Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead Review: The Dark Horse for Modern Metal and Rock
If you have been playing drums for any significant amount of time, you know the particular “curse” of the 13-inch rack tom. It is the middle child of the drum world—often too big to sing like a 12-inch and too small to growl like a 16-inch floor tom. For years, I struggled to get my 13-inch tom to sit correctly in the mix. It either had too much overbearing sustain that clouded my snare, or it sounded like a cardboard box because I tried to muffle the life out of it. When you are playing high-intensity music, particularly metal or hard rock, this lack of definition is a dealbreaker. You need an attack that cuts through a wall of distorted guitars and a low-end that feels like a punch to the gut, not a muddy wash. This is precisely why we decided to put the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead to the ultimate test in our studio.
- TWO PLIES: Evans Black Chrome drumheads are two-ply heads, which use a combination of clear and black film to create a distinct, semi-reflective, mirror-like appearance.
- MID-TO-LOW FREQUENCY: Delivers an accentuated mid-to-low frequency response.
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Performance Drumhead
A drumhead is more than just a piece of plastic stretched over a wooden shell; it is the primary filter through which your drum’s voice is translated. Choosing the right head is a key solution for drummers who find their current setup lacking in either durability or specific tonal characteristics. In my experience, a drumhead can either work with your shell’s natural resonance or fight against it. When looking at heads like the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead, you are looking for a specific type of control that single-ply heads simply cannot provide.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a heavy hitter—someone playing metal, punk, or hard rock who requires a “pre-EQ’d” sound that minimizes annoying overtones. It is perfect for those who want a dark, focused sound with a short sustain. However, it might not be suitable for jazz purists or those who want maximum sensitivity and a wide-open, singing resonance. If you play light ghost notes and want every subtle nuance to ring out, you might find these a bit too dampened. For the rest of us looking to achieve a professional, recorded sound with minimal effort, these are a prime candidate.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While we are focusing on the 13-inch model, the Evans Black Chrome series comes in various sizes. Ensure your hoop and bearing edge are in good condition, as the Level 360 technology requires a flat surface to maximize its “tuning-on-the-fly” capabilities. You can check the latest price and availability for all sizes here.
- Capacity/Performance: This is a two-ply head (7mil clear over 7mil black film). This 14mil total thickness dictates the “heaviness” of the sound. It is designed for mid-to-low frequency response, meaning it won’t give you that high-pitched “crack” of a thinner head, but it will provide a massive, deep thud.
- Materials & Durability: The combination of clear and black film doesn’t just look cool; it adds structural integrity. The black film is slightly more rigid, which contributes to the short sustain and high durability. If you are tired of denting your heads after three rehearsals, this construction is a lifesaver.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Thanks to the Level 360 collar, these heads seat themselves almost instantly. Maintenance is minimal, though you should wipe them down occasionally to keep that “black chrome” mirror finish looking sharp under stage lights.
While the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead 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.
First Impressions: Aesthetics Meet Engineering
When I first pulled the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead out of its packaging, the first thing that struck me was the finish. It isn’t just “black”—it’s a semi-reflective, smoky mirror. It looks incredibly premium and instantly upgrades the visual appeal of any drum kit. In a market where most heads are either translucent or a flat white/black coat, this stands out as a piece of gear designed for the stage. We found that the roll-over hoop felt exceptionally sturdy, giving off an immediate sense of quality that you often miss with budget-tier options.
Comparing it to industry standards like the Remo Emperor or Pinstripe, the Evans head feels more modern. The “Level 360” collar is visible—the way the film curves over the hoop is steeper than traditional designs. This is meant to ensure that the head makes even contact with the bearing edge the moment it’s placed on the shell. As we will discuss in the performance section, this feature really sets it apart during the initial setup process.
What We Like
- Incredibly easy tuning thanks to Level 360 technology.
- Dark, deep tonal quality that is perfect for heavy genres.
- Exceptional durability; resists denting even under heavy use.
- Stunning black chrome aesthetic that looks amazing on stage.
What We Didn’t Like
- Might be too “muted” or “dead” for drummers seeking high resonance.
- Lacks the sensitivity required for jazz or light orchestral playing.
Deep Dive: Putting the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead Through the Ringer
The Magic of Level 360 Technology
We have all been there: you put a new head on, and you spend thirty minutes trying to get that one “dead” lug to match the others. With the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead, that frustration is largely a thing of the past. The Level 360 technology isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s a redesign of the collar that allows the head to sit flatter on the bearing edge. In our testing, we were able to get the 13-inch tom “in the zone” within about three minutes. The head seats itself almost immediately, meaning you don’t have to do that scary “cracking” stretch that older heads required to settle.
During our session, we found that even at lower tensions—where most heads start to wrinkle and produce “papery” sounds—the Black Chrome remained musical. It provides a balanced contact point that makes the drum respond predictably. As one user mentioned in their feedback, it’s “ridiculously easy” to get each lug frequency to match. This is a massive boon for touring drummers who have to change heads in a hurry or for hobbyists who don’t want to spend their limited practice time fiddling with a drum key. You can see its full feature set and user reviews here to see why so many drummers are switching to this system.
Sonic Profile: Dark, Punchy, and Precise
The sound of the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead is best described as “pre-processed.” If you are a fan of that deep, compressed drum sound found on modern rock and metal albums, you will love this. The 13-inch tom, which usually rings out with a lot of unwanted high-frequency overtones, suddenly sounded focused and girthy. The mid-to-low frequency response is indeed accentuated, giving the drum a much larger presence than its physical dimensions might suggest. We paired it with an Evans EC Resonant head, and the result was a thunderous “thud” with just enough sustain to let you know it’s a drum, but not enough to muddy the mix.
However, we must address the “muted” sound that some users have noted. If you are coming from a single-ply clear head, the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead will feel like someone put a finger on the drum. It kills the high-end “ping.” For me, this was exactly what I wanted. It eliminates the need for MoonGel or O-rings in most cases. It delivers a defined attack that allows your rolls and fills to sound crisp and articulated. When we played fast double-bass patterns with tom fills over the top, the toms didn’t wash out; every hit was distinct. Check out how this head can transform your sound if you’re struggling with excessive ring.
Durability and the “Heavy Hitter” Factor
Durability is where the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead truly justifies its price. Two-ply heads are generally tougher, but the specific combination used here feels particularly rugged. We spent several hours intentionality “slamming” the head with 5B sticks to see if it would pit or lose its tension. It held up remarkably well. Even after a week of heavy use, the head didn’t show the typical “stretching” that requires constant retuning. The roll-over hoop provides a level of stability that keeps the head from pulling out of the rim, which is a common failure point for cheaper heads.
We found that the longevity of these heads is significantly higher than the industry average. For a drummer on a budget, this is actually a cost-saving measure. While the initial investment might be slightly higher than a basic head, the fact that you won’t have to replace it nearly as often makes it a smarter long-term play. It’s a “set it and forget it” piece of gear. This durability also means the tonal quality stays consistent for longer. Many heads sound great for the first two hours and then “die”; the Black Chrome maintains its punchy character for weeks of solid playing. This is why we consider it a top-tier choice for any serious kit.
Visual Appeal and Stage Presence
It might seem superficial to talk about looks, but in the world of live performance, aesthetics matter. The Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead is arguably the best-looking head on the market for modern setups. The semi-reflective black film catches the stage lights in a way that looks sophisticated and aggressive. During our test, we noticed that it doesn’t show stick marks nearly as much as a traditional coated or clear head. The “unfinished” finish (as noted in the specs) actually helps hide the scuffs that naturally occur during play.
This visual flair makes it a favorite for drummers who film their playing for social media or those who want their kit to have a unified, custom look. It looks particularly stunning on shells with chrome or black nickel hardware. It’s a small detail, but when you’re sitting behind your kit, looking down at a sleek, professional surface, it genuinely changes your mindset and can even inspire better playing. If you want a kit that looks as good as it sounds, you should explore the visual impact of the Black Chrome series.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among drummers who have used the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its ease of use. One professional drummer noted that these heads are “so easy to tune its ridiculous,” confirming our own experience with the Level 360 tech. Another user mentioned that they provide a “dark and deep tonal quality not rivaled by Remo,” which highlights the unique niche Evans has carved out with this specific film blend. The longevity was another common praise point, with one reviewer stating they “take a beating.”
On the flip side, we did see some balanced criticism. A few users mentioned the “severely muted sound,” warning that if you are looking for high resonance or sensitivity, these are not for you. One reviewer compared them to Remo Pinstripes but noted they are a better value for metal and heavy rock players. This feedback is vital: it tells us that the Black Chrome is a specialized tool. It isn’t trying to be a “do-it-all” head; it’s a head designed for power, depth, and control. If you understand that going in, you won’t be disappointed.
Comparing the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead to the Competition
While the 13-inch Black Chrome is our star today, it’s important to see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of drumheads. Whether you are looking for a different size or a slightly different feel, here are the top alternatives.
1. Remo Powerstroke P3 Coated Bass Drumhead 16
- 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 the industry standard for controlled, focused tones. While our main review is for a 13″ tom, if you are looking to match that controlled sound on a larger drum or a small floor tom, the P3 is a great choice. It features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head to subtly dampen high-frequency overtones. Compared to the Evans Black Chrome, the P3 has a bit more “snap” and a traditional feel. It’s a great alternative for those who want control but prefer the texture and slightly warmer response of a coated head over the slick, mirror-finish of the Evans.
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 are looking for value and want to outfit your entire kit at once, the Aquarian AKP1 pack is a strong contender. Aquarian heads are known for their “Sound Curve” collar, which is similar in theory to Evans’ Level 360. These heads tend to have a very “musical” ring and a slightly different stick response. However, they lack the specific “dark” EQ of the Evans Black Chrome. We would recommend the Aquarian pack for drummers who play a variety of styles and need a more versatile, middle-of-the-road sound. For the dedicated metalhead, however, they might feel a bit too “open” compared to the Black Chrome.
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.
If you love the Evans ecosystem and want to bring that same level of control to your kick drum, the EMAD2 is the logical companion to your Black Chrome toms. The EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) system allows you to change the amount of sustain without taking the head off the drum. While the Black Chrome focuses on a mid-low tom growl, the EMAD2 is all about the low-end “thump.” Using these two together creates a very modern, cohesive drum sound that is incredibly easy to record. It’s the perfect upgrade if you want your whole kit to have that professional, pre-EQ’d punch.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead?
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead is one of the best specialized drumheads on the market today. It solves the “13-inch tom problem” by providing a deep, dark, and focused tone that cuts through loud music while remaining incredibly easy to tune. Its durability is top-notch, and its visual appeal is second to none. While it isn’t the most sensitive head—and won’t be the first choice for jazz or light acoustic work—it is a powerhouse for rock, metal, and any genre where you need a short, punchy, and aggressive drum sound.
If you are tired of chasing overtones and want a head that works as hard as you do, this is an investment you won’t regret. It streamlines your setup process and ensures that your drums sound massive every time you sit down to play. Don’t let your toms get lost in the mix anymore. Take your sound to the next level and get the Evans Black Chrome 13″ Tom Drumhead today for a professional, studio-ready tone!
Last update on 2026-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API