What is the primary material of the Aquarian Super Kick I?

The Super Kick I is made from a single ply of clear, medium-weight drum film designed for a balance of sensitivity and durability.

What is the 'Floating Muffling System'?

It is a patented design featuring a narrow felt muffle ring attached to the underside of the head that moves with the film to control overtones without choking the drum.

Does this drumhead require an internal pillow?

Due to the built-in felt muffle ring, many drummers find that additional internal dampening like pillows or foam is not necessary to achieve a punchy sound.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for 18-inch diameter bass drums, which are common in jazz and bop-style kits.

How does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated version?

The clear film provides a brighter attack and more immediate 'click' upon impact compared to a coated head, which would offer a warmer, softer tone.

Is the Super Kick I a single-ply or double-ply head?

The Super Kick I is a single-ply head; for drummers seeking a double-ply version, Aquarian offers the Super Kick II.

What kind of sound character does this head produce?

It produces a well-defined, punchy low-end sound with a focused fundamental note and minimal unwanted ringing.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?

The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately GBP 48.00.

Can this head be used for heavy metal drumming?

While it can be used for various genres, heavy hitters may prefer a double-ply head like the Super Kick II for increased durability and a deeper thud.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4?

The Evans Calftone is designed for a vintage look and warmth, whereas the Super Kick I Clear is designed for modern clarity and a punchier attack.

Is the felt ring visible from the outside?

Because the film is clear, the internal narrow felt muffle ring is visible through the head, surrounding the inner perimeter.

Does the muffling ring affect the resonance of the drum shell?

The ring is designed to dampen the head's overtones rather than the shell itself, allowing the drum to retain its natural character while controlling sustain.

Gear article

Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 18" Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 18" is a single-ply, medium-weight bass drumhead featuring a patented internal muffling system. It is designed to provide a well-defined, punchy low-end sound by controlling overtones without the need for external dampening materials.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Aquarian Super Kick I Clear 18" is a professional-grade bass drumhead constructed from a single layer of medium-weight film. As part of the established Super Kick series, this head is engineered to balance durability with a natural resonance, specifically tailored for 18-inch bass drums often found in jazz, bop, or compact travel kits. Unlike standard single-ply heads that may require pillows or external gels, the Super Kick I incorporates integrated sound control directly into its design.

Floating Muffling System

The defining technical feature of this drumhead is Aquarian's patented "Floating Muffling System." This design consists of a narrow felt muffle ring attached to the backside of the head. Because the ring is not glued flat across its entire surface, it "floats" with the head, moving in tandem with the vibration to dampen harsh overtones while maintaining a focused fundamental pitch. This prevents the drum from sounding "choked" while still delivering a clear, punchy response.

Sound Profile and Performance

The Super Kick I Clear is characterised by a well-defined, low-end punch. The clear film provides a sharp attack with immediate presence, making it suitable for drummers who prefer a modern, articulate kick sound. The internal felt ring focuses the energy of the stroke, resulting in a pre-equalised tone that reduces the high-frequency ring common in smaller bass drums. This makes it particularly effective for recording and live performance where a clean signal is required.

Target Audience

This 18-inch head is ideally suited for drummers playing smaller-format kick drums who desire a larger, deeper sound than the drum's physical dimensions might typically allow. It is a popular choice for session drummers who need a versatile head that performs well across various genres without extensive manual dampening. Its medium weight offers enough sensitivity for dynamic playing while remaining robust enough for moderate rock or pop applications.

Market Comparisons

Within the 18-inch bass drumhead market, the Super Kick I competes with several alternatives. Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4, which offers a vintage aesthetic and warmer tone, the Super Kick I provides a more modern, bright attack. Unlike the Remo Silentstroke 16, which is designed for volume reduction, the Super Kick I is a full-volume performance head. It offers a more controlled sound out of the box than a standard DW AA Coated or Clear head, which typically requires additional internal muffling to achieve a similar level of punch.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Aquarian Super Kick I?: The Super Kick I is made from a single ply of clear, medium-weight drum film designed for a balance of sensitivity and durability.
What is the 'Floating Muffling System'?: It is a patented design featuring a narrow felt muffle ring attached to the underside of the head that moves with the film to control overtones without choking the drum.
Does this drumhead require an internal pillow?: Due to the built-in felt muffle ring, many drummers find that additional internal dampening like pillows or foam is not necessary to achieve a punchy sound.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for 18-inch diameter bass drums, which are common in jazz and bop-style kits.
How does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated version?: The clear film provides a brighter attack and more immediate 'click' upon impact compared to a coated head, which would offer a warmer, softer tone.
Is the Super Kick I a single-ply or double-ply head?: The Super Kick I is a single-ply head; for drummers seeking a double-ply version, Aquarian offers the Super Kick II.
What kind of sound character does this head produce?: It produces a well-defined, punchy low-end sound with a focused fundamental note and minimal unwanted ringing.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?: The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately GBP 48.00.
Can this head be used for heavy metal drumming?: While it can be used for various genres, heavy hitters may prefer a double-ply head like the Super Kick II for increased durability and a deeper thud.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4?: The Evans Calftone is designed for a vintage look and warmth, whereas the Super Kick I Clear is designed for modern clarity and a punchier attack.
Is the felt ring visible from the outside?: Because the film is clear, the internal narrow felt muffle ring is visible through the head, surrounding the inner perimeter.
Does the muffling ring affect the resonance of the drum shell?: The ring is designed to dampen the head's overtones rather than the shell itself, allowing the drum to retain its natural character while controlling sustain.