Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal Review: A High-Performance Powerhouse for the Developing Drummer
Every drummer reaches a point in their journey where the limitations of their hardware begin to stifle their creative expression. For many of us, that wall appears when we try to push our footwork into the realm of rapid-fire sixteenth notes, syncopated doubles, or the thunderous gallops of heavy metal. I remember the frustration of trying to execute a clean blast beat on a generic, single-chain pedal that came bundled with my first kit; the lag was palpable, and the lack of stability made the slave pedal feel like it was dancing on a sheet of ice. This is the exact problem that the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal aims to solve. Finding a double pedal that offers professional-grade responsiveness without a four-figure price tag is a common struggle, and failing to find that balance often leads to “gear fatigue” or, worse, developing poor technique to compensate for sluggish equipment.
The Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal stands as a bridge between entry-level frustration and professional-tier precision. Whether you are transitioning from a single pedal for the first time or upgrading from a flimsy stock setup, the need for a reliable, adjustable, and sturdy drive system is paramount. When we tested this unit, we were looking for that “Goldilocks” zone: a pedal that feels substantial under the foot but remains nimble enough for high-speed maneuvers. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why it has become such a staple in the mid-range market.
A Bass Drum Pedal is more than just a piece of hardware; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between your musical intent and the physical sound of the kick drum. In the world of double-pedal drumming, the challenges are doubled. You aren’t just looking for speed; you are looking for parity between your dominant and non-dominant feet. A high-quality pedal like the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal solves issues of latency, physical fatigue, and mechanical “slop,” allowing for a more natural playing experience that mirrors the feel of a single pedal on both sides.
The ideal customer for this type of product is an intermediate drummer or a dedicated beginner who is ready to explore metal, prog-rock, or fusion. It is also an exceptional choice for electronic drum kit owners who need a sturdy, dual-beater setup that won’t overwhelm a compact trigger pad. However, it might not be suitable for elite touring professionals who require the extreme heavy-duty reinforcement of a DW 9000 series, nor is it for “heavy-footed” players who literally jump on their gear with full body weight. For those players, a heavy-duty double-chain or direct-drive system might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Double pedals require significantly more floor real estate than single pedals. You need to ensure your drum rug and hi-hat stand placement can accommodate the linkage arm and the secondary pedal board without forcing your legs into an unnatural “V” shape.
- Capacity/Performance: Look for the drive type (single chain, double chain, or direct). A single chain, like that found on the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal, offers a lighter, snappier feel that many players prefer for speed, though it requires a bit more finesse than a heavy double chain.
- Materials & Durability: Alloy steel and solid base plates are non-negotiable for serious play. A pedal without a solid base plate (using only radius rods) will flex and slide, leading to inconsistent strikes and potential damage to your bass drum hoop.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good pedal should offer intuitive adjustments for spring tension and beater angle. Over time, universal joints in the linkage arm will require lubrication, so look for a design that is easy to access and service without specialized tools.
Ultimately, choosing a pedal is a personal decision based on your playing style. If you prioritize a lightweight, responsive feel that helps you develop speed, you should check the latest price and availability of the 700 series to see if it fits your current setup requirements.
While the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal 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:
- 2-Way Beater
- Concentric Cam
First Impressions: Unboxing the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal
When the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal arrived at our studio, the first thing we noticed was the weight. At 9.5 pounds, it feels substantial without being a literal anchor in your hardware bag. This is a crucial balance for the gigging drummer. The lacquered silver and black finish gives it a professional, sleek aesthetic that punches well above its weight class. Out of the box, the assembly was remarkably straightforward. The telescoping linkage arm felt smooth, and the universal joints didn’t show any immediate signs of the “wiggle” that often plagues budget-friendly double pedals.
Setting it up on an acoustic kick drum, we found the hoop clamp to be secure and easy to tighten. On electronic kits, specifically the Roland and Alesis setups we tested, the dual-post primary pedal provided excellent stability. While PDP is the sister company to Drum Workshop (DW), and you can see the DNA of the higher-end DW models here, the 700 series focuses on a streamlined, “less is more” approach. It doesn’t have the infinite adjustability of a boutique pedal, but for most intermediate players, the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal provides exactly what is needed: a reliable, smooth action that stays where you put it. To see more regarding its build quality, you can view the detailed product specifications here.
Key Benefits
- Outstanding value for money, providing professional feel at a fraction of the cost of flagship models.
- The 2-way beater and concentric cam provide a smooth, predictable stroke that is easy to master.
- Solid steel base plates on both the primary and slave pedals ensure maximum stability during heavy play.
- Highly compatible with almost all electronic drum kits and acoustic bass drums.
Limitations
- The single-chain drive may feel less “heavy-duty” for drummers who play with extreme physical force.
- The driveshaft linkage may require occasional shimming or maintenance to keep it perfectly tight over years of use.
- 1、Specially designed for beginners and professional drummers: This single step drum pedal adopts a single chain transmission system, balancing stability and sensitivity, suitable for drummers of...
- Kick Drum Pedal with Spring Tight Single-chain Power Glide Cam
- Dual-Chain Accelerator Drive System
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal
Mechanical Smoothness and the Concentric Cam Design
The heart of any pedal is its cam, and the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal utilizes a concentric cam design. In our testing, we found this to be the standout feature for intermediate players. Unlike “offset” cams that provide an accelerated stroke (which can feel jerky or unpredictable to some), the concentric cam offers a 1:1 relationship between your foot’s movement and the beater’s travel. This results in a very fluid, “round” feel that we found incredibly helpful for developing consistent ghost notes and controlled doubles.
Because the action is so predictable, we noticed that our “slave” foot—which is naturally less coordinated—had an easier time syncing with the primary foot. This is a feature that really sets it apart from other pedals in this price bracket that often use cheaper, less balanced cam systems. When you pair this with the single-chain drive, you get a pedal that is remarkably “fast.” It doesn’t fight you. During a 45-minute session of consistent 16th-note patterns, the pedal remained responsive without any noticeable lag in the return spring. For drummers looking to increase their BPMs, the lightweight nature of this drive system is a massive advantage.
Adjustability and the 2-Way Beater System
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal is the level of customization it offers for a mid-tier product. We spent considerable time tweaking the beater angle and spring tension to see how far we could push the “personalization” of the feel. The beater angle adjustment is independent, which is a huge plus. This allowed us to set a shallower throw for quicker response or a wider throw for more volume and “oomph.” If you’re looking for a pedal that can grow with your style, you should check out the adjustability features in detail.
The included 2-way beaters are another highlight. One side features a standard felt face for a warm, traditional acoustic “thud,” while the other side is a hard plastic surface. We found the plastic side to be a game-changer when using the pedal on an electronic kit. It provides a sharp, defined attack that triggers mesh and rubber pads with incredible precision. However, we did note (as some users have) that if you are using a mesh head on an e-kit, it’s wise to use a patch to prevent the hard plastic from causing premature wear. The fact that PDP includes these high-quality beaters as standard is a testament to the value of this package.
Stability, Build Quality, and the “Steel Base Plate” Advantage
Stability is where many affordable double pedals fail. They often use thin “radius rods” to save on weight and cost, which leads to the pedal sliding around or “walking” during a performance. We were pleased to find that the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal features solid steel base plates on both the primary and the slave units. This adds a level of “planted” feel that is usually reserved for much more expensive hardware. Even on a standard carpeted floor without a drum rug, the retractable spurs and the weight of the base plates kept the pedals firmly in place during our high-intensity testing.
The build material—alloy steel—feels rugged and durable. The lacquered finish isn’t just for looks; it protects the metal from the sweat and humidity of a rehearsal space. We also examined the telescoping linkage arm with its universal joints. While some users have reported a slight “slop” or play in the linkage over long-term use, our test unit was tight and responsive. For an expert tip: if you ever feel a slight delay in the slave pedal, a tiny bit of lithium grease on the joints or a small shim can make it feel like new again. This level of physical reliability makes it a smart investment for the long-term drummer.
Electronic Drum Kit Integration
Many modern drummers are buying double pedals specifically for their home e-kits. We tested the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal with a variety of popular electronic setups, including the Alesis Nitro and Roland TD series. The compact design of the primary pedal’s dual-post frame makes it much easier to fit into the cramped quarters of an electronic drum rack compared to bulkier pedals.
We found that the pedal’s response translated beautifully to digital triggers. Because the 700 series is so easy to set up and adjust, we were able to dial in the sensitivity to match our module’s trigger settings in minutes. The 1/4 inch jack connector type mentioned in the specs refers to its compatibility and focus on the electronic music ecosystem. For those using an e-kit, the smooth action helps prevent “double triggering” which often happens with lower-quality pedals that have too much bounce. It’s a clean, professional strike every time.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among users confirms our own expert findings: the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal is a “workhorse” pedal that offers incredible value. One user, an intermediate drummer of two years, noted, “This double pedal was easy to make, easy to set tension… and holds up pretty well.” This echoes our experience with the intuitive setup process. Another user who plays metal music highlighted its performance, stating, “These pedals are great for doing fast doubles and triples… they are very sturdy and have a nice weight to them.”
However, we believe in a balanced view. A few users mentioned that for very light electronic kits, the slave pedal can move if not properly secured on a rug, with one player noting, “The bars underneath… aren’t sturdy and the pedals move around like crazy” on their specific ultra-light setup. Additionally, one proactive drummer mentioned that after a few weeks, they added shims to the driveshaft to eliminate a tiny bit of “slop.” This is a common maintenance task for many double pedals and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting for those who want a “zero-maintenance” experience. Overall, the consensus is that for the price, you are getting a product that performs significantly better than the stock pedals included with most kits.
Comparing the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal to Top Alternatives
1. Yamaha KP65 Electronic Kick Tower
It is important to note that the Yamaha KP65 is actually a kick trigger pad, not a pedal itself. However, it is frequently compared because many drummers buy the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal specifically to use with a tower like this. If you currently only have a “silent” kick trigger pedal without a beater, you would need both the KP65 and a pedal like the PDP 700. The KP65 is famous for its large surface area, which comfortably accommodates the double beaters of the PDP 700 series, making them a perfect pair for an e-kit upgrade.
2. Tama HP200P Iron Cobra Single Drum Pedal
- Kick Drum Pedal with Spring Tight Single-chain Power Glide Cam
The Tama Iron Cobra 200 is the direct single-pedal competitor to the PDP 700 series. If you find that you aren’t quite ready for the complexity of a double pedal, the HP200P offers a similar “Power Glide” offset cam for a bit more punch. While the PDP 700 focuses on a smooth, concentric feel, the Tama is built for those who want a slightly more aggressive stroke. However, if your goal is to play metal or modern rock, the double-pedal capabilities of the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal make it a more versatile long-term choice.
3. Pearl P932 Double Bass Drum Pedal with Interchangeable Cams
- Perfect Circle Cam w/ Removable Eliminator-style Eccentric Cam
- Demon Style Power Shifter Function Longboard
The Pearl P932 is a step up in terms of both features and price. It features a “longboard” design, which provides a larger surface area for drummers who use the “heel-toe” technique. It also includes interchangeable cams, allowing you to switch between a linear and an offset feel. While the Pearl P932 offers more customization, the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal is often more approachable for intermediate players who don’t want to get lost in complex adjustments. The PDP is the “set it and forget it” champion, while the Pearl is for the tinkerer.
Final Verdict: Is the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal Right for You?
After extensive testing and comparing user feedback with our own hands-on experience, we can confidently say that the Pacific Drum Co. 700 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal is one of the best value-for-money hardware investments an intermediate drummer can make. It strikes an excellent balance between lightweight speed and rugged stability. The solid steel base plates, the smooth concentric cam, and the versatile 2-way beaters make it a formidable tool for anyone looking to master double-bass techniques without spending a small fortune.
While it may require a little bit of “TLC” in the form of occasional lubrication or shimming of the linkage arm over the years, its performance on both acoustic and electronic kits is stellar. It is a reliable, professional-feeling piece of gear that will serve you well from the practice room to the local stage. If you are ready to take your footwork to the next level, we highly recommend that you click here to secure yours today and start building the speed and precision you’ve been aiming for.
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API