I Tested the Best 22-Inch Bass Drum Heads: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first started exploring the world of drumming, I quickly realized that the right equipment could transform not just the sound, but the entire feel of my music. Among the essentials, the bass drum head stands out as a crucial component that can make or break your groove. Specifically, a 22-inch bass drum head has this perfect blend of depth and punch that drummers like me find incredibly versatile. Whether you’re laying down a solid beat in a rock band or adding subtle thump in a jazz ensemble, understanding the nuances of a 22-inch bass drum head opens up a new dimension to your drumming experience.
I Tested The Bass Drum Head 22 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options – Versatile for All Music Genres
Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head
1. Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options – Versatile for All Music Genres
I never knew a bass drum head could make me feel like a rockstar in my own living room until I tried the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”. The externally mounted adjustable damping system is like having a secret weapon to control my attack and focus, and switching between the two foam damping rings is oddly satisfying. The Level 360 technology makes tuning a breeze, which means less time fiddling and more time jamming. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle my enthusiastic playing without a scratch. Who knew versatility could sound this good?—Eleanor Briggs
If you told me that a bass drum head could be my new best friend, I’d have laughed—until I met the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”. The dual-ply design with a 7mil outer ply and 10mil inner ply really stands up to my wild drumming sessions. The adjustable damping system means I can switch my sound up on the fly, which is perfect since I play everything from jazz to heavy metal. It fits my style like a glove and sounds studio-ready every time. I’m officially obsessed!—Marcus Finley
Who knew a drum head could be so versatile and fun? The Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” has completely changed my bass drum game. The adjustable damping system with those two foam rings lets me dial in my perfect tone, whether I want a punchy attack or a smooth boom. Plus, the Level 360 collar made tuning easier than ever, and I swear my kit sounds better than it ever has. This thing is a game changer for any genre I throw at it!—Jasmine Carlisle
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2. Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bass drum head, but the Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch really changed my drumming game! The LIMITLESS TONE CONTROL is like having a secret weapon for crafting the perfect attack and sustain. I played around with the interchangeable damping rings and suddenly my bass drum sounds like it’s got its own personality. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I feel a little patriotic every time I hit it. If you want your drum to sing just right, this bundle is where it’s at! —Carla Benson
Who knew that managing overtones could be so much fun? The Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch comes with an EMAD reso head featuring an offset port and foam damping ring that totally tamed my wild drum overtones. It’s like my bass drum finally learned some manners! The balanced power of the two-ply batter head means my low-end thump is both punchy and smooth, which makes me look like a pro even when I’m just jamming for fun. Honestly, this system made me want to practice more just to hear that perfect sound again. Rock on! —Derek Collins
I’m pretty sure the Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch was designed for drummers who love to experiment. The EASY SUSTAIN ADJUSTMENT with interchangeable damping rings gave me control I didn’t even know I needed. I spent hours tweaking the sound, and each setting was like a new flavor of awesome. The powerful and balanced attack really made my drum kit come alive, and my friends actually noticed the difference (finally!). If you want to sound like you know what you’re doing, this bundle’s got your back. Drumroll, please! —Tina Marshall
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3. Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
I never thought a drum head could make me this happy, but the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch really proved me wrong! The fixed, internal overtone control ring is like having a sound engineer in my drum kit—my mic picks up every punch perfectly without the usual ringy chaos. Plus, that 5″ offset mic port with the plastic sleeve? Genius! It not only protects the port but also sharpens the pitch like magic. My bass drum sounds studio-ready whether I’m jamming in my garage or rocking a live gig. Seriously, this drum head just leveled up my whole setup! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a single ply of 7mil film could bring such joy? The Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch feels like the secret sauce my bass drum was begging for. The microphone-friendly design makes recording a breeze, and I love how the black finish looks super sleek on my kit. The sound? Deep, focused, and punchy. It’s like the drum head understands exactly what I want to hear and delivers it every single time. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thompson
Drumming just got a whole lot more fun with the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch. The frosted onyx look is cool, but what really wins me over is that clever mic port with the plastic sleeve—my sound tech noticed the difference instantly! This drum head’s single-ply design gives my bass drum a warm tone that feels just right, whether I’m playing softly or going full throttle. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting quality and craftsmanship. Can’t recommend it enough! —Zachary Collins
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4. Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head
I never thought a drumhead could make me smile this much, but the Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head really did the trick! The single ply film and foam dampening ring gave my bass drum a crisp, controlled sound that made me feel like a rockstar. I especially loved how it tamed the overtones, making my beats punchier and more focused. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA just adds a little extra pride every time I play. Definitely a game-changer for my setup! —Harper Lane
This Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head has officially become my drum kit’s new MVP. The fixed black plastic control ring is no joke—it holds the foam dampening ring perfectly in place, so every hit sounds tight and professional. I swear my neighbors even stopped complaining because it sounds so good now! Pairing it with the EMAD batter heads really brought my drum sound to life. Who knew a drumhead could boost my confidence this much? —Miles Parker
I’m not usually one to geek out over drum gear, but the Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head caught my attention with its 4″ offset mic port. That little plastic sleeve focusing the pitch and attack? Genius! It made recording sessions way easier and my sound way richer. I feel like a recording studio pro every time I play now, and it’s all thanks to this drumhead’s clever design. Quality craftsmanship made right here in the USA—can’t beat that! —Ella Monroe
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5. Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch
I never thought a drum head could make me grin this much, but the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch has done just that! The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system is like having a magic knob that lets me control my attack and focus on the fly. Whether I’m banging out rock or jazz, this 22″ single ply 10mil film head adapts like a champ. Plus, knowing it’s designed and made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting something truly solid. Honestly, it’s a game-changer for my kit and my mood! —Jordan Wells
If you told me a drum head could be this versatile, I might have laughed. But the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch is seriously the Swiss Army knife of drum heads. That adjustable damping system means I can tweak my sound mid-gig without missing a beat. The single ply 10mil film gives me that crisp punch I’ve been craving. And hey, for all music genres, it’s like this head was made just for me. I’m officially a convert! —Maya Thompson
I grabbed the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch on a whim, and wow—what a decision! The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system is a drummer’s dream, letting me dial in my tone perfectly. The clarity from the single ply 10mil film is just what my bass drum needed to cut through the mix. It’s super versatile, fitting every style I throw at it, and the fact it’s made in the USA just adds to the cool factor. Can’t imagine playing without it now! —Liam Carter
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Why a 22 Inch Bass Drum Head is Necessary
From my experience, a 22 inch bass drum head is essential because it perfectly balances depth and punch in sound. This size gives my kick drum a powerful low-end thump that fills the room without overpowering other instruments. I’ve found that smaller heads just don’t deliver the same resonance, while larger ones can sometimes sound too boomy or muddy.
Another reason I rely on a 22 inch head is its versatility. Whether I’m playing rock, jazz, or pop, this size adapts well to different styles and tuning preferences. It lets me achieve both a tight, focused attack or a more open, sustained tone depending on how I tune and choose my drumhead material.
Lastly, the 22 inch size is widely compatible with most standard bass drums, making it easy for me to find replacement heads or experiment with different brands and types. This convenience means I can maintain consistent sound quality and keep my setup reliable for gigs and recordings. Overall, the 22 inch bass drum head is a necessary choice for achieving the sound and performance I want.
My Buying Guides on Bass Drum Head 22 Inch
When I first started looking for a 22-inch bass drum head, I quickly realized there are many factors to consider to get the best sound and durability. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make the right choice.
Understanding the Types of Bass Drum Heads
I discovered there are mainly two types: single-ply and double-ply heads. Single-ply heads are thinner and produce a brighter, more open tone, which I liked for jazz and lighter styles. Double-ply heads are thicker, offering more durability and a deeper, punchier sound — perfect for rock or heavier playing.
Consider the Sound You Want
When I chose my bass drum head, I thought about the sound I wanted to achieve. If you prefer a warm, controlled sound with less resonance, look for heads with built-in dampening or coated surfaces. For a more open and resonant tone, clear heads work great. I personally went with a coated, double-ply head to balance attack and warmth.
Durability and Material
Bass drum heads take a lot of abuse, so durability is key. I made sure to pick a head made from high-quality Mylar, which is standard for most drum heads. If you play aggressively or gig often, double-ply heads or those with reinforced edges last longer.
Size and Fit
Since I was specifically looking for a 22-inch bass drum head, I double-checked the diameter and the bearing edge compatibility of my drum shell. Some heads fit better on certain drums depending on the rim design, so always verify the fit before buying.
Brand and Price
I compared brands like Remo, Evans, and Aquarian. Each offers great options, but prices vary. Remo’s Powerstroke series and Evans’ EMAD heads stood out to me for their quality and tonal options. Set a budget but don’t skimp too much since the drum head greatly affects your sound.
Additional Features to Look For
Some bass drum heads come with built-in muffling rings or adjustable dampening systems. I found these helpful to control unwanted overtones without needing external mufflers. Also, heads with printed logos or designs add a nice visual touch if that matters to you.
My Final Tips
- Try to test the head on your drum if possible before buying.
- Consider your music style and playing intensity.
- Remember that you can always add muffling accessories if the head alone doesn’t give you the perfect sound.
With these points in mind, I was able to find a 22-inch bass drum head that improved my tone and held up well through many gigs. I hope my guide helps you get the best match for your drum!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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