Pearl session or sonor force 3005?

Guest · Guest

If I was looking for a midpriced maple kit...

Is there any advantage to buying the pearl session over the force 3005? The 3005 are substantially less money. I have read that both yamaha and sonor shells tend to resonate better than Pearl.

Comments?

Shane · Newbie Joined: Feb 13, 2004 Posts: 191

The price points are different. The session is a step above the force kit. The ELX is what would go against the 3005, and in that case, I would go with the 3005.

Guest · Guest

Here is where I am confused.

I have folks that *swear* that the pacific maple kit sounds as good as high end DW, and one guy even says "Better than my pearl masters."

Here are the "affordable" kits that were recommended to me by folks who own both...

Pacific: for reasons above, although shell QC concerns have been noted.
Sonor: force 3005
Pearl session
Mapex pro-M (or saturn, which I read sounds better than orion to many people)
And Gretsch Renown maple.

I know better kits=better hardware and finish. But my primary concern is down to earth, real world sound.

Cosmetics aside: isn't it true that some, or all of these kits are regarded as sounding as good as high end drums? In theory (or according to market hype), this would not be possible. Although the testimony says otherwise. This is why I have a *lot* of kits to try.

Shane · Newbie Joined: Feb 13, 2004 Posts: 191

It really comes down to budget. Are you willing to spring for a Session kit? If so, I would go that route. It's easy to get caught up in the finish and shell et al, but do not ignore the fittings. The lugs, mounts, gasketing all play a vital role in the life of your kit. Same goes for the stands. It's not all about double bracing, it's about how well it is built. Look at the kit as a total package, or better yet, come in and I'll show the differences. We have most all those kits you mentioned on the floor.
[/quote]

Guest · Guest

Shane · Newbie Joined: Feb 13, 2004 Posts: 191

Awesome. See you then.

gomezzzza · Newbie Joined: Apr 24, 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Boston area

i would definitely go with any sonor kit. they are the best, longest lasting, strongest, and most satisfying drums you can buy. i have s classes and they're simply the best.

Guest · Guest

The Pearl session, it seems have come a long way in a few years. The exports have as well. The exports have improved in sound , quality and finish in in the 00's.

I just read a couple of magazine reviews on the session kit. One was in MD, and it was the older SRX version. They had praise for it's sound and value.

I read a more recent review in a magazine called "rhythm" that addresses the current model. The points they made:
-Excellent 7.5 mm maple shells
-Excellent glassy finishes
-Excellent quality and hardware.
-Loud, deep warm and projecting on a pro-level

They only seem to be lacking die cast hoops. But as noted, many masters owners use triple flanged hoops anyway.

I have converted my existing kit to all-pearl hardware, including optimounts and rack.

All else being equal, I like Pearl hardware the best, followed by Yamaha. I am old school (Think Rogers memriloc, which Pearl copied) so I learned to really, really hate the "L" arm tom system, no matter who makes it.

I tried a sonor 3005, and it's is very nice in all aspects except my pet peeve l-arm hardware. The 3005 is less money than the SMX, but also offers me less personally.

Nothing against Sonor, they make fine drums. But in the end, Pearl sessions won me over.