Gear article
Aquarian Super 2 Texture Coated 10" Drum Head
The Aquarian Super 2 Texture Coated 10" is a premium two-ply drum head designed for rack toms. It features a unique combination of 7mil and 5mil plies finished with a proprietary coating to provide a mellow, warm tone and enhanced tuning stability.

Overview
The Aquarian Super 2 Texture Coated 10" Drum Head is a specialized component within the 'Parts & Spares' category, specifically engineered for rack toms. Unlike standard symmetrical two-ply heads, the Super 2 utilizes a staggered thickness approach to balance durability with tonal response. The head is defined by its Texture Coating, which adds mass and provides a specific dampening effect that alters the harmonic profile of the drum.
Technical Design and Features
The construction of the Super 2 is distinct, employing a top ply of 7mil film paired with a bottom ply of 5mil film. This configuration is intended to provide the durability and control of a multi-ply head while retaining more sensitivity than a heavy-duty 14mil (7+7) head.
A central feature of the head is the Sound Curve collar design. This engineering choice ensures that the head seats instantly on the bearing edge. According to the manufacturer, this allows for rapid tuning, potentially achieving a resonant tone with as little as a single turn of a drum key. The design aims to provide a consistent and reliable tone across different performance environments, from studio sessions to live stages.

Sound Character and Application
The Super 2 Texture Coated head is characterised by a mellow, warm sound profile. The addition of the coating softens the initial attack compared to the clear version of the Super 2, reducing harsh high-frequency overtones.
This makes it particularly suitable for: * Jazz and fusion players seeking warmth. * Studio recording where controlled sustain is required. * Rock drummers who want a deep, focused tom sound without excessive ring.
Comparison and Compatibility
While heavy-duty heads like the Evans Black Chrome offer a darker, more compressed sound, the Super 2 remains more open and responsive due to its 7/5mil construction. In contrast to single-ply heads, the Super 2 offers significantly more control and a lower fundamental pitch. It is compatible with any standard 10-inch rack tom and is often paired with high-quality hardware such as Tama Accu-Strike beaters or Gotoh bridges on a kit to ensure professional-grade reliability.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the ply thickness of the Aquarian Super 2?
- The head is constructed using two plies of different thicknesses. The first ply is 7mil and the second ply is 5mil, offering a balance of warmth and response.
- How does the Texture Coating affect the sound?
- The Texture Coating provides a mellow and warm sound. It helps to dampen excessive high-end frequencies compared to clear drum heads.
- What is the purpose of the Sound Curve collar design?
- The Sound Curve collar design allows the head to seat perfectly on the bearing edge. This makes the drum head extremely easy to tune, often requiring very few turns of the drum key.
- Can this head be used on a snare drum?
- This specific model is a 10-inch head designed primarily for rack toms. While it could fit a 10-inch side snare, it is not intended for standard 14-inch snare drums.
- Is the Super 2 available in other finishes?
- Yes, Aquarian manufactures the Super 2 series in both clear and coated versions. The clear version typically offers a brighter attack than the coated version.
- What size rack tom does this head fit?
- This specific model is designed to fit any standard 10-inch rack tom. Aquarian produces the Super 2 in various other sizes to accommodate full drum kits.
- How does the tuning sensitivity compare to other heads?
- Due to the Sound Curve design, it offers enhanced response and sensitivity. The manufacturer states that great results can be achieved with just a single turn of the drum key.
- What musical genres is the Super 2 suitable for?
- It is versatile enough for a wide range of drumming styles and genres. Its warm, consistent tone makes it ideal for both live performances and studio recording sessions.
- Is this head more durable than a single-ply head?
- Yes, because it uses two plies (7mil and 5mil), it generally offers greater durability and longevity than a standard single-ply head. It is designed to be consistent and reliable throughout every session.
- How does the price of the Super 2 compare to competitors?
- The typical price range for the 10-inch version is approximately £23. This places it in the premium category for high-quality replacement drum heads.
- Does the coating flake off easily?
- Aquarian uses a high-quality 'Texture Coating' designed for longevity. It is engineered to maintain its mellow sound profile and surface integrity over extended use.
- What is the primary benefit of the staggered 7mil and 5mil plies?
- The staggered plies allow the head to vibrate more freely than two 7mil plies while remaining more durable than a single ply. This results in a head that is both sensitive and robust.
