What is included in the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 5-piece shell set consisting of a bass drum, rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk steel snare drum. It also includes the TH676 double tom holder and Remo UC batter heads. Please note that cymbals and additional hardware stands are not included.

What materials are used for the shells?

The shells are constructed using a hybrid blend of birch and maple. Specifically, the construction follows a birch/maple/birch sandwiching technique to balance attack and resonance.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter and make better contact with the shell. This results in a stronger fundamental pitch, easier tuning, and a wider tuning range.

What kind of snare drum comes with this kit?

The kit includes the Mapex Tomahawk, which is a 1mm stainless steel snare drum. It is known for its bright, aggressive 'cut' and high volume levels.

Are the drum heads included professional grade?

Yes, the kit comes with upgraded Remo UC double-ply batter heads. These are designed to be gig-ready and offer better durability and tone than standard factory heads.

What finish is applied to this specific model?

This model features the Jade Stone Burst finish, a distinct aesthetic that transitions through shades of green and black.

How do the toms mount to the kit?

The rack toms use the SONIClear suspension mounting system, which attaches to the lugs rather than the shell. This is supported by the included TH676 double tom holder.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly use it, the Armory series is positioned as a mid-to-pro level kit. Its features, such as the steel snare and hybrid shells, are designed for drummers who require higher performance for gigging and recording.

Does the shell pack include cymbals?

No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. The package focus is strictly on the drum shells and the tom mounting hardware.

How does the sound of birch/maple hybrid shells differ from 100% maple?

The addition of birch adds more high-end 'bite' and attack compared to pure maple shells. While maple provides warmth and low-end, the birch layers ensure the drums have a punchier, more focused sound.

What is the typical price for this Mapex Armory shell pack?

The typical price for this 5-piece shell pack is approximately £999 in the UK market.

How does the Tomahawk snare compare to wood snares?

The Tomahawk steel snare is significantly brighter and louder than most wood snares. It provides a metallic 'ping' and aggressive projection that helps it stand out in loud rock settings.

Gear article

Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack

The Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack in Jade Stone Burst is a high-performance acoustic drum kit featuring hybrid birch and maple shells. It is designed to provide punchy rock tones and versatile mid-range control, equipped with the manufacturer's proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology for enhanced tuning stability.

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Overview and Construction

The Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion Shell Pack represents a mid-to-high tier offering in the Mapex catalogue, specifically engineered for drummers who require a balance of tonal warmth and projection. The core of the kit lies in its hybrid shell construction, which layers birch and maple. This combination utilizes the brightness and attack of birch alongside the resonant, warm characteristics of maple.

A defining technical feature of the Armory series is the SONIClear bearing edge. This design allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell, resulting in a more consistent contact point. This engineering choice is intended to make the tuning process more efficient while increasing the overall resonance and clarity of the drum's fundamental pitch.

Hardware and Mounting

To ensure maximum resonance, the Armory kit utilizes the SONIClear suspension mounting system for the rack toms. By reducing the contact between the mounting hardware and the shell, the toms are permitted to vibrate more freely, preventing the 'choked' sound often found in entry-level mounting systems. The kit includes the TH676 double tom holder, providing a stable and adjustable platform for the rack toms.

Additionally, the shell pack is supplied with Remo UC double-ply batter heads. These professional-standard heads are selected to ensure the kit is gig-ready immediately upon assembly, providing a durable surface that can withstand the high-impact playing typical of rock and fusion genres.

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The Tomahawk Snare Drum

Unlike many shell packs that include a matching wood snare, the Armory 22 Rock Fusion comes equipped with the Mapex Tomahawk. This 1mm stainless steel snare drum is distinct for its bright, cutting tone. The steel construction provides an aggressive edge and significant volume, allowing the snare to penetrate through dense stage mixes. Its inclusion adds a specific 'crack' to the kit's overall sonic profile, contrasting with the warmer hybrid wood shells of the toms and bass drum.

Sound Character and Suitability

The sonic signature of the Armory Jade Stone Burst is defined by its punchy rock tones and controlled mid-range. The hybrid shells offer a versatile frequency response that is well-suited for various musical environments, though it excels in rock and fusion where clarity and power are paramount. The combination of the deep-thudding 22-inch kick drum and the sharp Tomahawk snare provides a wide dynamic range, making it a reliable choice for both recording and live performance.

Market Comparisons

Within the £999 price bracket, the Mapex Armory competes with several notable shell packs. While the Ludwig Neusonic series (such as the 22 Rapid MOD2) offers a different American-made hybrid shell approach, the Mapex Armory distinguishes itself through the inclusion of a specialized steel snare rather than a matching wood one.

Compared to the Tama Superstar Classic or the Sonor AQ2 series, which often focus on 100% maple shells, the Armory’s birch/maple hybrid provides a different EQ curve with a more pronounced high-end attack. For those seeking a purely aesthetic variation, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a completely different material profile, whereas the Armory remains grounded in traditional wood-hybrid construction with modern bearing edge technology.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 5-piece shell set consisting of a bass drum, rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk steel snare drum. It also includes the TH676 double tom holder and Remo UC batter heads. Please note that cymbals and additional hardware stands are not included.
What materials are used for the shells?: The shells are constructed using a hybrid blend of birch and maple. Specifically, the construction follows a birch/maple/birch sandwiching technique to balance attack and resonance.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter and make better contact with the shell. This results in a stronger fundamental pitch, easier tuning, and a wider tuning range.
What kind of snare drum comes with this kit?: The kit includes the Mapex Tomahawk, which is a 1mm stainless steel snare drum. It is known for its bright, aggressive 'cut' and high volume levels.
Are the drum heads included professional grade?: Yes, the kit comes with upgraded Remo UC double-ply batter heads. These are designed to be gig-ready and offer better durability and tone than standard factory heads.
What finish is applied to this specific model?: This model features the Jade Stone Burst finish, a distinct aesthetic that transitions through shades of green and black.
How do the toms mount to the kit?: The rack toms use the SONIClear suspension mounting system, which attaches to the lugs rather than the shell. This is supported by the included TH676 double tom holder.
Is this kit suitable for beginners?: While beginners can certainly use it, the Armory series is positioned as a mid-to-pro level kit. Its features, such as the steel snare and hybrid shells, are designed for drummers who require higher performance for gigging and recording.
Does the shell pack include cymbals?: No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. The package focus is strictly on the drum shells and the tom mounting hardware.
How does the sound of birch/maple hybrid shells differ from 100% maple?: The addition of birch adds more high-end 'bite' and attack compared to pure maple shells. While maple provides warmth and low-end, the birch layers ensure the drums have a punchier, more focused sound.
What is the typical price for this Mapex Armory shell pack?: The typical price for this 5-piece shell pack is approximately £999 in the UK market.
How does the Tomahawk snare compare to wood snares?: The Tomahawk steel snare is significantly brighter and louder than most wood snares. It provides a metallic 'ping' and aggressive projection that helps it stand out in loud rock settings.