Reviews & Comments


aka. the little guestbook. :-)  - If you want to leave a comment about your experience with ACD, please feel free to share a few words. 

Comments: 145
  • #145

    J.G. (Monday, 14 October 2024 18:35)

    Ich spiele die FTW nun seit August. Ich bin absolut angetan von der Qualität und dem durchdachten Engineering. Man merkt einfach, dass das Pedal, welches an den Füßen klebt, nichts von der Stange ist. Eine größere Investition, die aber aus meiner Sicht jeden Cent wert ist. Auch bin ich mir sicher, dass - wenn es mal irgendwelche Probleme geben sollte - Dennis direkt mit Rat und Tat da sein wird.
    Viele Grüße
    Jens

  • #144

    Allan (Friday, 11 October 2024 14:57)

    I decided to replace the short boards on my eliminators with some ACD longboards - and I have to say I'm really impressed with the quality.
    Not only are they easy to install but the bearings are super smooth and I have zero issues with my feet sliding around on them.

  • #143

    Rainer Gartner (Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:38)

    Einfach nur genial und perfekt. Ich habe noch nie bessere Pedale gespielt und werde das wohl auch nicht mehr nach dem Darwin.
    Sensationell gut und zu 100% zu empfehlen.

  • #142

    Martin Jüssi (Monday, 07 October 2024 09:29)

    I have played the Trick V1 for such a long time that I do not remember how other pedals feel. This summer I read something about the "spongy-like" feeling that is natural to the compression springs and realized that this had been one of my major frustrations with these pedals - I had thought the problem had been in my technique, and had been keeping the bass drum tilted towards the pedals to reduce that feeling. After that realization I did the ACD (R2) bias rod upgrade to the pedals.

    With the upgrade, the feeling changed completely, and the pedals feel very much lighter and more controllable. So I would recommend those to anyone who feel disappointed in their investment into Trick pedals - the relatively low-cost upgrade totally changes the game.

    Also to mention - the customer support of ACD exceeded any expectations!

  • #141

    Marc CUCULIERE (Wednesday, 02 October 2024 10:35)

    Hi there,
    ACD hardware is outstanding.

    I've started with the Ultimate drive shaft for the Iron Cobra. I was looking for it from Tama, the price was a bit expensive, so I looked for an alternative and I found ACD, for a few euros more I was able to get something way more qualitative, and on top of that I could contribute to the passionate work of a real craftsman.
    Once the hardware recieved ... I was really surprised by the quality. The feeling on my double pedal was ... terrible : I had to practice a lot beacause the left pedal was really as responsive as the right one :-)
    The I bought the Direct Drive for Iron Cobra : Flawless victory !
    Then, I purchased The Phantom, with a special mounting :)
    The left pedal moves the right hammer ... Honnestly, it wierd but mesmerizing :)
    Looking for triggers now ...
    Maybe for concerts one day, i'll be equiped with a Darwin !
    Many Thanks to Dennis for his devotion to build amazing handmade hardware.

  • #140

    Anthony (Sunday, 29 September 2024 23:33)

    I ordered a spring geometry upgrade pearl version for a.... gibraltar pedal, of course I contacted Dennis first to ask him if it would fit my pedal, and it does !! So if your pedal is neither pearl nor tama, contact Dennis anyway with the specs of your pedal and he will let you know if it's still compatible or not. Also ordered the ultimate driveshaft and now I'm able to place my pedals however I want without any copromise, highly recommended !! My next pedals shall definitely be ACD unliited (when I can afford it lol)
    Long Live ACD Ulimited !!!

  • #139

    Nikola (Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:15)

    I highly recommend ACD! Dennis has been incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. The products are top-notch, and the customer service goes above and beyond. If you're looking for quality drum gear and a team that truly cares about their customers, ACD is the place to go!"

  • #138

    M.L. (Wednesday, 18 September 2024 13:47)

    I sent 6 emails/inquiries to Axis support asking about parts because I want to upgrade my pedals. Nobody replied. That's was the time I realized Axis is prehistoric.

    So I went ahead and ordered ACD Darwin pedals. I've been back and forth with Dennis via email in customizing the pedal to my liking and 11 months later, they're now in transit to me.

    Axis still hasn't replied to me until this day =)

  • #137

    Ron mai (Monday, 09 September 2024 03:05)

    I received my new ACD middle pedals a few day ago. They are on my 60’s Gretsch kit.
    I can’t believe how smooth, responsive, and light they feel. It has to be the best, most appreciated purchase I have ever made. Dennis has created a monster, and I’ve got a saddle on it. He truly is the artist I’ve always claimed him to be, as well as a genuine good guy for his customer interaction.
    Very well done…
    Ron

  • #136

    Johannes Rantala (Tuesday, 20 August 2024 09:59)

    Dennis is the coolest guy and his products and customer service is always top notch! 5/5

  • #135

    Joey (Tuesday, 13 August 2024 15:55)

    I bought the beater on it's own and it made my entire pedal setup so much more precise. I can change bass drum sizes and hoop types and never worry that I won't be able to strike in the right part of the head to get the feel and sound I want. It was a pleasure using the online store and receiving my order with so much care.

  • #134

    jason (Wednesday, 07 August 2024 06:57)

    Awesome Upgrades!!..With the Direct Drive,and the Recently Purchased Spring Geometry it totally transformed my Iron Cobra HP600.I Probably would have bought the UltimateDriveshaft,But I already have the Trick.I Also have the beater shifters which i like also.Like Already Stated,the pedal is super fast and sticks to your feet with less effort...I had the Quick Torque Cam,which I ditched for The Spring Geometry.Glad I Did.Kudos for all the great products!!

  • #133

    Cody Johns (Saturday, 03 August 2024 19:04)

    Dennis is a one man army! Communication was amazing, incredibly helpful, obviously making the best pedals on the planet right now. I don’t know how he does it, but we must protect this man at all costs! Thank you again!

  • #132

    Aki heikkinen (Friday, 02 August 2024 14:11)

    hello!
    the drive shaft arrived today and immediately tested. all I can say is that it's damn good. completely from another planet compared to the original tama drive shaft. no latency in the slave pedal. absolutely super!
    thank you very much!
    Best regards. Aki from Finland

  • #131

    Johnny Wall (Friday, 26 July 2024 02:08)

    I received and installed the R1 bias rod in my Trick Bigfoot pedal today. Massive difference! I was able to increase my spring tension a bit and move the beater back, too. Snappier and more consistent feel through the stroke with more power. Fantastic service from Dennis! Thank you!

  • #130

    stefan resch (Friday, 19 July 2024 23:46)

    Lieber Dennis,

    vielen vielen Dank für dieses tolle Fußpedal. Ich habs heute zum ersten mal ausprobiert und ich muss sagen: Einfach nur der Hammer!

    Spielt sich sehr angenehm und Heel Toe mit Triggern ist mit diesem Pedal einfach ein Traum.

    Danke auch für die netten kleinen Messages auf dem Koffer und in dem Koffer. Das macht alles sehr persönlich und malt einem ein Lächeln ins Gesicht.

    Einfach nur spitze!

    Vielen Dank

    Stefan







  • #129

    Nikalus Garrido (Tuesday, 16 July 2024 03:58)

    I have order the following for my two single pedal Tama Iron Cobras:
    Long Board Conversion
    Direct Drive Upgrade
    Spring Geometry Upgrade
    Dynamic Beaters
    And a custom order of two 1" 3d printed heel plate riser blocks
    All are absolutely phenomenal! Dennis is the man and anything you order from him today should have been ordered yesterday. Outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and care go into everything he does.
    You're the man Dennis, but you already knew that ;)
    Much love brotha! Keep it up!

  • #128

    James Hansford-White (Thursday, 11 July 2024 12:21)

    I am absolutely blown away by the Ultimate Drive Shaft, thank you Dennis for the incredible craftsmanship and overall build quality. My left pedal feels noticeably smoother/effortless compared with my stock drive shaft. Thank you also for the great customer service. I suspect you might hear from me soon about Darwins :)

  • #127

    Ron Mai (Friday, 05 July 2024 17:48)

    I woke up early this morning, on my 70th birthday, to a note from Dennis that my universal drive shaft, and remote hi-hat had shipped…
    What a wonderful way to start my day!
    The artful machining and thought that goes into every aspect of the product is why ACD is my go-to for the greatest drum hardware on the planet
    Thanks Dennis, for your hard work!
    Ron

  • #126

    Marvan (Thursday, 27 June 2024 03:20)

    Just received adapters for may ACD Darwin drive shafts! 5 days form ordering to delivery to the US! Unheard of! These drive shafts are w/o question the best in the business! Thank you Dennis for your innovative vision, craftsmanship!

  • #125

    Nicolas Riegel (Tuesday, 25 June 2024 09:08)

    Best Quality with the best Service!
    Schnell und persönlich �
    Nothing to complain about!!
    Perfectly organized ��
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    The Real Deal! Thanks heaps Dennis, you’re the man!! ❤️
    Kann’s absolut jedem empfehlen! �

  • #124

    Jason (Tuesday, 18 June 2024 22:29)

    Very pleasant experience dealing with ACD.Im blown away at how fast I received my Direct drive Iron Cobra upgrade from Austria to So.Cal.. also impressed with the build quality.Nice work Sir,Dennis is a pedal Wizard!!

  • #123

    Sal (Saturday, 15 June 2024 17:04)

    The Ultimate Drive Shaft is amazing and worth every penny! I observe zero difference in beater swing between the main and slave pedals for the first 4-5 swings on my Tama Speed Cobras. Most importantly, I get same performance even when I put the pedal at angle (which is often necessary when setting up in tight spaces). The difference between this and stock shaft is night and day. I cannot recommend this product enough!

  • #122

    Michael Kitchens (Sunday, 09 June 2024 18:17)

    Dennis is a true craftsman and makes the best pedal I have ever used. Every component is well thought out and formed to perfection. Besides the product Dennis makes the experience much better with his kindness and care of the craft, this differs greatly from buying from large brands. Best wishes to your future.

  • #121

    BryanForceDrums (Monday, 03 June 2024 11:56)

    Dennis is an absolute wizard and the best in the business. His upgrades for all different types/brands of pedals are just world class. Not only that, but he is an incredibly nice and caring person who genuinely wants everyone who visits or shops his store to leave happy. 10 out of 10.

  • #120

    Mane (Monday, 03 June 2024 11:12)

    I‘m using the Darwin Double Pedal live and at home for several years now and didn‘t run into a single issue with them. Absolutly well crafted product with tons of options, great functionality and astonishing looks. Working with Dennis is beyond compare - every task is handled in not time and he has smart solution for everthing!

    Also got some upgrades for my speedcobra which definetly take the pedals on another level!

    Always my pleasure, 100% recommendation!!

  • #119

    Hannes (Tuesday, 28 May 2024 16:06)

    Just got my Phantom Shortboard double pedal with strap drive! I have been loking for a new pedal to replace my Speed Cobra for ages, I have tried Tama Dynasync, Axis Longboard, Pearl Demondrive, Pearl XR and Yamaha FP9 but they all felt wrong.
    The Phantoms are perfect, the exponential resistance in the springs allows you to play both powerful slower singles and fast heel-toe stuff without any compromises, it is light and snappy, and the build quality is superb!
    Keep up the good work!
    /Hannes
    Raven Banner (SE)

  • #118

    Carter Pochynok (Tuesday, 21 May 2024 01:59)

    Absolutely floored by the quality of ACD components! Coming from a family of aerospace engineers and having a close friend who is an aerospace machinist, I've learned the signs of quality work AND THIS IS IT. As a drum tech, I've begun recommending these products to clients seeking more performance out of their high-end pedals.

    Judging by the slight markings of a CNC end mill, I'd say that these are all billet-machined from aerospace grade metals down to the tension rods... AND HE'S NOT EVEN ADVERTISING THAT!!

    The fact that my mods showed up on my birthday with some nice candies in the box really just put the icing on the cake. Couldn't be more pleased with my experience.

    Dennis, if you read this: YOU ARE THE MAN. Keep up the great work!!

  • #117

    Elias (Thursday, 16 May 2024 15:32)

    I've bought the ACD Drive Shaft because my Tama (Speed Cobra 910) one started to get stuck at the right side of the bearings (The side which connects to the main Pedal)
    So I always heard about the ACD Drive Shaft and finally decited to go and buy one.
    I am more than happy and I can reccomend the Drive Shaft as a Metal Drummer, who needs a fast respond from the slave Pedal as well.
    Since my footboard is starting to get cracks out of nowhere, I will probabl buy myself the Darwin Footboard as well :) . \w/

  • #116

    Brennan (Tuesday, 07 May 2024 22:09)

    Just got the beater shifter and the spring geometry upgrade for my Tama Dyna-Sync pedal, and wow. The difference is mind blowing. My bass drum head is no longer rubbed by the direct drive pulley bc the beater shifter allows the beater to be close enough not to have to tilt my drum as much to get rid of the obtuse angle. The spring geometry upgrade allows me to implement speed, dynamics and control like never before. Dennis knows what he’s doing like none of the major manufacturers do, and I’m so stoked that he makes hardware fixes and upgrades so accessible!

  • #115

    Jörg (Friday, 03 May 2024 10:48)

    Hey,
    ich habe seit ein paar Wochen die Game Changer in Betrieb. Was soll ich sagen, einfach perfekt! Durch die super feine Einstellung am Rädchen, musste ich am Modul gar nichts ändern.
    Vielen Dank an Dennis, für den sehr netten Kontakt und auch die schnelle Lieferung.

  • #114

    Ethan Breithaupt (Thursday, 02 May 2024 15:58)

    Dennis was great t work with. I could not be happier. The pedals are well worth the wait.

  • #113

    Ian (Thursday, 02 May 2024 10:57)

    I don't really leave reviews but feel compelled to do so. I've been playing on and off for almost 40 years. In that time, I've used an Iron Cobra, Speed Cobra, DW 9000, Trick Pro 1V, Rogers Dynomatic, Pearl Demon Drive and P2000, Tama HP50, PDP Concept, Offset Middle Pedal, Sonor Giant Step Single and Middle and numerous others I can't recall. I managed to find a used strap drive Darwin FTW pedal. This also came with the Fat Boy cam (using that and is perfect). All I can say is don't wait, just buy one! I'm mainly a heal down player (playing funk, pop and rock) and without doubt, this is the very best pedal I've every used by a long, long way. It literally feels like it is an extension of my foot. Amazing build quality and having dealt with Dennis before, the product support I'd second to none.

    If you're buying new, they are absolutely worth the price and wait!

  • #112

    Adam (Wednesday, 24 April 2024 21:53)

    The ultimate drive shaft is amazing! A 10/10 upgrade for my pedal! Thank you so much Dennis!
    Cheers from Hungary!

  • #111

    Kacper (Thursday, 18 April 2024 13:10)

    Dennis is the guy! Despite some delay he stayed in touch and informed me about everything. Everything went smoothly and he is ready to help always :D

  • #110

    Matthew Maloney (Tuesday, 16 April 2024 15:21)

    Dennis is a Master Craftsman and a genuinely nice guy! ( I'm glad that it happens to be drum equipment.) :P Thanks, Dennis!

  • #109

    Philip Boccabella (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 15:32)

    Dennis is a pleasure to deal with.Prompt, exact……a proud innovator.

  • #108

    Mathieu (Thursday, 28 March 2024 09:56)

    I got your package yesterday and got to try them out a little.
    The Darwins are the best I ever played with, by a long shot. I didn't even take time to mess with the settings appart from switching to the heavy springs.
    The pedals work great a every tempo. Never felt myself struggling against the pedal at precise tempo. From slow to fast, i feel that I have total control over what's going on. Particularly agreeable.
    I can feel every impact. I feared that coming from direct drive to strap drive I would loose the feeling of the drumhead under my foot. I don't know how you did it but it's better with the strap drive. Even at high tempo I can feel every impact through my feet.
    They are perfectly balanced. When I play with the pedal alone (no kickdrum, no pad, nothing), the pedal stays perfectly still. Doing so with the Dominator makes the pedal wobble from left to right. Surely a big wast of energy.
    The build quality is incredible. Such object is pure wizardry.

    I can't wait to mess with the settings and find the perfect tuning.
    Until then, thank you very much for taking the time, effort and brainpower to make such an amazing pedal.

    Cheers !
    Mathieu

  • #107

    Boris Gordiyenko (Wednesday, 27 March 2024 19:24)

    I first came across ACD when I was looking for ways to improve a set of Axis longboards. And boy did Dennis deliver on that front. After replacing the driveshaft, heel blocks and beaters with the ACD ones it was like an entirely new much improved pedal. That initial purchase really got me interested in the brand and other products that ACD offered. And after watching some videos about the Darwin, I just knew that I had to have one someday. I now own two of them, one in strap drive and one in the direct drive configuration and I can say hands down they are by far the best pedals I have ever had the pleasure of playing. None of the other high end direct drive pedals that I've bought and subsequently sold have come close to the features and playability of the Darwin. Coupled with the Game Changer triggers, I could not dream of a better set-up. Thank you Dennis and ACD for all you've done and continue to do for the metal drumming community �

  • #106

    Joan (Sunday, 10 March 2024 17:05)

    Phantom double arrived last Thursday, and I had a concert scheduled for Friday, so my thought was I would use my trusted Demon chains, because you know, I was going to need some days to adjust my feet to the feel of the new pedals. Well, I went to the practice studio to pack up things for Friday, but couldn't resist at least trying a little the Phantoms, and man! WHAT AN AMAZING MACHINE YOU BUILT!
    Used it for 10 minutes, put the Demons back in the bass drum and immediately hated them, so I went with the Phantoms live, and I couldn't be happier and more comfortable (haven't touched the settings out of the box so far)

    So, thank you for building amazing pedals, and I'm definitely getting the phantom case once you have it ready. I'm even considering a second phantom double in the future for the Edrum and as a backup

    Cheers and best wishes from Spain

  • #105

    Markus (Friday, 01 March 2024 16:12)

    The universal drive shaft is fenominal. Verry good work...
    Thanks for this grate Upgrade for my Tama Speed Cobra...

  • #104

    Bob Nelson (Friday, 01 March 2024 06:38)

    Dennis and his crew are solid! Any repair/ question / general issue concerning ACD gear is always immediately addressed and rectified. Always support independent small business. ACD is innovation. Innovation is progress. Thank you!

  • #103

    Thibaud (Tuesday, 27 February 2024 17:14)

    Second order to Dennis, always good advice, really good product and such a nice guy.
    It's a pleasure !

  • #102

    Robert Brasted (Tuesday, 27 February 2024 05:57)

    I Purchased the ACD Darwin FTW double back in Jan. 2023 and just received it about 3 weeks ago and let me tell you this pedal is well worth the wait. The pedal is a beast! It feels awesome under my foot and i feel like i play much better with this pedal. I have had pedals from dw, Trick, Axis, Pearl and Tama and none of them come close to the feel of this pedal. Dennis is awesome as well and answered all my questions and concerns i had before purchase. Very Happy Customer.

  • #101

    Aki Koskinen (Friday, 23 February 2024 15:49)

    Bought spring geometry and ultimate drive shaft upgrades for Pearl Eliminators. Thank you Dennis! Both are great upgrades that unleash the full potential of the pedals.

  • #100

    Davide (Thursday, 22 February 2024 15:20)

    I gave had my ACD Phantom double pedal for about a week now and I still can't believe how amazing this product is. I got the longboards with the strap drive. The response is phenomenal, thanks to the combination of spring geometry, large linear cam and the lightness of the strap. The driveshaft with its high quality bearings is so smooth they might as well be two single pedals. Every single detail about these pedals is so thoughtful and brilliant, and dare I say, sometimes even revolutionary. Even my band mates were speechless, especially the one who knows about metal artisanship and what it entails.
    I cannot recommend the Phantom enough. I will be bringing mine with me everywhere I play.

  • #99

    David Gonzales (Thursday, 22 February 2024 09:00)

    I love ACD these guys are amazing and there gear so quality you can’t go wrong I got the Direct drive and spring kit for my Tama Speed cobras what a huge difference Thank you looking forward to getting more gear from these guys and great costumer service the next day my stuff was shipped

  • #98

    Antoine (Friday, 16 February 2024 05:04)

    I just received the parcel yesterday, felt like being a child at Christmas time :D
    I'd like to SPECIALLY thank you for the extra biscuit and sweets, what a great attention to packaging !

    Then comes the pedals. And as expected, after a little quick setup, they deliver.
    Man, I don't know where to start... The overall smoothness of operation, the ease of changing every setting, the spring response... When you play 15 years with the same gear, There are details that you overlook, you're used to it. And then you decide to change, and you re-discover every little detail, it all feels different, but in a very pleasant way !
    It's so smooth and pleasant I'd strap my feet to the boards and wear 'em as shoes :D

    It lands heavier strokes than the Axis, but still you can get very fast, 250 BPM feels like a breeze.

    I still have to tinker a little bit with it to tune it perfectly, but I can already feel how qualitative it is.
    What a refreshing and phenomenal piece of hardware !!
    That's awesome and smart work you've been putting in the conception of those pedals.
    Feels like a love letter to every existing drummer :D
    Axis ? Trick drums ? Demon XR ? Dyna-Sync ...? Never heard of 'em !
    I'd safely say the ACD Phantom is the way to go.

    Thank you very much Dennis, you made another drummer whole again today :)

  • #97

    Wally (Thursday, 08 February 2024 09:29)

    Transaction is very fast and Dennis is very assistive.
    He answers all my questions about the product very fast.

    I will be using my Axis pedal using my new Ultimate Drive Shaft and Heel block while waiting for my Darwin pedals.

    Thank you very much ACD!!!!!

  • #96

    Ani (Wednesday, 07 February 2024 23:23)

    BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY!!
    Just got the axis heel block upgrades about a week ago, such a beautifully crafted part but still so simple that it makes you think why can't the original manufacturers think of these things. Dennis is truly a lifesaver with these nifty creations. Always a pleasure to speak to him and his passion is really reflected in his work.
    Super fast shipping!! Great product!! Incredible person(Dennis)!! Can't ask for much more.

    Cheers!!!