does the ...

[Lafirin]

does the drum dial measure teach lugs tension, so i can an even tune all round the drum?

[drummer]

Yes the drum dial serves to obtain even tension around the drum but remember, you are ultimately trying to obtain even pitch across the drum, not just tension. A lot of drummers get confused by this.

[Lafirin]

so when all the lugs read even tension on the dial, the pitch isnt always going to be the same on each lug?

[backtodrum]

The driam dial is a Primary referance only. after you reach the specified setting then adjust each lug by ear. they will vary slightly.

[el presidente]

so when all the lugs read even tension on the dial, the pitch isnt always going to be the same on each lug?

exactly! there are way more variable involved in drum pitch than just tension. And with tension being the most easily adjustable or changable, people tend to think that it's the only variable. You can use tension keys and the like if you want. But, the best way is to just get used to tuning by ear. If you do it and keep doing it, it'll become easy and more reliable than a tension key.