What is the primary benefit of the UV-cured coating?

The patented UV-cured coating is designed to provide unmatched durability. It prevents the coating from chipping, flaking, or wearing down as quickly as traditional sprayed-on coatings.

How thick is the Evans UV2 18" drum head?

The UV2 features a 2-ply construction, with each ply being 7mil thick. This results in a total thickness of 14mil, providing a robust and damage-resistant surface.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the drum head sits flat and makes even contact with the bearing edge. This results in easier tuning and a more consistent sound across the drum's tuning range.

Does this 18-inch drum head include the drum itself?

No, this product is a replacement drum head only. It is classified under parts and spares and does not include the drum shell or hardware.

What kind of sound profile does the UV2 provide?

The UV2 delivers warmer tonal characteristics compared to single-ply heads. The 2-ply 7mil construction helps focus the sound and reduce unwanted high-frequency overtones.

Is the UV2 suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the UV2 is specifically designed for durability and increased resistance to damage. The double-ply 7mil film construction makes it well-suited for drummers who play with significant force.

Can this head be used on an 18-inch bass drum?

Yes, as long as the drum requires an 18-inch head, the UV2 can be used. It is commonly used as a batter head for small-format bass drums or large floor toms.

How does the UV2 compare to the UV1 series?

While both use the same UV-cured coating, the UV2 is a 2-ply head (14mil total), whereas the UV1 is a single-ply head (10mil). The UV2 is warmer and more durable, while the UV1 is brighter and more resonant.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

The typical price for the Evans UV2 18" drum head is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock.

Does the coating affect the use of brushes?

The UV-cured coating provides a consistent, textured surface that is excellent for brush play. Because it does not chip easily, the texture remains consistent for a longer period than standard heads.

Is this head clear or coated?

The Evans UV2 is a coated drum head. The white coating is cured via ultraviolet light to ensure it remains bonded to the film during extended use.

How does Level 360 technology affect the tuning range?

By providing a consistent fit against the bearing edge, Level 360 Technology guarantees even contact. This allows the drum to be tuned significantly higher or lower while maintaining a clear, balanced tone.

Gear article

Evans UV2 18" Coated Drum Head

The Evans UV2 18" is a professional-grade, two-ply drum head featuring a patented UV-cured coating for enhanced durability and chip resistance. Utilising dual 7mil plies and Level 360 Technology, it is designed to provide a warm tonal response and a wide tuning range for various percussion applications.

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Overview and Construction

The Evans UV2 series represents a significant advancement in drum head coating technology. The 18-inch model is constructed using two plies of 7mil film, creating a robust surface capable of withstanding heavy play. This 14mil total thickness offers increased resistance to damage compared to standard single-ply or thinner double-ply heads.

The defining feature of the UV2 is its patented UV-cured coating process. Unlike traditional coatings that are sprayed on and dried, the UV2 coating is cured using ultraviolet light, resulting in a bond that prevents chipping, flaking, and general wear over long-term use.

Level 360 Technology

A core component of the Evans UV2 design is the Level 360 Technology. This design feature ensures the drum head makes even contact with the bearing edge of the drum shell. By allowing the head to sit flatter and more consistently, the technology facilitates an easier tuning process and a wider overall tuning range. This is particularly beneficial for 18-inch drums, which are often used in varied contexts such as floor toms or small bass drums.

Sound and Performance Characteristics

Sonically, the UV2 is characterised by its warmth and controlled resonance. The two-ply construction naturally dampens higher overtones and focuses the fundamental pitch. This leads to a punchy, warm sound that retains clarity. The UV-cured coating contributes to a consistent attack and texture, making it suitable for both stick and brush work.

User Applications

The 18-inch UV2 is suited for drummers who require a balance of durability and tonal depth. Its versatility allows it to perform well in high-volume settings where resistance to denting is required, while its warm character satisfies the needs of recording environments. It is often selected for floor toms in larger kits or as a batter head for compact jazz bass drums.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard coated heads, the UV2 offers significantly higher durability due to the UV-curing process. While single-ply alternatives might offer more brightness and sustain, the UV2 provides more control and a longer lifespan. Compared to other Evans products like the MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side, the UV2 is designed for resonant warmth and durability rather than the specific high-tension requirements of marching percussion.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the UV-cured coating?: The patented UV-cured coating is designed to provide unmatched durability. It prevents the coating from chipping, flaking, or wearing down as quickly as traditional sprayed-on coatings.
How thick is the Evans UV2 18" drum head?: The UV2 features a 2-ply construction, with each ply being 7mil thick. This results in a total thickness of 14mil, providing a robust and damage-resistant surface.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the drum head sits flat and makes even contact with the bearing edge. This results in easier tuning and a more consistent sound across the drum's tuning range.
Does this 18-inch drum head include the drum itself?: No, this product is a replacement drum head only. It is classified under parts and spares and does not include the drum shell or hardware.
What kind of sound profile does the UV2 provide?: The UV2 delivers warmer tonal characteristics compared to single-ply heads. The 2-ply 7mil construction helps focus the sound and reduce unwanted high-frequency overtones.
Is the UV2 suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the UV2 is specifically designed for durability and increased resistance to damage. The double-ply 7mil film construction makes it well-suited for drummers who play with significant force.
Can this head be used on an 18-inch bass drum?: Yes, as long as the drum requires an 18-inch head, the UV2 can be used. It is commonly used as a batter head for small-format bass drums or large floor toms.
How does the UV2 compare to the UV1 series?: While both use the same UV-cured coating, the UV2 is a 2-ply head (14mil total), whereas the UV1 is a single-ply head (10mil). The UV2 is warmer and more durable, while the UV1 is brighter and more resonant.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: The typical price for the Evans UV2 18" drum head is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock.
Does the coating affect the use of brushes?: The UV-cured coating provides a consistent, textured surface that is excellent for brush play. Because it does not chip easily, the texture remains consistent for a longer period than standard heads.
Is this head clear or coated?: The Evans UV2 is a coated drum head. The white coating is cured via ultraviolet light to ensure it remains bonded to the film during extended use.
How does Level 360 technology affect the tuning range?: By providing a consistent fit against the bearing edge, Level 360 Technology guarantees even contact. This allows the drum to be tuned significantly higher or lower while maintaining a clear, balanced tone.