Overall, my 36 years of experience have shown me several new and different ideas in the design of many aspects of drum sets; the suspension systems now prevalent are a great improvement. The single hole lug mounting design may or may not be fabulous...I haven't looked that far into it yet. But the Speed King has never been outdone by anyone as far as I've seen.

Sound
I've been using this pedal since about 1974. As there have actually been three of them during that time, my experience differed with each. I had one that never had a problem, period. No squeak, no spring issues, nothing. A second unit (I received both with my used drum set, also a Ludwig), had the squeak issues, but I resolved this with spray lube and graphite. It was kinda messy, but I love the way a Speed King responds to every nuance of your foot. The third unit came with another set I had bought, and I experienced the grease cap coming off issue. Since the grease was very thick, it wasn't a problem and I just snapped the cap back on from time to time.

Features
Simple set up and take down. Like a previous reviewer said, you can play this thing barefooted...it actually feels good on the bottom of your foot. It was the first pedal I ever used and although I've used others through the years, I miss my speed king and am preparing to buy a new one, maybe two.

Ease of Use
Excellent ease of use. I've had the chain pin retaining… read more ring and the chain come off before on chain drive models; it's just not something you have to deal with when you use a speed king.

Quality
It looks like it always has..a quality product with a professional look to it. All this new stuff looks so choppy, blocky, and the external springs don't lend the sleek finish a speed king has.

Value
When you don't have the speed king and you really want that control that you can't get from another pedal, the price really isn't the issue. I'd pay twice what I've seen them on sale for.

Manufacturer Support
We used Ludwig drums when I was in school, and my trap was a Ludwig. I've always thought they made great products.

The Wow Factor
Classic.....the chrome plated cross piece and the enameled blue gray finish of the arms and the steel footplate with the "Speed King" name molded in it. The type of pride in design and engineering and production that nowadays is hard to find in the rubber stamp type of designs the other manufacturers use.

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
Rock, R & B, Blues, Country, Western Swing, Jazz, Rockabilly, Musical Theater read less