Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack Review: The Secret Weapon for a Thunderous, Professional Bass Drum
Every drummer knows that soul-crushing feeling: you sit down at your kit, ready to lay down a heavy groove, and your bass drum sounds like a wet cardboard box. It’s a common frustration, especially when you’re dealing with stock heads or aging equipment. You try the pillows, the blankets, and the rolls of duct tape, but the result is usually a muffled, dead thud rather than a resonant, powerful punch. Solving this “thud” problem is crucial because the bass drum is the heartbeat of your sound; if it doesn’t have authority, the rest of your playing loses its foundation.
The Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is often hailed as the definitive solution to this tonal struggle. We’ve spent countless hours testing drumheads across various kits, and the SKII stands out as a specialized tool designed to provide a “pre-EQ’d” sound right out of the box. If you’ve been looking to see its full feature set and user reviews, you’ll find that it promises a massive low-end boost without the headache of external muffling. In this review, we’ll dive deep into why this particular head has become a staple for rock and metal drummers worldwide.
A Bass Drum Drumhead is more than just a piece of plastic stretched over a shell; it’s a key solution for shaping the entire frequency response of your drum kit. The right batter head can mask the imperfections of a budget-friendly drum shell while highlighting the rich characteristics of a high-end maple or birch kit. Without a high-quality head like the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack, you often find yourself fighting the drum rather than playing it. Modern drumming demands a balance of attack and control, and failing to invest in a purpose-built head often leads to a sound that is either too “clicky” or too boomy, neither of which sits well in a live mix or a recording.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a lack of definition and power—the rock, metal, or gospel drummer who needs a “cannon” sound that can cut through a wall of guitars. We found that it is an absolute lifesaver for those who want a “plug and play” experience without messing with internal dampening. However, it might not be suitable for those who play traditional jazz or acoustic folk, where a wide-open, singing resonance is preferred over a controlled thump. For those softer genres, the extreme focus of a double-ply head might feel too “choked.”
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Ply Count and Thickness: Double-ply heads like the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack offer significantly more durability and a deeper pitch than single-ply versions. If you are a heavy hitter, two 7mil plies are the gold standard for longevity.
- Built-in Muffling Systems: Look for internal rings or felt strips. These prevent unwanted overtones from ringing out, which is a feature that really sets the SKII apart from standard heads that require you to stuff the drum with laundry.
- Attack vs. Resonance: Determine if you want a sharp “click” at the start of the note or a “round” boom. The material and coating of the head will dictate this balance, with clear heads generally offering more “smack.”
- Ease of Tuning: Some heads are notoriously finicky. You want a head that reaches its “sweet spot” with minimal tension, allowing the drum to breathe even when the head is tuned low for that fat rock sound.
While the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Clear super-kick II
- Two 7mil plies
Unboxing and First Impressions: The Build Quality of the Aquarian Super-Kick II
When we first pulled the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack out of its packaging, the first thing we noticed was the sheer heft of the product. At 1.9 pounds, it feels substantial. The “Super-Kick” series is famous for its “Floating Muffling System,” which is a narrow felt ring glued to the underside of the head. Unlike other brands that use rigid plastic trays, this felt ring moves with the head, which Aquarian claims allows the head to vibrate naturally while still killing the “basketball” ringing sound.
The clear finish is immaculate, and the two 7mil plies are vacuum-sealed to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a consistent tone across the entire surface. Comparing this to previous versions or industry standard single-ply heads, the SKII feels much more “industrial grade.” It’s designed to take a beating, and the build quality suggests it can withstand the most aggressive double-kick patterns without pitting or stretching prematurely. You can check the latest price and availability to see how it fits into your upgrade budget.
Key Benefits
- Incredible low-end “thump” that requires zero internal muffling.
- Extreme durability thanks to the dual 7mil ply construction.
- The floating felt ring provides a focused sound without choking the drum.
- Instantly improves the sound of even the most basic “entry-level” kits.
Drawbacks
- Might be too “dead” for drummers seeking a vintage, resonant jazz tone.
- Slightly higher price point compared to standard single-ply heads.
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The...
- 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
Deep Dive: Why the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is a Modern Classic
The “Floating Muffle Ring” Innovation
One of the most impressive features we evaluated was the patented floating muffle ring. In many bass drum heads, muffling is achieved by adding heavy plastic rings or external dampeners that can sometimes rattle or create a “plastic” sound. We found that Aquarian’s approach is far more musical. Because the felt ring is not glued flat against the entire surface but is allowed to “float,” it only dampens the overtones that cause muddiness. When you strike the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack, the felt moves in sync with the plies, allowing the initial attack to be sharp and clear before quickly taming the decay.
This is a feature that really sets it apart in a recording environment. During our testing, we noticed that we didn’t need to use a single pillow or blanket inside the 22-inch kick drum. The sound was naturally “tight” and “punchy,” which is exactly what a sound engineer wants to hear through a kick mic. Users online have mirrored this sentiment, noting that the SKII provides “victory” over the dreaded muffled thud, turning a complicated tuning process into a simple task. It’s this specific engineering that makes the head feel like a premium upgrade rather than just a replacement part.
Tuning Versatility and Low-End Response
Many double-ply heads require high tension to sound “alive,” but the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack excels at low tensions. We found that you can tune this head just past the point of wrinkles, and it produces a thunderous, sub-frequency boom that you can feel in your chest. This “low and fat” tuning is the holy grail for modern rock and metal. The two 7mil plies provide enough mass to move a significant amount of air, which results in a sound that one user described as “turning your bass drum into a cannon.”
What’s particularly interesting is how it handles different types of beaters. Whether you use a soft felt beater for a rounder “thump” or a hard plastic/wood beater for a “clicky” metal attack, the SKII responds with clarity. It doesn’t get “mushy” under heavy footwork. If you’re looking to transform your setup, you should see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how it maintains this clarity even at the lowest possible pitches.
Extreme Durability for Heavy Hitters
For drummers who play long sets or practice daily, durability is often the deciding factor. We’ve seen many competitors’ heads crack or lose their “spring” after a few months of heavy use. However, the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is built with a vacuum-molding process that eliminates “dead spots.” In our experience, the outer ply remains resilient even when subjected to intense double-bass drumming. We found that while other heads might pit or stretch, the SKII stays remarkably consistent over time.
This durability also translates to value. While it might be “pricey” compared to a budget head, it outlasts many of them by a significant margin. One user mentioned switching from a competing “EMAD” head because the SKII didn’t suffer from the “rattling and buzzing” issues often associated with plastic dampening trays. When you buy this pack, you aren’t just buying a sound; you’re buying a long-term solution that won’t fail you in the middle of a gig. It’s a workhorse in every sense of the word.
The “Lamborghini” Effect on Entry-Level Kits
Perhaps the most satisfying part of our evaluation was seeing what this head could do for a “budget” kit. We’ve all played those “crappy, no-name” drums that sound like a sputtering engine. We found that by simply installing the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack and a decent resonant head, you can make a $300 kit sound like a $3,000 professional rig. It masks the thin, tinny resonance of cheap shells and replaces it with a professional-grade punch. This makes it an incredible investment for beginners who aren’t ready to buy a new kit but want to sound like their idols.
The sentiment from the drumming community is clear: “It’s like putting a Mustang engine in a Toyota Corolla.” This transformative power is why so many drummers swear by Aquarian for their kick drums. It takes the guesswork out of drum tech-ing. If you can turn a screw, you can make a drum sound amazing with this head. It’s a testament to the design that it works so well across different wood types and shell depths.
What Other Drummers Are Saying
The general sentiment from the drumming community is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack‘s ability to simplify the drum-tuning process. Many users highlight that this head is a “go-to” for anyone unhappy with their factory-supplied drumheads. One user shared a story about how their DW kit sounded “trash” until they swapped to the SKII, which immediately provided the “thumpy and controlled” sound they were looking for.
A particularly common theme in user feedback is the comparison to the Evans EMAD. While the EMAD is a popular choice, several users noted that the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is more reliable because it lacks the plastic ring that can sometimes rattle or buzz during recordings. “It sounds open, rich, and controlled while suffering from none of the problems I have with Evans,” one reviewer noted. However, it’s not all praise for every genre; a vintage jazz enthusiast pointed out that the head felt too “loud and thunderous” for subtle, low-volume playing. They mentioned it didn’t blend naturally with their smaller toms, which is an important consideration for those not playing modern rock or metal.
Battle of the Batter Heads: How the Super-Kick II Compares
While we believe the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is a top-tier choice, it’s helpful to see how it compares to other industry staples. Depending on your specific needs for attack, sustain, or price, one of these alternatives might catch your eye.
1. Remo Controlled Sound 22 Inch Bass Drum Head
- 22" diameter bass drum head
- Medium and heavy-duty drumhead characteristics
The Remo Controlled Sound (CS) is a classic choice that offers a very different feel than the Aquarian. While the SKII is focused on low-end thump and built-in muffling, the Remo CS is a single-ply head with a “black dot” reinforcement in the center. This gives it a much more “open” sound with a brighter attack. We found that drummers who want more “ring” and a vintage rock vibe might prefer the Remo. However, unlike the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack, you will almost certainly need to add a pillow or an internal dampener to get a modern, controlled sound. It’s a great choice for those who want to “DIY” their muffling rather than having it built-in.
2. Evans EMAD 22″ Heavyweight Bass Drumhead Pack
- ULTIMATE TONE CUSTOMIZATION: The EMAD System Pack empowers you to shape your bass drum's attack, focus, and sustain, giving you complete control over your sound.
- ADJUSTABLE SUSTAIN: The EMAD clear bass batter head includes two interchangeable damping rings, allowing you to fine-tune the sustain to your preference for optimal sound quality.
The Evans EMAD is the most direct competitor to the SKII. It features an “Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping” system, which allows you to swap out two different foam rings to change the level of muffling. This makes it slightly more versatile than the fixed felt ring on the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack. However, as mentioned in user reviews, the plastic tray that holds the foam can sometimes be a point of failure, leading to unwanted buzzes. If you want the ability to “tweak” your muffling on the fly, the Evans is excellent, but if you want “set-it-and-forget-it” durability and a more natural feel, the Aquarian is the superior choice.
3. Evans EC2S Clear Rock Tom Drum Heads
- TWO PLIES: EC2S Clear heads use two plies of 7mil film for optimized tone, length of sustain, and ease of tuning.
- SOUND SHAPING TECHNOLOGY: This drumhead features Sound Shaping Technology (SST) for a well-balanced sound and focused attack.
While this is a pack for your toms rather than your kick drum, it’s worth mentioning for drummers who are looking to overhaul their entire kit’s sound to match the SKII. The EC2S heads use a “SST” (Sound Shaping Technology) ring that functions similarly to the SKII’s muffling, taming overtones while letting the drum sing. If you’ve fallen in love with the “cannon” sound of the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack, adding these Evans heads to your toms will create a cohesive, punchy, and modern kit sound. They are the perfect companion for a drummer who wants to eliminate “ringing” across their entire setup.
Final Verdict: Is the Aquarian Super-Kick II the Ultimate Kick Head?
After extensive testing and cross-referencing with hundreds of user experiences, our verdict is clear: the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack is one of the most effective upgrades any drummer can make. Its ability to provide a deep, punchy, and “pre-mixed” sound without the need for additional muffling is a massive time-saver. It is exceptionally durable, making it a “trusted workhorse” for gigging musicians. While it may not be the first choice for a jazz drummer looking for maximum resonance, for anyone playing rock, metal, pop, or gospel, it is a game-changer. It turns a “sputtering engine” of a drum into a “2000 horsepower Lamborghini.”
If you are tired of fighting your kit and want a bass drum sound that is “worth every gosh darn penny,” we can’t recommend this head enough. It simplifies your setup, protects your investment through durability, and—most importantly—makes you sound like a pro. Don’t settle for a mediocre “thud” any longer. We highly recommend that you check out the Aquarian Super-Kick II Drumhead Pack for yourself and experience the power of a truly optimized bass drum sound.
Last update on 2026-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API