Gear article

Attack Drumheads 16" ProFlex1 1-Ply No Overtone Clear Bass Drum Head

The Attack 16" ProFlex1 1-Ply No Overtone Clear Bass Drum Head is a versatile single-ply drumhead designed for drummers seeking a bright attack and natural resonance. Constructed from 10 mil Dynaflex film with a Duracoat layer, it provides a responsive feel and balanced tone suitable for diverse musical genres such as jazz, funk, and rock.

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Overview

The Attack ProFlex1 series represents a foundational line of drumheads designed for maximum resonance and tonal clarity. The 16-inch 'No Overtone' Clear variant is specifically engineered for smaller bass drums or floor tom conversions. By omitting internal dampening rings or muffling systems, this head allows the shell's natural character to remain prominent, offering a more 'open' sound compared to pre-muffled alternatives.

Construction and Technology

The primary material used is a 10 mil Dynaflex film, which is a proprietary plastic designed to offer a balance between durability and vibration.

Key structural features include: * 1-Ply Design: A single layer of film ensures maximum sensitivity and a quick response to pedal strokes. * Duracoat Layer: This additional coating enhances the head's lifespan and helps maintain a consistent tone throughout the product's life cycle. * Clear Finish: The transparent film prioritises a bright, defined attack that helps the kick drum cut through dense musical mixes.

Sound Profile and Performance

The ProFlex1 Clear head is characterised by its bright, sharp attack and longer decay. Because it lacks built-in overtone control, it produces a full, resonant note with significant sustain. This makes it particularly effective in acoustic settings where a 'woody' and natural kick sound is preferred. The 10 mil thickness provides enough mass for a full low-end while remaining thin enough to capture subtle dynamics in genres like jazz and funk.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other options in the market, the ProFlex1 sits between specialized vintage-style heads and modern muffled heads.

  • Versus Evans 56 Calftone: While the Calftone series aims for a warm, synthetic calfskin vintage sound, the ProFlex1 Clear is much brighter and modern in its projection.
  • Versus Remo Silentstroke: The Silentstroke is designed for low-volume practice, whereas the Attack ProFlex1 is a full-volume performance head.
  • Versus Pre-muffled Heads (like EQ3): Unlike the Evans EQ3, the ProFlex1 'No Overtone' model has no internal rings, requiring the drummer to use external muffling if a drier sound is desired.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Attack 16" ProFlex1 Clear head?
The head is constructed from a single ply of 10 mil Dynaflex film. This thickness is considered a standard medium weight for drumheads, providing a balance of durability and resonance.
Does this head come with built-in muffling?
No, this specific model is the 'No Overtone' version. It does not feature internal rings or dampening, allowing for a natural, open resonance.
What is the purpose of the Duracoat layer?
The Duracoat layer is applied to improve the durability of the film. It also helps in maintaining a consistent tone as the head ages, preventing it from sounding 'dead' too quickly.
Can this 16" head be used on a floor tom?
While it is marketed as a bass drum head, it can fit any standard 16-inch drum rim. However, bass drum heads often have different hoop requirements, so users should check their specific drum hardware compatibility.
What genres of music is the ProFlex1 Clear best suited for?
Its bright attack and open sustain make it highly versatile. It is commonly used in jazz, funk, pop, and rock where a natural kick drum sound is desired.
How does Dynaflex film differ from standard polyester film?
Dynaflex is Attack Drumheads' proprietary film designed to provide a bright, defined attack. It is engineered to be responsive to different tuning ranges while maintaining structural integrity.
Is this head suitable for recording?
Yes, it works well in studio settings where a full, natural resonance is required. Engineers can add external muffling as needed to achieve specific studio tones.
Does this head provide a long or short decay?
Because it is a single-ply head with no overtone control, it provides a longer decay. This results in a fuller, more resonant sound compared to double-ply or muffled heads.
What is the typical price for the Attack 16" ProFlex1?
The typical price range for this specific drumhead is approximately GBP 18. This makes it an affordable option for drummers needing a professional-grade head.
How does the 'Clear' finish affect the sound compared to a 'Coated' finish?
The clear finish provides a brighter and more pronounced attack. Coated heads generally offer a slightly warmer, more muted tone with reduced high-end frequencies.
Is the Attack ProFlex1 easy to control?
Yes, its single-ply construction keeps the feel responsive. This makes it easy for drummers to control their dynamics and accents during performance.
How does this head compare to the Attack 24" ProFlex1?
Both share the same 1-ply 10 mil construction and 'No Overtone' design. The 16" version is meant for smaller kick drums or conversions, resulting in a higher fundamental pitch than the 24" version.