Best Drum Pedals for Djent 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best drum pedals for djent's palm-muted, polyrhythmic riffing: what Tomas Haake (dual Tama Speed Cobra single pedals) and Matt Halpern (Pearl Eliminator Redline) actually play, plus a Tama Speed Cobra 910 double-pedal option — ranked budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedal does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake of Meshuggah doesn't use a double pedal at all — he plays two independent single Tama Speed Cobra pedals, one per foot, giving him full rhythmic independence to play different patterns with each leg. This setup underlies djent's founding polyrhythmic template, including the legendary "Bleed" foot pattern.
What pedal does Matt Halpern use?
Matt Halpern of Periphery plays a Pearl Eliminator Redline double pedal. Its interchangeable cam system lets him balance power for heavier riff-locked passages with speed for Periphery's technical, rapid-fire sections.
Do djent drummers need a double bass pedal?
Not necessarily. Djent's foundational kick patterns are tight and riff-locked rather than built for sustained double-bass speed. Tomas Haake doesn't use a double pedal at all, preferring two independent single pedals, and a well-built single pedal like the DW 5000 covers most straightforward djent material.
What's the best budget pedal for djent?
The Tama Iron Cobra 600 (around €250-300) shares the same Speed Cobra family DNA as Tomas Haake's professional pedals and the Speed Cobra 910. For an even more affordable single-pedal entry point, the DW 3000 Series (€90-120) is an excellent starting point.