Mesh Heads Vs. Rubber-Pads for E-Drums: Which are Better?
Playing the drums is all about positive vibrations. Especially when comparing mesh heads and rubber pads on an electronic drum set, you can take that literally. Aside from the typically higher price of kits with mesh heads, the main differences are all related to how a pad vibrates when it’s hit with a stick.
To cut to the chase: Mesh heads outperform rubber pads in pretty much all aspects, and this is clearly reflected in our lineup. All our electronic drum kits in the MPS series feature mesh heads and only the MPS-150 is still available in a small version with rubber pads. So, let’s dig into the reasons why mesh heads are the way to go.
Noise Levels: Mesh Heads are Quieter
One of the main reasons people opt for electronic drums over acoustic kits is the lower noise level. But even among e-drums, noise levels vary – and the choice between mesh heads and rubber pads plays an important role here.
While rubber pads are soft and quieter than solid surfaces, they still transfer a lot of vibration back into the pad, producing a louder direct sound. Mesh heads, on the other hand, are far more flexible and allow air to pass through. This helps absorb the stick’s energy, leading to less air movement and, therefore, quieter play.
It’s also important to note that vibrations don’t just travel through the air—they also move through the rack and into the floor. If you live in an apartment or similar setting where noise is a concern, mesh heads are the better choice for maintaining peace.
Playing Feel: Better Rebound with Mesh Heads
Let’s face it: No electronic drum set will ever feel exactly like an acoustic kit. Both mesh heads and rubber pads offer a different experience compared to real drumheads. The main advantage of mesh heads is that you can tune them like acoustic heads – although, of course, it’s not about sound. By adjusting the tension, you can control the rebound, which is a key factor in playing feel.
Because of their elasticity, mesh heads tend to offer more bounce than rubber pads. While this may not feel as “real” as an acoustic head, it can greatly help with finger-control techniques. With a mesh head, playing fast double strokes on toms can feel like a breeze.
Mesh heads are also known for being easier on your wrists. As mentioned earlier, they absorb more energy than rigid rubber pads. This reduces not only noise but also the amount of vibrations sent back through the stick, which can lessen strain on your muscles and nerves. This is especially important for heavy hitters who spend a lot of time behind the kit.
Triggering: Less Crosstalk with Mesh Heads
The fact that mesh heads absorb more of the stick’s energy also improves the triggering accuracy of an electronic drum kit. Compared to rubber pads, far fewer vibrations are transferred through the rack to other pads where they can trigger unwanted hits. While modern e-drum modules can already filter out crosstalk, they do this more effectively when working with mesh heads.
