncing. You can tighten from there.
5. Pedalboard versus freestanding
On a pedalboard, the double pedal slave has to share a limited footprint, and the connection between master and slave is often too short to fit both pedals in comfortable geometry. Compact models with narrow slave frames, like the PDP 700 Series, exist specifically for this. Measure the board and the distance to your hi-hat stand before you buy.
Freestanding, you can angle the two footboards toward each other and set the spacing you want, which is why most metal drummers who move fast prefer it. Related gear guides we have published cover the metal side of our coverage in metal bookmarks and heavy duty metal bookends if you want more from the category.
6. Beater upgrades worth making
The pedal matters less than the beater for feel. Drummers on r/drums consistently recommend the Czarzie Kopyto and ACD Darwin beaters, and Regal Tip is the other name that comes up, with the reasoning that a good beater will outlast several pedals. Check fit before buying, because shaft standards differ between brands.
Heel-toe, swivel and blast beat notes
Fast 16th-note doubles and blast beats reward a stable, heavy pedal with a consistent power curve, so weight matters more than the spec sheet suggests. Heel-toe patterns reward a long footboard. Death metal 16ths reward low backlash, which is where direct drive earns its keep.
The honest truth, repeated across drumming forums and every serious roundup, is that speed comes from technique. A better pedal removes slop and makes your existing timing visible. It does not create 16ths that you have not practised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bass pedals for metal music?
For most metal drummers the Tama Iron Cobra 200 is the strongest all-round pick, the DW 9000 is the touring chain-drive workhorse, and the Pearl P3002D Demon Drive is the premium direct drive for recording. Fast blast beats favour a heavy pedal with a consistent power curve, while wide heel-toe patterns favour a long footboard such as the Tama 310 Speed Cobra. Try pedals in person if you can, because feel is deeply personal.
What is a good double bass drum pedal?
A good double bass drum pedal is one that stays accurate when you play fast, has a stable base plate, and lets you match spring tension and beater angle across the master and slave. Look for an adjustable beater, at least one chain or bearing joint that stays smooth, and a footboard length that matches your foot. Budget chain models are fine for learning, while direct drive is worth it once your double kick is consistent.
Which double pedal is better, the DW 5000 or the 9000?
The 9000 is the better pedal for playing, with an EZ Infinite Adjustable Cam, Delta II ball bearing hinge and a wider adjustment range than the 5000. The 5000 is a simpler, lower-cost chain pedal that still plays well and suits players who want less to think about. If you tour or record, the extra refinement and quieter operation of the 9000 justify the step up.
Which double pedals are better, the Iron Cobra 900s or the DW 9000s?
The DW 9000 wins on adjustability, quiet operation and refinement, and it is the safer choice for touring. The Tama Iron Cobra models win on value and simplicity, and the 310 Speed Cobra longboard is hard to argue with on feel for heel-toe playing. If you are choosing one pedal for fast metal, take the DW 9000; if you want the most pedal per pound spent, the Iron Cobra 200 is hard to beat.
Which double pedal is the best value?
The Tama HP30TW is the best value for a first metal double pedal, with iron construction, a 2-way beater and easy setup at a budget-friendly tier. The DW 2000 is the best value for slightly more money, adding smooth squeak-free chain action and even factory spring tension across both pedals. The Griffin is cheaper still and suits rehearsal rooms rather than gigs.
Does using a double pedal make you a better drummer?
Not by itself. A double pedal opens up patterns a single pedal physically cannot play, but speed and accuracy come from slow practice with a metronome, not from the hardware. The pedal removes slop so your timing errors become audible, which is genuinely useful. Many drummers make more progress in a month of deliberate practice on a budget chain pedal than in a year of upgrading.
Conclusion: Which Double Bass Pedal Should You Buy in 2026?
The best double bass pedals for metal drummers come down to your patterns and your budget. The Tama Iron Cobra 200 is our pick overall for its weight, stability and the highest rating in this group, the DW 9000 is the chain-drive pedal to trust on tour, and the Tama HP30TW is the sensible first move for a drummer stepping up from a single pedal.
Go into a shop and play two or three of them if you can, then set the beater angle and match both spring tensions before you judge anything. Whichever you choose, practise slowly: the pedal gives you a clean signal, and the speed comes from your feet.