Pedal Metal Rocks
We received our Pedal Metal in the mail yesterday, having ordered one immediately after posting an article about them and were quite impressed with the quality. For around 20 bucks (with shipping and everything) you can get peace of mind for when you are trying to nail Mississippi Queen on expert. It was easy enough to install, just placing the metal on the pedal and using the included self-drilling screws with a regular non-powered screwdriver. Once it's on there, it seems it could be fairly easily removed, though it's most likely at that point you have voided your warranty.
My main concern with the drum pedal is noise and durability. I want to be able to freely push the pedal with vigor, while not making my downstairs neighbor want to come upstairs and kill me with his fists. Pedal Metal is slightly noisier than your standard pedal, my guess would be just because of the added weight. I am usually playing the drums wearing socks or barefoot, as well. The Pedal Metal uses a corrugated steel look and screws with rounded tops, which I am sure add tons of grip for people who play with their shoes on. For people who don't, however, it feels like it could get a little uncomfortable. Ideally, they could have found a way to recess the screw heads into the metal itself, right now they just sort of sit awkwardly on top of whatever random bit of the metal pattern happens to be there. So you have seven little bumps that you have to basically avoid with your foot so you don't get a blister or anything. Not cool.
If you are interested in playing drums on anything other than medium, you're going to be breaking your pedal at some point. The plastic is just going to get worn down and will snap horribly one day. Pedal Metal will help prevent this, but it definitely could use some improvements. For now, I am satisfied with my purchase.
