Best Tom Drumheads for Metal: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews
Introduction
When you are behind the kit playing metal, your gear needs to handle an absolute onslaught. We have spent years testing skins that can survive the blast beats and heavy-handed fills typical of the genre. After evaluating dozens of options, we have found that the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ stands out as the definitive choice for the modern metal drummer. Its two-ply Mylar construction offers the perfect balance of bright attack and extreme durability, ensuring your toms cut through a wall of distorted guitars without failing mid-set.
Best Choice Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ |
Best Price Remo Ambassador Coated Tom Drumhead Pack |
 Evans G2 Coated Standard Tom Drum Heads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 2-ply 7 mil Mylar film | 1-ply 12-mil film | 2-ply 7mil film |
| Finish Type | Clear / Polished | Coated | Coated |
| Sound Profile | Consistent open tones | Bright attack and controlled sustain | Warmth, focus, and depth |
| Included Sizes | 12″, 13″, and 16″ | 10″, 12″, and 16″ | 12″, 13″, and 16″ |
| Key Technology | Free-floating plies | Enhanced stick rebound | Level 360 Technology |
| Durability | Increased durability and projection | High durability for mid-range tones | Moderate durability with optimum quality |
| Buy Now | See latest price | See latest price | See latest price |
Our Top 10 Picks for Best Tom Drumheads for Metal
#1 Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ – Ideal for: Maximum projection and durability in high-volume settings.
- Clear Emperor heads are made with two free-floating plays of 7 mil Mylar film
- Features consistent open tones
We found the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ to be the absolute gold standard for heavy music. Constructed from two plies of 7-mil Mylar film, these heads are engineered to take a beating while maintaining a consistent, open tone. In our testing, the clear finish provided a sharp, articulate attack that is essential when you need your tom fills to be heard over high-gain amplification. The durability is legendary; we’ve seen these heads stay in tune through hours of aggressive playing, a sentiment echoed by several users who have relied on the Emperor line for over two decades.
Our experience was confirmed by drummers who noted that these heads maintain their clarity and body even in varying room temperatures. Whether you are in a cold rehearsal space or under hot stage lights, the Emperor clears hold their pitch beautifully. While some might prefer a dampened sound, we appreciate the “breathable” nature of these plies, which allows for a full, resonant thud that never feels choked.
Advantages
- Incredible durability thanks to the dual-ply Mylar construction.
- Sharp, bright attack that cuts through dense metal mixes.
- Highly consistent tuning stability over long sessions.
Drawbacks
- Can be overly resonant for those preferring a very “dry” sound.
- Clear finish shows stick marks more readily than coated versions.
#2 Remo Ambassador Coated Tom Drumhead Pack – Best for: Drummers seeking a bright attack with a classic, warm resonance.
- Features enhanced attack with wider mid-range tones and increased durability
- Constructed with 1-ply 12-mil coated film
The Remo Ambassador Coated Tom Drumhead Pack is a classic for a reason. While many metal players gravitate toward 2-ply heads, we found these single-ply 12-mil heads to offer a unique sensitivity that is perfect for technical metal and studio work. The coating adds a layer of warmth and controls the sustain just enough to prevent the drum from ringing out of control. We were impressed by how much resonance these brought out of even entry-level shells, effectively “breathing life” back into older kits.
One minor issue we also encountered, which some users pointed out, was that the coating can degrade faster if you are an exceptionally heavy hitter. However, for the tone they provide—specifically that “swishy” brush response and wide mid-range—they are hard to beat at this price point. They are remarkably easy to tune, making them a great choice for drummers who want to spend more time playing and less time with a drum key.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional stick rebound and feel thanks to the coated surface.
- Versatile enough for both heavy rock and more nuanced jazz-fusion.
- Excellent value for a full pack of professional heads.
Limitations
- Single-ply design is less durable for “heavy hitters.”
- The coating may wear off in the center over time with aggressive use.
#3 Evans G2 Coated Standard Tom Drum Heads – Perfect for: A balanced, focused sound with the ease of Level 360 tuning.
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is coated to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
In our evaluation of the Evans G2 Coated Standard Tom Drum Heads, the standout feature was the Level 360 Technology. We found the assembly and seating of these heads to be refreshingly simple; they sit perfectly flat on the bearing edge immediately. This results in a very wide tuning range and a tone that is noticeably “tighter” than its competitors. The two plies of 7-mil film provide the necessary durability for metal, while the coating adds a vintage warmth that softens the initial strike.
As one user noted, these heads are incredibly responsive and hold their tone longer than single-ply alternatives. If you find your toms are a bit too “ringy,” these provide a natural dampening effect without the need for extra gels or tape. We found them particularly effective on floor toms, where they produce a deep, satisfying growl that remains articulate during fast double-bass sections.
Pros
- Level 360 collar ensures a perfect fit on any drum shell.
- Warm, focused tone with minimal unwanted overtones.
- Highly durable and resistant to denting.
Cons
- Slightly less “open” sounding than the clear version.
- May require a bit of break-in time to reach peak resonance.
#4 Evans Onyx 14 Inch Tom Drumhead – Suits: Heavy hitters looking for a dark, aggressive, and matte aesthetic.
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is frost coated with a unique translucent coating to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans Onyx heads are made with two 7.5mil plies, coated for enhanced durability.
If you want your kit to look as aggressive as it sounds, the Evans Onyx 14 Inch Tom Drumhead is our top recommendation. This head is a “beastly” batter, as one user aptly described it. The frost coating over two 7.5-mil plies creates a sound that is bass-heavy and extremely punchy. We found that it excels in high-volume settings where you need a focused attack with almost no lingering overtones. It’s a very specific sound—dark and “dry”—making it a favorite for modern metal subgenres.
We were particularly impressed by its durability. Even with the highest tension, we didn’t experience the dimpling that often occurs with thinner heads. The matte black finish looks stunning under stage lights, and the texture is surprisingly brush-friendly if you ever decide to dial back the intensity. It’s a specialized tool, but for the right drummer, it’s indispensable.
Advantages
- Unique matte black look that stands out on any kit.
- Extremely controlled sound with powerful low-end response.
- Thicker plies (7.5-mil) offer superior longevity.
Drawbacks
- Too “dry” for jazz or genres requiring high resonance.
- Single head only; you’ll need to buy others to match the set.
#5 Evans G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10\”, 12\”, 16\”) – Ideal for: Standard rock and metal configurations requiring a “Bonham-esque” depth.
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is coated to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
The Evans G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10\”, 12\”, 16\”) provides that classic rock and metal sound: rich, full, and punchy. During our sessions, we noticed these heads breathed life into an older kit, providing a level of sustain and clarity that made the drums feel new again. The 10″, 12″, and 16″ configuration is perfect for the “rock” setup, giving you a distinct tonal jump between the rack toms and the floor tom.
A few users mentioned that while these are durable, they can develop deep dents after months of extreme touring, but they rarely actually break. We found the attack to be more prevalent than the resonating note afterward, which is exactly what most metal drummers are looking for when they want their fast fills to sound “clean” rather than muddy.
Key Benefits
- Perfect sizes for standard rock and metal drum sets.
- Consistent, high-quality manufacturing from the USA.
- Produces a warm, “classic” rock tone with modern durability.
Limitations
- The 16″ head can be a tight fit on some older hoops.
- Coating adds warmth but sacrifices some of the “snap” of clear heads.
#6 Evans G2 Coated Fusion Tompack – Best for: Fusion and progressive metal kits with 10/12/14 inch tom sizes.
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is coated to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
For drummers with a “Fusion” sized kit, the Evans G2 Coated Fusion Tompack is a perfect match. We found that these heads make rack toms “sing” and floor toms “growl” with minimal effort. The dual 7-mil film plies offer a great balance of attack and sustain. In our studio environment, we noticed these required significantly less dampening than other heads, likely due to the natural muffling of the coating and the two-ply design.
We found that these heads tune up effortlessly, a sentiment echoed by several users who noted they could simply tighten them down and get a great sound immediately. Whether you are playing technical fusion or straight-ahead heavy metal, these provide a reliable, professional-grade foundation for your drum sound.
Pros
- Optimized for the smaller, punchier sizes of fusion kits.
- Warm and focused tone that records exceptionally well.
- Level 360 collar ensures even shell contact and easier tuning.
Cons
- Does not include a 16″ head, which is common on many metal sets.
- No warranty included, though the quality is generally high.
#7 Evans EC2S 16 Inch Clear Tom Drumhead – Perfect for: Controlling overtones on large floor toms without losing punch.
- 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.
Floor toms can be a nightmare to tune, but we found the Evans EC2S 16 Inch Clear Tom Drumhead makes the process much more manageable. The Sound Shaping Technology (SST) features a damping ring on the underside of the head that targets specific frequencies. We found this effectively removed the nasty “ping” that often plagues 16-inch toms, leaving only a deep, punchy thump.
Users who consider themselves “heavy hitters” will appreciate the durability of the dual 7-mil plies. We observed that these heads seat well and stay in tune even through aggressive sets. As one drummer noted, these heads make even a cheaper kit sound like a professional instrument. If you want a modern, “pre-EQ’d” sound, this is the way to go.
Advantages
- Built-in SST ring eliminates the need for moongels or tape.
- Accentuated lows and mids provide a massive, cinematic sound.
- Excellent durability for the 16″ floor tom position.
Drawbacks
- The visual “rings” on the head might not appeal to traditionalists.
- Less “natural” resonance than a standard G2 head.
#8 Evans G1 Clear 16-Inch Tom Drumhead – Suits: Drummers wanting a cavernous, open rumble and high resonance.
- SINGLE PLY: Evans G1 heads are made with a single ply of 10mil film.
- HIGHLY VERSATILE: G1 heads are highly versatile, boasting a very balanced attack, long sustain, bright tone, and average durability.
The Evans G1 Clear 16-Inch Tom Drumhead is for those who want their drums to resonate freely. As a single-ply 10-mil head, it provides a very bright, open tone with long sustain. We found it to be incredibly expressive, responding to the lightest touches while still being able to produce a “cavernous rumble” when tuned low. While 2-ply heads are more common for metal batter sides, many pro drummers (including ourselves) love using G1s as resonant heads to maximize the drum’s natural voice.
In our tests, we found that the G1 seats better on bearing edges than many other single-ply brands, resulting in a richer sound. However, we did notice that if used as a batter head by a heavy-hitting metal drummer, it may lack the longevity of an Emperor or G2. It’s an excellent choice for recording sessions where you want to capture every nuance of the shell.
Key Benefits
- Maximum resonance and sustain for a wide-open sound.
- Highly sensitive to dynamic playing.
- Perfect as a resonant (bottom) head for any 16″ tom.
Limitations
- Lower durability when used as a batter head for metal.
- Can be difficult to control the “ring” without extra dampening.
#9 Evans Onyx 2-Ply Coated Tompack (12\”, 13\”, 16\”) – Ideal for: Metal drummers wanting a complete set with a dark, controlled “thud.”
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is frost coated with a unique translucent coating to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans Onyx heads are made with two 7.5mil plies, coated for enhanced durability.
Buying in a pack is always smart, and the Evans Onyx 2-Ply Coated Tompack (12\”, 13\”, 16\”) offers great value for a full tonal transformation. These heads feature two 7.5-mil plies, making them slightly thicker and more durable than standard 7-mil heads. We found that they deliver a powerful low-end attack that is perfect for double-bass-heavy metal. The matte black finish doesn’t just look cool; it adds a level of warmth and focus to the sound that we found very pleasing in a recording environment.
Several users noted that these heads actually improved the sound of their “budget” kits, making them sound much more expensive and professional. They tune up quickly and provide a “tight” sound that helps individual tom notes stand out during fast, complex fills. If you like a darker sound profile, this pack is a “no-brainer.”
Pros
- Thicker 7.5-mil plies provide industry-leading durability.
- Consistent, dark sound across all three tom sizes.
- Beautiful matte black aesthetic.
Cons
- Significantly quieter than clear heads, which might be a drawback live.
- High-frequency “ping” is almost entirely removed.
#10 Evans EC2S Clear 14-Inch Tom Drumhead – Best for: Achieving a “pre-EQ’d” punch on 14″ floor or rack toms.
- 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.
The Evans EC2S Clear 14-Inch Tom Drumhead is designed for drummers who want a modern, punchy sound without the hassle of over-tuning. In our testing, the SST damping ring worked wonders on the 14″ size, which is notorious for having “dead spots” or unwanted overtones. We found the attack to be incredibly focused, making it ideal for rock and pop-metal where precision is key.
We’ve played these on everything from Tama to DW sets, and they consistently deliver a professional, high-end sound. As one user mentioned, these heads are hard to dimple even if you are a very strong player. They provide a “deep full sound” that feels substantial under the stick. If you’re switching from another brand, you’ll likely notice the increased ease of tuning immediately.
Advantages
- Exceptional focus and “punch” for modern metal styles.
- Durable enough for the most aggressive players.
- SST technology simplifies the tuning process for all skill levels.
Drawbacks
- One-size-only listing; requires additional purchases for a full kit.
- Some users might find the clear/ring aesthetic distracting.
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting drumheads for metal, durability and projection are your top priorities. Metal drummers often hit harder to compete with high-decibel guitars, making 2-ply heads almost a necessity. These heads, like the Remo Emperor or Evans G2, feature two layers of film that distribute the energy of the strike, preventing the head from stretching or breaking prematurely. Furthermore, consider the finish. Clear heads offer more “attack” and high-end “click,” while coated heads provide warmth and a bit more control over sustain.
Understanding Ply Count and Thickness
The “mil” measurement refers to the thickness of the film (one mil = 1/1000th of an inch). A standard 2-ply head usually consists of two 7-mil plies. Some specialized heads, like the Evans Onyx, use 7.5-mil plies for even more durability. Thicker heads will have a lower fundamental pitch and shorter sustain, which is often desirable in metal to prevent the toms from “singing” too long during fast-paced blast beats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-muffling: While you want to control overtones, using too many gels or tape on a 2-ply head can “choke” the drum, making it sound like a cardboard box.
- Ignoring Resonant Heads: Your bottom head is responsible for 30-50% of the drum’s tone. Putting a new batter head on an old, worn resonant head will limit your drum’s potential.
- Wrong Tension Balance: For metal, try tuning the bottom head slightly higher than the top head for a “pitch-drop” effect that adds a satisfying “growl” to your toms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drumhead characteristics help with metal drumming?
Look for heads that offer a strong attack, high durability, and controlled sustain. 2-ply heads are generally preferred because they can handle aggressive playing and offer a punchier, deeper tone that cuts through the mix.
Are 2-ply heads mandatory for metal music?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. While single-ply heads (like the Remo Ambassador) can sound great in the studio, they often lack the durability required for a 45-minute live set of high-intensity metal.
Do clear drumheads project better for metal?
Yes. Clear heads generally have a brighter attack and more “snap,” which helps the toms cut through the frequencies occupied by distorted guitars and cymbals.
How to achieve a punchy metal sound on toms?
Use a 2-ply clear head, tune the batter side to a medium-low tension, and use light dampening (like a single moongel) if the sustain is too long. Ensuring your resonant head is in good condition is also vital for that “punch.”
Are reverse-dot heads good for tom-toms?
Reverse-dot heads are more common for snare drums to add durability and focus to the center. For toms, most metal drummers stick to standard 2-ply heads or heads with internal damping rings like the Evans EC2S.
How to reduce unwanted overtones in metal drumming?
Choose heads with built-in damping (like Evans SST technology) or coated heads. If you still have too much ring, use internal muffling rings or external dampening gels.
Best heavy-duty drumheads for aggressive hitters?
The Remo Emperor and Evans G2 are the standards, but the Evans Onyx series (with 7.5-mil plies) offers even more resistance to denting for the heaviest hitters.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After rigorous testing and comparing the industry’s top contenders, the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ remains our top recommendation for any metal drummer. Its two-ply Mylar construction is the perfect marriage of durability and tonal clarity. We found it consistently produced the most articulate attack and the most reliable tuning stability, which are the two most critical factors when you’re playing at high speeds and high volumes. Whether you are a touring professional or a hobbyist looking to upgrade your sound, this Remo pack is the ultimate investment for your kit.
Last update on 2026-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API