Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft Review: Eliminating Slave Pedal Lag Forever
Every double-bass drummer knows the feeling. You spend hundreds, perhaps even close to a thousand dollars, on a top-tier double pedal setup like the DW 9000 series. You expect perfection. You expect that your left foot will finally have the same voice, power, and articulation as your right. But then you sit down, start a fast 16th-note run, and something feels… off. There is a microscopic delay—a “slop”—between the moment your left foot hits the board and the moment the beater strikes the head. This isn’t usually a problem with the pedals themselves, but with the universal joints in the factory-issued driveshaft.
For years, I struggled with this exact issue. I blamed my technique. I spent hours adjusting spring tension and beater angles, only to realize that the mechanical link connecting the two pedals was the weak point. When that factory shaft eventually bends or the joints begin to rattle, you are faced with a choice: buy another stock replacement or find a way to truly optimize your gear. This is where the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft comes into play. It promises to turn a great pedal into a perfect one, and after extensive testing, we can confirm it changes the game entirely. If you want to see its full feature set and user reviews, you’ll find that many professionals have made this exact switch to save their performances from mechanical inconsistency.
- Retrofit Aluminum Drive Shaft for DW Double-bass Pedals
What to Consider Before Investing in High-End Bass Drum Pedal Accessories
A Bass Drum Pedals accessory is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for drummers who have outgrown the limitations of standard hardware. When you reach a certain level of speed and precision, the mechanical efficiency of your gear becomes the ceiling for your progress. High-quality driveshafts like the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft are designed to remove the friction and “play” that naturally occurs in mass-produced universal joints, allowing for a 1:1 transfer of energy from your foot to the drumhead.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing consistency issues with their double-bass patterns, particularly professional gigging drummers or studio session players who require absolute precision. It is also a lifesaver for those whose original hardware has failed or become noisy. However, it might not be suitable for those who use entry-level pedals where the cost of the driveshaft exceeds the value of the pedals themselves. In those cases, a full pedal upgrade might be more logical. Before making the jump, you should check the latest price and availability to ensure it fits your maintenance budget.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Model Fit: Not all driveshafts are universal. This specific model is engineered specifically for the DW ecosystem. While it fits the 5000 and 9000 series perfectly, it may not be compatible with lower-tier or “off-brand” versions. Always verify your pedal’s axle shape before purchasing.
- Material Composition: The choice between steel and aluminum is vital. Aluminum, specifically 6061-T6, offers a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means less centrifugal mass to move, resulting in a faster, “snappier” response that reduces leg fatigue during long sets.
- Bearing Technology: Look for the number and type of bearings. The Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft utilizes four roller bearings per joint. Most stock shafts use basic pins or bushings that wear out and create “slop” over time. Roller bearings ensure a lifetime of smooth, silent operation.
- Ease of Adjustment: A good driveshaft should stay where you put it. Dual key locks are a must-have feature to prevent the shaft from slipping or extending during a high-intensity performance, which can be catastrophic mid-song.
Transitioning from a standard setup to a precision-engineered link can feel like learning to play all over again because of how much more sensitive the pedals become. While the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft 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:
- 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
First Impressions: Unboxing the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft
When you first pull the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft out of its packaging, the first thing you notice is the weight—or rather, the lack of it. Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, it feels incredibly light yet remarkably sturdy. It doesn’t have the “clunky” feel of the standard steel shafts that come with most high-end pedals. The machining is beautiful, with a sleek silver finish that looks like it belongs on a piece of aerospace equipment rather than a drum set.
The assembly is straightforward for anyone familiar with drum hardware. It’s a direct “retrofit,” meaning you won’t need to perform any surgery on your pedals. The joints move with an eerie smoothness; there is absolutely zero friction or “hitch” in the rotation. Comparing this to the stock DW shaft we had been using for years, the difference in tolerances was immediately apparent. While the stock shaft had a visible wobble at the joints after years of use, the Trick Drums version felt like a solid, singular piece of metal even while articulating. It is a feature that really sets it apart from the generic replacements you might find at a local music shop.
Key Benefits We Discovered
- Zero-play technology eliminates lag between the master and slave pedals.
- Made in the USA from high-grade 6061-T6 aluminum for maximum durability.
- Four precision roller bearings per joint provide incredibly smooth rotation.
- Double-locking key screws ensure the shaft never slips during heavy playing.
Considerations Before Buying
- Premium pricing compared to standard OEM replacement parts.
- Only compatible with DW 3000, 5000, and 9000 series; won’t fit some budget lines.
Deep Dive: Why the P1V6DW is the Ultimate Performance Upgrade
The “Zero-Play” Engineering Miracle
The core promise of the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft is the elimination of “slop.” In the drumming world, slop refers to the dead space in a mechanical joint. If you hold your secondary pedal’s cam still and try to move the beater, most stock pedals will allow for nearly half an inch of movement before the cam actually engages. This is due to the loose tolerances in the universal joints. When we installed the Trick shaft, that movement vanished. It was a 1:1 engagement. We found that this immediate response fundamentally changed how we approached fast double-stroke rolls. You no longer have to “anticipate” the lag; the beater moves exactly when your foot moves.
This precision is achieved through Trick’s patented joint design, which utilizes four roller bearings per joint. Most competitors use two, or simply a pin-and-bushing system. By doubling the bearings, Trick ensures that the rotational force is distributed evenly, preventing the joints from “ovaling” or wearing out over time. During our test sessions, which involved hours of high-speed rehearsal, the pedals felt as crisp in the final hour as they did in the first minute. You can see how this engineering impacts performance by reading through the feedback from touring drummers who rely on this stability every night.
Improving Balance Between the Feet
One of the most common complaints among double-bass players is that the slave pedal (usually the left foot) feels heavier or slower than the primary pedal. While some of this is due to the natural weakness of the non-dominant foot, a significant portion is caused by the weight and friction of the driveshaft. The Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft is significantly lighter than the stock DW steel shafts. In our testing, this reduction in mass allowed the slave pedal to return to its starting position much faster. This “return speed” is critical for maintaining evenness at high tempos.
We noticed that the “heaviness” traditionally associated with the DW 5000 and 9000 slave pedals was virtually eliminated. It felt like playing two independent single pedals rather than a master and a slave. We actually had to go back and re-adjust our spring tension because the new shaft was so much more efficient that our previous settings felt too tight. This level of optimization is something you simply cannot get from a standard factory part. If you’ve ever felt like your left foot was “fighting” the pedal, this is the remedy you’ve been looking for.
Durability and the “Set It and Forget It” Reliability
For a gigging drummer, hardware failure is the ultimate nightmare. I’ve seen driveshafts snap, screws strip, and joints seize up mid-set. The Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft addresses these points of failure with industrial-grade construction. The two key locks per joint are a small but massive improvement over the single-screw designs found elsewhere. This dual-lock system bites into the aluminum with enough force that even the most aggressive “stomp” players won’t see the shaft extend or contract during a performance.
The use of 6061-T6 aluminum is also a major durability win. This material is widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries because it doesn’t fatigue easily under stress. While steel can bend and stay bent, this aluminum alloy has a high “memory” and resilience. Even after months of being thrown into a hardware bag and set up on uneven stages, the shaft remained perfectly straight and the bearings remained silent. There are no squeaks, no rattles, and no maintenance required other than a quick wipe-down. To ensure you’re getting a genuine USA-made unit, we recommend you check the manufacturer’s verified listings.
The Real-World Impact on Speed and Accuracy
While we don’t like to say that gear makes you a better drummer, the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft certainly removes the obstacles to being a better drummer. During our testing, we focused on “the slop test.” We held the cam of the secondary pedal stationary and tried to wiggle the beater. With the stock shaft, there was a noticeable 1/4″ to 1/2″ of play. With the Trick shaft, there was absolutely zero movement. This translates to better accuracy on “ghost notes” and fast syncopated patterns where timing is everything.
Interestingly, some users have reported that the shaft actually raised their footboard height by about half an inch upon installation. We experienced this as well. This happens because the zero-play joints remove the “sag” that exists in the old shaft. While it required a quick adjustment of the chain on our DW 9000s, the end result was a pedal that felt more powerful and had a more consistent arc of motion. The speed increase we felt wasn’t just in our imagination; it was a direct result of the reduced friction and the elimination of wasted energy.
What Other Users Are Saying
The consensus among the drumming community is overwhelmingly positive. We found that most users who make this upgrade describe it as the single best investment they’ve made for their kit. One user noted that their 20-year-old DW 9000 pedals now feel “better than the day I bought them.” This sentiment is common; the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft effectively breathes new life into aging hardware, saving drummers the $800+ they might have spent on a brand-new set of machined pedals.
Another common theme in user feedback is the “independent pedal” feel. Many drummers have mentioned that it finally feels like they are playing the same pedal on both sides, which significantly reduces the learning curve for complex double-bass patterns. On the negative side, some users pointed out that this is a “luxury” upgrade and strictly noted it isn’t worth it for lower-line DW pedals (like the 2000 series) where the shaft might cost as much as the pedal itself. Some also mentioned the compatibility limit—it’s designed for DW’s specific axle shape, so don’t try to force it onto a different brand. Overall, if you own a DW 5000 or 9000, the “pros” far outweigh the “cons.” You can read more first-hand accounts here to see if your specific pedal issues match what others have solved.
Comparing the Trick Drums P1V6DW to Top Alternatives
While the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft is a specialized upgrade, it’s helpful to see where it sits in the broader market of bass drum hardware. Sometimes, a drummer might be looking for a completely new pedal rather than an upgrade, or perhaps they have different needs entirely.
1. Pearl P932 Double Bass Drum Pedal
- Perfect Circle Cam w/ Removable Eliminator-style Eccentric Cam
- Demon Style Power Shifter Function Longboard
The Pearl P932 is an entry-level to mid-range double pedal that is often the first choice for drummers moving away from singles. Unlike the Trick upgrade, which is designed to enhance a high-end pedal, the P932 is a complete system. It features a longboard design and a sprocketless chain drive. While it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option, its stock driveshaft doesn’t come close to the precision of the Trick P1V6DW. If you already own a DW 5000, you are much better off upgrading your shaft with the Trick model than switching to a P932. However, for a beginner on a tight budget, the P932 offers great value for the price.
2. Tama HP200P Iron Cobra Single Drum Pedal
- Kick Drum Pedal with Spring Tight Single-chain Power Glide Cam
The Tama HP200P is a legendary single pedal known for its “Power Glide” cam and durability. We include it here because some drummers find that they prefer the simplicity and direct feel of a single pedal over a double setup. If you are a single-pedal player, you obviously have no need for a driveshaft. However, if you are struggling with your double pedal’s slave-side lag, you might find yourself gravitating back to a single pedal out of frustration. Before you give up on double-bass, we highly recommend trying the Trick upgrade; it provides that “single pedal” feel on both feet, giving you the best of both worlds.
3. Yamaha KP65 Electronic Drum Kick Tower
The Yamaha KP65 is a kick trigger pad for electronic drums. Why compare this? Many drummers use the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft on their home electronic kits to keep their practice sessions as realistic as possible. Electronic pads like the KP65 can be unforgiving with double-bass lag because the “brain” of the drum module triggers a sound instantly, making mechanical slop even more obvious to the ear. If you use a double pedal on an electronic kit, the Trick shaft upgrade is almost mandatory to ensure your triggers are firing exactly when you expect them to.
Final Verdict: Is the Trick Drums P1V6DW a Must-Have Upgrade?
After weeks of rigorous testing and comparing the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft to stock components, the verdict is clear: this is the single most effective mechanical upgrade you can perform on a DW double pedal. It addresses the one fatal flaw in almost all double-pedal designs—the universal joint slop. By replacing a heavy, imprecise steel shaft with a lightweight, bearing-loaded aluminum masterpiece, you essentially unlock the true potential of your pedals. Your left foot will feel faster, your patterns will be more accurate, and your hardware will be significantly more reliable.
While the price point is higher than a standard replacement part, the longevity and performance gains make it a “one-time purchase” that will likely outlive the pedals themselves. We recommend this unreservedly to any DW 5000 or 9000 owner who is serious about their footwork. Don’t let a $50 factory part hold back your $800 investment. If you’re ready to experience what your pedals were truly meant to feel like, order the Trick Drums P1V6DW DW Pedal Retrofit Driveshaft today and finally bridge the gap between your right and left foot.
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API