Longboard drum pedals represent a significant evolution in percussion hardware, offering a unique playing experience defined by a single, elongated footboard that provides an uninterrupted surface from toe to heel.
This design fundamentally alters the interaction between the drummer’s foot and the pedal, facilitating advanced techniques that demand exceptional speed, precision, and fluidity, making it a transformative piece of equipment for many modern players.
The absence of a traditional heel-plate hinge not only allows for greater freedom of movement but also creates a larger “sweet spot,” giving drummers more leverage and a different sense of connection to the bass drum.
While often associated with the blistering speeds of heavy metal, the benefits of these pedals—including enhanced control and comfort for players with larger feet—have led to their adoption across a diverse range of musical genres.
In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a deep dive into the world of longboard drum pedals, meticulously breaking down every facet of their design, function, and application.
We will begin by defining precisely what a longboard pedal is and tracing its history before launching into a detailed longboard vs regular pedals comparison to help you understand the core differences in feel and technique.
From there, we will dissect the anatomy of the modern longboard pedal, exploring the critical roles of drive systems, cams, and beaters.
This article will guide you in identifying whether you are the ideal candidate for a longboard, detail the specific playing styles they enhance, such as the heel-toe technique, and provide a practical framework for choosing the best longboard drum pedals for your needs, whether you’re in the market for a single or double bass longboard pedals.
Our purpose is to equip you with the knowledge to make a confident, informed decision, ensuring your next pedal purchase is one that truly elevates your playing and unlocks new creative possibilities behind the kit.
What Are Longboard Drum Pedals?
A longboard drum pedal is characterized by its single, extended footboard that operates without a separate, hinged heel plate, creating one continuous, smooth playing surface.
This seamless construction is the primary feature that distinguishes it from a traditional pedal; think of it less like a hinged lever and more like a skateboard deck, where your foot has the liberty to pivot, slide, and reposition itself anywhere along the board’s length to manipulate the stroke.
This design directly impacts the physics of the pedal, offering a different point of leverage and a perceptibly lighter, more sensitive response underfoot.
The extended length provides ample real estate, which is not merely for comfort but is integral to enabling specialized footwork that is difficult or less efficient to perform on a standard, shorter footboard.
The evolution of longboard pedals is intrinsically linked to the escalating technical demands of modern music, particularly the rise of extreme metal genres in the late 20th century.
As drummers pushed the boundaries of speed and endurance, especially with double bass patterns, they required hardware that could keep pace and facilitate new ways of playing.
Pioneering brands like Axis Percussion responded to this need by developing pedals with elongated, hingeless boards and direct drive mechanisms, a combination that offered unprecedented responsiveness.
The adoption of these early longboard pedals for metal by influential drummers in the genre solidified their reputation as the ultimate tool for speed.
Over time, as their benefits in control and comfort became more widely recognized, their popularity expanded, and today, nearly every major drum hardware manufacturer offers a range of longboard models designed to suit a variety of players and styles far beyond their initial niche.
Longboard vs. Regular Pedals: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Choosing between a longboard and a regular (or “shortboard”) pedal is one of the most significant equipment decisions a drummer can make, as it directly influences playing style, comfort, and technical potential.
The most apparent distinction when comparing longboard vs regular pedals lies in the footboard design itself.
A regular pedal features a two-piece construction, with a movable footboard connected by a hinge to a stationary heel plate where the player’s heel rests, creating a distinct pivot point.
In stark contrast, a longboard pedal utilizes a single, uninterrupted plank of metal, eliminating the heel hinge entirely and allowing the entire board to move as one unit.
This fundamental architectural difference directly translates to a distinct feel underfoot.
The sensation of playing a longboard is often described as lighter, faster, and more sensitive, as the foot is not anchored to a fixed heel plate and can glide freely.
This can feel liberating for some, allowing for subtle nuances in control.
Conversely, the traditional shortboard design can feel more solid, grounded, and powerful, as the heel plate provides a stable foundation from which to generate force, a feeling many drummers are accustomed to and prefer for its familiar, robust response.
Consequently, the ideal playing techniques for each pedal type are a direct result of their physical layout.
The expansive, smooth surface of a longboard is perfectly suited for advanced footwork like the heel-toe technique and the sliding technique, where the foot must travel along the board to execute rapid-fire strokes.
Drummers who rely on ankle motion and a lighter touch will find the longboard to be an intuitive extension of their foot.
Regular pedals, with their defined heel plate, are generally better suited for traditional heel-up playing (where the heel is lifted and the ball of the foot drives the pedal) and heel-down playing (where the entire foot remains on the board), as the hinge provides a consistent and powerful fulcrum for these motions.
A pedal’s “sweet spot” refers to the optimal area for foot placement to achieve the desired response, and it differs significantly between the two styles.
On a longboard, the sweet spot is considerably larger and generally located further back from the chain or drive, giving the player more options for leverage and a more forgiving playing surface.
This allows for a wider margin of error and more tonal variation depending on foot position.
A regular pedal has a smaller, more focused sweet spot, typically located on the upper half of the footboard, which demands greater precision but can offer a more consistent and powerful stroke when targeted correctly.
Ultimately, the choice between these pedals often comes down to the drummer’s primary goals and physical characteristics.
Longboard pedals are the superior choice for players prioritizing speed, intricate footwork, and those with larger shoe sizes who find regular boards cramped.
Regular pedals remain the standard for those who value raw power, a simpler and more direct playing feel, and who employ traditional foot techniques.
| Feature | Longboard Pedals | Regular (Shortboard) Pedals |
|---|---|---|
| Footboard | Extended, one-piece, hingeless design | Shorter, with a separate, hinged heel plate |
| Feel | Often described as lighter, faster, more sensitive, and fluid | Can feel more solid, grounded, powerful, and traditional |
| Technique | Ideal for heel-toe, sliding, and ankle-focused techniques | Better suited for traditional heel-down or heel-up playing |
| “Sweet Spot” | Larger, more forgiving, and located further back | Smaller, more focused, and located on the upper footboard |
| Best For | Speed, intricate footwork, players with larger feet, modern styles | Power, simplicity, traditional playing styles, heel-down players |
The Anatomy of a Longboard Pedal: What to Look For
The drive system is the engine of the pedal, the crucial linkage that translates your foot’s downward motion into the beater’s forward strike against the drumhead.
The type of drive system used has a profound impact on the pedal’s response, speed, and overall feel, making it one of the most important components to consider.
There are three primary types found on modern longboard pedals: direct drive, chain drive, and belt drive, each offering a unique playing experience.
A direct drive longboard pedal offers the most immediate and unadulterated connection between the player’s foot and the beater, utilizing a solid piece of metal to link the footboard to the cam, which results in a 1:1, zero-latency response that is highly favored by drummers seeking maximum speed and precision.
The chain drive is the most common and versatile option, using either a single or double chain to provide a powerful and fluid feel that balances responsiveness with a slight give, making it a reliable all-rounder.
Belt drives, which use a durable strap typically made of nylon or Kevlar, offer the smoothest and most organic feel, often compared to the sensation of early, classic pedals but with modern durability.
| Drive System | Core Mechanism | Primary Feel & Response | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Drive | A solid, rigid linkage connects the footboard directly to the cam assembly. | Instantaneous, 1:1 response. Extremely sensitive and precise with zero lag or flex. | Technical players, extreme speed, intricate patterns (longboard pedals for metal). |
| Chain Drive | A single or double roller chain runs from the footboard over the cam. | Powerful, fluid, and slightly cushioned feel. A balance of speed and power. | All-around performance, rock, pop, fusion; the most common and versatile option. |
| Belt Drive | A flexible but durable strap (nylon, Kevlar) connects the footboard to the cam. | The smoothest, quietest, and most fluid feel. Often described as “organic” or “buttery.” | Jazz, funk, and players who prioritize a light, nuanced, and responsive touch. |
Cams
The cam is the component that the drive system wraps around, and its shape is the primary determinant of the beater’s velocity and the pedal’s feel throughout the duration of a stroke.
A linear or round cam maintains the same radius as it rotates, resulting in a consistent and predictable response from the beginning to the end of the stroke.
This provides a smooth, balanced feel that gives the drummer a great deal of control, making it a popular choice for a wide variety of musical applications.
In contrast, an offset or accelerator cam has a non-circular, nautilus-like shape.
As the footboard is depressed, the radius around which the chain or belt travels decreases, causing the beater to accelerate and whip through the last portion of its arc.
This design generates a significant burst of speed and power just before impact, making it a favorite among drummers who need to maximize volume and attack with less effort.
To bridge this gap, many high-end pedals now feature interchangeable cams, allowing the player to swap out different cam shapes to completely customize the pedal’s feel and response to match their playing style or the demands of a specific gig.
Beaters
While the pedal’s intricate mechanism creates the motion, the beater is the component that ultimately makes contact with the drumhead and shapes the fundamental tone of your bass drum.
The beater’s material is a critical factor; traditional felt beaters produce a warm, round, and punchy tone with a softer attack, which is the classic bass drum sound.
Harder materials like plastic or wood provide a much sharper, brighter, and more aggressive attack with more click, a sound often preferred in hard rock and metal for cutting through dense mixes.
The shape and weight of the beater also play a crucial role.
Larger, heavier beaters deliver more power and volume but can feel slower, while smaller, lighter beaters are quicker and more articulate but may lack low-end punch.
Many modern pedals come with dual-surface beaters (e.g., felt on one side, plastic on the other) or even multi-sided beaters, offering several sound profiles in a single component for maximum versatility.
Adjustability
The true potential of any high-quality longboard pedal is only fully realized through its adjustability, which allows the player to fine-tune every aspect of its performance to their exact personal preference.
Mastering these adjustments is key to achieving a feel that is truly an extension of your own body.
- Spring Tension:
- This is perhaps the most crucial adjustment, controlling how much force is required to depress the footboard and how quickly the beater returns to its resting position.
- Higher tension results in a faster rebound but requires more leg strength, while lower tension provides a lighter, softer feel but with a slower return.
- Beater Angle:
- The angle of the beater in its resting position can be adjusted independently of the footboard.
- A closer angle means a shorter stroke for faster playing but less power, while a further angle creates a longer, more powerful stroke at the expense of some speed.
- Footboard Height:
- Many advanced pedals allow you to change the height and angle of the footboard itself.
- This adjustment helps you find the most ergonomic and comfortable playing position, ensuring a natural feel and reducing fatigue over long playing sessions.
Who Should Use Longboard Pedals? (And Who Might Not)
The decision to use a longboard pedal should be based on a combination of playing style, physical comfort, and musical goals.
The ideal candidate for a longboard pedal often fits a specific profile, typically a player who prioritizes technical facility and speed.
This includes drummers in genres like metal, progressive rock, and fusion, where complex and rapid-fire footwork, often on double bass longboard pedals, is a staple of the style.
Players who have mastered or wish to master advanced footwork like the heel-toe technique or the sliding technique will find the uninterrupted surface of a longboard to be not just beneficial, but nearly essential for executing these motions cleanly and efficiently.
Furthermore, drummers with larger shoe sizes (typically size 11 US and up) often find longboards to be significantly more comfortable, as the extended length prevents their toes from jamming into the chain and their heel from hanging off the back, allowing for a more relaxed and controlled posture.
Conversely, longboard pedals are not the universal solution for every drummer.
Beginners, for instance, might find the heightened sensitivity and responsiveness of a longboard, especially a direct drive longboard pedal, to be challenging to control initially.
The stability and more forgiving nature of a traditional shortboard can provide a better platform for developing fundamental foot control and power.
Drummers who exclusively play with a heel-down technique, where the heel remains in contact with a heel plate, will find the primary advantage of a longboard to be nullified, as their technique does not utilize the extended length.
Additionally, players in genres like classic rock, blues, or country who value a simple, powerful, and grounded “thump” over intricate patterns may simply prefer the solid, traditional feel that a classic shortboard pedal provides.
It ultimately comes down to whether the unique features of the longboard align with your specific needs as a player.
Top Longboard Pedal Techniques to Master
The unique design of longboard pedals unlocks the potential for several advanced foot techniques that are significantly more difficult to execute on traditional shortboards.
The most renowned of these is the heel-toe technique, a method for playing rapid double strokes with a single foot.
This is achieved through a rocking motion where the first stroke is played with the ball of the foot, and as the beater rebounds, the foot rocks forward, and the toes strike the board to produce a second, immediate stroke.
The longboard’s extended surface provides the necessary space for this rocking motion to occur smoothly.
Another powerful method is the sliding technique.
This also produces fast doubles but with a different motion.
The player starts with their foot further back on the board and plays the first stroke, then quickly slides their foot forward to catch the board as it returns, using the momentum to generate a second stroke with minimal effort.
This technique leverages the entire length of the footboard and is incredibly efficient for sustained bursts of speed.
Finally, the design of a longboard naturally encourages superior ankle motion control.
Because the entire foot is on a moving surface without a fixed heel anchor, players learn to rely more on the fine muscles of the ankle rather than the large muscles of the leg for control and speed.
This leads to greater endurance, improved dynamic control, and the ability to play with more nuance and less fatigue, which is a massive advantage during long gigs or practice sessions.
Choosing the Right Longboard Pedal for You
Selecting the perfect longboard pedal from the vast array of available options requires a careful consideration of your budget, musical needs, and personal preferences.
The market is generally segmented into different tiers, from budget-friendly models to professional-grade, feature-rich powerhouses.
Entry-level and mid-range longboards, such as the popular Pearl P-930 Demonator, offer the core longboard experience with solid construction and essential adjustments, making them an excellent starting point for those new to the style or on a tighter budget.
As you move into the pro-level category, you’ll find the best longboard drum pedals from brands like Axis, Trick, and high-end DW or Tama models, which boast superior materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, virtually frictionless bearings, and extensive, independent adjustability for every conceivable parameter.
These pedals offer the pinnacle of performance but come with a significantly higher price tag.
The choice between a single and a double bass longboard pedals setup is more straightforward and is dictated entirely by the music you play.
If your style requires intricate double bass patterns, a double pedal is a necessity.
If you are a single-kick player, a high-quality single pedal will serve you perfectly.
However, the most critical step in this process is to try before you buy.
The feel of a pedal is incredibly subjective; what feels like a perfect extension of one drummer’s foot may feel awkward and unresponsive to another.
If possible, visit a local drum shop and spend time testing different models.
Pay attention to the smoothness of the action, the weight of the footboard, the rebound, and how intuitive the adjustments are.
This hands-on experience is invaluable and is the surest way to find a pedal that not only meets your technical requirements but also inspires you to play.
Conclusion
Longboard pedals have firmly established their place in the modern drummer’s arsenal, offering a distinct set of advantages centered around speed, control, and technical freedom.
By providing an uninterrupted playing surface, they empower drummers to execute advanced footwork like the heel-toe and sliding techniques with a level of fluidity and efficiency that is difficult to achieve on traditional pedals.
While their origins are rooted in the high-speed demands of metal, their benefits—from the enhanced comfort for players with larger feet to the nuanced control offered by a direct drive longboard pedal—have given them a much broader appeal.
The journey through their anatomy, from drive systems to cams and beaters, reveals a world of customizable hardware designed to be meticulously tailored to an individual’s touch.
Ultimately, the quest for the best longboard drum pedals is a personal one.
There is no single “best” pedal, only the pedal that is best for you.
The choice depends on a thoughtful assessment of your musical style, your technical ambitions, and your budget.
Whether you’re a developing player curious about expanding your footwork or a seasoned professional seeking the ultimate in speed and responsiveness, the longboard pedal offers a compelling and potentially game-changing option.
We encourage you to use this guide as a foundation, test out different models for yourself, and engage with the drumming community to find the pedal that will not just serve your needs, but inspire your creativity for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are longboard pedals only for metal drummers?
No, while they are extremely popular in metal due to their speed and precision, their benefits are appreciated across many genres.
Jazz and fusion drummers may enjoy the nuanced control and light feel, while any drummer with large feet might prefer them simply for the enhanced comfort and playing ergonomics.
Can you play heel-down on a longboard pedal?
Yes, you can absolutely play heel-down on a longboard.
However, since the entire footboard moves, the feel will be different from a traditional pedal with a stationary heel plate.
Some heel-down players adapt and enjoy it, but the primary advantages of the longboard design are most apparent with techniques that utilize more of the footboard’s length, like heel-up or heel-toe.
Are longboard pedals harder to control?
They can be, initially. Longboard pedals, especially direct drive models, are highly sensitive and responsive.
For a beginner accustomed to a less sensitive pedal, this can feel “twitchy” or hard to control.
However, with practice, this sensitivity translates into greater nuance and precision, allowing for a wider dynamic range and more intricate playing.
Do I need a longboard pedal to play fast?
No, you do not need a longboard pedal to play fast.
Many world-class drummers achieve incredible speeds on traditional shortboard pedals.
Speed is primarily a result of technique, practice, and control, not equipment.
However, longboard pedals are specifically designed to make certain speed-oriented techniques, like heel-toe and sliding, easier and more efficient to perform.
What are some of the best longboard pedals for beginners?
For a beginner looking to explore longboard pedals without a massive financial commitment, models like the Pearl P-930 Demonator or the Tama Speed Cobra 310 are excellent choices.
They offer the core longboard design, solid build quality, and essential adjustability at a very accessible price point, providing a fantastic introduction to the style.
