Gear article
Evans Super Tough ST Coated Snare Drum Head 14
The Evans Super Tough (ST) Coated Snare Drumhead is a 14-inch professional-grade drumhead designed for high-impact performance and longevity. Constructed with two layers of 7.5mil film, it incorporates Evans' proprietary Level 360 Technology to ensure consistent contact between the head and the shell across a wide tuning range.

Overview and Construction
The Evans Super Tough ST Coated Snare Drumhead is engineered for drummers who require a balance of durability and sonic projection. The head is manufactured using two identical plies of 7.5mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15mil. This dual-ply architecture is specifically intended to withstand heavy hitting while maintaining a consistent response over time. The white coating adds a layer of texture, which influences both the sustain and the frequency response of the drum.
Key Technologies
A defining feature of the ST series is the integration of Evans' Level 360 Technology. This design extends the level playing surface of the drumhead 360 degrees around the drum. The vertically enhanced collar design ensures the head sits flush against the bearing edge of the shell. This contact facilitates easier tuning, a broader pitch range, and improved resonance by allowing the head to vibrate more freely across the entire circumference of the drum.

Sound Character and Performance
The Evans ST is designed to deliver significant volume and ring, making it suitable for unamplified environments where the snare needs to cut through a dense mix. It is particularly noted for its ability to produce full-bandwidth rimshots, capturing the depth of the shell alongside the high-frequency 'crack' of the rim. Despite its heavy-duty build, the head is designed to provide the player with high levels of control over the drum's harmonic overtones.
Target Audience and Applications
Due to its robust construction and high output, the Evans Super Tough ST is ideally suited for music genres that demand high intensity and volume, such as rock and metal. It is a preferred choice for heavy hitters who frequently break single-ply heads. While versatile enough for various applications, its primary design focus is on longevity and projection in high-decibel environments.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Evans product line, the ST stands as a more durable alternative to single-ply heads like the G1 series. Compared to the Evans Black Chrome series, which uses a different film combination for a darker tone, the ST Coated focuses on a broader frequency spectrum and traditional coated feel. While marching heads like the Evans MS3 are designed for the extreme tensions of pipe band or corps drumming, the ST is specifically tailored for standard acoustic snare drums used in kit drumming.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the thickness of the Evans ST Coated Snare Head?
- The head is constructed using two plies of 7.5mil film. This results in a total thickness of 15mil, providing a heavy-duty playing surface.
- What size drum is this specific model designed for?
- This specific Evans Super Tough ST model is designed for a 14-inch snare drum, which is the standard size for most modern snare shells.
- What is Level 360 Technology?
- Level 360 is an Evans-exclusive collar design that ensures the drumhead sits flat and even on the bearing edge. This technology improves tuning stability and the overall tonal range of the drum.
- Is this drumhead suitable for heavy metal music?
- Yes, the Evans ST is specifically designed for genres like rock and metal. Its two-ply construction provides the durability and volume necessary for high-intensity playing styles.
- How does the coating affect the sound of the drum?
- The coating on the Evans ST provides a slightly warmer tone compared to clear heads. It also offers the necessary friction for brush work, though its primary role is controlling overtones and increasing durability.
- Can I achieve a good rimshot sound with this head?
- Yes, the manufacturer describes the ST as allowing for a full-bandwidth rimshot sound. The two-ply construction ensures that the impact of the rim and the head together produces a powerful, full-frequency crack.
- Does this head come with a snare-side head included?
- No, this product is the batter (top) side drumhead only. Snare-side heads, such as the Evans MS3 or Hazy 300, must be purchased separately.
- How much does the Evans Super Tough ST typically cost?
- The typical price range for the 14-inch version of this drumhead is approximately £25.00, depending on the retailer.
- How does the ST compare to a single-ply 10mil head?
- The ST is significantly more durable and offers more controlled overtones due to its 15mil total thickness. A single-ply 10mil head will be more sensitive but will wear out faster under heavy use.
- Is this head clear or opaque?
- This specific model is a coated drumhead, which means it has a white, textured finish. Evans also produces clear versions in other series, but the ST is standard with a coating.
- Will Level 360 Technology help if my drum shell is slightly out of round?
- Yes, the design of the Level 360 collar allows the head to seat more effectively on shells that might have minor inconsistencies, helping to achieve a more consistent tune.
- What is the main benefit of the two 7.5mil plies?
- The primary benefit is maximum longevity. The dual layers distribute the force of impact better than a single layer, making it much harder to dent or stretch the film during aggressive play.
