Drum rugs are not a simple addition to your arsenal. These materials are important to ensure your drum set will stay in place. Drum rugs also provide superior protection for the floor, keeping it free from scratches.
Drum rugs are best to use the moment you felt the bass drum is causing interruptions while you’re performing. These rugs will solve the problem. Outlined below are 10 of the best drum rugs and mats you can buy this year.
Your Top Choices for Drum Rugs and Mats
1) Drum Workshop Drum Rug
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Source: YouTube.com
- Incredible High-Quality – this rug has been one of the top-rated choices in the market. Made with carefully selected materials, you can be sure of the product’s overall quality.
- Industrial-grade Carpet – it is made with commercial-grade carpet that measures 5 feet x 7 feet. This carpet comes with the cutout silver Drum Workshop’s logo in every corner.
- Non-slip Rubberized Surface – no chances for slippage as this drum rug comes with a non-slip rubberized surface.
- Versatile – with a quality drum rug like this, you can play well inside your studio, on the stage, or somewhere else.
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good for universal use
Cons:
- Heavy
2) V-Drums Mat by Roland
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Excellent Construction – this mat features a three-layer structure with felt, nylon filament, and soft resin crafted with urethane that absorbs shock and reduces noise.
- Durable – forget about getting this mat burned. It is made with non-flammable materials, making this mat more interesting.
- Velcro Tape – storage has been made easy with the provided Velcro tape that holds the kick pedal or kick-trigger pad on the rug.
Pros:
- Good design
- Pleasing construction
- Comes with a Velcro strap
Cons:
- Expensive
3) Ahead Armor AA9020
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- From a Trusted Brand – Ahead Armor has been one of the most trusted brands of drumming accessories. The company owns a wide selection of high-quality products, such as this drum mat.
- Foldable – while this mat is durable, you can fold it in the middle for quick storage/transport.
- Interesting Features – the product comes with interesting features like a fast-release snap lock and a non-skid gel backing.
Pros:
- Good quality
- Durable
- Nice features included
Cons:
- Expensive
4) Zildjian Deluxe ZRUG1
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Utmost Security and Support – this drum rug is designed to offer the best when it comes to both security and support.
- Absolute Quality – you can hope for the best when it comes to the quality of this drum rug. It has been crafted with first-class polyester fiber to guarantee the best for the protection and support you want for your drum kit.
- Big Enough – this rug is huge enough as it can accommodate any full-sized electric or acoustic drum kit.
Pros:
- Huge and wide
- Best quality
- Provides the best when it comes to both security and support
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
5) TAMA TDRTL
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Large Size – this mat is quite larger, making it a perfect choice for any standard sized drum kit.
- Anti-Slip Texture – you will no longer worry about your bass drum as this mat comes with an anti-slip texture that prevents the bass drum from creeping. Likewise, this texture is good enough to give protection for the floor against scratches caused by the stand spikes.
- Good Value – TAMA has been dedicated to providing good value for money by providing people with high-quality products.
Pros:
- Good design
- Excellent quality
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
6) On-Stage DMA4450
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Non-skid finish – this drum mat has an anti-slippage texture that will prevent your drum kit from creeping all over the floor.
- Durable and lightweight – you won’t feel uncomfortable if you move place to place with your drum kit and this rug. It is lightweight but sturdy enough. It’s crafted with a durable PVC material.
- With Velcro Straps – this mat has a pair of Velcro straps that secure it when rolled for storage or transport.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- With a nice and rugged finish
- With Velcro straps for easy storage
Cons:
- The quality may be insufficient for some
7) Black Widow Drum Mat
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Better Alternative for Traditional Drum Rugs – this one is pretty lightweight as it weighs below 2 lbs.
- Foldable – storing it after each use has been made easier as you can easily unfold and re-fold the rug. It comes with a carry case for easy transport.
- Great Features – this drum rug comes with a patented system and self-adhesive Velcro straps to keep it rolled up.
Pros:
- Comes with more pretty features
- Portable
- Good quality
Cons:
- Might be thin and short for some
8) Meinl Cymbals Drum Rug MDR-JB
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Wide Surface Area – even the biggest setups will get more room on this rug that measures 6 ½ feet long and 5 ¼ feet wide.
- Comes with a Carrying Bag – this rug comes with a carrying bag that helps preserve the overall quality of the rug. It also makes traveling with this item much easier and more convenient.
- Non-Skid Bottom – the rug’s bottom side features non-slip rubber that ensures the overall stability of your drum kit while positioned on any hard surface.
- Style Matters – this drum rug comes in different styles to choose from, helping your drum kit look at its best during a live performance or photo/video shoot.
- Great Quality – this rug is sturdy because it has been crafted using a dense woven cloth that allows the spurs and stands to dig in to ensure maximum stability.
Pros:
- Non-skid bottom
- Good quality
- Stylish and durable
Cons:
- Expensive
9) Meinl Cymbals MDR-JB
Editor’s Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Source: YouTube.com
- Large Surface and Space – the manufacturer claims this drum rug can accommodate even the largest drum kit. It measures 5 ¼ feet in width and 6 ½ feet in length.
- Comes with a Carrying Bag – carrying this rug with your drum kit has been made easy with the included carrying bag.
- Non-skid Bottom – flipping the rug and see its base that is equipped with an anti-slip rubber material that guarantees stability for the entire drum kit. It works even on any hard flooring or surface.
- Sturdy Construction – this drum rug is sturdy because it has been made with densely woven fabric that allows the spurs and stands to put in for extreme stability.
Pros:
- Big and spacious
- Non-skid bottom
- Awesome construction
Cons:
- Expensive
10) RoadRunner Drum Rug
Editor’s Rating: 3.9 out of 5
- Big Chock – this drum mat has a big chock on the front that helps in keeping your bass drum in its place. Thus, you can hardly hit it without worries. It also reduces noise and protects the floor.
- Exceptional Quality – the mat ensures unrivaled support, ensuring to you that it will last for a long time. You can trust its quality and durability for all forms of drumming performances. You can use it during rehearsals, fun sessions, studio recordings, and performances.
- Non-Slip Rubber Edges – the edges of this mat has an anti-skid texture and bulky weighted corners that prevents bending or curling.
Pros:
- Has a big chock
- Exceptional quality
- Non-slip rubber edges
Cons:
- Quite heavy
Why Should You Use Drum Rugs?
Drum rugs are not designed to be just decorations. Yes, they complete the stage’s look. Nonetheless, their main purpose is to give stability to drum kits, especially for the bass drums. Drug rugs are made with non-slip/skid material that helps make sure your drum kit will stay in place while you’re performing.
Using drum rugs is a good idea for several reasons. First, they secure the floor and prevent your drum kit from getting dirty. Before you buy, be sure the measurements of the rugs are equal to the size of your drum kit. A too-small drum mat will just make the problem worse.
The Advantages of Using a Drum Rug or Mat
So, what’s the main thing in a drum mat or rug? Why should you own and use one? What can you get out of using this accessory?
Some drummers say buying a drum mat or rug is just another expenditure. Well, if you consider using a drum mat or rug, you will surely enjoy the benefits it can offer, such as:
- A drum rug or mat will prevent your drum kit from sliding and slipping. It is can be a big deal because slipping and sliding can cause the pedals and even the drums misplaced. It results in losing your full potential to perform well.
- A drum rug protects your flooring. It is extremely popular for those drum kits positioned and use at homes. Using a drum mat or rug is a good idea, especially if your drum kit has spiky stands.
- Any drum mat or rug that features a stopper for the bass drum will be so helpful during rehearsals or live performances. It will prevent the bass drum from moving once you got it hit accidentally by your pedal. If that is a common concern for you, then you should look for a mat or rug that has this special feature.
Buyer’s Guide and Features
- Portability and Size – before you buy a drum mat or rug, be sure to consider not just your drum kit’s size. If you play for gigs, then you should consider the stages and their usual dimensions where you play. If you move from place to place, the best choice of drum rug or mat for you will be a lightweight one.
- Budget – ask yourself. How much can you afford to spend on a drum mat or rug? Whatever your budget is, rest assured the market is going to offer something that matches your needs and expectations.
- Design and Quality – the best drum rugs guarantee the best when it comes to quality. Likewise, they will be good enough to stop creeping while giving ample floor protection. In terms of the design, think of how you will use the mat or rug and whether it will fit perfectly to the setting where you will lay it down.
FAQs
How Large Should a Drum Rug/Mat be?
Drum sets are available in different sizes, so do the drum rugs and mats. For a perfect fit, measure the drum set before shopping for a high-quality drum rug or mat. It has to be slightly bigger than the drum set.
Be extra careful when you place the stands to make sure the entire drum set is on top of the mat. Therefore, the rug or mat should be a little larger than the drum set.
How to Prevent the Bass Drum from Slipping?
Get a mat or rug that is big enough for the drum set. Does the bass drum move forward a lot? If that is the case, you can adjust the spurs of the drum forward for prevention. If your drum set comes with sharp spikes, consider buying a rug or mat not only to keep it stable but to provide the best protection for the floor against unwanted scratches and dents.
How Bulky Should the Drum Rug/Mat be?
If you move around often, then you should consider the weight of the rug or mat. Compare and check the weight of each rug or mat and choose the one that is lightweight but sturdy.
Conclusion
A nice, high-quality drum mat or rug is a very important piece of tool for every drummer. Choosing not to consider and use one will eventually make it hard to play the drums. This is true, especially if you’re playing on hard surfaces. Plus, the drum kit can leave markings and scratches to the floor, particularly if the stands have spikes.
The drum rug or mat will save you from these disturbing thoughts. Stop hesitating to get one. Consider the benefits you can get out of using it. In the end, you will get the best value and return for your money. Your floor stays protected. You get peace of mind each time you play. Happy drumming!
