What is the shell composition of the Mapex Armory kit?

The shells are a hybrid construction consisting of birch and maple layers. This design aims to combine the bright attack of birch with the warm, resonant characteristics of maple.

What is included in the 5-piece shell pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, two rack toms, one floor tom, and a 14-inch Tomahawk steel snare drum. Cymbals and additional hardware such as stands are not included.

What are SONIClear bearing edges?

SONIClear bearing edges are a Mapex-specific design that allows the drum head to sit flatter on the shell. This improves head-to-shell contact, making tuning easier and enhancing the drum's natural resonance.

Which snare drum comes with this shell pack?

The kit includes a 14-inch Tomahawk steel snare drum. It is designed to provide a sharp, clear, and cutting tone that stands out in a variety of musical genres.

What finish is used on this specific model?

This specific model features the Red Onyx Burst finish. It is a visually striking aesthetic that transitions between different shades of red and black.

Are cymbals included with the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion?

No, this is a shell pack only. Cymbals, cymbal stands, and bass drum pedals must be purchased separately.

What type of drum heads are fitted on the kit?

The kit comes fitted with upgraded Remo double-ply heads. These are designed to offer better durability and a more consistent tone straight out of the box.

Is the hardware on the shells heavy or light?

The kit uses low-mass hardware. This is intended to keep the setup light and responsive while allowing the shells to vibrate more freely for maximum sustain.

What is the typical price range for this kit in the UK?

The typical price for this Mapex Armory 5pc shell pack is approximately £909. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.

What is the purpose of the SONIClear suspension mounts?

The SONIClear suspension mounts are designed to hold the toms securely while minimising contact with the shell. This helps to maximise the sustain and resonance of the drums.

Who is the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion best suited for?

It is ideal for drummers who need a versatile kit for both studio and live performance. Its hybrid shells and professional snare make it a reliable choice for intermediate to advanced players.

How does the sound of birch/maple shells compare to pure maple?

Pure maple typically offers a very warm and resonant sound, whereas the hybrid birch/maple shells in the Armory add more 'attack' and high-end clarity due to the birch layers.

Gear article

Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack

The Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack is an acoustic drum kit featuring hybrid birch and maple shells designed for balanced warmth and projection. It is distinguished by its Red Onyx Burst finish and the inclusion of the Mapex Tomahawk steel snare drum, catering to drummers requiring clarity and depth in diverse musical settings.

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Overview and Construction

The Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion 5pc Shell Pack is a mid-to-high tier acoustic drum kit configured for modern performance versatility. The primary innovation of the Armory series is the hybrid shell construction, which layers birch, maple, and birch to combine the bright attack of the former with the warm low-end frequencies of the latter. This specific shell pack includes a 22-inch kick drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a separate steel-shell snare drum.

A key engineering feature is the SONIClear bearing edge. This proprietary design allows the drum head to sit flatter against the shell, ensuring better contact. This results in a stronger fundamental pitch, an easier tuning experience, and a wider tuning range across all drums in the pack.

Hardware and Components

The kit is equipped with low-mass hardware intended to minimise the physical footprint on the shells and maximise natural resonance. The SONIClear suspension mounts facilitate tom stability without choking the shell's vibrations. Additionally, the shell pack comes standard with upgraded Remo double-ply heads, which are selected to provide a durable and reliable tone immediately upon assembly.

Included in the 5-piece configuration is the 14-inch Tomahawk steel snare drum. Unlike the wood-hybrid shells of the toms and bass drum, this snare is designed specifically to provide a sharp, cutting crack that can penetrate dense musical mixes.

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Acoustic Character

The sonic profile of the Armory Rock Fusion is defined by its ability to balance clarity and depth. The birch outer layers provide a distinct 'snap' and projection, making the kit suitable for studio recording where isolation of frequencies is preferred. The internal maple core adds a level of resonance and body, ensuring the drums do not sound thin in live environments.

The Red Onyx Burst finish provides a high-end aesthetic, while the overall response of the kit is described as light and responsive due to the combination of hybrid shells and minimised hardware weight.

Market Comparison

Within the mid-range drum market, the Mapex Armory competes with several established models. In terms of shell composition and price, it is often compared to the Yamaha Rydeen or the Tama Superstar Classic, though the Armory's hybrid shell and steel snare inclusion offer a different value proposition.

For drummers looking for purely maple or birch alternatives, options like the Ludwig Neusonic or the DW Performance Series represent a similar tier, though often at different price points or configurations. The Armory remains a popular choice for those who want a complete shell pack with a professional-grade snare included as standard.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell composition of the Mapex Armory kit?: The shells are a hybrid construction consisting of birch and maple layers. This design aims to combine the bright attack of birch with the warm, resonant characteristics of maple.
What is included in the 5-piece shell pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, two rack toms, one floor tom, and a 14-inch Tomahawk steel snare drum. Cymbals and additional hardware such as stands are not included.
What are SONIClear bearing edges?: SONIClear bearing edges are a Mapex-specific design that allows the drum head to sit flatter on the shell. This improves head-to-shell contact, making tuning easier and enhancing the drum's natural resonance.
Which snare drum comes with this shell pack?: The kit includes a 14-inch Tomahawk steel snare drum. It is designed to provide a sharp, clear, and cutting tone that stands out in a variety of musical genres.
What finish is used on this specific model?: This specific model features the Red Onyx Burst finish. It is a visually striking aesthetic that transitions between different shades of red and black.
Are cymbals included with the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion?: No, this is a shell pack only. Cymbals, cymbal stands, and bass drum pedals must be purchased separately.
What type of drum heads are fitted on the kit?: The kit comes fitted with upgraded Remo double-ply heads. These are designed to offer better durability and a more consistent tone straight out of the box.
Is the hardware on the shells heavy or light?: The kit uses low-mass hardware. This is intended to keep the setup light and responsive while allowing the shells to vibrate more freely for maximum sustain.
What is the typical price range for this kit in the UK?: The typical price for this Mapex Armory 5pc shell pack is approximately £909. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.
What is the purpose of the SONIClear suspension mounts?: The SONIClear suspension mounts are designed to hold the toms securely while minimising contact with the shell. This helps to maximise the sustain and resonance of the drums.
Who is the Mapex Armory 22 Rock Fusion best suited for?: It is ideal for drummers who need a versatile kit for both studio and live performance. Its hybrid shells and professional snare make it a reliable choice for intermediate to advanced players.
How does the sound of birch/maple shells compare to pure maple?: Pure maple typically offers a very warm and resonant sound, whereas the hybrid birch/maple shells in the Armory add more 'attack' and high-end clarity due to the birch layers.