Denis Loncaric
1.Steve Smith Backstage pad
Editor's choice
ThatScore
Big and compact at the same time. Fits perfectly to your leg.
- Great rebound
- Solid built quality
- Fine rubber
2.Benny Greb Masterpad
Most versatile
ThatScore
It can be used both as a knee pad and a regular type
- Great rebound
- Versatile
- Cool design
2.Gibraltar SC-LPP
Most versatile
ThatScore
Gibraltar always offers a great value for money ratio
- Great price
- Small and compact
- Easy to carry around
Knee drum pads are a significant investment for any drummer needing to practice at home or in the studio. Though many people do not understand that there is both an “A” and “B” side to every drum pad. There are a select few out there that are worth the money and I am going to list the best ones for you below.
Whether you’re just starting out with the drum pads, or an experienced drummer who just needs a reliable product, Transportable Drum pads are going to be perfect for you.
Editor's choice
Steve Smith backstage pad
Big and compact at the same time. Fits perfectly to your leg.
- Great rebound
- Solid built quality
- Fine rubber
ThatScore
Most versatile
Benny Greb Masterpad
It can be used both as a knee pad and a regular type
- Cool design
- Versatile
- Great rebound
ThatScore
I analyzed and compared what the current market of drum knee pads has to offer for the practice freaks. I’ve gone thru some of the best knee drum pads that will allow you to practice anywhere you go.
Every knee pad that I found will give you different features. These are not Top 3 knee pads but 3 completely diverse pads. I find this type of pads very interesting for everyday use.
Let’s start…
Knee drum pads – “Cool way to practice anywhere”
Now, this is a cool invention, it can almost fit in your pocket. It is made up for pre-gig warm up and while you are on the road.
The idea is to attach a drum pad to your leg (knee)and use it for practicing anywhere.
Their size is usually around 7″, but they go up to 12″.
Several manufacturers are producing this type of practice drum pad. Here are the main ones:
Steve Smith Backstage pad
Specs:
The size of the pad is 6.5″ and comes with an adjustable quick-release nylon strap.
Backstage pad contour is designed to fit your leg perfectly.
If you decide not to spare on a knee drum pad this is it. Steve Smith Backstage pad is almost good as Steve Smith himself, maybe if you practice on this pad you become quite as good
Let’s get serious, this drum pad is the ultimate knee pad that you can find on the market.
Made by DW-Drum Workshop, one of the best drums manufactures in the world. Everything they make is top of the class but expensive as well.
What I like
It is made out of the finest rubber so the rebound is really good and it is not too loud.
The plastic on this drum pad is pretty good, not like on most knee drum pads. It is hard to describe a sense of quality while a Backstage pad is attached to your leg.
It is the biggest knee drum practice pad and the most expensive one.
Most manufacturers choose to save a few bucks on a plastic material that holds the rubber. If the plastic is thin and bad quality the pad itself will be louder and not so comfortable when you attach it to a leg.
This product is not made for marketing purpose, but for professionals.
What I don’t like
The backstage pad is a little bit heavy because of the use of quality materials so sometimes you will need to make a break from practicing.
Drummers usually don’t spend too much money on a practice gear.
This is a premium knee pad so the price is higher. It is not for everyone.
Verdict
If you are planning to invest in a good drum knee pad for practice this is for you. It is more expensive than others but sure with a reason.
However, if you don’t have such a big needs for a knee pad and just want to have one, it is better to go with some cheaper pad.
Benny Greb Masterpad by Meinl
Specs:
It comes in two sizes 6″ and 12″. I would suggest using the 6″ one for a knee pad.
You cannot attach it to your knee without a pad holder.
Meinl is not kidding when it comes to drum pads. Masterpad is made with the help of Benny Greb. Image design on top is very interesting and the quality of the pad is pretty good.
You can detach a knee drum pad from its holder and use it as a regular drum pad. This is a very cool option yet, the not-cool part is paying for the holder separately.
Only if you buy a pad holder this becomes a knee drum practice pad but even then is cheaper than Steve Smith’s drum pad.
What I like
It stays firm on the leg and the quality of the drum pad itself is pretty good.
You can save a few bucks and use it both as a knee pad and a regular one.
What I don’t like
It is a cool option to detach a pad if necessary but really not cool to pay for a holder. Buying a pad holder separately is a big minus if you are planning to buy a knee pad but in general it is cool to have the holder as an option..
The drum pad surface is a little bit firm so it makes a pad louder.
Also, you get more rebound so you lose a natural feel on the drums.
Verdict
Benny Greb pad offers a lot with a detachable option. It can be used both as a knee pad and a regular one.
You can also buy a drum pad first and then later add a pad holder. Price is pretty reasonable.
Gibraltar SC-LPP Leg Practice Pad
Specs:
The size of SC-LPP is 6″.
It is very small and light. You can attach it to your leg with a velcro strap.
The layer of rubber on the bottom will ensure a great feel on the leg.
If I can choose one thing to change in a Gibraltar manufacturing process it would be a plastic they use on many different products.
Gibraltar has great prices and it is everybody’s first alternative choice. The same thing is with a knee drum pad that is a good alternative for DW’s and Meinl’s knee pads.
They even have a smaller and thinner model Gibraltar Pocket Pad – probably the smallest and the cheapest knee drum pad on the market.
What I like
It has a good value for the money ratio though.
It doesn’t take a lot of space. It is very small; you can carry it easily.
SC-LPP is very light so, it will be easy to practice for a long time.
What I don’t like
The Plastic is cheaper and thinner so, drum pad is louder and it sounds like it is empty underneath.
Rubber has a good rebound but it is thinner and not so quality as the other two pads mentioned above.
Verdict
This knee pad may be a good option if you want something small and easy.
Also, it is a great alternative to the more expensive drum knee pads.
Is it possible to practice without a drum pad?
If you practice 10 hours a day you will be great no matter what drum pad you are using. But, if you practice for 15 minutes a day on a Drumeo P4 pad or whatever drum pad you buy you will suck on drums that is a fact.
A lot of great drummers such as Dennis Chambers and Tony Royster suggesting practicing on pillows to get more wrist strength.
Yet, Jojo Mayer‘s advice is to practice on surfaces without a rebound.
My opinion is that pillow practicing is great for developing wrist strength but not so good for developing a fingers technique and Moeller stroke
Whether you’re just starting out with the drum pads, or an experienced drummer who just needs a reliable product, Transportable Drum pads are going to be perfect for you.
Knee drum pads are a significant investment for any drummer needing to practice at home or in the studio. Though many people do not understand that there is both an “A” and “B” side to every drum pad. There are a select few out there that are worth the money and I am going to list the best ones for you below.
My name is Denis. I am a drummer, percussionist, music enthusiast, and blogger. Drums have been my passion for 15 years now. My idea is to write about the things I like and I am interested in. I want to share my drum passion with fellow musicians who walk, talk, and breathe drums.
