Bargain PDP CX or Mapex Pro

[drum4Him]

First post on the board and appreciate what I have seen so far...

I have an opportunity to buy a new Pacific CX with hardware for $700. However, before I knew about this deal, I was leaning to a Mapex Pro kit that could be over $1000.

Depending on where you read, it does seem that Mapex is slightly favored. Also the Mapex hardware seems better to me. There have been instances of hardware issues for the PDP kit. However, my mind keeps on going back to what I consider a pretty good deal. What I save on the different I would probably be able to affored cases sooner and maybe half a cymbal or other accessories. These would not be played out of the house that much (6 x per year) for I have a nice Roland kit. The reason for the purchase is to have an acoustic kit for when I need it. I have a 70's Rogers kit that I do not want to take out anymore.

So go with the Pacifc CS now or wait for the Mapex? My timeframe to buy is 6 months, but I am getting itchy for this.

d4H

[hellsbells58]

If you aren't going to be gigging with the kit, and just want something to bash around on, I'd go with the cheaper option.

However, if you are an Audiophile like myself and want your drums to sound as best as they possibly can, then I'd suggest going with the Mapex.

The Mapex to me would be the better all round option, but if you want to save a couple of bucks just for a practice acoustic kit, then the PDP would be your choice.

HB58

[Daemon]

GO FOR THE MAPEX!
I have a mapex pro-m and i love it, the shells handle constant travel really well too

[Lezzledrummer]

yea, i would say go with the mapex.

[eggman]

well if you want a drumset for cheap that you won't have to really worry about messing up, go with pdp, if you want a nice high-quality set that you plan on using for many years to come, go with the mapex...but I think you should go with a Gretsch Catalina...very nice set... (haha beat you to it funky)

[drum4Him]

Made a decision and went with the Pacific CX at GC.

The drums actually would not be used that many times out each year. But what started this is that I have a 70's Rogers blue onyx kit that I don't want to scratch up anymore. I plan on restoring it to look as best as possible. If that is sold maybe then I can get my better A kit...

Besides, need to watch the budget with 2 kids close to college.

d4H

[funkymcstain]

be sure to check all the bearing edges and check the roundness. these are the 2 main quality issues i hear about pdp.
but seriously you should have checked the gretsch catalina.

[amputechture]

No Mapex

But if you only need a practice kit then it's not that big of a deal

[drum4Him]

Yes funkymcstain, I've heard of those complaints too. To check the eveness of the edges for each side, is this the correct way (?):

Place the shell with no heads on a flat surface and shine a light inside. The light should optimally be equal all around the drum. How much uneveness is acceptable for a kit in this price range?

For out of round, I would assume the same diagnal measurement all around.

Any other construction issues to check other than cosmetic?

I've heard of people checking the pitch or natural resonance of a shell. Any suggestion for checking this?

Thanks,

d4H

[Metal forever]

Made a decision and went with the Pacific CX at GC.

The drums actually would not be used that many times out each year. But what started this is that I have a 70's Rogers blue onyx kit that I don't want to scratch up anymore. I plan on restoring it to look as best as possible. If that is sold maybe then I can get my better A kit...

Besides, need to watch the budget with 2 kids close to college.

d4H

good choice, PDP and DW are best