Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) Review: The Ultimate Balance of Durability and Tonal Clarity
We have all been there: you sit down at your kit, ready to lay down a solid groove, but your toms sound like cardboard boxes. Whether you are dealing with stock heads that came with your mid-range kit or old, pitted skins that have lost their life, the result is the same—a lack of inspiration. A drum’s shell only provides the resonance; the drumhead is the primary source of the tone you actually hear. If your heads are thin, worn out, or poor quality, no amount of expensive hardware or high-end shells will save your sound. This is where many drummers find themselves stuck, often trying to over-muffle their drums to hide bad overtones, only to end up with a dead, lifeless “thud.” The Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) is designed to solve exactly this problem by providing a professional-grade, dual-ply surface that brings out the “meat” of your drums while maintaining a crisp, clear attack. If you want to see its full feature set and user reviews, you will quickly realize why it has become the gold standard for working drummers.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
- BALANCED ATTACK: G2 heads are highly versatile, boasting a balanced attack, average sustain, slightly bright tone, and moderate durability.
What to Consider Before Buying New Drum Set Tom-Tom Drumheads
A Drum Set Tom-Tom Drumheads is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for shaping the fundamental voice of your percussion instrument. When you choose a head, you are choosing how much sustain you want, how much “click” or “thump” occurs when the stick hits the plastic, and how long the head will last before it begins to stretch and lose its tuning stability. High-quality heads like the G2 series are engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy hitting while providing a consistent vibration across the entire surface of the drum. Without the right heads, your drums will likely suffer from “tuning creep,” where they go out of tune halfway through a set, or they may lack the projection needed to cut through a loud guitar mix.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a lack of projection and durability in their current setup, particularly rock, metal, and pop drummers who need a head that can take a beating without losing its tonal “pop.” While it might not be suitable for those who strictly play low-volume jazz or orchestral music—where a single-ply, ultra-sensitive head might be preferred for delicate ghost notes—it is the perfect workhorse for almost everyone else. If you are looking for a more specialized, muffled sound, you might consider oil-filled heads, but for a wide-open, versatile tone, the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) is hard to beat.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always ensure the diameters match your shells exactly. This specific pack includes 12″, 13″, and 16″ heads, which is the “Standard” configuration. If you have a “Fusion” setup (10″, 12″, 14″), these will not fit. Measuring from the inside of the hoop to the opposite side is the best way to confirm your sizes before purchasing.
- Capacity & Performance: Consider the ply count. A two-ply head like the G2 offers more durability and a more focused sound than a one-ply head. It handles high-tension “cranked” tunings well but truly shines in medium-to-low tunings where the fat low-end can really develop.
- Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality film. These heads use two plies of 7mil film. This thickness provides enough mass to dampen some of those harsh, high-frequency overtones naturally, meaning you won’t need as much Moongel or tape to get a clean sound.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Tuning can be a nightmare for beginners and pros alike. Look for heads with a “leveled” design. Evans Level 360 technology ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge immediately, which drastically reduces the time spent “seating” the head and chasing down weird “growls” in the tuning.
Choosing the right heads is the single most cost-effective way to upgrade your drum kit’s sound without buying a whole new set of shells. Now, let’s see how these Evans heads compare to other specialized options on the market.
While the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) 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:
- TWO PLIES: EC2S Clear heads use two plies of 7mil film for optimized tone, length of sustain, and ease of 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.
First Impressions and Key Features of the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″)
Opening the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″), the first thing you notice is the pristine clarity of the film and the distinct Level 360 collar. Unlike some competitors that have a flatter collar, the Evans heads have a vertically enhanced design that looks almost pre-molded to fit a drum’s bearing edge. In our testing, this made the unboxing-to-playing transition incredibly smooth. The 7mil dual-ply construction feels substantial in the hand—sturdy enough to resist the “denting” that often plagues thinner heads after just one session. When compared to the market leaders like Remo’s Emperor line, the Evans heads feel slightly more “refined” in their manufacturing, with very consistent glue joints around the hoop.
Key Benefits
- Two plies of 7mil film offer exceptional durability for heavy-hitting styles.
- Level 360 Technology allows for a much wider tuning range and easier setup.
- Produces an undeniably fat low-end that makes smaller toms sound much bigger.
- Clear finish provides a bright attack that cuts through dense guitar mixes perfectly.
Limitations
- May have too much sustain for drummers who prefer a very “dry” or “thuddy” 70s studio sound.
- The “Standard” pack sizes (12, 13, 16) won’t work for modern “Fusion” shell sizes.
A Deep Dive into the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″)’s Performance
When we put the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) through its paces, we weren’t just looking for “good sound”—we were looking for consistency, ease of tuning, and that specific “feel” under the stick that separates professional gear from the rest. We tested these on multiple kits, including a high-end Birch kit and a modified budget Poplar kit, to see how the heads transformed the base tone. It’s a great time to check the latest price and availability if you’re ready to see how they perform on your own shells.
Level 360 Technology: The End of Tuning Frustration
One of the most impressive aspects of our experience was the Evans Level 360 Technology. Historically, seating a new drumhead required a “break-in” period where you had to press down hard on the center of the head to stretch the glue and film so it would sit flush against the bearing edge. With the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″), the head sits perfectly flat the moment you place it on the drum. This is a feature that really sets it apart is the Level 360 technology available here, which ensures that the tension is even across all lugs from the very first turn of the drum key.
In practice, this meant we spent about 50% less time chasing “dead spots” in the head. We found that even at very low tensions—where some heads start to ripple and produce “paper-y” sounds—the G2 remained musical. This ease of use was confirmed by several users who noted that their drums, which “sounded terrible with factory heads,” began “singing” immediately after the switch. Whether you are a pro who needs to change heads quickly between sets or a hobbyist who hasn’t mastered the art of tuning yet, this technology is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
The Dual-Ply 7mil Advantage: Durability Meets Response
The construction of the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) involves two identical layers of 7mil high-performance film. This 14mil total thickness is the “sweet spot” for modern drumming. During our heavy-hitting tests, using 2B sticks and aggressive rimshots on the toms, the heads showed remarkable resilience. We didn’t see the typical “pitting” or stretching that occurs with single-ply heads. This is why many professional drummers choose this tompack for their touring kits.
However, durability doesn’t mean a lack of sensitivity. We were pleasantly surprised by how well these heads responded to softer playing. While they are clearly built for rock and pop, the 2-ply design naturally compresses the sound slightly, which actually helps in recording environments by smoothing out the transients. One user who uses these on Yamaha Power Recording Customs mentioned they provide the “open sound” needed for live performances while lasting longer than almost anything else they’ve tried. This balance of toughness and tonal nuance is rare in this price bracket.
Tonal Profile: Bright Attack and Fat Low-End
Sonically, the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) offers a very specific “Clear” profile. Because there is no coating to dampen the vibrations, the initial “crack” of the stick hit is very pronounced. We found the attack to be “amazing” (as one user put it), especially when tuned low. The 16-inch floor tom head, in particular, produced a deep, chest-thumping growl that felt powerful even without microphones. The G2s tend to have a slightly bright top-end with a very warm, round bottom-end.
We also evaluated the sustain. Clear two-ply heads usually have a “controlled” sustain—shorter than a G1 but longer than an oil-filled head like the Hydraulic. We found the decay to be very predictable and musical. If you find your toms are ringing too long, a small piece of dampening gel works wonders, but we preferred them “wide open” to take advantage of the full resonance of the shells. For those playing genres like psych, post-punk, or krautrock, the “non-plasticky” nature of the low-end is a huge selling point. It sounds like high-quality wood vibrating, not just plastic being struck.
Versatility Across Shell Materials
Finally, we tested how these heads interact with different wood types. On Birch shells (known for high-end punch), the G2s added a much-needed low-mid warmth. On Maple shells (known for balanced warmth), they enhanced the “singing” quality of the drums. We even tested them on “budget” shells made of basswood/poplar. The transformation was dramatic; the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) effectively masked some of the thinner tonal properties of the cheaper wood, giving the kit a much more “expensive” and professional character. This is a quality you can verify through these customer experiences where users mentioned their modified “Starion” shells finally sounded like real drums once these heads were installed. If you have a kit that you’ve been struggling to make sound “pro,” these heads are likely the missing piece of the puzzle.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment for the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) is overwhelmingly positive, with drummers across the globe praising its reliability. Many users highlight that these heads are a “set it and forget it” solution, maintaining their tuning over long periods and through temperature changes. One user mentioned that their drums finally began “singing” after replacing factory heads, while another emphasized that the attack is “AMAZING” for heavier genres like krautrock and post-punk.
Specifically, we saw several mentions of the G2s being “easy to tune” compared to competitors, which aligns with our expert findings on the Level 360 technology. On the negative side, one user mentioned that they initially bought single-ply heads to save money but regretted it because the tone wasn’t “fat” enough—confirming that the G2’s dual-ply design is worth the extra investment for batter heads. Some international users also praised the packaging, noting that the heads arrived in perfect condition, which is a common concern when ordering thin plastic items online. Overall, the consensus is that for rock, metal, and general versatility, this tompack is the gold standard.
Comparing the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) to Its Top Alternatives
1. Evans Onyx 14-Inch Tom Drumhead
- 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.
The Evans Onyx is a different beast entirely compared to the G2 Clear. While the G2 is about clarity and bright attack, the Onyx uses two plies of 7.5mil film with a micro-texture matte black coating. This makes it slightly thicker and significantly darker in tone. If you are a metal drummer who wants a very “mean,” focused look and a sound with almost no high-end “ring,” the Onyx is a fantastic choice. However, it lacks the versatility of the G2. While the G2 can work in a pop or funk setting, the Onyx is strictly for those who want a heavy, muffled, and aggressive sound. It is an excellent “specialty” head but doesn’t quite match the all-around utility of the G2 pack.
2. Evans Heavyweight Coated 14 Inch Snare Drumhead
- COATED DRUMHEAD: This coated drumhead is made for use as a drum set snare batter.
- FOR DURABILITY, FOCUS, ATTACK: Evans Heavyweight snare drumheads are made with two plies of 10mil film, plus a 3mil Reverse dot in the center of the head for even more durability, focus, and attack.
This is often compared to tom heads, but it is primarily designed for snares. It uses two plies of 10mil film, making it much thicker (20mil total) than the G2 (14mil total). It also features a reverse dot for even more durability in the center. If you are someone who “kills” drumheads in a single week, the Heavyweight is your savior. However, for toms, this would likely be too thick, choking the resonance of the shell. We recommend using the G2 pack for your toms to keep them musical, while perhaps pairing them with this Heavyweight Coated head on your snare for maximum durability and focus. It’s a specialized tool for high-volume environments.
3. Remo Emperor Clear Tom Drumhead Pack – 12″, 13″ & 16″
- Clear Emperor heads are made with two free-floating plays of 7 mil Mylar film
- Features consistent open tones
The Remo Emperor Clear is the most direct competitor to the Evans G2. Like the G2, it uses two plies of 7mil film. Many drummers have a fierce loyalty to one or the other. In our comparison, we find that the Remo Emperors have a slightly “rawer” sound and perhaps a bit more “snap” in the mid-range. However, they lack the Level 360 collar, which means they can sometimes be more finicky to tune perfectly on shells that aren’t 100% true. If you prefer a classic, vintage-adjacent “Remo sound,” these are the ones to get. But for the modern drummer who values ease of tuning and a perfectly seated head every time, the Evans G2 pack still holds a slight edge in engineering.
The Final Verdict on the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″)
After extensive testing and comparison, it is clear that the Evans G2 Clear Standard 3-Piece Tompack (12″, 13″, 16″) remains one of the best investments any drummer can make. Its dual-ply 7mil construction strikes the perfect balance between a responsive feel and “tank-like” durability. The Level 360 technology effectively removes the most frustrating part of drum ownership—tuning—making it accessible for beginners while providing the precision professionals demand. While it may be a bit too “lively” for those seeking a completely dead studio sound without some extra muffling, its versatility across genres like rock, pop, and metal is unmatched.
We highly recommend this pack for anyone currently playing on stock heads or looking to upgrade to a more consistent, “fat” sound that can cut through a live mix. It is a reliable, high-performance product that delivers exactly what it promises: durability, tone, and ease of use. Don’t let poor heads hold your kit back any longer; grab yours today and transform your drum sound here.
Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API