Premium quality and flawless performance. My best purchase, worth every penny!
Winner
The Donner DED-200 electronic drum kit stands out with its quiet mesh drum pads, creating a realistic feel similar to acoustic drums, which is great for drummers who want an authentic playing experience. The set includes 5 mesh pads and 3 cymbals, offering 450+ sounds and 31 kits. These options provide good versatility for various music genres and practice scenarios.
The sound module includes built-in training features like play-along songs, a metronome, and recording capabilities, which can enhance practice sessions and skill development. Connectivity options include USB MIDI, making it easy to connect to other devices and software, which is beneficial for recording or using interactive lessons like the included Melodics lessons.
Expandability is somewhat limited as it comes with a specific number of pads and cymbals, but it does include all necessary accessories like a drum throne, headphones, and sticks, making it a comprehensive package for beginners. Despite its relatively high weight of 53.6 pounds, the foldable stand adds some portability, although it may not be the easiest to transport frequently. This drum kit is well-suited for beginners or intermediate players looking for a robust and feature-rich electronic drum set at a reasonable price.
The Donner DED-80 Electronic Drum Set is a good choice for beginners and those living in apartments looking for a comprehensive and quiet practice solution. It features four mesh drum pads and three cymbals, which provide a realistic drumming experience. The high-density mesh heads are durable and offer a responsive feel. The included sound module offers 180 sounds and 15 drum kits, giving users plenty of options to explore different genres.
Additionally, the built-in training features, like the drum coach and 30 accompaniment tracks, make it easier for beginners to improve their skills. The kit's USB MIDI connectivity allows it to be used with DAW software, adding to its versatility as a music creation tool. The pedals are designed to be quiet and durable, suitable for apartment settings. The kit is also portable and foldable, making it easy to store when not in use.
However, the small size of the drum pads may not be ideal for more advanced drummers seeking a more extensive setup. The free virtual lessons provided by Melodics can be an excellent resource for those just starting out. This drum set includes everything needed to start playing immediately, including a drum throne, headphones, and drumsticks. While it offers a lot for beginners, those looking for a more advanced or expandable setup might need to consider other options.
The Alesis Nitro Pro Electric Drum Set is a solid choice for drummers wanting a professional 8-piece kit with quiet, responsive mesh drum pads. Its dual-zone snare and deep mesh toms offer great feel and versatility, while the sturdy metal rack ensures stability during play. The sound module is a strong point, providing over 500 authentic BFD sounds, 36 ready-to-play kits, and room to create 16 custom kits.
Bluetooth and USB MIDI connectivity make it easy to connect to computers or apps for practice and recording, which is especially handy for modern drummers. The inclusion of a 90-day Drumeo lesson subscription adds real value for beginners and those looking to improve their skills with guided lessons and thousands of songs. Expansion options through BFD Player sound libraries let you add more tones as your needs grow.
The kit weighs nearly 50 pounds, making it less ideal for frequent transport, and while the mesh pads are quiet, some advanced players might prefer even more nuanced pad sensitivity or additional cymbal options. This kit suits intermediate to pro drummers who want a customizable, feature-rich electronic drum set with solid training support and reliable build quality.