Gear article
Gewa 13" x 11" SPS Tom Bag
The Gewa 13" x 11" SPS Tom Bag is a high-grade protective drum carrier designed for rack toms, featuring a reinforced Side Protection System (SPS). It utilises military-grade 1680 Denier CORDURA® nylon fabric to provide significant resistance to abrasion and impact during transport.

Overview
The Gewa 13" x 11" SPS Tom Bag is a professional-tier storage solution for drummers requiring robust protection without the weight of a traditional hard-shell flight case. The unit is part of the Side Protection System (SPS) range, which focuses on structural integrity through the use of reinforced materials and high-density padding. It is specifically sized to accommodate rack toms with a 13-inch diameter and an 11-inch depth.
Construction and Materials
The exterior of the bag is constructed from 1680 Denier CORDURA® nylon. This synthetic fabric was originally developed for military-grade body armour, offering superior resistance to tearing and abrasion compared to standard polyester bags. Internally, the drum is protected by a 20mm layer of thick foam padding, which acts as a shock absorber. The innermost layer features a soft fleece lining designed to prevent scratches or scuffs to the drum's lacquer or wrap finish.

Portability and Ergonomics
Gewa has designed the SPS bag with two primary transport methods to suit different transit lengths:
- Shoulder Strap: An adjustable carry strap equipped with a shoulder pad is included for hands-free transport over longer distances, reducing physical strain.
- Soft Carry Handle: For short movements, such as loading into a vehicle, the bag features a cushioned handle designed to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to entry-level options like the Gear4music Rock Fusion Drum Bag Set, the Gewa SPS series offers significantly higher material density (1680D vs standard nylon) and thicker padding (20mm). While it lacks the absolute crush resistance of a hard-shell case, such as those produced by BAM for violins or cellos, it provides a middle ground for gigging musicians who require better-than-average protection against the typical impacts found in a tour van or rehearsal space.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary material used for the exterior of the Gewa SPS Tom Bag?
- The exterior is made from 1680 Denier CORDURA® nylon fabric. This material is noted for its high resistance to tearing and abrasion and is the same grade used in military body armour.
- What size drum is this bag designed to fit?
- This specific model is designed for a rack tom measuring 13 inches in diameter by 11 inches in depth. It is important to measure your drum including the mounting hardware to ensure a proper fit.
- How much padding does the bag provide?
- The bag features 20mm of thick foam padding. This provides a substantial cushion against impacts when the drum is being moved or stored in a vehicle.
- What does SPS stand for in the product name?
- SPS stands for Side Protection System. This refers to Gewa's design philosophy of reinforcing the sides of the bag to ensure the drum remains secure and protected from lateral impacts.
- Is the interior of the bag safe for delicate drum finishes?
- Yes, the bag is lined with an inner fleece lining. This soft material is intended to protect the drum's finish from scratches or surface marks during transit.
- Does the bag include a shoulder strap?
- Yes, it comes with an adjustable carry strap. The strap also includes a shoulder pad to improve comfort when carrying the drum over longer distances.
- How does the handle design assist the user?
- The bag features a soft carry handle. This is designed to make short journeys more comfortable and to provide a secure grip for lifting the drum in and out of storage.
- Is the material water-resistant?
- While not fully waterproof, the 1680 Denier CORDURA® fabric is a tough synthetic nylon that offers high resistance to environmental wear. It provides a standard level of protection against light moisture during transit.
- What is the typical price range for this tom bag?
- The typical price for the Gewa 13" x 11" SPS Tom Bag is approximately 92 GBP. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
- Can this bag be used for floor toms?
- This specific model is sized for a 13" x 11" rack tom. If your floor tom fits these exact dimensions, it can be used, but most floor toms are significantly larger and would require a different SPS model.
- How does this bag compare to a hard case?
- This bag is lighter and easier to store than a hard case, though it offers less protection against heavy crushing forces. However, with its 20mm padding and CORDURA® exterior, it is significantly more protective than standard economy gig bags.
- Is the 1680 Denier nylon better than standard 600D nylon?
- Yes, 1680 Denier is much thicker and stronger than the 600D nylon found on budget bags. It provides superior durability and better protection against sharp objects or rough handling.
