Feature:
The hardware is high quality and easy to set up. I especially liked the tom holders, which are black (powder coating I think) and match the black rims, ISS mounts, and lugs. This was my first experience with a suspended mount and from now on this will be my preferred mounting choice. The feet are thick rubber, and the tension knobs are ergonomic. There is some room for improvement, though. The tom stand should raise a little higher, maybe 6 inches, as there is often a need to have the smaller toms above the height of the rack toms. Also, the tom holders should be a longer, about 4 inches, which would allow the 10" to be higher than the 8 inch than what is currently possible for some configurations (the 8", 10" and existing 12" form a triangle with the 10" at the top).
Quality:
I've had it for a week. No problems so far. The metal in the stand is thick, not cheap and wobbly. Clamps have good holding power. There were a few small scratches on the finish, but you have to be looking for them and hold them in the light just right to see them. The badge on the tom is nice looking as well. Package arrived with the contents secured with thick paper and was compact. ISS mounts were in their own boxes inside the main packaging.
Value:
I chose this over a similar ludwig product and was happy I did, even though they were more expensive. These had the ISS mount which produces a better sound from the tom, and the finish and hardware is superior. For what I was looking for (2 toms & stand that matched my existing finish) this was the best I found on the net.
Desirability:
Good looking, good sounding drums with sturdy hardware = fun to play.
Sound:
Straight out of the box these toms sounded pretty well with the protone heads pearl includes. I will have to do a little tuning to get my existing 12x10 and 13x11 (Dia. x Height) to match. If you are using thicker heads (Evans G2/Remo Ambassidor) on the rest of your toms, you might want to switch to a thinner ply on the batter heads or tune those toms a little higher. These toms produced a tone that was slightly higher than I expected, but they sound great. Overtones are controlled and the natural frequency of the tom comes through.
Ease of Use:
Sounded great out of the box. Didn't have to read instructions to set things up, even though this is my first Pearl purchase. However, I did make sure I had the ISS setup according to instructions before letting it bear the weight of the tom. Includes an easy to operate triangular clamp to attach the tom holders to the stand.
Support:
Not needed so far.
Overall:
I would order this again if I need to replaces these toms. Though I am an intermediate player, I am currently playing on an entry level set (Sound Percussion) and bought these to expand my 5 piece set. I expect to keep these toms after I replace the Sound Percussion set in about a year and a half. I am pleased enough with these toms to put Pearl on my list when I replace the Sound Percussion pieces. Nothing negative to say about these toms, but I would like to see another expansion pack available in larger sizes, like a 14x12 & 15x14 pack.
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