What is the primary benefit of the DW Flyweight beater?

The primary benefit is the combination of a lighter touch and a powerful sonic output. It allows for faster pedal response without sacrificing the 'thump' and punch required for most musical styles.

How many playing surfaces does the SM107 have?

The SM107 features two distinct playing surfaces. One side is made of high-impact plastic, while the other side is a specialised lightweight red plastic.

What is the purpose of the adjustable weight on the shaft?

The height-adjustable weight allows the drummer to customise the feel and momentum of the pedal. Moving the weight higher increases the power of the stroke, while moving it lower creates a lighter, faster feel.

Is the DW SM107 compatible with other brands of pedals?

Yes, while manufactured by DW Drums, the beater uses a standard shaft size. This makes it compatible with most modern bass drum pedals from other manufacturers.

How does the SM107 compare to the SM101?

The SM107 is a variation of the popular SM101 2-way beater. The main difference is the 'Flyweight' construction, which utilizes lighter materials to provide a more agile feel compared to the standard model.

What kind of sound does the red plastic surface produce?

The lightweight red plastic surface is designed to provide a punchy sound with a lighter physical touch. It offers a specific tonal variation compared to standard felt or heavy plastic beaters.

What is the typical price for a DW Flyweight beater?

The typical retail price for the DW SM107 Flyweight Bass Drum Beater is approximately £48. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does this beater include a felt side?

No, the SM107 features two plastic-based surfaces (high-impact and lightweight red plastic). It does not include the felt surface found on some other 2-way beaters.

Is the DW Flyweight suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, it is designed to provide a 'big thump and punch' despite its lighter weight. The high-impact plastic side is built to withstand rigorous use while maintaining a sharp attack.

What is the manufacturer part number for this item?

The manufacturer part number for the Flyweight beater is SM107. It is often listed in catalogues as the DW SM107 Flyweight Beater.

How does this compare to the Tama Accu-Strike beater?

Both are high-performance beaters, but the DW SM107 focuses on a dual-surface plastic design and an adjustable shaft weight for customisable feel. The Tama CB900PS uses different materials for its specific strike face.

Why is it called a 'Flyweight' beater?

It is named 'Flyweight' because it is a lighter version of DW's standard beater designs. This reduction in mass is intended to improve pedal speed and reduce player fatigue.

Gear article

DW SM107 Flyweight Bass Drum Beater

The DW SM107 Flyweight is a specialised bass drum pedal beater designed for drummers seeking a lighter touch without sacrificing sonic impact. It is a lightweight variation of the industry-standard SM101 2-way beater, featuring a dual-surface head and a customisable weight system.

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Overview

The DW SM107 Flyweight Bass Drum Beater is a professional-grade percussion accessory manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop). Positioned within the 'Parts & Spares' category, it serves as a performance-oriented alternative to standard beaters. It is specifically designed to provide a 'big thump and punch' while requiring less physical effort from the player due to its reduced mass and balanced construction.

Design and Functionality

The SM107 is built upon the foundational design of the popular SM101 2-way beater but focuses on weight reduction. The beater features a dual-sided head assembly:

High Impact Plastic Side: Designed for maximum durability and a sharp, defined attack.
Lightweight Red Plastic Side: A specific playing surface that offers a unique tactile response and tonal character.

A key functional feature is the height-adjustable beater weight located on the shaft. This allows the drummer to move the centre of gravity up or down the rod, effectively altering the throw and 'feel' of the pedal to match personal preference.

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Sound Character

Despite its 'Flyweight' designation, the SM107 is engineered to deliver a significant low-end response. The use of high-impact plastics ensures that the beater produces a distinct punchy sound that can cut through a mix. The combination of lightweight materials and hard contact surfaces allows for a 'thumping' bass drum sound that does not feel sluggish or overly heavy during fast footwork.

Market Position and Compatibility

Retailing at approximately £48, the SM107 occupies the premium segment of the drum beater market. It is primarily compared to other high-performance beaters such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater. While it is a DW product, the standard shaft diameter ensures it is compatible with the majority of modern bass drum pedals, though it is most commonly paired with DW's 5000 and 9000 series hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the DW Flyweight beater?: The primary benefit is the combination of a lighter touch and a powerful sonic output. It allows for faster pedal response without sacrificing the 'thump' and punch required for most musical styles.
How many playing surfaces does the SM107 have?: The SM107 features two distinct playing surfaces. One side is made of high-impact plastic, while the other side is a specialised lightweight red plastic.
What is the purpose of the adjustable weight on the shaft?: The height-adjustable weight allows the drummer to customise the feel and momentum of the pedal. Moving the weight higher increases the power of the stroke, while moving it lower creates a lighter, faster feel.
Is the DW SM107 compatible with other brands of pedals?: Yes, while manufactured by DW Drums, the beater uses a standard shaft size. This makes it compatible with most modern bass drum pedals from other manufacturers.
How does the SM107 compare to the SM101?: The SM107 is a variation of the popular SM101 2-way beater. The main difference is the 'Flyweight' construction, which utilizes lighter materials to provide a more agile feel compared to the standard model.
What kind of sound does the red plastic surface produce?: The lightweight red plastic surface is designed to provide a punchy sound with a lighter physical touch. It offers a specific tonal variation compared to standard felt or heavy plastic beaters.
What is the typical price for a DW Flyweight beater?: The typical retail price for the DW SM107 Flyweight Bass Drum Beater is approximately £48. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does this beater include a felt side?: No, the SM107 features two plastic-based surfaces (high-impact and lightweight red plastic). It does not include the felt surface found on some other 2-way beaters.
Is the DW Flyweight suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, it is designed to provide a 'big thump and punch' despite its lighter weight. The high-impact plastic side is built to withstand rigorous use while maintaining a sharp attack.
What is the manufacturer part number for this item?: The manufacturer part number for the Flyweight beater is SM107. It is often listed in catalogues as the DW SM107 Flyweight Beater.
How does this compare to the Tama Accu-Strike beater?: Both are high-performance beaters, but the DW SM107 focuses on a dual-surface plastic design and an adjustable shaft weight for customisable feel. The Tama CB900PS uses different materials for its specific strike face.
Why is it called a 'Flyweight' beater?: It is named 'Flyweight' because it is a lighter version of DW's standard beater designs. This reduction in mass is intended to improve pedal speed and reduce player fatigue.