What is the thickness of the Aquarian Super Kick I?

The Super Kick I is a single-ply, medium-weight drumhead. This construction provides a balance of durability and tonal sensitivity compared to thinner or double-ply heads.

What is the Floating Muffling System?

It is a patented design where a narrow felt ring is attached to the underside of the head. It moves with the head to dampen unwanted overtones while enhancing the low-end punch.

Does this head require additional pillows inside the drum?

Generally, no. The Super Kick I is designed to provide a controlled, punchy sound on its own, eliminating the need for internal blankets or foam dampening.

What is the benefit of a clear finish on a bass drum head?

A clear finish typically provides a sharper, more defined attack and 'click' compared to coated heads. This helps the bass drum cut through a mix in live or recording settings.

Can the 16-inch Super Kick I be used on a floor tom?

Yes, if the floor tom is being used as a bass drum. However, note that the hoop design is specifically tailored for bass drum counterhoops, so check fitment for standard tom hoops.

How does it compare to the Super Kick II?

The Super Kick I is a single-ply head, offering more resonance and a brighter tone. The Super Kick II is a double-ply head, providing more durability and a deeper, more dampened sound.

Is this head suitable for jazz music?

While it can be used for jazz, it is pre-dampened for a punchy sound. Drummers seeking a wide-open, melodic 'bop' sound may prefer an undampened head like a DW Coated or Remo Ambassador.

What is the typical price for this 16-inch model?

The typical price range for the Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 16" is approximately GBP 48. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does the felt ring affect the low end?

The felt ring helps focus the vibration of the head, which emphasizes the lower frequencies. This results in a 'well-defined punchy sound' rather than a long, ringing decay.

Is the felt ring visible from the outside?

Because this is the clear version of the head, the white felt ring is visible through the film. This gives the drum a distinct aesthetic look.

Does the muffling ring ever come loose?

The Floating Muffling System is securely attached during the manufacturing process. It is designed to withstand heavy playing without detaching or buzzing.

Will this head fit a 16-inch Eden Atlas Mini Bass cabinet?

No, the Eden Atlas Mini is a bass guitar amplifier head, not a drum. The Aquarian Super Kick I is a drumhead intended for percussive instruments.

Gear article

Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 16" Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Super Kick I is a clear, single-ply, medium-weight bass drum head designed to provide a focused and punchy low-end response. It features a patented Floating Muffling System that controls overtones without the need for external dampening or internal pillows.

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Overview

The Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 16" is a specialist bass drum head designed for smaller bass drums or floor tom conversions. Constructed from a single ply of medium-weight film, this head prioritises a balanced combination of resonance and control. It is a staple in the Super-Kick series, which is widely recognised for its integrated dampening solution that simplifies the process of achieving a 'studio-ready' kick drum sound.

Floating Muffling System

The defining technical feature of the Super Kick I is Aquarian's patented "Floating Muffling System." This consists of a narrow felt muffle ring attached to the backside of the drumhead. Unlike many other muffled heads where the dampening is glued flat to the film, this ring 'floats' with the head. This allows the head to vibrate naturally while the felt ring moves against the film to suppress high-frequency overtones and ring, resulting in a well-defined punch.

Sound Profile and Performance

Because the Super Kick I uses a single-ply construction, it retains more sensitivity and a brighter attack than double-ply alternatives. The clear film provides a sharp, rhythmic 'click' at the point of impact, which is then immediately followed by a low-end thump controlled by the internal felt ring. The 16-inch version is particularly valued for its ability to make smaller drums sound significantly deeper and more authoritative than their physical dimensions might suggest.

Suitability and Use Cases

This head is highly suited for drummers using compact bop kits, jungle kits, or 16-inch floor toms converted into bass drums. It is an ideal choice for players who want a pre-dampened sound without using pillows or foam inside the drum shell. Its versatile nature makes it appropriate for a variety of genres, though it excels in settings where a clean, modern bass drum sound is required.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other bass drum heads, the Super Kick I occupies a middle ground between wide-open heads and heavily dampened ones:

Vs. Evans EQ3: The EQ3 typically features an internal overtone control ring and a removable muffle ring, offering more adjustability, whereas the Aquarian's felt system is fixed but offers a more integrated low-end punch.
Vs. Remo Silentstroke: Unlike the mesh Silentstroke which is designed for low-volume practice, the Super Kick I is a full-volume performance head.
Vs. Attack ProFlex1: The Attack ProFlex1 also features a no-overtone design but lacks the specific patented floating felt ring found on the Aquarian model.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Super Kick I?: The Super Kick I is a single-ply, medium-weight drumhead. This construction provides a balance of durability and tonal sensitivity compared to thinner or double-ply heads.
What is the Floating Muffling System?: It is a patented design where a narrow felt ring is attached to the underside of the head. It moves with the head to dampen unwanted overtones while enhancing the low-end punch.
Does this head require additional pillows inside the drum?: Generally, no. The Super Kick I is designed to provide a controlled, punchy sound on its own, eliminating the need for internal blankets or foam dampening.
What is the benefit of a clear finish on a bass drum head?: A clear finish typically provides a sharper, more defined attack and 'click' compared to coated heads. This helps the bass drum cut through a mix in live or recording settings.
Can the 16-inch Super Kick I be used on a floor tom?: Yes, if the floor tom is being used as a bass drum. However, note that the hoop design is specifically tailored for bass drum counterhoops, so check fitment for standard tom hoops.
How does it compare to the Super Kick II?: The Super Kick I is a single-ply head, offering more resonance and a brighter tone. The Super Kick II is a double-ply head, providing more durability and a deeper, more dampened sound.
Is this head suitable for jazz music?: While it can be used for jazz, it is pre-dampened for a punchy sound. Drummers seeking a wide-open, melodic 'bop' sound may prefer an undampened head like a DW Coated or Remo Ambassador.
What is the typical price for this 16-inch model?: The typical price range for the Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 16" is approximately GBP 48. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does the felt ring affect the low end?: The felt ring helps focus the vibration of the head, which emphasizes the lower frequencies. This results in a 'well-defined punchy sound' rather than a long, ringing decay.
Is the felt ring visible from the outside?: Because this is the clear version of the head, the white felt ring is visible through the film. This gives the drum a distinct aesthetic look.
Does the muffling ring ever come loose?: The Floating Muffling System is securely attached during the manufacturing process. It is designed to withstand heavy playing without detaching or buzzing.
Will this head fit a 16-inch Eden Atlas Mini Bass cabinet?: No, the Eden Atlas Mini is a bass guitar amplifier head, not a drum. The Aquarian Super Kick I is a drumhead intended for percussive instruments.