[review] Aquarian Super-2 Drum Heads

Recently I decided to change the heads on my toms. I had been using heavy, 2-ply coated heads by another manufacturer. Lately I’ve been digging Aquarian heads, so I decided to go with clear Super-2 heads on my 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, and 16” Ludwig Classic Maple toms.  The Super-2 heads

The first thing I noticed was that I needed to buy longer tension rods for a couple of the drums. The collars on Aquarian heads are considerably shorter than on the heads I had been using, which caused the hoops to sit a bit higher. I needed that extra length just to get the tension rods into the nuts. I blame Ludwig for not providing tension rods of reasonable length, and don’t consider it to be a flaw with the heads, but it did create
a hassle and I think it’s worth mentioning.

The heads tuned very easily and seemed to almost seat themselves. That short collar, which Aquarian refers to as the Sound Curve collar really does seem to lead to very easy tuning. Setting up the drums was painless. I tuned my toms about a step or two above their lowest pitch; they’re certainly not tight, but they’re also not exactly flabby. I found that with this tuning the Super-2 heads gave me extremely clear pitches from the toms. I use five toms and like to think melodically with my approach both to grooves and fills, so I am very pleased with the strong tonal quality that these heads provide.

The physical response is also a little different, as the plastic that Aquarian uses feels a little different from the heads I had been using. The best way to describe the feel is stiff yet rubbery. If that seems contradictory, I feel like the sticks are simultaneously cushioned and thrown back by the heads. I’m sure the difference is subtle and esoteric, but it feels quite profound from my perspective. I really like how these heads feel.

To sum up, the Aquarian Super-2 heads look great, are made well, feel great, and most importantly they sound amazing. I am very happy with them on my toms and I think they should be on anyone’s list of heads to check out.

Till next time,
~~Penny