Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head Review: The Ultimate Solution for Punch, Power, and Control
Every drummer knows the frustration of a “paper-thin” bass drum sound. You spend thousands on a beautiful kit, but when you sit behind the throne, the kick drum sounds more like a wet cardboard box than a thunderous foundation. This is especially true for those of us playing 20-inch bass drums. While 20-inch kicks are prized for their punchy, focused response and portability, they often lack the natural low-end “oomph” of their 22 or 24-inch counterparts. We find ourselves stuffing pillows, blankets, and acoustic foam into the drum, trying to kill the annoying overtones, only to end up with a dead, lifeless thud. It is a constant battle between resonance and control. If you don’t solve this, your backbeat lacks authority, your bandmates can’t feel the pulse, and your recordings require endless EQ to sound even remotely professional. This is exactly why we turned our attention to the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head, a product designed to eliminate the guesswork and provide a “studio-ready” sound straight out of the box.
- Super-Kick II bass drum pack
- 10mil thick drumhead
What to Consider Before Buying a Bass Drumhead
A bass drumhead is more than just a piece of plastic stretched over a wooden hoop; it’s a key solution for defining the sonic character of your entire drum kit. The right head determines the attack, the sustain, and the frequency response that will be amplified through a PA or captured by a microphone. Choosing the wrong head can make a high-end drum sound cheap, or a budget drum sound even worse. Before you make a purchase, you need to understand that the bass drum is the heart of the groove. If the heart isn’t beating with the right tone, the whole musical body suffers. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how it addresses these specific sonic challenges.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a rock, metal, or pop drummer who needs a focused, punchy sound with a clear “click” on the attack and a deep, controlled low-end. It is perfect for those who want to spend more time playing and less time fiddling with internal muffling. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for jazz purists or orchestral percussionists who require wide-open resonance and a “singing” quality from their kick drum. Those looking for a more vintage, boomy sound might consider a single-ply, un-muffled head instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The diameter of your drum is the most critical factor. This 20-inch head is specifically sized for standard 20-inch bass drums. While it seems obvious, we have seen many drummers accidentally buy 22-inch heads for 20-inch shells. Ensure you measure your shell from edge to edge before buying. Additionally, consider the depth of your drum, as the air volume inside will interact differently with a double-ply head like this one.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the ply count. Single-ply heads offer more resonance and a brighter tone, while double-ply heads—like the Super-Kick II—offer significantly more durability and a deeper, more focused thud. If you are a heavy hitter, double-ply is almost always the better choice for longevity and “fatness” of sound.
- Materials & Durability: Not all plastic is created equal. High-quality Mylar or specialty films used by top brands like Aquarian offer better “tuning memory,” meaning the head stays in tune longer after the initial stretch. The thickness (often measured in mil) dictates how much punishment the head can take. We found that the 10mil construction of the Super-Kick II provides a perfect balance of flex and toughness.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider if the head includes built-in muffling. External muffling systems like the EMAD or internal muffling like the Super-Kick’s “Floating Muffle Ring” save you from having to use tape or pillows. Also, think about the finish; a clear head often has more attack, while a coated or gloss black head can subtly warm up the tone and change the aesthetic of your kit.
Choosing the right head is a journey of trial and error, but understanding these fundamentals will save you time and money. While the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head 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:
- 22" drum head made using two identical plies of 10mil film
- LIMITLESS TONE CONTROL: EMAD2 System Pack lets you customize bass drum's attack, focus, and sustain for your desired sound.
Unboxing and First Impressions: The Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head Experience
When the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head prepack arrived at our studio, the first thing we noticed was the sheer value of the bundle. Included in the box is the clear Super-Kick II batter head, a gloss black Regulator resonant head, and a free DKP2 kick pad. Usually, you have to buy these components separately, which can quickly inflate your budget. The gloss black finish on the Regulator head is stunning; it has a high-end, professional sheen that immediately upgrades the look of any drum kit. We’ve used many market leaders, and the build quality here feels exceptionally robust. You can check the latest price and availability to see how this bundle compares to buying individual heads.
Holding the Super-Kick II batter head, you can feel the weight of the two 7mil plies. However, the standout feature is the “Floating Muffle Ring” on the backside. Unlike other heads where the muffling is glued tightly to the entire surface, this ring moves with the head, which Aquarian claims allows the head to vibrate naturally while still dampening the high-end ring. Our initial feel was that of a high-performance piece of gear designed for serious touring and recording. It doesn’t feel like a “budget” replacement; it feels like an intentional sonic upgrade.
Key Benefits
- Deep, punchy sound that is perfectly tailored for rock and metal.
- Built-in muffling system eliminates the need for messy internal pillows or blankets.
- Incredible value with the inclusion of both batter and resonant heads plus a kick pad.
- Exceptional durability due to the two-ply 7mil construction and Vacuum Process.
Drawbacks
- The gloss black resonant head shows fingerprints and dust quite easily.
- The built-in muffling may be too aggressive for drummers seeking a wide-open, resonant jazz tone.
Deep Dive: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II
The Engineering of the Floating Muffle Ring
In our extensive testing, the most impressive aspect of the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head is undoubtedly the “Floating Muffle Ring.” Traditional muffling often chokes the drum, killing the low-end frequencies along with the unwanted overtones. We found that Aquarian’s approach is fundamentally different. Because the felt ring is only attached at the outer edge, it allows the center of the head to move freely. When the beater strikes, the head compresses the air, and as it rebounds, the ring moves with it, naturally “taming” the vibration rather than stifling it. This is a feature that really sets it apart from the “dampening rings” found on other popular heads. During our sessions, we noticed that we could achieve a dry, studio-quality sound without a single piece of laundry inside the drum. This not only makes the drum look cleaner but also allows the shell itself to resonate more purely. We confirmed this with several user reports that noted the “built-in muffling eliminates the need for additional muffling,” which matches our expert findings exactly.
Durability and the Vacuum Molding Process
As drummers who have broken our fair share of heads during high-energy shows, we paid close attention to the construction of the Super-Kick II. Aquarian uses a unique multi-ply vacuum molding process. This ensures that no air is trapped between the two 7mil plies, resulting in a single, unified vibrating surface that is much stronger than two loose plies. We put this to the test with a heavy-duty wood beater. Even under heavy stress, the head showed minimal pitting. The included DKP2 kick pad adds another layer of protection, further extending the life of the head. We found that the “tuning memory” of this head is superior to many competitors; once seated and stretched, it rarely required more than a quarter-turn adjustment between gigs. This level of reliability is crucial for gigging professionals who don’t have the luxury of re-tuning their kick drum every fifteen minutes. You can experience the punch for yourself and see why it’s a favorite for heavy hitters.
The Role of the Regulator Resonant Head
While the batter head gets most of the glory, the Regulator resonant head included in the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head prepack is the unsung hero of the setup. It features a small 4.75-inch offset port hole and a centrally located “Floating Muffle Ring” on the inside. We found that this resonant head acts as a natural compressor for the drum’s air column. When paired with the Super-Kick II batter, it focuses the low-end frequencies into a tight “thud” that feels massive even on a smaller 20-inch shell. We experimented with different tuning tensions on the Regulator and found that keeping it just slightly tighter than the batter head provided the best projection. The gloss black finish isn’t just for looks, either; the coating seems to add a touch of warmth to the overall sound profile, rounding off some of the harshness that can occur with clear resonant heads. It is the perfect pairing for your kick drum’s sonic identity.
Tuning Versatility: From Sub-Bass Thump to Defined Click
One common misconception is that heavily muffled heads are “one-trick ponies.” We spent several days testing different tuning ranges on the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head to debunk this. At very low tension (just past finger-tight), the head produces a massive, sub-bass “woof” that is perfect for modern gospel or hip-hop. Because of the two-ply construction, it doesn’t flap or sound “papery” even at these low tensions. When we tightened the batter head to a medium tension, the “click” of the beater became more pronounced, making it ideal for fast double-kick patterns in metal or hard rock. The definition remained clear, and the notes didn’t blur together. We were pleasantly surprised by how much tone we could coax out of a 20-inch drum, which usually struggles to find this kind of depth. It proves that with the right head, you don’t necessarily need a 24-inch cannon to get a stadium-sized sound.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head is overwhelmingly positive, especially among rock and metal drummers. We’ve sifted through numerous accounts, and the consensus matches our own findings: this head is a “game-changer” for kick drum tone. One user noted the “deep punchy sound” and specifically mentioned that it is the “best for rock music,” while confirming that the built-in muffling completely eliminates the need for pillows. Another user highlighted the high quality of the materials and the impressive sound emission, while several others praised the value and speed of shipping for this particular prepack.
On the negative side, some users have mentioned that for very light playing or jazz, the head can feel a bit “dead.” This is a fair assessment, as the Super-Kick II is unapologetically designed for power and control rather than delicate resonance. A few users also mentioned that the gloss black finish on the resonant head is a “magnet for dust,” which we also observed during our studio sessions. However, these are minor cosmetic or application-specific gripes that don’t detract from the overall performance of the product. Overall, the feedback is that these are “excellent heads” that drummers are eager to buy again.
Comparing the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II to Its Top 3 Alternatives
While we are big fans of the Aquarian setup, it is important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the industry. Here is how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Remo Powerstroke P3 Coated Bass Drumhead
- REMO PowerstrokeP3's medium-strength single-layer Mylar films (single-layer coated 10-mil Mylar film) produce a focused and warm tone with distinctly central and low frequency components and clearly...
- The additional inlay ring (3-mil damping ring) dampens annoying overtones and shortens the sustain. This results in a quick and clear response, which is followed directly by a warm sustain - clear dot...
The Remo Powerstroke P3 is a legendary choice, but it offers a very different feel compared to the Super-Kick II. While the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head is a double-ply head, the P3 is a single 10mil ply with an underlay ring. We found that the P3 offers more high-end “snap” and a bit more sustain. It’s a great choice for drummers who want a more traditional rock sound but still want some control. However, for those seeking the ultimate low-end “thud” and maximum durability, the Aquarian’s double-ply design still wins out. The P3 is better for those who like a slightly more “open” feel from their kick drum.
2. Aquarian AKP1 Drumhead Pack
- Crafted from a heavier version of Aquarian's Power Dot material
- Strong yet flexible so that it moves with the drumhead
If you’re looking for an Aquarian product but want a more traditional, vintage vibe, the AKP1 pack is worth considering. This pack usually features single-ply heads that offer more resonance and a wider tuning range. In our comparison, we found the AKP1 to be more versatile for genres like blues or classic rock where you might want the kick drum to “breath” a little more. However, it lacks the focused, pre-muffled punch of the Super-Kick II. If you are playing high-volume music, you will likely find yourself reaching for the Super-Kick II to get that controlled “modern” sound that the AKP1 simply can’t provide without external muffling.
3. Evans EMAD2 22-inch Bass Drum System
- LIMITLESS TONE CONTROL: EMAD2 System Pack lets you customize bass drum's attack, focus, and sustain for your desired sound.
- POWERFUL & BALANCED: EMAD2 bass batter head's two-ply construction maximizes low-end and attack for a dynamic sound.
The Evans EMAD2 is perhaps the Super-Kick II’s closest rival. Like the Aquarian, the EMAD2 is a double-ply head (7mil + 10mil), but it uses an externally mounted adjustable dampening system. We found the EMAD2 to be slightly more “adjustable” because you can swap out the foam rings. However, many drummers (ourselves included) find that the plastic tray for the EMAD can sometimes rattle or crack over time. The Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head feels more “integrated” because the muffling is internal. Both are fantastic, but we prefer the Aquarian for its simplicity and the “floating” nature of its muffle ring, which feels a bit more natural under the foot.
The Final Verdict: Is the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II Worth It?
After weeks of testing, tuning, and recording, we can confidently say that the Aquarian SKPII20BK Super-Kick II 20-inch Bass Drum Head is one of the best investments you can make for your drum kit. It solves the primary problem of “thin” kick drum sounds by providing a deep, controlled, and punchy tone that sounds professional regardless of your tuning ability. The value of the prepack—including a high-quality resonant head and a kick pad—is simply unbeatable in today’s market. While it may be too muffled for the most delicate jazz settings, it is a absolute powerhouse for rock, metal, pop, and fusion.
The durability is top-tier, the aesthetic is sleek, and the “Floating Muffle Ring” is a piece of engineering brilliance that actually delivers on its promises. If you are tired of stuffing pillows in your drum and want a kick sound that commands attention, this is the solution. Don’t settle for a mediocre backbeat when a professional sound is just a head-change away. We highly recommend you upgrade your sound today and experience the difference that the Super-Kick II makes in your playing and your tone.
Last update on 2026-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API