What is the difference between the Rolling Glide and Power Glide cams?

The Rolling Glide features a round, symmetrical cam that provides a consistent and smooth stroke throughout the motion. In contrast, the Power Glide uses an offset cam designed to increase speed and power as the beater approaches the drumhead.

What drive system does the Tama Iron Cobra Rolling Glide use?

This pedal utilizes a double-chain drive system. This provides a more durable and stable connection between the footboard and the cam compared to single-chain or strap-drive designs.

What is a Tama Cobra Coil?

The Cobra Coil is a specialized return spring positioned under the footboard. It helps the footboard return to its starting position more quickly, which can reduce leg fatigue and increase stroke speed.

What are the benefits of the Speedo-Ring?

The Speedo-Ring replaces traditional nylon rocker cams with a built-in high-quality ball bearing. This design significantly reduces friction in the spring mechanism, leading to a smoother feel.

Does the pedal include a case?

Yes, the Tama Iron Cobra Double Bass Drum Pedal - Rolling Glide comes with a dedicated hardshell carry case. This ensures the aluminium connecting rod and the pedals remain protected during transport.

Can I adjust the beater angle independently?

Yes, the Vari-Pitch beater holder allows for complete independence between the beater angle and the footboard height. This allows drummers to find their ideal ergonomic setup without compromising pedal throw.

What type of beater comes with the Iron Cobra?

The pedal is equipped with the Power-Strike beater. This beater is specifically designed to maximize attack and provide better control over the feel of the stroke.

How does the Para-Clamp function?

The Para-Clamp is Tama’s proprietary hoop clamp system. It is designed to grip the bass drum hoop securely even at varying angles, ensuring the pedal stays flat on the floor.

Is the LiteSprocket heavy?

No, the LiteSprocket is designed to be 40% lighter than previous Iron Cobra cams. This reduction in weight allows for a faster, more responsive feel without sacrificing the benefits of a double-chain drive.

What materials are used for the connecting rod?

The double pedal utilizes an aluminium connecting rod. Aluminium is chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the slave pedal remains responsive and durable.

Is this pedal suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade pedal often used by experts, its high level of adjustability and smooth action make it a great long-term investment for any drummer. Its price point reflects its premium features and construction.

What is the Quick-Hook system?

The Quick-Hook is a spring attachment design that allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of the spring mechanism. It also prevents the spring from wobbling or becoming unhooked during play.

Gear article

Tama Iron Cobra Rolling Glide Double Bass Drum Pedal

The Tama Iron Cobra Rolling Glide is a high-performance double bass drum pedal featuring a double-chain drive and a round LiteSprocket cam. It is engineered for a smooth, consistent response and includes proprietary hardware innovations such as the Cobra Coil and Speedo-Ring to reduce friction and improve return speed.

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Overview and History

The Tama Iron Cobra series has established itself as a foundational piece of modern drum hardware. Known for its durability and versatility, the Iron Cobra is designed to withstand the rigours of touring while providing the precision required for studio recording. The Rolling Glide variant specifically focuses on a linear, smooth action that appeals to drummers seeking a traditional feel with modern mechanical reliability.

The Rolling Glide LiteSprocket

Unlike the Power Glide offset cam, the Rolling Glide features a round-shaped LiteSprocket. This design ensures that the velocity of the beater remains consistent throughout the entire stroke. The double-chain drive connects to this sprocket to provide enhanced durability and a more substantial feel underfoot compared to single-chain alternatives, matching the smooth response of classic round cam pedals.

Mechanical Features and Efficiency

Tama has integrated several features to reduce mechanical resistance and increase speed:

Speedo-Ring: Replaces the traditional nylon rocker cam with a high-quality ball bearing system to eliminate friction.
Cobra Coil: A steel spring located under the footboard that assists in returning the pedal to its original position, allowing for faster successive strokes.
Quick-Hook: A spring attachment system that simplifies setup and teardown while ensuring the spring remains secure.
Vari-Pitch Beater Holder: Allows the user to adjust the beater angle independently of the footboard height, offering greater ergonomic customisation.

Stability and Construction

The pedal is built for maximum stability using an aluminium connecting rod to link the primary and slave pedals. It features the Para-Clamp system and a dedicated pedal anchor to ensure the unit remains fixed to the bass drum hoop and the floor during intense playing. For protection during transit, the double pedal set includes a hardshell carry case.

Sound Character and Target User

The Power-Strike beater included with the Iron Cobra is designed to provide increased attack and better control over the sonic profile of the bass drum. Because of the even weight distribution of the Rolling Glide cam, this pedal is particularly suited for drummers who play across multiple genres and require a predictable, fluid response. It is a professional-grade alternative to budget hardware such as the Premier NXT GEN series or standard stands from the Yamaha HS740A or Tama Roadpro lines.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Rolling Glide and Power Glide cams?: The Rolling Glide features a round, symmetrical cam that provides a consistent and smooth stroke throughout the motion. In contrast, the Power Glide uses an offset cam designed to increase speed and power as the beater approaches the drumhead.
What drive system does the Tama Iron Cobra Rolling Glide use?: This pedal utilizes a double-chain drive system. This provides a more durable and stable connection between the footboard and the cam compared to single-chain or strap-drive designs.
What is a Tama Cobra Coil?: The Cobra Coil is a specialized return spring positioned under the footboard. It helps the footboard return to its starting position more quickly, which can reduce leg fatigue and increase stroke speed.
What are the benefits of the Speedo-Ring?: The Speedo-Ring replaces traditional nylon rocker cams with a built-in high-quality ball bearing. This design significantly reduces friction in the spring mechanism, leading to a smoother feel.
Does the pedal include a case?: Yes, the Tama Iron Cobra Double Bass Drum Pedal - Rolling Glide comes with a dedicated hardshell carry case. This ensures the aluminium connecting rod and the pedals remain protected during transport.
Can I adjust the beater angle independently?: Yes, the Vari-Pitch beater holder allows for complete independence between the beater angle and the footboard height. This allows drummers to find their ideal ergonomic setup without compromising pedal throw.
What type of beater comes with the Iron Cobra?: The pedal is equipped with the Power-Strike beater. This beater is specifically designed to maximize attack and provide better control over the feel of the stroke.
How does the Para-Clamp function?: The Para-Clamp is Tama’s proprietary hoop clamp system. It is designed to grip the bass drum hoop securely even at varying angles, ensuring the pedal stays flat on the floor.
Is the LiteSprocket heavy?: No, the LiteSprocket is designed to be 40% lighter than previous Iron Cobra cams. This reduction in weight allows for a faster, more responsive feel without sacrificing the benefits of a double-chain drive.
What materials are used for the connecting rod?: The double pedal utilizes an aluminium connecting rod. Aluminium is chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the slave pedal remains responsive and durable.
Is this pedal suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade pedal often used by experts, its high level of adjustability and smooth action make it a great long-term investment for any drummer. Its price point reflects its premium features and construction.
What is the Quick-Hook system?: The Quick-Hook is a spring attachment design that allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of the spring mechanism. It also prevents the spring from wobbling or becoming unhooked during play.