What is the primary feature of the Aquarian Super-Kick III?

The primary feature is the Floating Muffling System, a narrow felt ring that moves with the head to dampen overtones without killing the natural resonance of the bass drum.

What is the purpose of the Power Dot on this head?

The Power Dot is a reinforced circular patch in the centre that adds durability at the beater impact point and focuses the fundamental pitch of the drum.

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

It is a single-ply drum head made from a 10-mil film, though the addition of the Power Dot gives it durability characteristics similar to a thicker head.

What does the 'Texture Coated Black' finish do for the sound?

The black texture coating provides a slightly warmer, more dampened response compared to a clear head and offers a unique aesthetic for the drum kit.

How does the 'Safe-T-Loc' design assist the drummer?

The Safe-T-Loc hoop prevents the drum head from slipping or pulling out of the rim, which ensures the drum stays in tune longer during heavy playing.

Is an 18-inch bass drum head suitable for all kits?

An 18-inch head is specifically designed for 18-inch bass drums, which are common in jazz kits, 'bop' kits, or compact cocktail kits.

Does this head require additional internal muffling like pillows?

Because of the built-in Floating Muffling System, many drummers find they do not need additional pillows or blankets inside the drum to achieve a punchy sound.

What is the 'Sound Curve Collar'?

It is a specific design in the head's hoop area that allows it to seat perfectly on the bearing edge, facilitating easier and faster tuning.

How does the Super-Kick III compare to the Super-Kick I?

While both use the same muffling system, the Super-Kick III adds a Power Dot and a texture coating, making it more durable and slightly more focused than the SKI.

Can this head be used for high-volume rock music?

Yes, despite its 18-inch size, the durability of the Power Dot and the focused low end make it capable of handling higher volume levels.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for the Aquarian Super-Kick III 18-inch model is approximately £63.00.

How does the impact ring affect the drum's sustain?

The narrow impact ring консолидирует the bass tones by shortening the sustain of high-frequency overtones, resulting in a quicker, 'drier' thud.

Gear article

Aquarian Super-Kick III Texture Coated Black 18" Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Super-Kick III is a specialized 18-inch bass drum head featuring a single-ply construction with a 'Power Dot' and a built-in Floating Muffling System. Designed for durability and focused low-end response, it utilizes a narrow impact ring to control overtones without sacrificing the natural resonance of the drum.

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Overview

The Aquarian Super-Kick III (SKIII) is a hybrid drum head that combines the attributes of the Super-Kick series with the added durability of a top-surface Power Dot. This specific 18-inch model is designed to provide a punchy, controlled sound for smaller bass drums, which can often be difficult to tune for deep low-end. It features Aquarian's signature 'Texture Coated' finish in black, providing a different aesthetic and slightly warmer response compared to clear heads.

Proprietary Technologies

The Super-Kick III incorporates several of Aquarian’s core design features:

Floating Muffling System: A narrow felt muffle ring is attached to the underside of the head to move and breathe with the vibration, consolidating bass tones while dampening unwanted high-frequency overtones.
Sound Curve Collar: Designed for 'easy tuning', this collar allows the head to seat instantly on the bearing edge.
Safe-T-Loc Hoop: A patented hoop design that prevents the head from slipping or pulling out under high tension, ensuring consistent pitch and reliability.
Power Dot: A reinforced centre patch that increases the head's lifespan and focuses the 'thud' of the beater impact.

Sound Character and Performance

In terms of sonic profile, the Super-Kick III is noted for its intense low-end and focused attack. The combination of the 10-mil single-ply film and the central Power Dot results in a sound that is more 'solid' than a standard single-ply head but more resonant than a traditional double-ply head. The black texture coating adds a degree of warmth and softens the initial contact sound, making it suitable for genres where a controlled, pre-equalised sound is desired straight from the drum.

Suitability and Comparisons

This head is particularly well-suited for drummers using 18-inch kick drums in jazz-fusion, pop, or rock settings where a 'big' sound is required from a smaller shell.

Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone 18", which offers a vintage, synthetic-skin aesthetic and broader resonance, the Super-Kick III is more focused and modern. It offers significantly more internal muffling than a standard Remo Silentstroke (which is designed for volume reduction) or a standard single-ply head like the Attack ProFlex1. While it shares some durability traits with heavy-duty heads like the DW AA Coated, the SKIII's built-in muffling system differentiates it as an all-in-one solution for overtone control.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary feature of the Aquarian Super-Kick III?: The primary feature is the Floating Muffling System, a narrow felt ring that moves with the head to dampen overtones without killing the natural resonance of the bass drum.
What is the purpose of the Power Dot on this head?: The Power Dot is a reinforced circular patch in the centre that adds durability at the beater impact point and focuses the fundamental pitch of the drum.
Is the Super-Kick III a single-ply or double-ply head?: It is a single-ply drum head made from a 10-mil film, though the addition of the Power Dot gives it durability characteristics similar to a thicker head.
What does the 'Texture Coated Black' finish do for the sound?: The black texture coating provides a slightly warmer, more dampened response compared to a clear head and offers a unique aesthetic for the drum kit.
How does the 'Safe-T-Loc' design assist the drummer?: The Safe-T-Loc hoop prevents the drum head from slipping or pulling out of the rim, which ensures the drum stays in tune longer during heavy playing.
Is an 18-inch bass drum head suitable for all kits?: An 18-inch head is specifically designed for 18-inch bass drums, which are common in jazz kits, 'bop' kits, or compact cocktail kits.
Does this head require additional internal muffling like pillows?: Because of the built-in Floating Muffling System, many drummers find they do not need additional pillows or blankets inside the drum to achieve a punchy sound.
What is the 'Sound Curve Collar'?: It is a specific design in the head's hoop area that allows it to seat perfectly on the bearing edge, facilitating easier and faster tuning.
How does the Super-Kick III compare to the Super-Kick I?: While both use the same muffling system, the Super-Kick III adds a Power Dot and a texture coating, making it more durable and slightly more focused than the SKI.
Can this head be used for high-volume rock music?: Yes, despite its 18-inch size, the durability of the Power Dot and the focused low end make it capable of handling higher volume levels.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Aquarian Super-Kick III 18-inch model is approximately £63.00.
How does the impact ring affect the drum's sustain?: The narrow impact ring консолидирует the bass tones by shortening the sustain of high-frequency overtones, resulting in a quicker, 'drier' thud.