What is the primary material used in the Attack Orbit bass drum head?

The head is constructed using Dynaflex film. It features a 10 mil clear top layer and a white under-ply modified with a specific orb pattern.

What does the term 'vacuity' refer to in this drumhead?

Vacuity refers to the process where sections of the under-ply are removed. This allows the head to vibrate more freely and breathe better than a standard solid two-ply head.

How does the orb pattern affect the sound?

The calculated orb pattern on the white under-ply is designed to shape airflow. This helps to enhance the low-end response and control the resonance without choking the drum.

Is the Attack Orbit 2-Ply suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, because it utilises a 2-ply construction, it offers the strength and durability required for aggressive playing styles while maintaining responsiveness.

What is the thickness of the top layer?

The top layer is a 10 mil clear Dynaflex film. This thickness is chosen to provide a defined attack and sufficient durability for the beater impact.

Does this head come with built-in muffling rings?

The Orbit design relies on its 'vacuity' under-ply and orb pattern to control tone rather than internal dampening rings. This results in a more open, resonant sound compared to heads like the Evans EQ3.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for a 20-inch diameter bass drum. It is a batter-side head intended to be struck by the kick pedal beater.

How does the white under-ply change the appearance?

Because the top layer is clear and the bottom layer is white with removed sections, the head has a unique translucent white aesthetic that reveals the orb pattern.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

While technically possible, it is specifically designed as a batter head to withstand beater impact. For a resonant side, a dedicated resonant head like the Evans EQ3 Smooth White is more common.

How much does the Attack 20" Orbit 2-Ply typically cost?

In the UK market, this drumhead typically retails for approximately £40.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What is the benefit of the 'hybrid' feel mentioned by the manufacturer?

It combines the physical durability and deep pitch of a 2-ply head with the sensitive, quick response of a 1-ply head. This gives the drummer more nuanced control over the beater feel.

How does this compare to the Attack ProFlex1?

The ProFlex1 is a 1-ply head designed for maximum resonance with no overtones. The Orbit is a 2-ply head that offers more durability and a punchier, deeper low-end response.

Gear article

Attack Drumheads 20-inch Orbit 2-Ply White Batter Bass Drum Head

The Attack 20" Orbit 2-Ply White Batter is a hybrid-construction drumhead designed to offer the durability of a double-ply head with the resonant openness typically found in single-ply designs. Utilising a proprietary 'vacuity' removal process, it balances punchy low-end response with defined attack for bass drum applications.

Attack Drumheads Attack 20" Orbit 2Ply White Batter Bass Drum Head

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Background and Construction

The Orbit series represents Attack Drumheads' approach to solving the traditional trade-off between durability and resonance. While standard two-ply heads are often favoured for their strength and deep fundamental, they can sometimes 'choke' the drum's natural sustain. The Orbit design employs two distinct layers of Dynaflex material to mitigate this.

The top layer consists of a 10 mil clear film which provides the primary striking surface and ensures high-frequency definition. The under-ply is a white film featuring a 'calculated orb pattern'. This specific geometry is intended to shape airflow within the drum, enhancing the low-frequency output while maintaining a controlled feel.

The Vacuity Concept

Central to the Orbit's performance is a manufacturing technique Attack calls 'vacuity'. Unlike a traditional 2-ply head where two full sheets of film are pressed together, the Orbit features sections of the under-ply that have been carefully removed.

This modification allows the head to 'breathe' more naturally than a standard double-ply head. By reducing the total mass and surface contact between the two layers, the drum projects with more openness and sustain, while the remaining material provides the structural reinforcement and tonal weight expected of a multi-ply batter head.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sound Character and Feel

The Attack 20" Orbit 2-Ply White Batter is characterised by its punchy low-end and crisp attack. Because the 10 mil top layer remains intact, the 'click' or definition of the beater impact is preserved, making it suitable for genres requiring rhythmic precision.

The tactile response is described as a balanced blend; it provides the solid resistance and rebound of a double-ply head without the stiff or 'dead' sensation that can occur with heavily dampened heads. The result is a controlled power that does not sacrifice the drum's resonant character.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to traditional single-ply heads like the Attack ProFlex1, the Orbit offers significantly more durability and a deeper fundamental tone. In contrast to heavy-duty dampened heads like the Evans EQ3 or the vintage-voiced Evans 56 Calftone series, the Orbit focuses more on 'natural breathing' and sustain rather than maximum internal muffling.

While products like the Remo Silentstroke are designed for volume reduction, the Orbit is a full-volume performance head. It occupies a middle ground between the bright, open snap of a DW Coated Clear head and the thick, focused thump of a standard solid 2-ply batter.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Attack Orbit bass drum head?: The head is constructed using Dynaflex film. It features a 10 mil clear top layer and a white under-ply modified with a specific orb pattern.
What does the term 'vacuity' refer to in this drumhead?: Vacuity refers to the process where sections of the under-ply are removed. This allows the head to vibrate more freely and breathe better than a standard solid two-ply head.
How does the orb pattern affect the sound?: The calculated orb pattern on the white under-ply is designed to shape airflow. This helps to enhance the low-end response and control the resonance without choking the drum.
Is the Attack Orbit 2-Ply suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, because it utilises a 2-ply construction, it offers the strength and durability required for aggressive playing styles while maintaining responsiveness.
What is the thickness of the top layer?: The top layer is a 10 mil clear Dynaflex film. This thickness is chosen to provide a defined attack and sufficient durability for the beater impact.
Does this head come with built-in muffling rings?: The Orbit design relies on its 'vacuity' under-ply and orb pattern to control tone rather than internal dampening rings. This results in a more open, resonant sound compared to heads like the Evans EQ3.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for a 20-inch diameter bass drum. It is a batter-side head intended to be struck by the kick pedal beater.
How does the white under-ply change the appearance?: Because the top layer is clear and the bottom layer is white with removed sections, the head has a unique translucent white aesthetic that reveals the orb pattern.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: While technically possible, it is specifically designed as a batter head to withstand beater impact. For a resonant side, a dedicated resonant head like the Evans EQ3 Smooth White is more common.
How much does the Attack 20" Orbit 2-Ply typically cost?: In the UK market, this drumhead typically retails for approximately £40.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What is the benefit of the 'hybrid' feel mentioned by the manufacturer?: It combines the physical durability and deep pitch of a 2-ply head with the sensitive, quick response of a 1-ply head. This gives the drummer more nuanced control over the beater feel.
How does this compare to the Attack ProFlex1?: The ProFlex1 is a 1-ply head designed for maximum resonance with no overtones. The Orbit is a 2-ply head that offers more durability and a punchier, deeper low-end response.