The DW 5000 series kick pedal stands as an undisputed icon in the drumming world, representing a benchmark for performance, durability, and innovative design that has been trusted by countless drummers for over four decades.
Its legendary status stems from a combination of robust, all-metal construction, a buttery-smooth feel, and a level of responsiveness that faithfully translates a drummer’s intentions into powerful, articulate bass drum notes.
This article will provide a comprehensive dw 5000 pedal review, delving into its storied history, dissecting its key features, and analyzing its real-world performance.
Furthermore, we will explore the nuances between its most popular models, the Accelerator and Turbo, compare it head-to-head with its fiercest competitors, and answer the most frequently asked questions to help you determine if this industry-standard piece of drum hardware is the right choice for your setup.
The DW 5000 Series: A Quick Overview
The DW 5000 pedal’s legacy began in the late 1970s, evolving from a simple, effective design into the highly refined and feature-rich pedal that drummers recognize today.
Originally conceived by Don Lombardi, the pedal quickly gained a reputation for its reliability and superior feel, setting a new standard for what drummers could expect from their most essential piece of hardware.
The series is primarily targeted at intermediate to professional drummers who demand consistency, night after night, from a pedal that can withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and extensive touring.
Its appeal is broad, suiting a wide range of musical styles, from the intricate footwork of jazz to the powerful, driving beats of rock and metal.
The core of the 5000 series’ modern identity lies in its two primary drive systems, each offering a distinct playing experience:
- Accelerator (AD4):
- Features an offset cam/sprocket design that creates an indirect relationship between the footboard and the beater, causing the beater to accelerate as it approaches the drumhead.
- This results in a punchier, more powerful stroke, making it a favorite for drummers who need to cut through a dense mix.
- Turbo (TD4):
- Utilizes a direct-drive-style concentric cam/sprocket, maintaining a one-to-one relationship between the footboard and beater movement.
- This delivers a smoother, more consistent feel, akin to the original 5000, and is often preferred for its nuance and control in styles like jazz and funk.
Both the Accelerator and Turbo models are available in single and double kick pedal configurations, ensuring that drummers of all setups and styles can find a 5000 series pedal that meets their needs.
In-Depth Review: Features and Build Quality
Built to Last: Construction and Durability
The DW 5000 pedal’s reputation as a “workhorse” is built upon its exceptional construction and robust materials, designed to provide a lifetime of reliable performance.
Every component, from the baseplate to the beater hub, is meticulously engineered with durability in mind.
The foundation of the pedal is its heavy-duty, all-metal construction, which provides a stable and solid platform that won’t buckle or shift, even under the most aggressive playing.
This rugged build quality is one of the primary reasons why so many professional drummers make the DW 5000 their kick pedal of choice.
A cornerstone of its design is the legendary Delta Ball-Bearing Hinge.
This precision-machined, state-of-the-art hinge is a marvel of engineering, utilizing ball bearings to ensure a completely fluid, friction-free motion.
The result is an incredibly smooth and responsive feel that eliminates the side-to-side play that can plague lesser pedals, allowing for a direct and efficient transfer of energy from the foot to the beater.
The footboard itself is a single-piece casting, providing a solid and comfortable surface for any playing technique, whether you play heel-up or heel-down.
This unwavering commitment to quality ensures that the DW 5000 pedal is not just an accessory, but a dependable musical instrument in its own right.
Under the Hood: Key Features
Beyond its rugged exterior, the DW 5000 is packed with innovative features that enhance its performance and adjustability.
The Dual-Adjusting Toe Clamp is a prime example, providing a secure and versatile method for attaching the pedal to any bass drum hoop.
Its multi-positional design ensures a tight grip without damaging the hoop, accommodating a wide range of hoop thicknesses and angles.
This simple yet effective feature eliminates pedal creep and ensures that the pedal stays exactly where you place it.
The included 101 Two-Way bass drum beater offers immediate tonal versatility.
With a simple turn, you can switch between a classic, warm felt side for traditional tones and a hard, articulate plastic side for a more modern, punchy attack.
This allows drummers to quickly adapt their sound to different musical contexts without needing to carry multiple beaters.
The entire system is driven by the Floating Rotor Spring technology, which reduces friction and allows for a quick, effortless return, making the pedal feel incredibly responsive and fast.
| Feature | DW 5000 Accelerator (AD4) | DW 5000 Turbo (TD4) |
|---|---|---|
| Drive System | Offset Cam/Sprocket | Concentric Cam/Sprocket |
| Feel & Response | Accelerates toward the end of the stroke | Smooth, direct, and consistent |
| Best For | Power, speed, and punchy attack (Rock, Metal) | Nuance, control, and consistency (Jazz, Funk) |
| Primary Benefit | Increased velocity and volume | Uniform response and feel |
Performance and Feel
How Does the DW 5000 Feel to Play?
Playing the DW 5000 pedal is an experience defined by smoothness, responsiveness, and power.
The pedal’s exceptional balance and fluid motion allow it to feel like a natural extension of your foot, translating every subtle nuance and powerful stomp with remarkable fidelity.
The choice between the Accelerator and Turbo models significantly shapes this experience.
The Accelerator’s offset cam provides a noticeable “throw” at the end of the stroke, which can be leveraged to generate immense power and speed with less effort, ideal for drummers who need to drive a band with authority.
In contrast, the Turbo’s concentric cam delivers a more linear and direct response, offering a consistent feel throughout the entire stroke, which many drummers find preferable for executing intricate patterns and maintaining dynamic control.
The pedal’s high degree of adjustability is central to its versatile performance.
A key part of any drum pedal adjustment is the spring tension, and the DW 5000’s Floating Rotor Spring assembly allows for precise control over the pedal’s return speed and overall resistance.
By simply tightening or loosening the spring, you can dial in a feel that ranges from light and fast to heavy and powerful.
Further customization is possible by adjusting the beater height and footboard angle, allowing you to fine-tune the pedal’s throw and response to perfectly match your individual playing style.
This level of control ensures that any drummer can achieve their desired feel, making the DW 5000 one of the most adaptable pedals on the market.
Sound and Tone
The DW 5000 pedal plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound of a bass drum.
The choice of beater surface is the most immediate factor influencing the tone.
The felt side of the stock 101 beater produces a warm, round, and classic bass drum sound with a prominent fundamental note and a softer attack.
This is ideal for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock, where a more blended and less aggressive kick sound is desired.
Flipping the beater to the hard plastic side dramatically changes the tonal character.
The plastic surface produces a sharp, punchy, and articulate sound with a pronounced attack and more high-end click.
This is the go-to sound for modern rock, metal, and pop music, where the kick drum needs to cut through a dense mix and provide a solid, driving pulse.
The Accelerator drive system, with its increased beater velocity, can further accentuate this attack, while the Turbo drive offers a more consistent tonal delivery.
The pedal’s solid construction also contributes to the sound by ensuring that all of the energy from your foot is transferred directly to the drumhead, resulting in a full and resonant tone with maximum projection.
DW 5000 vs. The Competition
When considering a high-performance bass drum pedal, the conversation inevitably turns to how the DW 5000 stacks up against other industry giants.
Its primary rivals, the Tama Iron Cobra and the Pearl Eliminator, are both formidable pedals with their own dedicated followings.
A direct comparison reveals the unique strengths of each, helping to clarify which might be the best bass drum pedal for a particular player.
The following table breaks down the key differences in a dw vs tama pedals and Pearl comparison.
| Feature | DW 5000 Series | Tama Iron Cobra 900 | Pearl Eliminator Redline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Systems | Accelerator (Offset), Turbo (Concentric) | Power Glide (Offset), Rolling Glide (Concentric) | Interchangeable Cams (6 options) |
| Key Feature | Delta Ball-Bearing Hinge, Dual-Adjusting Toe Clamp | Cobra Coil (spring return assist), Swivel Spring Tight | NiNja Bearings, Click-Lock Spring Adjustment |
| Feel | Smooth, powerful, and responsive | Fast, powerful, and very solid | Highly customizable, smooth, and quiet |
| Beater | 101 Two-Way (Felt/Plastic) | Power-Strike Cobra Beater | QuadBeater (4 surfaces) |
| Price Point | Mid-High | Mid-High | Mid-High |
The Tama Iron Cobra is renowned for its raw power and incredible stability, with its Power Glide cam offering a similar feel to DW’s Accelerator.
The Pearl Eliminator, on the other hand, champions customization, with its innovative interchangeable cam system allowing drummers to fundamentally change the pedal’s response.
While the DW 5000 offers two distinct and highly refined feels, the Eliminator provides a broader spectrum of possibilities.
However, many drummers find the simplicity and proven performance of the DW 5000’s design to be its greatest strength.
Pros and Cons
Every piece of gear has its strengths and weaknesses, and the DW 5000 is no exception.
Here is a clear breakdown of its advantages and potential drawbacks:
Pros:
- Unmatched Durability: Built like a tank with all-metal construction, designed to last a lifetime.
- Exceptionally Smooth Feel: The Delta Ball-Bearing Hinge provides a fluid, friction-free motion.
- Highly Responsive: Faithfully translates the player’s footwork into sound.
- Proven Performance: An industry standard trusted by professionals for decades.
- Excellent Adjustability: Allows for precise customization of feel and response.
Cons:
- Premium Price: Represents a significant investment compared to entry-level pedals.
- Weight: Its robust construction makes it heavier than some other pedals, which could be a factor for portability.
- Initial Setup: May require some time to dial in the perfect settings for your playing style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the DW 5000 good for beginners?
While the DW 5000 is a professional-grade pedal, its durability and adjustability can also make it a fantastic long-term investment for a serious beginner.
It’s a pedal you can grow with, rather than grow out of.
However, the price point may be a barrier for those just starting out.
What’s the difference between the DW 5000 and 9000?
The primary difference is the drive system technology.
The DW 9000 series features the infinitely adjustable cam, allowing you to switch seamlessly between an Accelerator-style and a Turbo-style drive, and everything in between.
The 5000 series requires you to choose one or the other.
The 9000 also has some additional refinements, but both are professional-quality pedals.
How do I adjust my DW 5000 pedal?
The main points of drum pedal adjustment on the DW 5000 are the spring tension, the beater height, and the footboard angle.
The spring tension controls the return speed and resistance.
The beater height affects the pedal’s throw and feel.
The footboard angle can also be adjusted for player comfort.
Experimenting with these three settings will allow you to customize the pedal’s feel to your exact preference.
Is the DW 5000 worth the money?
For serious drummers who value reliability, feel, and performance, the DW 5000 is absolutely worth the investment.
Its durability means it will likely outlast several cheaper pedals, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Accelerator or Turbo: Which one is right for me?
This is the central question for any potential DW 5000 buyer.
The dw 5000 accelerator review sections highlight its punch and power, making it ideal for rock, metal, and any genre where you need to be heard.
The dw 5000 turbo review points to its smooth, consistent feel, which is favored for jazz, funk, and intricate playing.
The best way to decide is to try both if possible, but your primary musical style will be the best guide.
Conclusion
After a thorough examination in this dw 5000 pedal review, it is clear that the DW 5000 series rightfully maintains its throne as a king among kick pedals.
Its legendary status is not a product of hype, but a direct result of decades of unwavering performance, bulletproof construction, and a design that puts the drummer’s feel first.
The choice between the powerful punch of the Accelerator and the fluid consistency of the Turbo allows the 5000 series to cater to a vast array of playing styles, while its deep adjustability ensures that any drummer can find their perfect setup.
While competitors like the Tama Iron Cobra and Pearl Eliminator offer compelling features and performance of their own, the DW 5000 strikes a perfect balance between innovation, simplicity, and raw, dependable performance.
It is a pedal that inspires confidence, allowing you to focus on your playing without ever having to second-guess your gear.
For the serious drummer looking for a professional, lifelong kick pedal, the DW 5000 is not just a worthy contender; it remains one of the very best investments you can make for your craft.
We encourage you to share your own experiences with the DW 5000 in the comments below!
