DW bass drum pedals have been a go-to choice for working drummers for decades. Whether you are buying your first serious pedal, upgrading from a starter model, or looking for a pro-level double pedal, DW has a pedal for almost every playing style and budget.
The big question is: which DW pedal should you choose?
Here is a practical comparison of the main DW bass drum pedal series.
Quick Comparison
| DW Pedal Series | Best For | Feel | Main Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| DW 2000 | Beginners, casual players, practice kits | Light, simple, adjustable | Affordable DW quality |
| DW 3000 | Students, weekend players, church/stage kits | Solid, stronger feel | Great value with dual-chain drive |
| DW 5000 | Gigging drummers, serious players | Powerful, responsive, classic DW feel | The industry-standard workhorse |
| DW 6000 | Vintage kits, jazz, bop, lighter setups | Lightweight and fast | Retro feel with modern upgrades |
| DW 9000 | Pros, studio players, heavy gigging | Very smooth, highly adjustable | Premium feel and maximum control |
| DW MFG | Advanced players, collectors, high-end setups | Ultra-precise, boutique | Machined top-tier DW performance |
DW 2000 Series: Best Entry Point
The DW 2000 is the best place to start if you want a reliable DW pedal without jumping into pro-level pricing. It has a sturdy all-metal design, adjustable spring tension, footboard angle adjustment, and a simple hoop clamp.
This is a great choice for newer drummers, rehearsal kits, teaching studios, or anyone who wants a dependable pedal without overthinking it.
Choose the DW 2000 if: you want an affordable pedal that still feels like a real piece of DW hardware.
DW 3000 Series: Best Value
The DW 3000 is one of the smartest buys in the lineup. It gives you a stronger, more stable feel than the 2000 and adds a dual-chain Accelerator-style drive system. That means more power and a more confident stroke under the foot.
For many players, this is the sweet spot between price and performance. It is a very good pedal for students moving up, drummers playing regular rehearsals, and anyone who wants something roadworthy without paying 5000 or 9000 money.
Choose the DW 3000 if: you want the best balance of price, feel, and durability.
DW 5000 Series: The Classic Workhorse
The DW 5000 is the pedal many players think of first when they think of DW. It is powerful, quick, reliable, and built for serious use. It has been a standard on stages, in studios, and in rehearsal rooms for years.
The 5000 is available in different versions, including Accelerator and Turbo drive options. The Accelerator version has a slightly more aggressive feel, helping the beater pick up speed through the stroke. The Turbo version feels more even and rounded from start to finish.
For most rock, pop, country, worship, funk, and general gigging players, the DW 5000 is hard to beat.
Choose the DW 5000 if: you want a professional pedal that can do almost anything and last for years.
DW 6000 Series: Vintage Feel, Modern Build
The DW 6000 is the sleeper of the lineup. It has a lighter, more old-school feel, making it ideal for vintage-style kits, bop kits, jazz players, roots music, and anyone who does not want a heavy full-baseplate pedal.
It gives you a fast, responsive stroke without making the kit feel overbuilt. If you play a vintage Ludwig, Gretsch, Rogers, Slingerland, or compact jazz kit, the 6000 feels very natural.
Choose the DW 6000 if: you like a lighter pedal with a vintage personality.
DW 9000 Series: Smooth, Powerful, Adjustable
The DW 9000 is the premium step up from the 5000. It feels smoother under the foot and gives players more adjustment. The floating rotor and adjustable cam let you fine-tune the response between a more rounded Turbo-style feel and a more aggressive Accelerator-style feel.
This is a great pedal for players who are particular about feel. If you like to dial in every part of your setup, the 9000 gives you more room to experiment. It is also a strong choice for studio drummers and touring players who want a pedal that feels effortless but still delivers plenty of power.
Choose the DW 9000 if: you want a smoother, more adjustable version of the classic DW feel.
DW MFG Series: The High-End Choice
The DW MFG pedals are the top of the DW range. These are precision-machined pedals built for players who want the most refined DW option available.
The MDD is DW’s machined direct-drive pedal. Direct drive gives a very immediate response, which can be excellent for fast, precise playing. The MCD keeps the machined construction but uses a chain-drive design, which many players find slightly more familiar and natural under the foot.
These pedals are not for everyone, simply because they sit at the high end of the price range. But for players who want a boutique-level pedal with serious engineering, the MFG series is the one to try.
Choose DW MFG if: you want the most advanced DW pedal and you care deeply about feel, response, and build quality.
Accelerator vs Turbo: What Is the Difference?
On DW pedals, this is one of the most common questions.
Accelerator Drive has an offset cam. It gives the pedal a quicker, more powerful feel as the stroke moves forward. Many players describe it as punchier or faster.
Turbo Drive has a more rounded cam. It gives a smoother, more even feel through the whole stroke.
Neither is better. It depends on your foot.
For rock, pop, hard-hitting playing, and players who like a little extra push, Accelerator is very popular. For players who want a more even and controlled response, Turbo can feel more natural.
Single Pedal or Double Pedal?
If you mostly play rock, pop, jazz, country, blues, worship, funk, or general gigging music, a single pedal may be all you need.
A double pedal is useful if you play metal, progressive rock, heavier modern music, or you simply want more options with your feet.
The nice thing about DW is that the main professional series are available in both single and double pedal versions, so you can choose the same general feel in either format.
Our Practical Recommendations
Best first serious pedal: DW 3000
Best all-around professional pedal: DW 5000
Best smooth premium pedal: DW 9000
Best vintage-style pedal: DW 6000
Best high-end pedal: DW MFG
Best value for most players: DW 5000, especially if you are gigging regularly
Final Thoughts
The right DW pedal depends on how you play.
If you want a simple, affordable DW pedal, look at the 2000 or 3000. If you want the classic pro DW feel, the 5000 is the standard choice. If you want something smoother and more adjustable, move up to the 9000. If you want vintage feel, the 6000 is a great fit. And if you want the most refined DW pedal available, the MFG series is the top of the line.
The best way to choose is to try them under your foot. A bass drum pedal is personal. The right one should feel natural, powerful, and easy to control.
Visit Dave’s Drum Shop to compare DW bass drum pedals in person, or contact us and we can help you choose the right pedal for your playing style.
