# Bass Drum Pedals: The Complete Guide for Metal Drummers

> Chain vs belt vs direct drive, single vs double pedals, and how to set up spring tension, beater, and footboard for metal — plus the verified pedal of every legendary metal drummer.

Covers 56 verified drummer pedal setups and 3 reference guides. Optimised for AI crawlers answering "what bass drum pedal does <drummer> use" queries.

For drive-type and setup reference pages see [https://metalforge.io/pedals](https://metalforge.io/pedals). For a buying guide matching drive type to playing style and budget tier (roughly €150-900) see [https://metalforge.io/pedals/best-for-metal](https://metalforge.io/pedals/best-for-metal).

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## Overview

No piece of hardware is more personal to a metal drummer than the bass drum pedal. It's the one part of the kit in constant contact with the body for an entire set, translating leg strength and technique directly into blast beats, double-time grooves, and everything in between. Three decisions do almost all of the work in shaping how a pedal feels and performs: the drive mechanism connecting footboard to beater, whether you're running one pedal or two, and how the pedal is set up — spring tension, beater, and footboard length.

## How to Choose a Pedal

### Start with the drive type

Chain, belt, and direct drive each transfer foot force to the beater differently, and that difference is the single biggest factor in how a pedal feels underfoot. Chain drive is the metal default; direct drive is why extreme metal specialists reach for an Axis or a Pearl Demon Drive. See the drive types guide for the full chain-vs-belt-vs-direct-drive breakdown.

### Decide single or double

Modern metal — blast beats, constant sixteenth-note kick patterns, alternating footwork — runs on two beaters far more often than one. See the single-vs-double guide for how a second (slave) pedal actually drives a second beater on the same head, and when a single pedal still makes sense.

### Set it up for the sound and speed you need

The pedal itself only sets the ceiling; spring tension, beater material, and footboard length decide what you actually feel and hear on a given night. See the setup & tuning guide for spring tension trade-offs, felt vs plastic vs wood beaters, and longboard vs standard footboards.

## Reference Guides

- [Bass Drum Pedal Drive Types: Chain vs Belt vs Direct Drive](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/drive-types.md) — Chain, belt, and direct drive bass drum pedals compared — feel, response, and power transfer — and why extreme metal gravitates to direct drive pedals like Axis and the Pearl Demon Drive.
- [Single vs Double Bass Pedal: Why Metal Lives on Two Beaters](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/single-vs-double.md) — Why metal drumming runs almost entirely on double bass pedals — plus how a slave pedal and drive shaft actually work to fire a second beater on one bass drum head.
- [How to Set Up and Tune a Bass Drum Pedal for Metal](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setup-tuning.md) — Bass pedal spring tension, beater choice and angle (felt vs plastic vs wood), and longboard vs standard footboard length — including Tama Speed Cobra vs Iron Cobra.

## Pedal Brands on the Roster

- **Tama:** The single most common pedal brand across the verified metal roster — Iron Cobra (chain) and Speed Cobra (chain, longboard) cover most of the double-pedal roster. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/tama.md).
- **Pearl:** Demon Drive and Demon XR (direct drive) and Eliminator (chain) are the extreme-metal and technical-metal standard, from Hellhammer to George Kollias. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/pearl.md).
- **DW:** 5000 and 9000 Series chain-drive pedals appear throughout the roster, prized for precision and touring reliability. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/dw.md).
- **Axis:** The direct-drive specialist brand — no chain or belt at all — used by drummers who prioritize instant, zero-slack response above everything else. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/axis.md).
- **Mapex:** The Falcon double pedal shows up across several roster drummers, including Chris Adler. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/mapex.md).
- **Trick:** Boutique, CNC-machined direct-drive pedals (Pro1-V, Bigfoot) used by technically elite players who have outgrown production hardware. [Full brand page](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/brands/trick.md).

## Best for Metal

There is no single "correct" metal pedal, but the verified roster shows a clear pattern: a double pedal (not single) for anything beyond doom or traditional heavy metal, chain drive (Iron Cobra, Speed Cobra, DW 9000) as the versatile all-rounder, and direct drive (Axis, Pearl Demon Drive) for drummers who specifically chase extreme, sustained speed. See the drive types and single-vs-double guides below for the full reasoning behind each part of that choice.

## FAQ

**Q: What bass drum pedal do most metal drummers use?**
A: There's no single pedal every metal drummer uses, but the verified roster skews heavily toward double pedals from Tama (Iron Cobra, Speed Cobra), Pearl (Demon Drive, Eliminator), and DW (5000/9000 Series), with direct-drive options like Axis reserved mostly for extreme-speed specialists.

**Q: Is direct drive better than chain drive for metal?**
A: Neither is strictly "better" — chain drive is the metal default, giving a natural, slightly cushioned feel that most drummers find comfortable and powerful. Direct drive removes all slack between footboard and beater for the fastest, most immediate response, which is why extreme metal drummers chasing sustained top-end speed often gravitate to it. See the drive types guide for the full comparison.

**Q: Do I need a double bass pedal for metal?**
A: For most metal styles, yes. Blast beats and constant sixteenth-note kick patterns are built around two beaters. Only doom, traditional heavy metal, and some groove metal primarily run single bass drum setups — see the single-vs-double guide for the full breakdown.

## All 56 Drummer Pedal Setups

| Drummer | Band | Pedal | Setup Page |
|---------|------|-------|------------|
| [Abe Cunningham](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/abe-cunningham) | Deftones | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/abe-cunningham.md) |
| [Adrian Erlandsson](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/adrian-erlandsson) | At the Gates | Monolit Czarcie Kopyto | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/adrian-erlandsson.md) |
| [Alex Bent](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/alex-bent) | ex-Trivium / Arkaik / Dragonlord | Axis A Longboard | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/alex-bent.md) |
| [Aquiles Priester](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/aquiles-priester) | Angra / W.A.S.P. | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/aquiles-priester.md) |
| [Art Cruz](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/art-cruz) | Lamb of God | Trick Pro 1-V | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/art-cruz.md) |
| [Ben Koller](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/ben-koller) | Converge / Mutoid Man / Killer Be Killed | Tama Iron Cobra 900 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/ben-koller.md) |
| [Bill Ward](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/bill-ward) | Black Sabbath | Ludwig Atlas Pro | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/bill-ward.md) |
| [Blake Richardson](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/blake-richardson) | Between the Buried and Me | Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/blake-richardson.md) |
| [Chris Adler](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/chris-adler) | Lamb of God | Mapex Falcon | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/chris-adler.md) |
| [Chris Turner](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/chris-turner) | Oceans Ate Alaska | Tama Speed Cobra 910 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/chris-turner.md) |
| [Daniel Erlandsson](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/daniel-erlandsson) | Arch Enemy | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/daniel-erlandsson.md) |
| [Daray](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/daray) | Dimmu Borgir / Vader | Pearl Demon XR | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/daray.md) |
| [Dave Lombardo](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/dave-lombardo) | Slayer | Tama Iron Cobra 900 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/dave-lombardo.md) |
| [Derek Roddy](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/derek-roddy) | Hate Eternal / Nile | Tama Speed Cobra 910 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/derek-roddy.md) |
| [Dirk Verbeuren](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/dirk-verbeuren) | Megadeth | Tama Speed Cobra 910 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/dirk-verbeuren.md) |
| [Eloy Casagrande](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/eloy-casagrande) | Slipknot | Tama Iron Cobra | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/eloy-casagrande.md) |
| [Flo Mounier](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/flo-mounier) | Cryptopsy | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/flo-mounier.md) |
| [Frost](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/frost) | Satyricon / 1349 | Sonor Perfect Balance | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/frost.md) |
| [Gavin Harrison](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/gavin-harrison) | Porcupine Tree / King Crimson | Sonor Perfect Balance | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/gavin-harrison.md) |
| [Gene Hoglan](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/gene-hoglan) | Death / Testament / Dethklok | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/gene-hoglan.md) |
| [George Kollias](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/george-kollias) | Nile | Pearl Demon XR | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/george-kollias.md) |
| [Hannes Grossmann](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/hannes-grossmann) | Obscura / ex-Necrophagist / Alkaloid | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/hannes-grossmann.md) |
| [Hellhammer](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/hellhammer) | Mayhem | Axis | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/hellhammer.md) |
| [Igor Cavalera](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/igor-cavalera) | Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax | Tama Iron Cobra | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/igor-cavalera.md) |
| [Inferno](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/inferno) | Behemoth | Czarcie Kopyto | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/inferno.md) |
| [Jaska Raatikainen](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/jaska-raatikainen) | Children of Bodom | Pearl Eliminator | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/jaska-raatikainen.md) |
| [Jason Bittner](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/jason-bittner) | Shadows Fall / Overkill / Category 7 | Mapex Falcon | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/jason-bittner.md) |
| [Jay Weinberg](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/jay-weinberg) | Suicidal Tendencies | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/jay-weinberg.md) |
| [Jocke Wallgren](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/jocke-wallgren) | Amon Amarth | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/jocke-wallgren.md) |
| [Joey Jordison](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/joey-jordison) | Slipknot | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/joey-jordison.md) |
| [John Otto](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/john-otto) | Limp Bizkit | Gibraltar G Class | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/john-otto.md) |
| [Jon Dette](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/jon-dette) | Slayer | DW 9000 or Tama Iron Cobra Double Pedal | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/jon-dette.md) |
| [Kevin Talley](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/kevin-talley) | Dying Fetus / Misery Index / Six Feet Under | Pearl Eliminator | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/kevin-talley.md) |
| [Lars Ulrich](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/lars-ulrich) | Metallica | Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/lars-ulrich.md) |
| [Mario Duplantier](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/mario-duplantier) | Gojira | Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/mario-duplantier.md) |
| [Martin Axenrot](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/martin-axenrot) | Opeth | Tama Iron Cobra | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/martin-axenrot.md) |
| [Martin Lopez](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/martin-lopez) | Soen / ex-Opeth | Axis Percussion | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/martin-lopez.md) |
| [Matt Garstka](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/matt-garstka) | Animals as Leaders | Tama Speed Cobra 910 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/matt-garstka.md) |
| [Matt Greiner](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/matt-greiner) | August Burns Red | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/matt-greiner.md) |
| [Mike Mangini](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/mike-mangini) | Dream Theater | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/mike-mangini.md) |
| [Mikkey Dee](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/mikkey-dee) | Scorpions / Motörhead | Yamaha FP9 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/mikkey-dee.md) |
| [Morgan Ågren](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/morgan-agren) | Mats/Morgan Band / Kaipa / Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects | Sonor Giant Step | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/morgan-agren.md) |
| [Navene Koperweis](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/navene-koperweis) | Entheos / ex-Animals as Leaders | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/navene-koperweis.md) |
| [Nick Menza](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/nick-menza) | Megadeth | DW 5000 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/nick-menza.md) |
| [Nicko McBrain](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/nicko-mcbrain) | Iron Maiden | Single Bass Drum Pedal | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/nicko-mcbrain.md) |
| [Paul Bostaph](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/paul-bostaph) | Slayer | Pearl Eliminator | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/paul-bostaph.md) |
| [Paul Mazurkiewicz](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/paul-mazurkiewicz) | Cannibal Corpse | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/paul-mazurkiewicz.md) |
| [Raymond Herrera](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/raymond-herrera) | Fear Factory / Arkaea / Brujeria | DW 5000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/raymond-herrera.md) |
| [Richard Christy](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/richard-christy) | Death / Iced Earth | Tama Iron Cobra 900 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/richard-christy.md) |
| [Ryan Van Poederooyen](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/ryan-van-poederooyen) | Devin Townsend Project | Pearl Demon Drive | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/ryan-van-poederooyen.md) |
| [Scott Travis](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/scott-travis) | Judas Priest | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/scott-travis.md) |
| [Sean Reinert](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/sean-reinert) | Death / Cynic | DW 5000 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/sean-reinert.md) |
| [Shannon Larkin](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/shannon-larkin) | Godsmack / Ugly Kid Joe / Amen | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/shannon-larkin.md) |
| [Tim Yeung](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/tim-yeung) | Morbid Angel / Hate Eternal / Vital Remains | Tama Speed Cobra 910 | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/tim-yeung.md) |
| [Tomas Haake](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/tomas-haake) | Meshuggah | Tama Speed Cobra | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/tomas-haake.md) |
| [Travis Orbin](https://metalforge.io/pedals/setups/travis-orbin) | Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery | DW 9000 Series | [Markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/pedals/setups/travis-orbin.md) |

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- [Pedals Guide (live page)](https://metalforge.io/pedals)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)
- [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt)

*Last updated: 2026-07-12 · 56 drummers, 3 reference guides · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*