DW Frequent Flyer or DW Jazz Bop Performance???

[jrd1975]

Hi!

I am currently looking to change my kit (Sonor Select Force Jungle Autumn Fade)

My main playing styles are Jazz, Funk, World....

Two kits that I am very interested in are after seeing some pretty cool you tube videos

DW Frequent Flyer (£849 no snare)
DW Performance Jazz Bop Kit (£1130 no snare)

From what I can tell they are very similar albeit different sizes e.g. 20x12 (FF) vs 18x14 (Perf) bass drums and 14x11 (FF) vs 14x14 (Perf) floor toms.

The FF is made in Tawain and has HVLT 100% Maple Shells

The Performance is USA made and has HVX 100% Maples Shells and a non-drilled bass drum.

So I suppose the my questions are....

Is the USA made kit worth the extra £249 (that's approx $390)??

Has anyone played both?

I would welcome opinions!

FWIW I have already tried out a Mapex Saturn V Club Classic (too rock!) and Gretsch New Classic (the £1300 bit over my budget...) and was not too impressed.

Many thanks!

[jrd1975]

Well just in case anyone is interested.....

I got the Flyer, it's amazing and I got a great deal!

[longgun]

Well just in case anyone is interested.....

I got the Flyer, it's amazing and I got a great deal!

Congrats...........any pics?

[MDK]

I doubt I would like a 12" deep BD but thats just a personal preference.

I would still probably go with the perf. because 1) More color options, 2) easier to add on drums in the future if you decide to, and 3) Resale value should be better.

[FlyByNight]

The frequent flyer has a 20" kick? Pretty big for a compact kit!

[jrd1975]

Thanks for the replies chaps! Sorry for my tardiness in responding......

Longgun - Will post some Pic's soon...

MDK - Thanks, I think if I had the extra cash I may of been more inclined to go with the Performance..... But I am more than happy with the Flyer.

FlyByNight - Absolutely! The kick is 20x12 and plays and sounds fantastic.

Overall my impressions of this kit after a few weeks of playing are:

Exceptional build and finish - all the edges are perfectly cut and the Cherry Stain I think personally is great.

Sounds superb - I swapped the batter heads for G1's on the Toms and the drums give a warm, melodic response at all dynamic levels.

I would personally recommend this kit for anyone who is in the market for a small compact pro-sounding kit at a good price.