Great product from PEARL drums

What is the first thing drummers buy?
I think kick pedals are one of the first choices we make.
This time, I’d like to introduce PEARL's DEMON Series, and I’m not exaggerating when say that it is a classic among classic kick pedals from amongst many drum brands.

The DEMON Series was released in 2009, so some people may be wondering “Why talk about the DEMON Series now?”
The first thing I got when I started playing was the P100TW, and then I bought an Eliminator P-2002C double chain twin pedal, which I loved using for a long time.
When I first saw the DEMON Series, I was confused by the new brushed-up design and unfamiliar direct drive.
This time I had the chance to try out the DEMON series pedals again and again, which reminded of the high degree of kick pedal perfection and the overall quality from PEARL products, and so I have decided to write a blog.

Introductions aside, I will immediately get started.
The DEMON Series uses a direct drive system. DEMON DRIVE

Chain drive DEMON CHAIN

The available lineup.
Let's start with DEMON DRIVE.

The most distinctive feature is the direct drive from which the model name is derived.

My first thoughts: "Cool mechanical look!" (Lol)
The drive mechanism has less loss than chains and the NiNjA bearings used in the DEMON Series make it feel light and easy to step on.
Until recently, I had been using DW's 5000 series and 9000 series, and TAMA's SPEED COBRA. However, this has a quicker response than any of the kick pedals that I have used in the past, but once you get used to it, it’s easier to step on than any other pedal, and it also becomes addictive.
In addition, the section where the footboard connects can be changed in two ways, and the weight of the footboard can be adjusted (Direct Link Adjustment).

The mechanics of this function are not conplicated, but I remember that I was deeply impressed when I tried it for the first time because this function was not available on other direct drive pedals at that time. By default, the connection is at the back, but changing it to the front will make the step feel lighter and the action quicker.

DEMON DRIVE is also equipped with a Beater Stroke Adjustment function that allows you to select between control and power by moving the hub at the base of the beater back and forth.

This is quite convenient! Even if you just loosen the position of the hub with the tuning key, the feeling changes drastically. Personally, fixing the hub at a position close to the bolt side makes it easier to step on and provides a powerful shot by as a result of centrifugal force, so I prefer this one.

Next is the introduction of DEMON CHAIN.

Because there are many common parts in the DEMON Series, at first glance, this looks similar to the DEMON DRIVE.

However, from the perspective of one who has used chain pedals, I feel a little at ease with the chain drive.
If you look at the chain, you will notice the difference from the Eliminator.
"There’s only one DEMON cam."
Having used the Eliminator way back when, I was quite disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to try out various cams to find the settings that I liked, but when I actually stepped on it, my first impressions were reversed.

What I felt most after trying it for a little while is that it is "light for a double chain".
Alothough I thought that it was light even though it was a metal cam, the reason was clearly explained on PEARL's site.

「The highly accurate and reliable round aluminum die-cast wheel and the double chain which can transmit more power have been lightened as much as possible while still maintaining durability. It achieves the ultimate light feeling that could never have been experienced in chain drive action in the past.」

This lightweight cam provides a light stepping feel.
However, while realizing a light feeling by reducing the weight, the flexibility of the chain, and the slight delay (in a good sense) can be felt, which can be said to be the characteristics of chain pedals in the past, and this can be used comfortably even by those who have felt uncomfortable with the delay in the past.

In addition, there is some common specs within the DEMON Series, such as the Beater Stroke Adjustment, which allows you to adjust the position of the beater hub, and the Duo-deck Footboard, which allows you to select the length of the footboard from long and short, and change it according to your preference. By adjusting each section, you can get the same setting for the swing as when changing the Eliminator's cam, and the perfection is like, `` It’s perfect as is, and it doesn’t come with other cams because they are unnecessary.''.

And if you check out the twin pedals, the drive shaft is crazy!
It uses what’s called a Z-link universal joint. A drive shaft that eliminates the play of the joints to the utmost, and matches the left and right actions of the twin pedals perfectly.

When you actually touch it, you can feel the precise and robust construction.
Even twisting both ends of the drive shaft, you won’t feel any backlash.
Surprisingly, when you twist both ends on many drive shafts, there are a lot of rattles, but not with this high quality shaft.
So many great features, but my personal favorite is here! !

This is where you change the spring tension on the side of the kick pedal. If this were a normal pedal, it would easily get loose after attaching it to the bass drum, and once it’s loose, it is difficult to adjust!
I think many drummers have had the same trouble. The DEMON Series has a Click Lock Spring Tension function that locks the spring tension knob to prevent it from getting loose.
PEARL products always allow you to scratch the itchy places!

This was explained in a rush, but what do you think?!
The DEMON DRIVE, and the DEMON CHAIN are sublimely complete kick pedals that allow you to more fully pursue your favorite settings and satisfy your drummer desires, and will definitely improve the skills of even beginner drummers who choose either of these as their first pedal.