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This is a constantly updated gallery of the best bass or kick drum pedals on the planet. Whereas sticks are an extension of the hands and wrists, a pedal provides a mechanical link between your foot and kick drum. It is therefore essential to be completely comfortable with your pedal.

All the pedals here are hand-picked from the buyers’ guide pages of Rhythm magazine following a gruelling test process. So, have a browse and be sure to click through to read the full review for an in-depth look at each pedal.

First up: counting down to our top pick, it’s number five: Gibraltar’s Intruder

MusicRadar's verdict:

Heavy-duty pedals available as chain, direct or strap-driven. Cutaway footboard is largely aluminium. Beater and footboard angles are independently adjustable while die-cast rod bearings make for a smooth action.

BUY: Gibraltar Intruder Bass Pedal (Andertons Music Co. | Thomann)

Next: Pearl Powershifter Eliminator PC-2000C

MusicRadar's verdict:

An engineering triumph that offers dizzying amounts of adjustment. Four instantly changeable cams alter the action radically, while the movable PowerShifter footboard effects additional subtle changes in feel. Choice of belt or chain drive.

BUY: Pearl Powershifter Eliminator PC-2000C Bass Pedal (Andertons Music Co. | Thomann)

Next: Yamaha FP-9500D

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Chain, strap and direct drive models. Featuring adjustable beater and footboard angles, side-operated hoop clamps and a teardrop-shaped beater shaft for extra stability, they are as aesthetically pleasing as they are smooth to play. Left-sided double versions also available.

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Bass Drum Pedals

BUY: Yamaha FP-9500D Bass Pedal (Andertons Music Co. | Thomann)

Next: Tama Iron Cobra

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Industrial-strength pedals with a reputation for speed and power. The pedals can be fitted with three different cams for different responses and feel. The newest innovation is the Cobra Coil - a spring mounted under the footplate to quicken the action even further.

FULL REVIEW: Tama Iron Cobra bass drum pedals

BUY: Tama Iron Cobra Bass Pedal (Andertons Music Co. | Thomann)

Next: Top pick: DW 9000 Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Range-topping DW pedal that pretty much sets the standard. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium, the 9000 pedals feature DW’s patented free-floating rotor-drive, rotating swivel spring and adjustable cam, all of which are carefully Aligned for as smooth an action as possible. The single post design of the double pedal’s second pedal is also brilliant.

BUY: DW 9000 Series Bass Pedal (Andertons Music Co. | Thomann)

Liked this? Now read: The best drum kits in the world today

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