Choosing the right drum head pack for 12″, 13″, and 16″ toms can influence articulation, tone, and tuning stability across a kit. The following selections center on common 12/13/16 tom configurations, balancing durability, attack, and sustain. Each option includes a two- or single-ply construction, coated or clear finishes, and a reputation for versatile performance across genres. The list below highlights five top picks to help drumists compare sound quality, durability, and compatibility with standard tom sizes.
| Brand | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Evans | G2 Coated: 12″, 13″, 16″ | Coated | Two plies, versatile tone |
| Evans | EC2S Clear: 12″, 13″, 16″ | Clear | Two plies, SST technology |
| Evans | G1 Clear: 12″, 13″, 16″ | Clear | Single ply, expressive attack |
| Remo | Emperor Clear Tom Pack: 12″, 13″, 16″ | Clear | Two 7 mil plies, open tones |
| Evans | UV2 Coated Tom Pack: 12″, 13″, 16″ | Coated | UV-cured coating, durable |
Evans G2 Coated Standard Tompack
The Evans G2 Coated Tompack includes 12″, 13″, and 16″ tom heads with a coated finish. These two plies of 7mil film provide warmth, focus, and depth, delivering versatility across genres. The coated surface helps control overtones while maintaining a balanced attack with moderate durability, making it a solid choice for drummers seeking a rounded, all-purpose tom sound.
Evans EC2S Clear Standard Tompack
The EC2S Clear Tompack employs two plies of 7mil film and features Sound Shaping Technology (SST) to deliver a well-balanced sound with focused attack. Clear heads offer more initial brightness and longer sustain relative to coated options, while SST helps maintain consistent tone across tuning ranges. Available in frost-coated variations as well, your choice depends on desired brightness and sustain characteristics.
Evans G1 Clear Standard Tompack
The G1 Clear tom heads use a single 10mil ply, offering a bright tone with a highly expressive attack and a wide tuning range. This configuration is known for responsiveness and openness, enabling drum sounds characteristic of live performances and studio sessions alike. While durability is average, the tone and tuning stability suit players who prefer a punchy, articulate tom voice.
Remo Emperor Clear Tom Drumhead Pack
The Remo Emperor Clear heads are built with two free-floating 7 mil Mylar plies to deliver consistent open tones. These heads are a popular choice across Pop, R&B, and Rock for their bright, projecting sound and tunable versatility. They emphasize a lively attack with a broad tuning window, making them suitable for dynamic tom performances and studio work.
Evans UV2 Coated Tom Pack
UV2 coated toms feature Evans’ UV-cured coating for enhanced durability and resistance to heavy playing. The pack uses two plies of 7mil film, offering a prominent attack with shorter sustain and a medium brightness. This combination is designed to withstand aggressive playing styles while maintaining a solid, durable feel on the snare and toms with reliable tuning stability.
Additional Context: Tom Pack Variants
In addition to the featured packs, multiple brands offer 12″, 13″, and 16″ tom heads in single- or two-ply configurations with coatings or finishes that influence brightness, sustain, and attack. When selecting a set, players should weigh goals such as live performance versus studio work, preferred brightness, and the desired balance between attack and resonance. Comparing two-ply versus single-ply options helps align tension stability with the drummer’s technique and kit tuning style.
Buying Guide: Tom Head Pack Key Purchase Considerations
- Tone and Finish: Coated heads tend to produce warmer, mellower attack with slightly shorter sustain, while clear heads emphasize brightness and longer sustain. For versatile rock or fusion styles, a coated set (or a coated option with SST tech) can be a strong all-around choice.
- Plies and Durability: Two-ply heads (commonly 7 mil per ply) offer increased durability and controlled overtones, useful for heavier playing or live settings. Single-ply heads (around 10 mil) are more expressive with greater resonance but less durability.
- Tone Shaping Technology: Some models include specialized tech (like SST) to balance attack and sustain. This can help maintain consistency across tunings and microphones in a studio environment.
- Open Versus Focused Tone: Consider whether you want wide tuning range and openness (often favored by G1 or Emperor), or a more focused, punchy feel (common with coated UV2 or SST variants).
- Durability Versus Brightness: Heavier hitters may prefer UV-coated options for durability, while players seeking a bright, cutting tom voice might lean toward clear options with more upper harmonics.
- Compatibility: Ensure the chosen heads fit standard drum sizes (12″, 13″, 16″) and match your drum’s bearing edge, depth, and shell material.
- Maintenance and Replacement: Consider the ease of tuning stability and how often you plan to replace or retune the toms to keep the kit sounding cohesive.
Overall, the selected packs provide a range of tonal flavors and durability profiles suitable for many rock, pop, and contemporary drumming contexts. By evaluating finish, ply count, and any tone-shaping technology, drummers can pick a set that aligns with their preferred attack, sustain, and tuning stability across 12″, 13″, and 16″ toms.