What is the thickness of the Aquarian Super Kick II?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil NEW BRITE film, totalling a 14mil thickness. This provides a robust surface that can withstand heavy impacts.

Does this drum head require internal muffling like a pillow?

Due to the integrated Superkick ring, additional muffling is often unnecessary. The felt ring is designed to control overtones while maintaining a big bass drum sound.

What is the benefit of the vacuum moulding process?

The vacuum moulding process ensures the two plies work together as a single unit. This prevents the plies from vibrating against each other in a way that creates unwanted noise or inconsistent tone.

Is this head suitable for 22-inch bass drums only?

This specific model is sized exactly for 22-inch bass drums. However, the Super Kick II series is available in various sizes to fit different drum dimensions.

How does the 'Clear' finish affect the sound?

The clear film provides a brighter attack and more 'click' from the beater compared to a coated head. This makes it ideal for drummers who want their bass drum to cut through a loud mix.

What kind of music is the Super Kick II best for?

It is highly versatile but excels in rock, metal, and pop. Its punchy, controlled character is preferred for styles requiring a clear, powerful low-end.

How does the Super Kick II differ from the Super Kick I?

The Super Kick II is a two-ply head, offering more durability and a more focused, dampened tone. The Super Kick I is a single-ply head which offers more resonance and a slightly more open sound.

Can I use a wooden beater with this head?

Yes, the two-ply 7mil construction is very durable and can handle wooden, felt, or plastic beaters. The clear film will respond with a sharp attack when used with harder beater materials.

Does the muffling ring ever come loose?

The 'floating' design is engineered to stay attached while moving with the head. It is built to provide unparalleled strength even in the hands of the hardest hitting drummers.

What is 'NEW BRITE' film?

NEW BRITE is a specific type of film used by Aquarian to ensure a clear, powerful attack and a balanced sonic response across the frequency spectrum.

How much does the Aquarian Super Kick II typically cost?

The typical price range for the 22-inch model is approximately GBP 65. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Super Kick II is a modern two-ply head focused on punch and durability, whereas the Calftone is designed to mimic vintage calfskin. The Super Kick II is much better suited for high-volume, modern drumming styles.

Gear article

Aquarian Super Kick II Clear 22 Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Super Kick II Clear 22 is a professional-grade, two-ply bass drum head designed for durability and controlled low-end response. It features a unique vacuum moulding process and an integrated 'Superkick' felt ring to deliver a focused, punchy tone without the need for additional internal muffling.

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Overview and Construction

The Aquarian Super Kick II is a heavy-duty bass drum head constructed from two plies of 7mil 'NEW BRITE' film. A defining characteristic of the Super Kick series is Aquarian's multi-ply vacuum moulding process, which ensures the two layers of film act as a single unit. This design eliminates air pockets between the plies, resulting in improved resonance control and a more consistent vibration across the surface of the head.

The Super Kick Ring System

Central to the head's performance is the integrated 'Superkick' ring. This felt muffling system is attached to the backside of the drum head to dampen unwanted overtones and focus the fundamental pitch. Unlike traditional methods that require stuffing the bass drum with pillows or blankets, this floating ring allows the head to move naturally while providing a pre-equalised, 'plug-and-play' sound suitable for both live performance and studio recording.

Sound Character and Performance

The Super Kick II is noted for its powerful attack and balanced response. Because it utilizes two plies rather than one, the tone is significantly more focused and punchy than the single-ply alternatives. It produces a deep 'thud' with a clear definition, making it ideal for drummers who require a big bass drum sound that does not sustain excessively. The 'Clear' finish specifically contributes to a sharper, more pronounced beater impact compared to coated versions.

Durability and Suitability

Designed with the 'everyday drummer' in mind, the Super Kick II is engineered for high durability. The double-ply construction makes it particularly resilient against heavy hitters and frequent use. It is compatible with any standard 22-inch bass drum and suits genres ranging from rock and metal to pop and fusion, where a controlled low-end is a priority.

Market Comparison

Within the industry, the Super Kick II competes with other specialised bass drum heads such as the Remo Powerstroke series or the Evans EMAD series. Compared to single-ply options like the Attack 24" ProFlex1 or the Evans 56 Calftone, the Super Kick II offers significantly more durability and a much drier, more focused tone. While boutique options like the DW AA Coated series provide a more traditional vintage aesthetic, the Aquarian model is favoured for its modern, pre-dampened sonic profile.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Super Kick II?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil NEW BRITE film, totalling a 14mil thickness. This provides a robust surface that can withstand heavy impacts.
Does this drum head require internal muffling like a pillow?: Due to the integrated Superkick ring, additional muffling is often unnecessary. The felt ring is designed to control overtones while maintaining a big bass drum sound.
What is the benefit of the vacuum moulding process?: The vacuum moulding process ensures the two plies work together as a single unit. This prevents the plies from vibrating against each other in a way that creates unwanted noise or inconsistent tone.
Is this head suitable for 22-inch bass drums only?: This specific model is sized exactly for 22-inch bass drums. However, the Super Kick II series is available in various sizes to fit different drum dimensions.
How does the 'Clear' finish affect the sound?: The clear film provides a brighter attack and more 'click' from the beater compared to a coated head. This makes it ideal for drummers who want their bass drum to cut through a loud mix.
What kind of music is the Super Kick II best for?: It is highly versatile but excels in rock, metal, and pop. Its punchy, controlled character is preferred for styles requiring a clear, powerful low-end.
How does the Super Kick II differ from the Super Kick I?: The Super Kick II is a two-ply head, offering more durability and a more focused, dampened tone. The Super Kick I is a single-ply head which offers more resonance and a slightly more open sound.
Can I use a wooden beater with this head?: Yes, the two-ply 7mil construction is very durable and can handle wooden, felt, or plastic beaters. The clear film will respond with a sharp attack when used with harder beater materials.
Does the muffling ring ever come loose?: The 'floating' design is engineered to stay attached while moving with the head. It is built to provide unparalleled strength even in the hands of the hardest hitting drummers.
What is 'NEW BRITE' film?: NEW BRITE is a specific type of film used by Aquarian to ensure a clear, powerful attack and a balanced sonic response across the frequency spectrum.
How much does the Aquarian Super Kick II typically cost?: The typical price range for the 22-inch model is approximately GBP 65. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Super Kick II is a modern two-ply head focused on punch and durability, whereas the Calftone is designed to mimic vintage calfskin. The Super Kick II is much better suited for high-volume, modern drumming styles.