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This is a constantly updated gallery of the best drum hardware on the planet - from budget packs for beginners, heavy-duty bass drum pedals for demanding professionals, and lightweight but roadworthy stands for the gigging intermediate, there’s hardware here to suit every kind of drummer.

This month we're revisiting our round-up with a brand new category to meet the growing demands of expanding drum kits: racks.

All the hardware here is 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 piece of kit.

First up: get 'em out (quietly) for Gibraltar’s Stealth Rack…

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Cleverly devised alternative to conventional rack systems that splits the rack into two independent side units, leaving the kit to shine, centre-stage. The Stealth Rack is also versatile as Gibraltar’s modular clamps accept virtually every diameter of stand tubing, allowing you to incorporate the top parts of your existing cymbal stands into the set-up.

FULL REVIEW: Gibraltar Stealth Rack

BUY: Gibraltar Stealth Rack currently available from Thomann

If you like Gibraltar’s Stealth Rack, you’ll also like:

Yamaha Hexrack (Available from Thomann)

DW DWCPRKMAIN 9000 Series

Pearl DR-503 Rack (Available from Thomann)

Stagg Rack-500

Next: Best bass drum pedals: 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 currently available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co.

If you likeDW’s 9000 Series pedals, you’ll also like:

Tama Iron Cobra bass drum pedal

Yamaha FP-9500D bass drum pedal (Available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co.)

Pearl Powershifter Eliminator PC-2000C bass drum pedal

Gibraltar Intruder bass drum pedal (Available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co.)

Next: Best budget hardware: Stagg 25-1000 Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

From the Chinese manufacturer seemingly bent on world domination comes the 25/50/500/1000 series of scorching value stands. The four different levels of stand vary from merely functional through to heavy duty, with all of the stands in the 1000 Series sporting menacing-looking spikes on each foot. Double-braced tripods feature throughout all four ranges.

BUY: Stagg 25-1000 Series currently available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co.

If you likeStagg 25-1000 Series hardware, you’ll also like:

Dixon Invader Series hardware

Performance Percussion Classic hardware

Percussion Plus 100 Series hardware

CB Drums hardware

Next: Best lightweight hardware: Yamaha 600 Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Yamaha’s 600 Series leads the lightweight pack with an excellent range of single braced stands. Light when folded and solid when set up, the usual Yamaha design flourishes, such as ergonomically shaped wingnuts, are present and correct. And reasonably priced too at under a ‘nifty’ (fifty quid) for each of the snare, upright and boom stands.

If you like Yamaha’s 600 Series hardware, you’ll also like:

Premier 2000 Series hardware

DW 6000 Series hardware

Sonor 100 Series hardware

Big Dog D Series hardware

Next: Best pro hardware: DW 9000 Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The flagship hardware package from DW is a modular system that allows multiple booms and clamps to be mounted in seemingly limitless combinations. Individual stands are suitably hefty and bristle with innovative designs such as the TechLock and Toothless Tilter. The entire range of stands is also available, outrageously, in ostentatious 24-carat gold.

BUY: DW 9000 Series currently available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co.

If you like DW’s 9000 Series hardware, you’ll also like:

Yamaha 900 Series hardware

Pearl Advanced Hardware Series

Gibraltar 9600 Series hardware

Tama Roadpro Series hardware

Next: Best hi-hat stands: DW 5500TD Turbo Delta

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The 5500TD is DW’s most popular hi-hat stand, with twin legs that can be swivelled to accommodate double pedals. Its footplate ball bearing hinge and cleverly devised pull rod bearing link connector ensure reduced friction and a positive action. Other features include integrated memory locks and a folding spring-release footboard for compact transportation.

BUY: DW 5500TD Turbo Delta currently available from Thomann

If you like DW’s 5500TD Turbo Delta hardware, you’ll also like:

Tama HH905 Iron Cobra hi-hat stand (Available from Thomann)

Pearl H2000 Powershifter hi-hat stand

Tama Roadpro Series HH75W hi-hat stand

Gibraltar 6607 Double-Braced hi-hat stand (Available from Thomann)

Next: Best heavy-duty hardware: Yamaha 800 Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Solid and capable set of stands that offer a near-perfect blend of weight, efficiency and features. Typically robust in construction, the stands are all double-braced and a good range of adjustment is possible, particularly on the all-important hi-hat stand. The prices are decidedly reasonable for such high quality products.

If you like Yamaha’s 800 Series hardware, you’ll also like:

DW 5000 Series hardware

Pearl 1000 Series hardware (Available from Thomann)

Mapex 950 Series hardware

Big Dog B Series hardware

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

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