What is the thickness of the Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear?

The main body of the head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film. This thickness provides a standard level of durability and responsiveness common to professional single-ply heads.

How does the inlay ring affect the sound?

The inlay ring acts as a built-in dampener that suppresses high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused sound with enhanced low-end frequencies and a shorter sustain.

Can I use the 18-inch Powerstroke 3 on a floor tom?

Yes, the 18-inch size is standard for large floor toms. The 3-mil inlay ring version is specifically designed to provide tom heads with better resonance control while maintaining a sharp attack.

Is this head suitable for an 18-inch bass drum?

Absolutely. It is a very popular choice for 18-inch kick drums, particularly those used in jazz or small-room settings. The bass drum version typically features a thicker 10-mil inlay ring for extra muffling.

What is the difference between Clear and Coated Powerstroke 3 heads?

The clear version offers a brighter sound with a more pronounced attack and 'snap.' The coated version (not featured here) generally provides a warmer, subtler tone with a slightly dampened attack.

Does the Powerstroke 3 require extra muffling like pillows or gels?

Because of the built-in inlay ring, many drummers find they need less additional muffling. However, depending on the room acoustics, some may still choose to add small amounts of tape or internal dampening for a 'thuddy' sound.

How durable is a 10-mil single-ply head?

While not as rugged as double-ply heads like the Powerstroke 4, the 10-mil construction is industry-standard for professional use. It is durable enough for most musical styles, though very heavy hitters may prefer a two-ply alternative.

What kind of attack does the Clear film provide?

The clear film provides a well-defined, sharp attack. This makes it ideal for players who want their drum hits to cut through a loud mix or have a clear 'point' in a recording.

Is this head easy to tune?

Yes, the Powerstroke 3 is widely regarded as one of the easiest heads to tune. The inlay ring helps eliminate 'flutter' and troublesome overtones, allowing the drummer to find a pure fundamental pitch quickly.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear 18-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £45. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and regional availability.

Can I use wood-tipped sticks with this head?

Yes, it is compatible with all standard drumsticks, including maple wood-tip sticks like the Gear4music 5A models. The clear film responds well to the natural rebound of wooden sticks.

How does the Powerstroke 3 compare to an Evans MS3?

The Evans MS3 is a specialized 14-inch marching snare head, whereas the Remo Powerstroke 3 is a versatile drum set head. The Powerstroke 3 is thinner and designed for the resonant characteristics of toms and bass drums rather than high-tension marching snares.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear 18-inch Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear is a professional-grade 18-inch drum head designed to provide a balance of focused mid-to-low tones and a well-defined attack. Constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film, it incorporates a specialized inlay ring to dampen unwanted overtones and enhance fundamental frequency control.

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Overview

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear 18" is a staple in modern drum manufacturing, serving as a versatile solution for drummers seeking a controlled sound without sacrificing the sensitivity of a single-ply head. While the Powerstroke 3 series is available in a wide variety of sizes, the 18-inch variant is particularly significant due to its dual-purpose application as either a large floor tom head or a small bass drum head, commonly found on jazz or 'bop' kits.

Design and Construction

The head is engineered using a single ply of high-quality 10-mil clear film. The defining characteristic of the Powerstroke 3 design is the thin underlay at the outer edge of the head. For tom-specific applications, this is a 3-mil inlay ring, whereas bass drum versions utilise a thicker 10-mil inlay ring. This physical modification effectively dampens high-frequency overtones, focusing the drum's resonance into the mid and low ranges.

Sonics and Character

The Powerstroke 3 Clear is known for a 'modern' sound profile. Because it utilizes a clear film rather than a coated one, it delivers a sharp, well-defined attack with plenty of 'click' and projection. The internal dampening ring ensures that the sustain is shortened compared to a standard Ambassador head, providing a pre-equalized sound that is easier to manage in both live sound reinforcement and studio recording environments.

User Suitability

This drum head is best suited for players who require precision and control. It is an excellent choice for:

Session Drummers: Who need a head that is easy to tune and records well with minimal external muffling.
Rock and Pop Players: Who value a strong attack and a focused low-end punch.
Bop/Jazz Drummers: Using 18-inch bass drums who want a controlled 'thump' rather than a wide-open, ringing resonance.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other heads in the Remo catalogue, the Powerstroke 3 sits between the wide-open resonance of the Ambassador and the heavy, compressed sound of the Powerstroke 4 (which uses two plies). In contrast to marching-specific heads like the Evans MS3 14", the Powerstroke 3 is designed for standard drum set resonance and tactile response. While accessories like the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike beater can further alter the attack of an 18" bass drum, the Powerstroke 3 provides the foundational tonal control required for a professional setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear?: The main body of the head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film. This thickness provides a standard level of durability and responsiveness common to professional single-ply heads.
How does the inlay ring affect the sound?: The inlay ring acts as a built-in dampener that suppresses high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused sound with enhanced low-end frequencies and a shorter sustain.
Can I use the 18-inch Powerstroke 3 on a floor tom?: Yes, the 18-inch size is standard for large floor toms. The 3-mil inlay ring version is specifically designed to provide tom heads with better resonance control while maintaining a sharp attack.
Is this head suitable for an 18-inch bass drum?: Absolutely. It is a very popular choice for 18-inch kick drums, particularly those used in jazz or small-room settings. The bass drum version typically features a thicker 10-mil inlay ring for extra muffling.
What is the difference between Clear and Coated Powerstroke 3 heads?: The clear version offers a brighter sound with a more pronounced attack and 'snap.' The coated version (not featured here) generally provides a warmer, subtler tone with a slightly dampened attack.
Does the Powerstroke 3 require extra muffling like pillows or gels?: Because of the built-in inlay ring, many drummers find they need less additional muffling. However, depending on the room acoustics, some may still choose to add small amounts of tape or internal dampening for a 'thuddy' sound.
How durable is a 10-mil single-ply head?: While not as rugged as double-ply heads like the Powerstroke 4, the 10-mil construction is industry-standard for professional use. It is durable enough for most musical styles, though very heavy hitters may prefer a two-ply alternative.
What kind of attack does the Clear film provide?: The clear film provides a well-defined, sharp attack. This makes it ideal for players who want their drum hits to cut through a loud mix or have a clear 'point' in a recording.
Is this head easy to tune?: Yes, the Powerstroke 3 is widely regarded as one of the easiest heads to tune. The inlay ring helps eliminate 'flutter' and troublesome overtones, allowing the drummer to find a pure fundamental pitch quickly.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?: The Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear 18-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £45. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and regional availability.
Can I use wood-tipped sticks with this head?: Yes, it is compatible with all standard drumsticks, including maple wood-tip sticks like the Gear4music 5A models. The clear film responds well to the natural rebound of wooden sticks.
How does the Powerstroke 3 compare to an Evans MS3?: The Evans MS3 is a specialized 14-inch marching snare head, whereas the Remo Powerstroke 3 is a versatile drum set head. The Powerstroke 3 is thinner and designed for the resonant characteristics of toms and bass drums rather than high-tension marching snares.