What woods are used in the Mapex Armory shells?

The shells are a 6-ply hybrid construction consisting of birch and maple. This combination is designed to provide a balance of punchy attack and warm resonance.

What is included in the '5pc Shell Pack'?

The pack includes five drums: the bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk steel snare drum. It also includes the TH676 tom holder; however, cymbals and additional stands are typically sold separately.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier, more consistent tuning and improved vibration transfer from the head to the shell.

What kind of snare drum comes with this kit?

The kit includes the Mapex Tomahawk, which is a steel-shelled snare drum. It is designed to be sharp and articulate, providing clarity and cut in a variety of musical settings.

What size is the bass drum in this specific configuration?

This configuration features a 20-inch bass drum. This size is often preferred for its punchy response and more compact footprint compared to standard 22-inch kicks.

Does the kit include hardware for the rack toms?

Yes, it includes the TH676 double tom holder. This mount features memory locks to ensure the toms stay securely in place once the drummer has found their preferred positioning.

How does the SONIClear mount affect the sound?

The SONIClear tom mounts and floor tom feet are designed to reduce the grounding of vibrations. This allows the shells to ring out with full sustain and reduces unwanted 'rumble' or dampening.

Is this kit suitable for professional use?

Yes, Mapex describes the Armory series as being 'road-ready' and suitable for both live performance and studio work. The hybrid shells and professional bearing edges provide the quality needed for high-level playing.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features the Red Onyx Burst finish. It is a visually striking aesthetic that fits well in both modern and traditional stage setups.

How does the Armory compare to the Mapex Mars series?

The Armory is generally positioned above the Mars series, offering hybrid birch/maple shells and the upgraded Tomahawk steel snare, whereas the Mars typically uses 100% birch shells.

What typical price range can I expect for this shell pack?

The typical price for this 5-piece shell pack is approximately GBP 949. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Are cymbals included with the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion?

No, this is a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and basic mounting hardware only. Cymbals, pedals, and cymbal stands must be purchased separately.

Gear article

Mapex Armory 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack Red Onyx Burst

The Mapex Armory 20 Fusion is a mid-to-high-tier acoustic drum kit featuring hybrid birch and maple shells designed for professional projection and tonal balance. Finished in a striking Red Onyx Burst, this five-piece shell pack includes the acclaimed Tomahawk steel snare drum and Mapex's proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology.

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Overview

The Mapex Armory 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade drum kit aimed at players who require a blend of road-ready durability and studio-quality tone. The kit is distinguished by its Red Onyx Burst finish and a shell construction that integrates different wood types to achieve a specific frequency response. As a 'Fusion' shell pack, it typically utilizes a 20-inch bass drum, offering a tighter, punchier response compared to larger 22-inch alternatives.

Construction and Technology

The core of the Armory series is the 6-ply hybrid shell, which combines birch and maple. This pairing is intended to provide the 'punchy attack' of birch with the 'balanced warmth' of maple.

A key feature is the SONIClear bearing edge. By adjusting the shape of the edge, Mapex ensures the drumhead sits flatter and makes better contact with the shell. This design facilitates easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and a more focused fundamental pitch. The kit also employs SONIClear suspension mounts and floor tom feet, which are engineered to increase sustain by minimising the dampening effects of hardware contact.

The Tomahawk Snare

Unlike many shell packs that include a matching wood snare, the Armory 20 Fusion comes with the Mapex Tomahawk. This is a steel-shelled snare drum known for its sharp, articulate character. It provides a significant 'cut' to penetrate through loud stage volumes, making it a versatile choice for rock, metal, and pop genres.

Sound Character and Performance

The hybrid shells deliver a clear tone with a strong emphasis on projection. The birch component enhances the higher frequencies and initial crack, while the maple provides a solid low-end foundation. This results in a kit that sounds 'big' despite the slightly smaller 20-inch bass drum footprint. The included TH676 tom holder, equipped with memory locks, ensures that the mounted toms remain stable and consistent in their positioning during vigorous live performances.

Target Audience and Comparison

The Armory Series is positioned as a versatile solution for drummers upgrading from a beginner kit or professionals needing a reliable 'workhorse' for touring.

When compared to alternatives such as the Yamaha Rydeen or Tama Superstar Classic, the Armory stands out due to its hybrid shell composition and the inclusion of a high-spec steel snare. While the Ludwig Neusonic or DW Performance Series offer different tonal profiles (such as maple/cherry or North American Maple), the Armory remains a competitive option in the sub-£1,000 category, particularly for those prioritising modern hardware features and aggressive aesthetics.

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Frequently asked questions

What woods are used in the Mapex Armory shells?: The shells are a 6-ply hybrid construction consisting of birch and maple. This combination is designed to provide a balance of punchy attack and warm resonance.
What is included in the '5pc Shell Pack'?: The pack includes five drums: the bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk steel snare drum. It also includes the TH676 tom holder; however, cymbals and additional stands are typically sold separately.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier, more consistent tuning and improved vibration transfer from the head to the shell.
What kind of snare drum comes with this kit?: The kit includes the Mapex Tomahawk, which is a steel-shelled snare drum. It is designed to be sharp and articulate, providing clarity and cut in a variety of musical settings.
What size is the bass drum in this specific configuration?: This configuration features a 20-inch bass drum. This size is often preferred for its punchy response and more compact footprint compared to standard 22-inch kicks.
Does the kit include hardware for the rack toms?: Yes, it includes the TH676 double tom holder. This mount features memory locks to ensure the toms stay securely in place once the drummer has found their preferred positioning.
How does the SONIClear mount affect the sound?: The SONIClear tom mounts and floor tom feet are designed to reduce the grounding of vibrations. This allows the shells to ring out with full sustain and reduces unwanted 'rumble' or dampening.
Is this kit suitable for professional use?: Yes, Mapex describes the Armory series as being 'road-ready' and suitable for both live performance and studio work. The hybrid shells and professional bearing edges provide the quality needed for high-level playing.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features the Red Onyx Burst finish. It is a visually striking aesthetic that fits well in both modern and traditional stage setups.
How does the Armory compare to the Mapex Mars series?: The Armory is generally positioned above the Mars series, offering hybrid birch/maple shells and the upgraded Tomahawk steel snare, whereas the Mars typically uses 100% birch shells.
What typical price range can I expect for this shell pack?: The typical price for this 5-piece shell pack is approximately GBP 949. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Are cymbals included with the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion?: No, this is a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and basic mounting hardware only. Cymbals, pedals, and cymbal stands must be purchased separately.