What is the thickness of the Aquarian Hi-Velocity drum head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 14mil. This multi-ply design is intended to increase durability and provide a more controlled sound.

What is the purpose of the 'Power Dot'?

The Power Dot is a thin reinforcement layer mounted on the underside (reverse) of the head. It strengthens the centre strike zone to prevent breakage and stretching while adding focus to the tone.

Is this drum head suitable for 14-inch snare drums?

This specific model is 13 inches in diameter and will only fit 13-inch drums. However, Aquarian manufactures the Hi-Velocity series in both 13-inch and 14-inch sizes to accommodate different snare drums.

What genres is the Aquarian Hi-Velocity best suited for?

The versatile tone of this head makes it suitable for a wide range of styles. It is particularly recommended for rock, blues, and pop music due to its balance of durability and projection.

Does the black coating affect the sound?

Yes, the texture coating adds a slight amount of warmth and dampening to the head compared to clear versions. It also provides a surface that is responsive to different types of sticks.

How does the 'reverse' dot differ from a top-mounted dot?

A reverse dot is placed on the underside of the head, which keeps the playing surface smooth and unobstructed. This is preferred by drummers who want the reinforcement without the stick-catching edges of a top-mounted dot.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The Aquarian Hi-Velocity 13-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £27 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is this head available in other colours?

Yes, the Hi-Velocity series is available in both black and white texture coatings. This allows drummers to choose an aesthetic that matches their specific drum kit.

Can I use this head on a tom-tom?

While primarily designed as a snare drum head, it can be used on a 13-inch tom. However, the Power Dot and two-ply construction are specifically voiced to provide the 'crack' typically desired for snare drums.

How does this compare to a single-ply head?

Compared to a single-ply head, the two-ply Hi-Velocity is more durable and offers more natural muffling. It produces fewer ringing overtones and a deeper, more controlled fundamental note.

Is the coating durable enough for brushes?

The texture coating is designed to be high-quality and long-lasting. While it provides a tactile surface, drummers primarily using brushes may find the 'Black Texture' finish offers a different response than traditional white coated heads.

Who is the manufacturer of this drum head?

This drum head is manufactured by Aquarian, a company well-known for producing high-quality drumheads and percussion accessories. They are a major competitor to brands like Evans and Remo.

Gear article

Aquarian Hi-Velocity Black Texture Coated Power Dot 13" Drum Head

The Aquarian Hi-Velocity Black Texture Coated Power Dot 13" is a heavy-duty snare drum head constructed from two plies of 7mil film. Featuring a reinforced 'Power Dot' on the underside, it is designed to provide durability and a versatile tonal range for modern drummers.

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Overview and Design

The Aquarian Hi-Velocity series represents a robust solution for snare drum applications. This specific 13-inch model is manufactured using two layers of 7mil film, creating a 14mil total thickness that offers significant resistance to heavy impacts. The surface is finished with a Black Texture Coating, which provides a distinct aesthetic compared to traditional white heads while maintaining a tactile surface suitable for various striking techniques.

A key design element is the 'Power Dot' located on the underside of the head. This thin, reverse-mounted reinforcement strengthens the centre of the drumhead, which is the area most prone to fatigue and stretching, without overly dampening the natural vibrations of the film.

Tonal Character and Performance

The Hi-Velocity drum head is engineered for versatility. Due to its two-ply construction, it naturally suppresses high-frequency overtones more effectively than single-ply alternatives, resulting in a controlled and focused sound. The inclusion of the Power Dot adds a degree of 'crack' and projection to the backbeat.

While the head is durable enough for heavy hitters, it remains sensitive enough for intricate playing. It is particularly well-suited for genres that demand a strong, reliable snare presence, such as: * Rock * Pop * Blues

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Application and Fit

This drum head is specifically sized at 13 inches, making it compatible with 13-inch snare drums, which are often used as secondary side snares or as primary drums in compact kits. For drummers using standard full-size snare drums, Aquarian also produces this model in a 14-inch variant. The black coating offers a modern look that differentiates it from standard translucent or white heads commonly found in the industry.

Market Context

Positioned within the 'Parts & Spares' category, the Hi-Velocity head sits alongside other professional-grade components like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater or Evans marching snare heads. At a typical price point of £27, it represents a professional-tier upgrade for drummers looking to improve the durability and sound profile of their existing snare drum setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Hi-Velocity drum head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 14mil. This multi-ply design is intended to increase durability and provide a more controlled sound.
What is the purpose of the 'Power Dot'?: The Power Dot is a thin reinforcement layer mounted on the underside (reverse) of the head. It strengthens the centre strike zone to prevent breakage and stretching while adding focus to the tone.
Is this drum head suitable for 14-inch snare drums?: This specific model is 13 inches in diameter and will only fit 13-inch drums. However, Aquarian manufactures the Hi-Velocity series in both 13-inch and 14-inch sizes to accommodate different snare drums.
What genres is the Aquarian Hi-Velocity best suited for?: The versatile tone of this head makes it suitable for a wide range of styles. It is particularly recommended for rock, blues, and pop music due to its balance of durability and projection.
Does the black coating affect the sound?: Yes, the texture coating adds a slight amount of warmth and dampening to the head compared to clear versions. It also provides a surface that is responsive to different types of sticks.
How does the 'reverse' dot differ from a top-mounted dot?: A reverse dot is placed on the underside of the head, which keeps the playing surface smooth and unobstructed. This is preferred by drummers who want the reinforcement without the stick-catching edges of a top-mounted dot.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The Aquarian Hi-Velocity 13-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £27 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is this head available in other colours?: Yes, the Hi-Velocity series is available in both black and white texture coatings. This allows drummers to choose an aesthetic that matches their specific drum kit.
Can I use this head on a tom-tom?: While primarily designed as a snare drum head, it can be used on a 13-inch tom. However, the Power Dot and two-ply construction are specifically voiced to provide the 'crack' typically desired for snare drums.
How does this compare to a single-ply head?: Compared to a single-ply head, the two-ply Hi-Velocity is more durable and offers more natural muffling. It produces fewer ringing overtones and a deeper, more controlled fundamental note.
Is the coating durable enough for brushes?: The texture coating is designed to be high-quality and long-lasting. While it provides a tactile surface, drummers primarily using brushes may find the 'Black Texture' finish offers a different response than traditional white coated heads.
Who is the manufacturer of this drum head?: This drum head is manufactured by Aquarian, a company well-known for producing high-quality drumheads and percussion accessories. They are a major competitor to brands like Evans and Remo.