Gear article

Tama HTS88W Roadpro Single Tom Stand

The Tama HTS88W Roadpro Single Tom Stand is a heavy-duty drum mounting solution designed for professional use. As part of Tama's Roadpro series, it features double-braced legs and a 10.5mm tom arm, offering substantial stability for mounting single rack toms in a variety of kit configurations.

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Background and Design

The HTS88W is a member of the established Roadpro series by Tama, a line of hardware specifically engineered to meet the demands of touring and gigging drummers. 'Roadpro' stands for 'Road-proven,' signifying that the hardware is built to withstand frequent set-up and tear-down cycles. Constructed primarily from steel, the HTS88W focuses on a balance between tour-grade durability and relative portability for the working musician.

Key Hardware Features

The stand is characterised by several structural features intended to ensure stability:

  • Double-Braced Legs: The tripod base uses double-braced steel legs, which prevent the stand from wobbling or tipping under the weight of larger toms.
  • Rubber Feet: Large rubber feet are included to provide grip on various floor surfaces and to dampen vibrations.
  • Tom Mounting: It includes a standard 10.5mm tom arm, which is the common diameter for many modern drum mounting systems.
  • Adjustability: The stand allows for height and angle adjustments, making it versatile for drummers who prefer to position their rack toms independently of the bass drum.

Performance Character

The primary functional benefit of the HTS88W is its reliability. By moving the tom away from a bass drum mount and onto a dedicated floor stand, the drummer can achieve more precise positioning. The robust steel construction ensures that once the tom is locked into place, it remains stationary even under heavy play. This level of stability is essential for consistent performance during live sets.

Market Position and Alternatives

Within the current market, the HTS88W sits in the mid-to-high tiers of professional hardware. At a price point of approximately £107, it competes with other professional stands such as the PDP 700 Series Light Straight Cymbal Stand or heavier offerings from brands like Yamaha and Pearl. While lighter alternatives like the PDP 700 series exist for those prioritising weight, the Roadpro HTS88W is specifically targeted at those requiring the added security of a double-braced tripod.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Tama HTS88W?
The stand is manufactured from high-quality steel to ensure durability and a long lifespan during professional use.
What size is the included tom arm?
The HTS88W comes equipped with a 10.5mm diameter tom arm, which is a standard size for many drum brands.
Is the Tama HTS88W suitable for heavy drumming?
Yes, its double-braced leg design and steel construction are specifically designed to withstand heavy use and high-impact playing styles.
How many legs does the stand have?
It features a three-legged tripod design, with each leg being double-braced for maximum stability.
Does this stand come with rubber feet?
Yes, the HTS88W includes large rubber feet to prevent the stand from sliding and to protect floor surfaces.
Can the height of the stand be adjusted?
Yes, the stand features various versatile settings that allow for height and tilt adjustments to suit different kit layouts.
Which series does the HTS88W belong to?
This model is part of Tama's Roadpro series, which is a professional line of hardware intended for gigging drummers.
Is the HTS88W portable?
While it is robust and heavy-duty, the stand is designed to be easily transportable for drummers on the move.
Why would a drummer use a single tom stand instead of a bass drum mount?
A dedicated stand allows for more flexible placement of the tom and can help prevent vibrations from affecting the bass drum.
What is the typical price for the Tama HTS88W?
The stand is typically priced around £107, though this may vary slightly by retailer.
Does the stand allow for precise tom positioning?
Yes, it provides the option to position the tom in a way that specifically suits your unique drum set-up requirements.
Can it support large or heavy toms?
Yes, the combination of double-braced legs and steel construction makes it capable of firmly supporting toms of various sizes.