# MetalForge — Metal Drum Gear Guide
> Last Updated: 2026-06-09 · Source: https://metalforge.io

A brand-by-brand guide to the drums, cymbals, pedals, and sticks used by the world's legendary metal drummers. Each brand lists the roster drummers who play it; follow the brand link for the full breakdown.

## Drum Brands

The drum-kit makers metal drummers rely on for attack, projection, and durability.

### Tama
Brand page: [/brands/tama](https://metalforge.io/brands/tama)

Used by 17 roster drummers: [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md), [Dave Lombardo](/llms/drummers/dave-lombardo.md), [Eloy Casagrande](/llms/drummers/eloy-casagrande.md), [Charlie Benante](/llms/drummers/charlie-benante.md), [Mike Portnoy](/llms/drummers/mike-portnoy.md), [Mario Duplantier](/llms/drummers/mario-duplantier.md), [Brann Dailor](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md), [Raymond Herrera](/llms/drummers/raymond-herrera.md), [Igor Cavalera](/llms/drummers/igor-cavalera.md), [Chris Turner](/llms/drummers/chris-turner.md), [Blake Richardson](/llms/drummers/blake-richardson.md), [Ben Koller](/llms/drummers/ben-koller.md), [Derek Roddy](/llms/drummers/derek-roddy.md), [Dirk Verbeuren](/llms/drummers/dirk-verbeuren.md), [Richard Christy](/llms/drummers/richard-christy.md), [Matt Garstka](/llms/drummers/matt-garstka.md), [Tim Yeung](/llms/drummers/tim-yeung.md).

### Pearl
Brand page: [/brands/pearl](https://metalforge.io/brands/pearl)

Used by 18 roster drummers: [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md), [Gene Hoglan](/llms/drummers/gene-hoglan.md), [George Kollias](/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md), [Ray Luzier](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md), [Matt Halpern](/llms/drummers/matt-halpern.md), [Inferno](/llms/drummers/inferno.md), [Alex Bent](/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md), [Nick Augusto](/llms/drummers/nick-augusto.md), [Flo Mounier](/llms/drummers/flo-mounier.md), [Ryan Van Poederooyen](/llms/drummers/ryan-van-poederooyen.md), [Aquiles Priester](/llms/drummers/aquiles-priester.md), [Paul Mazurkiewicz](/llms/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz.md), [Mike Mangini](/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md), [Daniel Erlandsson](/llms/drummers/daniel-erlandsson.md), [Jaska Raatikainen](/llms/drummers/jaska-raatikainen.md), [Daray](/llms/drummers/daray.md), [Jocke Wallgren](/llms/drummers/jocke-wallgren.md), [Kevin Talley](/llms/drummers/kevin-talley.md).

### DW
Brand page: [/brands/dw](https://metalforge.io/brands/dw)

Used by 5 roster drummers: [George Kollias](/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md), [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Navene Koperweis](/llms/drummers/navene-koperweis.md), [Bill Ward](/llms/drummers/bill-ward.md), [Hannes Grossmann](/llms/drummers/hannes-grossmann.md).

### Ludwig
Brand page: [/brands/ludwig](https://metalforge.io/brands/ludwig)

Used by 2 roster drummers: [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Bill Ward](/llms/drummers/bill-ward.md).

### Sonor
Brand page: [/brands/sonor](https://metalforge.io/brands/sonor)

Used by 7 roster drummers: [Tomas Haake](/llms/drummers/tomas-haake.md), [Danny Carey](/llms/drummers/danny-carey.md), [Hellhammer](/llms/drummers/hellhammer.md), [Morgan Ågren](/llms/drummers/morgan-gren.md), [Nicko McBrain](/llms/drummers/nicko-mcbrain.md), [Frost](/llms/drummers/frost.md), [Gavin Harrison](/llms/drummers/gavin-harrison.md).

### Mapex
Brand page: [/brands/mapex](https://metalforge.io/brands/mapex)

Used by 3 roster drummers: [Chris Adler](/llms/drummers/chris-adler.md), [Arin Ilejay](/llms/drummers/arin-ilejay.md), [Jason Bittner](/llms/drummers/jason-bittner.md).

## Cymbal Brands

Bright, cutting cymbal lines that slice through high-gain guitars.

### Zildjian
Brand page: [/brands/zildjian](https://metalforge.io/brands/zildjian)

Used by 20 roster drummers: [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md), [George Kollias](/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md), [John Otto](/llms/drummers/john-otto.md), [Jay Weinberg](/llms/drummers/jay-weinberg.md), [Mario Duplantier](/llms/drummers/mario-duplantier.md), [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Arin Ilejay](/llms/drummers/arin-ilejay.md), [Alex Bent](/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md), [Raymond Herrera](/llms/drummers/raymond-herrera.md), [Ben Koller](/llms/drummers/ben-koller.md), [Jason Bittner](/llms/drummers/jason-bittner.md), [Martin Lopez](/llms/drummers/martin-lopez.md), [Travis Orbin](/llms/drummers/travis-orbin.md), [Mikkey Dee](/llms/drummers/mikkey-dee.md), [Dirk Verbeuren](/llms/drummers/dirk-verbeuren.md), [Frost](/llms/drummers/frost.md), [Gavin Harrison](/llms/drummers/gavin-harrison.md), [Abe Cunningham](/llms/drummers/abe-cunningham.md), [Jaska Raatikainen](/llms/drummers/jaska-raatikainen.md), [Jocke Wallgren](/llms/drummers/jocke-wallgren.md).

### Sabian
Brand page: [/brands/sabian](https://metalforge.io/brands/sabian)

Used by 17 roster drummers: [Gene Hoglan](/llms/drummers/gene-hoglan.md), [Tomas Haake](/llms/drummers/tomas-haake.md), [Ray Luzier](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md), [Vinnie Paul](/llms/drummers/vinnie-paul.md), [Mike Portnoy](/llms/drummers/mike-portnoy.md), [Pete Sandoval](/llms/drummers/pete-sandoval.md), [Shannon Larkin](/llms/drummers/shannon-larkin.md), [Nick Augusto](/llms/drummers/nick-augusto.md), [Blake Richardson](/llms/drummers/blake-richardson.md), [Flo Mounier](/llms/drummers/flo-mounier.md), [Ryan Van Poederooyen](/llms/drummers/ryan-van-poederooyen.md), [Richard Christy](/llms/drummers/richard-christy.md), [Aquiles Priester](/llms/drummers/aquiles-priester.md), [Paul Mazurkiewicz](/llms/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz.md), [Mike Mangini](/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md), [Tim Yeung](/llms/drummers/tim-yeung.md), [Kevin Talley](/llms/drummers/kevin-talley.md).

### Meinl
Brand page: [/brands/meinl](https://metalforge.io/brands/meinl)

Used by 10 roster drummers: [Brann Dailor](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md), [Chris Adler](/llms/drummers/chris-adler.md), [Matt Halpern](/llms/drummers/matt-halpern.md), [Navene Koperweis](/llms/drummers/navene-koperweis.md), [Chris Turner](/llms/drummers/chris-turner.md), [Matt Greiner](/llms/drummers/matt-greiner.md), [Derek Roddy](/llms/drummers/derek-roddy.md), [Matt Garstka](/llms/drummers/matt-garstka.md), [Hannes Grossmann](/llms/drummers/hannes-grossmann.md), [Isaac Lamb](/llms/drummers/isaac-lamb.md).

### Paiste
Brand page: [/brands/paiste](https://metalforge.io/brands/paiste)

Used by 14 roster drummers: [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md), [Dave Lombardo](/llms/drummers/dave-lombardo.md), [Eloy Casagrande](/llms/drummers/eloy-casagrande.md), [Charlie Benante](/llms/drummers/charlie-benante.md), [Danny Carey](/llms/drummers/danny-carey.md), [Inferno](/llms/drummers/inferno.md), [Hellhammer](/llms/drummers/hellhammer.md), [Morgan Ågren](/llms/drummers/morgan-gren.md), [Igor Cavalera](/llms/drummers/igor-cavalera.md), [Bill Ward](/llms/drummers/bill-ward.md), [Nicko McBrain](/llms/drummers/nicko-mcbrain.md), [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md), [Daniel Erlandsson](/llms/drummers/daniel-erlandsson.md), [Daray](/llms/drummers/daray.md).

## Pedals & Hardware

Double-bass pedals and hardware built to survive sustained metal abuse.

### Tama
Brand page: [/brands/tama](https://metalforge.io/brands/tama)

Used by 18 roster drummers: [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md), [Dave Lombardo](/llms/drummers/dave-lombardo.md), [Tomas Haake](/llms/drummers/tomas-haake.md), [Eloy Casagrande](/llms/drummers/eloy-casagrande.md), [Charlie Benante](/llms/drummers/charlie-benante.md), [Mike Portnoy](/llms/drummers/mike-portnoy.md), [Mario Duplantier](/llms/drummers/mario-duplantier.md), [Brann Dailor](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md), [Raymond Herrera](/llms/drummers/raymond-herrera.md), [Igor Cavalera](/llms/drummers/igor-cavalera.md), [Chris Turner](/llms/drummers/chris-turner.md), [Blake Richardson](/llms/drummers/blake-richardson.md), [Ben Koller](/llms/drummers/ben-koller.md), [Derek Roddy](/llms/drummers/derek-roddy.md), [Dirk Verbeuren](/llms/drummers/dirk-verbeuren.md), [Richard Christy](/llms/drummers/richard-christy.md), [Matt Garstka](/llms/drummers/matt-garstka.md), [Tim Yeung](/llms/drummers/tim-yeung.md).

### Pearl
Brand page: [/brands/pearl](https://metalforge.io/brands/pearl)

Used by 18 roster drummers: [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md), [Gene Hoglan](/llms/drummers/gene-hoglan.md), [George Kollias](/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md), [Ray Luzier](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md), [Matt Halpern](/llms/drummers/matt-halpern.md), [Inferno](/llms/drummers/inferno.md), [Alex Bent](/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md), [Nick Augusto](/llms/drummers/nick-augusto.md), [Flo Mounier](/llms/drummers/flo-mounier.md), [Ryan Van Poederooyen](/llms/drummers/ryan-van-poederooyen.md), [Aquiles Priester](/llms/drummers/aquiles-priester.md), [Paul Mazurkiewicz](/llms/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz.md), [Mike Mangini](/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md), [Daniel Erlandsson](/llms/drummers/daniel-erlandsson.md), [Jaska Raatikainen](/llms/drummers/jaska-raatikainen.md), [Daray](/llms/drummers/daray.md), [Jocke Wallgren](/llms/drummers/jocke-wallgren.md), [Kevin Talley](/llms/drummers/kevin-talley.md).

### DW
Brand page: [/brands/dw](https://metalforge.io/brands/dw)

Used by 19 roster drummers: [Ray Luzier](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md), [Jay Weinberg](/llms/drummers/jay-weinberg.md), [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Navene Koperweis](/llms/drummers/navene-koperweis.md), [Shannon Larkin](/llms/drummers/shannon-larkin.md), [Raymond Herrera](/llms/drummers/raymond-herrera.md), [Bill Ward](/llms/drummers/bill-ward.md), [Matt Greiner](/llms/drummers/matt-greiner.md), [Blake Richardson](/llms/drummers/blake-richardson.md), [Martin Lopez](/llms/drummers/martin-lopez.md), [Travis Orbin](/llms/drummers/travis-orbin.md), [Nicko McBrain](/llms/drummers/nicko-mcbrain.md), [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md), [Mikkey Dee](/llms/drummers/mikkey-dee.md), [Frost](/llms/drummers/frost.md), [Gavin Harrison](/llms/drummers/gavin-harrison.md), [Abe Cunningham](/llms/drummers/abe-cunningham.md), [Hannes Grossmann](/llms/drummers/hannes-grossmann.md), [Isaac Lamb](/llms/drummers/isaac-lamb.md).

### Axis
Brand page: [/brands/axis](https://metalforge.io/brands/axis)

Used by 3 roster drummers: [Hellhammer](/llms/drummers/hellhammer.md), [Alex Bent](/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md), [Martin Lopez](/llms/drummers/martin-lopez.md).

### Trick
Brand page: [/brands/trick](https://metalforge.io/brands/trick)

Used by 1 roster drummer: [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md).

### Gibraltar
Brand page: [/brands/gibraltar](https://metalforge.io/brands/gibraltar)

Used by 3 roster drummers: [John Otto](/llms/drummers/john-otto.md), [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md).

## Drumsticks

Stick brands favored for the durability and rebound metal demands.

### Vic Firth
Brand page: [/brands/vic-firth](https://metalforge.io/brands/vic-firth)

Used by 44 roster drummers: [George Kollias](/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md), [Ray Luzier](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md), [Vinnie Paul](/llms/drummers/vinnie-paul.md), [Charlie Benante](/llms/drummers/charlie-benante.md), [Danny Carey](/llms/drummers/danny-carey.md), [Inferno](/llms/drummers/inferno.md), [Hellhammer](/llms/drummers/hellhammer.md), [Art Cruz](/llms/drummers/art-cruz.md), [Arin Ilejay](/llms/drummers/arin-ilejay.md), [Navene Koperweis](/llms/drummers/navene-koperweis.md), [Alex Bent](/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md), [Shannon Larkin](/llms/drummers/shannon-larkin.md), [Morgan Ågren](/llms/drummers/morgan-gren.md), [Igor Cavalera](/llms/drummers/igor-cavalera.md), [Bill Ward](/llms/drummers/bill-ward.md), [Nick Augusto](/llms/drummers/nick-augusto.md), [Chris Turner](/llms/drummers/chris-turner.md), [Matt Greiner](/llms/drummers/matt-greiner.md), [Blake Richardson](/llms/drummers/blake-richardson.md), [Ben Koller](/llms/drummers/ben-koller.md), [Flo Mounier](/llms/drummers/flo-mounier.md), [Martin Lopez](/llms/drummers/martin-lopez.md), [Travis Orbin](/llms/drummers/travis-orbin.md), [Ryan Van Poederooyen](/llms/drummers/ryan-van-poederooyen.md), [Nicko McBrain](/llms/drummers/nicko-mcbrain.md), [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md), [Mikkey Dee](/llms/drummers/mikkey-dee.md), [Derek Roddy](/llms/drummers/derek-roddy.md), [Frost](/llms/drummers/frost.md), [Gavin Harrison](/llms/drummers/gavin-harrison.md), [Abe Cunningham](/llms/drummers/abe-cunningham.md), [Richard Christy](/llms/drummers/richard-christy.md), [Aquiles Priester](/llms/drummers/aquiles-priester.md), [Paul Mazurkiewicz](/llms/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz.md), [Mike Mangini](/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md), [Matt Garstka](/llms/drummers/matt-garstka.md), [Daniel Erlandsson](/llms/drummers/daniel-erlandsson.md), [Jaska Raatikainen](/llms/drummers/jaska-raatikainen.md), [Hannes Grossmann](/llms/drummers/hannes-grossmann.md), [Daray](/llms/drummers/daray.md), [Jocke Wallgren](/llms/drummers/jocke-wallgren.md), [Tim Yeung](/llms/drummers/tim-yeung.md), [Kevin Talley](/llms/drummers/kevin-talley.md), [Isaac Lamb](/llms/drummers/isaac-lamb.md).

### Vater
Brand page: [/brands/vater](https://metalforge.io/brands/vater)

Used by 2 roster drummers: [Jay Weinberg](/llms/drummers/jay-weinberg.md), [Brann Dailor](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md).

### Ahead
Brand page: [/brands/ahead](https://metalforge.io/brands/ahead)

Used by 2 roster drummers: [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md), [Pete Sandoval](/llms/drummers/pete-sandoval.md).

### Zildjian
Brand page: [/brands/zildjian](https://metalforge.io/brands/zildjian)

Used by 1 roster drummer: [John Otto](/llms/drummers/john-otto.md).

### Promark
Brand page: [/brands/promark](https://metalforge.io/brands/promark)

Used by 9 roster drummers: [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md), [Gene Hoglan](/llms/drummers/gene-hoglan.md), [Dave Lombardo](/llms/drummers/dave-lombardo.md), [Eloy Casagrande](/llms/drummers/eloy-casagrande.md), [Mike Portnoy](/llms/drummers/mike-portnoy.md), [Chris Adler](/llms/drummers/chris-adler.md), [Matt Halpern](/llms/drummers/matt-halpern.md), [Jason Bittner](/llms/drummers/jason-bittner.md), [Dirk Verbeuren](/llms/drummers/dirk-verbeuren.md).

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**More LLM resources:** [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt) · [Full database](https://metalforge.io/llms-full.txt) · [Master FAQ](https://metalforge.io/llms/faq.md) · [Drummer markdown index](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)