Reviews & Comments

Jason Borton (Friday, 12 May 2023 20:01)

I scored a gig filling in for a tour and simultaneously my drive shaft gave out. Dennis shipped a new drive shaft out to me the next day, problem solved! Amazing customer service and response!

Kyle C (Saturday, 22 April 2023 13:39)

Dennis was AMAZING! Easy to talk to, and a great guy! Love my driveshaft! Will be buying more from this man. Also, Dennis sent chocolate from Austria! Who else does that?! Phenomenal 5/5 or 10/10 however you'd like to call it! ACD will be the only brand I buy from here on out!

Julian Osterried (Tuesday, 18 April 2023 11:52)

I ordered a double pedal (direct drive), a strap drive conversion, some triggers, and several other little things and i´m allways 1000 percent happy with ACD-unlimited.
The shipment is fast, Dennis is a genius in his work, i allways call him the
"Leonardo da Vinci of drums" when i talk about all the perfectly designed stuff he made.
He put in a lot of hours to get the perfect "holy grail of drums" and could help you out instantly, if you have a problem or questions.

I´m a customer since 2018 and i´m satisfied with every part i get.
I love the "small" business and hope you have some breaks from time to time because of that.
Best regards und Viele Grüße,

Julian O.

antonio de braga (Tuesday, 11 April 2023 03:26)

Wow received my n+1beaters with mrs Muff disc I use on my e-drums for noise it works very good and the feels of those beaters are awesome and the chocolate too � thank you Dennis you rock !!!!

Tyler "Swampman" (Friday, 07 April 2023 02:02)

I bought a pair of Axis pedals a year ago, but the stock driveshaft is so miserable I went back to my beginner pedals. My ACD upgrade shaft arrived in two days, with chocolate! More importantly, my left pedal finally feels like the right. I'll definitely be buying a pair of pedals from Dennis in the future.

Stefan (Tuesday, 28 March 2023 11:33)

Incredible customer service - and quality! I bought the direct drive upgrade kit for my Tama Speed Cobra double pedal. It is well-crafted and works amazingly well. I love it. And Dennis is just the nicest guy. I highly recommend ACD :-)

Manuel Lozano (Friday, 24 March 2023 10:49)

Worth every penny to get the drive shaft upgrade for axis pedals.

Check the comparison video on the link below.
Axis Drive Shaft vs ACD Unlimited Drive Shaft - pretty much exposes the huge difference between axis driveshaft and ACD Unlimited.

You are a genius Dennis!

https://youtu.be/15kUskGi5-4

David Espinosa (Wednesday, 22 March 2023 01:20)

The pedal and hi-hat are FANTASTIC !!!
They're super smooth, and the machining is gorgeous.
I can't believe how light the hi-hat is, it's crazy.
I came from a Trick hi-hat, which weighs a ton.

I'm gonna start saving for a middle pedal and another hi-hat stand, so I can have a fully symmetric set-up !

Brandon White (Sunday, 05 March 2023 18:45)

I have purchased many upgrades and such from ACD over the years and they are all thoughtfully designed as well as exceptionally made. Not only that, but Dennis is extremely responsive and responsible business owner who has helped out with any issues I had with anything.

My most recent purchase is the CK a driveshaft/connection upgrade and boy, what a difference this has made. The left side feels absolutely effortless to play with this upgrade and is overall less taxing on the leg due to the weight reduction. But most importantly no more screws loosening. I would highly HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who has and loves the CK but wants a lighter and more secure slave side pedal.

I hope to get another Darwin in the future but in the meantime I would recommend ACD upgrades to just about any drummer!

AD (Friday, 17 February 2023 02:52)

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazingly engineered and manufactured pieces! They are true pieces of art that make these pedals play with no effort! My Axis pedal refurbishment is now complete after the installation of the Heel Plates and Driveshaft! Maybe some day I will be able to get into a set of Darwin's! Thanks Again!

Patric Squinobal (Wednesday, 15 February 2023 17:54)

Ich bin mit dem Darwin doppel Pedal sehr, sehr, sehr zufrieden! Ich benutze es für mein akustisches Drumset (22" Bassdrum) sowie für Edrums (16" Bassdrum). Das Pedal lässt sich bei beiden hervorragend einstellen! Ich habe keine Sache gefunden die mich an diesem Pedal stört!
Es gibt nichts Besseres!!!

Jonas (Saturday, 28 January 2023 13:13)

Just tried my new Ultimate DriveShaft on my old Iron Cobra. The feel is fantastic, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Top tier product and service!

Lawrence Martens (Friday, 27 January 2023 20:46)

I ordered two products from my Iron Cobra HP600. A Direct Drive conversion and a Spring Geometry Upgrade. I install both parts in minutes and I wish I did this years ago. My pedal response is amazing - no chain slack slowing me down. Also the shipping was fast from Austria to Canada in 3 days. I definitely recommend upgrading using ACD products.

Jared (Sunday, 22 January 2023 06:13)

I’ve ordered multiple times from ACD and I must say Dennis has that absolute best customer service.

For my trick pedal I orders new cams, spring pre-loads and the R1 bias rod…finally my pedals felt perfectly responsive to my feet

Then for fun I got ahold of a Tama speed cobra 910 and grabbed some of ACD’s strap drives, heavy springs, beater shifters and new drive shaft and honestly…I’m now worried I like my speed cobra more than my trick pedal. These products 100% change the pedal game. Highly recommend upgrading however you can using ACD.

WJS (Saturday, 21 January 2023 01:39)

I recently purchased the bias rod upgrades for Trick pedals. One of my pedals had developed that dreaded 'notch' in the original rod and it was driving me insane! Once it basically felt like an emergency I HAD to do something about it. So I got the standard ACD bias rods and I am so happy that my pedals are fully functional again! Thanks Dennis!

Dan,Alberta Canada (Wednesday, 18 January 2023 14:05)

Received my ACD Ultimate DriveShaft and couldn’t be happier! This thing is built by a true professional. Replaced my old Axis driveshaft and was blown away, perfect drop in fit and zero play. Rock solid design.

Ross Koderl (Friday, 13 January 2023 01:15)

Dennis was extremely helpful, informative, and professional to work with. His attention to detail shines through in his product as the item I received is extremely well made to the highest level of quality. I purchased the Tama Iron Cobra direct drive conversion kit V3 and it is awesome in appearance, fitment, and sturdiness. The kit came in 4 days from Austria to Wisconsin, USA and included a hex key, warranty card, mini catalog, and even a bar of Belgium chocolate! You are top notch sir of the highest caliber! I will definitely be ordering 2 more kits for my Iron Cobra double pedal. Thank you so much for what you do!

Ruud van Dillen (Wednesday, 11 January 2023 08:57)

I love the inventive idea’s that ACD came up with. So many smart details on their products.

Super friendly service.

Keep it up Dennis.

Ruud

Michael Errico (Saturday, 07 January 2023 22:27)

These Darwin pedals are the absolute best I've ever had the privilege of using, and the custom engraving is exactly what I had asked for. When I finally start playing shows, I'll be sure to add a Darwin Hi-Hat to my arsenal as well. Thank you Dennis for creating such amazing products!

Eric Miller (Thursday, 29 December 2022 01:51)

Dennis you are a genius! The parts for my Trick pedal work perfect. Vielen dank.

Clayton Cini (Monday, 19 December 2022 20:08)

Dennis is providing the ultimate quality when it comes to the Darwins. Once paired with the Game Changer triggers, the sky is literally the limit. The pedals are built like a tank, and truly feel like an extension of your foot. Couldn't be happier!

Luca (Friday, 16 December 2022 20:43)

Ich habe mir den Ultimate Drive Shaft geholt da meine alte Kardanwelle viel Spiel hatte. Kurzgesagt: Das Produkt kam nach ein paar Tagen nach der Bestellung an und die Qualität ist einfach nur perfekt. War auch sehr gut verpackt. Würde und will auch wieder hier kaufen! Außerdem ist der Support auch sehr gut, man kriegt schnelle und vor allem ehrliche Antworten. Weiter so!

Einziges Manko: zu wenig von dieser exzellenten Schokolade ;)

Nate Burgard (Tuesday, 13 December 2022 22:55)

These pedals speak for themselves. Dennis was prompt as can be for a one man operation. He answered any questions I had and gave me the straight truth about wait-times and such. I’ve bought them all at this point (pedals) and hope this is the last purchase for a long time. ����

Mamoru Yamashita (Tuesday, 06 December 2022 13:29)

I have been looking for a middle pedal and remote HH for a long time.
The Darwin pedals are perfect for me.

I also think ACD's support is excellent. Dennis is quick to respond to problems and I have stress-free relationship with him even from Japan.

Thank you for everything, Dennis. I'm rooting for you!

Maksym Chernikov (Saturday, 26 November 2022 20:32)

I'm very pleased with the quality and the feel of your products. I ordered belt drives and beaters for my 900 Iron Cobra pedals and the feel of upgraded pedals exceeded my expectations. Thanks a lot

Jason Dranger, southtowns of Buffalo NY USA (Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:08)

Always a pleasure with Dennis! Working on getting all 3 Trick upgrades from Dennis ( now have R2 and the springs ) , wish I knew about ACD before getting the Tricks but with the upgrades I still feel special lol! Keep doing what you do Dennis!

Joe (Wednesday, 16 November 2022 23:04)

Converted my Iron cobra 600's with ACD's direct drive. Took a little adjusting to get dialed but they play just as good as some $1,000+ pedals! Customer service was exceptional, and to top it all off arrived at my door in 3 days flat (West coast USA). Amazing service and product, Thank you!

Jayson Calder (Monday, 31 October 2022 18:52)

I upgraded my Tama Speed Cobra pedals with the ACD Direct Drive mod as well as the spring geometry upgrade and these changes have drastically changed my pedals for the better. The parts are great quality and the service from Dennis has been outstanding. I will be a return customer for sure. Thanks!

Lars-Erik van Elzakker (Sunday, 16 October 2022 22:22)

After following the endeavours of Dennis and his company for some years, I finally saved enough to buy the ACD-Ultimate DriveShaft. A great piece of hardware, very well machined and meticulously build. And last but not least, very roadworthy! Above all it makes my slave pedal (Pearl Eliminator) react so much better. A purchase worth every penny! Dennis informed me about the order and shipment every step of the way. Communication was top-notch. Already saving up for buying a new upgrade from ACD-Unlimited!

Lars-Erik van Elzakker
Drummer for Julian Sas Band.

Lex van Wanrooij (Friday, 07 October 2022 09:06)

Received the order in good shape, great communication, real quality stuff for the money paid. Keep up the good work and I will surely be back for more orders.
Lex from Holland

Matthew Moonen (Tuesday, 04 October 2022 09:27)

My cheap tama speed cobra 310 double pedal feels pretty damn nice with an ACD Ultimate DriveShaft... some beaters might be next :)
Dennis sent me a little bar of belgian chocolate with my order; clearly he's a pretty cool fella.
The shipping was almost absurdly quick considering it was from europe to the west coast of Canada, and I recieved several emails regarding the status of my order throughout.
10/10, customer experience, 11/10 product.

Jeremy (Friday, 30 September 2022 16:45)

I’ve placed a couple of small orders with Dennis over the past couple of years, and I’m always surprised with his level of kindness and professionalism. I shouldn’t be as anyone who browses the ACD Instagram page can clearly see his passion, and knowledge on display. Both he and his product are top tier, and I cannot wait to eventually place my order for a Darwin.

Rhyddian (Sunday, 25 September 2022 21:32)

Purchased two unlimited driveshafts and couldn't be happier.
In terms of build quality alone it's the best product I've ever bought and the functionality is very impressive.
Also Dennis is a thoroughly good guy to deal with.
11/10!

Michael Black (Tuesday, 20 September 2022 19:26)

Thanks a million Dennis.
I'm very happy with the beater shifter and beater I received from you this morning. Wonderful well made designs.
Really well packaged and the included chocolate was a touch of real class that brought a big smile to my face.
Hope to buy from you again in the future. All the best.
Michael.
Ireland

Gee (Friday, 26 August 2022 15:03)

I have the longboard conversions and straps for my Iron Cobras, as well as the Ultimate DriveShaft, and they have both transformed my pedals and my playing,

Dennis makes beautiful work and the service is always great so if you are hesitating then contact him and you won't be disappointed.

Kevin (Saturday, 20 August 2022)

I recently purchased the Direct Drive and Long Board upgrades for my Iron Cobras. The support given
when I had questions was outstanding and couldn’t recommend the products highly enough. My pedals glide and are more responsive than ever. 10/10 for quality and support.

Hrk Aosm (Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:33)

Darwin FTWのツインペダルとGame Changersを使用しています。
ACDの製品は総じて機能性と美しさを持ち合わせていると思います。見た目の良さは毎日の練習のモチベーションの維持に多大な貢献をしてます。

Darwin FTWは調整機構や拡張性が多く自分に最良のセッティングを色々試せるのが良い。オプションも多く色々いじれるのも楽しい。

Game Changersはいくつかのペダルに取り付けるトリガーを試した中でも最高の検出力と安定性、使いやすさがあります。一度使うと他には戻れないです…。

そしてサポートの手厚さも素晴らしいです。トラブルの際は迅速に対応、解決法や代替品の発送を速やかに行ってくださいました。オーナーであるDennisとの距離感が近く直接相談等出来るのも強みだと思います。

惜しむらくは海外故に手元に届くのに時間がかかることでしょうか。
ただそれでも国内メーカーではなくACDを選ぶだけの価値が十分にあると思います。

日本の方の検討材料になれば幸いです。

（以下より機械翻訳）
I use Darwin FTW twin pedals and Game Changers.
I think ACD's products are generally functional and beautiful. The good looks of the pedals help me stay motivated to practice every day.

Darwin FTW has a lot of adjustability and expandability, and it is good to be able to experiment with different settings to find the one that works best for you. It's fun to be able to tweak it with so many options.

Game Changers has the best detection, stability, and ease of use of all the triggers I have tried on several pedals. Once you use it, you can't go back to anything else....

And the generosity of the support is also excellent. When we had problems, they were quick to respond and promptly send out solutions and replacements. I think it is also a strong point that I can consult directly with Dennis, the owner of the company.

The only regret I have is that it takes a long time for the product to reach me because it is from overseas.
However, even so, I think it is well worth it to choose ACD instead of a domestic manufacturer.

We hope this will be a consideration for those in Japan.

Niko (Friday, 08 July 2022 18:04)

I follow Dennis and his work now for a few years, tried some Upgrades and had a refurbishment on an older Pedal. Always awsome work, great contact and great support!

Milan rED dETAiL (Friday, 01 July 2022)

Yo, habe das pedal endlich ausprobieren können und muss sagen dass es glatter läuft als die nivea soft cream beim einschmieren meiner Hände... YEAH... das pedal ansich ist ein kustwerk mit dem man kunst machen kann... danke dennis... ����✌�☮️

Cyrus Cariaga (Tuesday, 14 June 2022 09:03)

Thank you Dennis Namesnik!
Playing the Darwin Remote Cable HiHat Pedal, above the bass drum between the two toms; before Danny Carey (Tool) did it. Prediction, many of us progrock Drummers will be doing this in the near future because of the ACD Darwin Remote Cable HiHat Pedal. Thank you Dennis Namesnik & all at ACD. Service, Top Self Remote Cable HiHat Pedal and innovation. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!

Jesse V N [BE] (Friday, 03 June 2022 15:18)

Best service AND Quality i have ever seen. Very straight forward Guy and always fast awnsers. Even the delivery was way to early (before the weekend wich is a huge +)

Žiga Pristovnik (Tuesday, 31 May 2022 20:16)

My experience with ACD and the company's owner Dennis has always been a great and excellent one. Dennis customer service has always been on point and he is always kind to his customers. His products are top tier for every drummers style.
Plus he has offered me to help with some things beside drum hardware!

I own ACD Darwin FTW pedals, Remote Hi-hat, and GameChangers Triggers and I couldn't be more happier with this setup!

As Dennis would say:
No hype - just solutions!

Lorenz Nufer (Tuesday, 24 May 2022 13:43)

No hype - just solutions is not an empty promise at Dennis. I had problems with attaching the FTW Pedal to a Roland V-Drums Kick. He immediately and very easily found a good solution for the hoop clamp and sent it to Switzerland. The Darwin FTW double pedal is a dream to play with. Thank you very much, anytime again!

Mikail Zakir (Sunday, 08 May 2022 04:24)

Excellent customer service!!! Dennis was super helpful to answer my concerns and resolve the issue instantly! And I don't know how he sent my direct drive conversion kit so fast from Austria to Canada!!! It took me two days to receive it after placing my order! Thank you very much for the chocolate too!! Will bother you for a Darwin pedal in near future my friend haha

Igor Sim (Friday, 06 May 2022 15:44)

So I got the driveshaft. Could not be happier. My old Pearl camshaft was worn out to bits. It felt like I am chasing it and the pedal is not coming back fast enough. All changed with this camshaft. It is one of those things where part for the pedal makes you play better immediately. Great product. Chocolate was good as well. Thanks, ACD.

Marcin Bruczkowski (Tuesday, 03 May 2022 19:40)

The Darwin double pedal is an absolute joy to play and is a keeper, replacing my beloved Pearl Eliminators Redline (and I had pretty much all big names in the past, Axis, DW, Mapex, several Tamas, Pearls and a Yamaha). It took a while to get used to, especially the very slippery footboard, but this feature is teaching me to FEEL where my feet are in 3-dimensional space, instead of relying on the footboard surface friction as a "crutch". And it's bringing results: I've just reached sustained 160bpm, which, for me, an old man of 57, a late starter and a complete amateur, is a lifetime achievement :)

I also want to comment on the incredible level of support I got from Dennis. I play a rather unusual setup, where my left "slave" pedal is to the LEFT of the hi-hat. This requires a long drive shaft to reach it. The standard Darwin shaft wouldn't reach it, so Dennis went out of the way to help me (although he was in the midst of a shop move and very busy) and quickly shipped a custom part to extend the shaft. It's perfect now and all I can say is: 99% of gear manufacturers from around the world should take lessons from Dennis on Excellence in Customer Service.

Now here's a wish-list for future: a lineup of super lightweight, carbon fiber cymbal/tom stands (like the Drawin hi-hat), a hi-hat with much higher side links allowing the positioning of a slave pedal to the left and behind the hi-hat stand, a longer drive shaft option, an adjustable hoop clamp for various hoop thickness (with better grip of the top clamp and the rubber bottom pad glued inside a small depression so that it doesn't twist from the torque), an option of a LIGHTLY textured footplate (neither as slippery as the current perfectly smooth one, nor as gripping as the optional skateboard tape top available as option today). Mind you, I'm not complaining with what one gets today, I just like building wish-lists :)

PS. If you can't afford the Darwin pedals yet, just get the beaters. They are the best in business, I've played them for half a year on my Pearl Eliminators before I decided to take the plunge and order the entire twin.

Kevin Kung (Friday, 22 April 2022 12:28)

Dennis has provided the best products and upgrades for drummers all over the world. His craft, design and engineering is unreal. Brilliant! He's constantly in communication with his customers, keeping us updated on orders/status updates and answering our questions in a timely matter. Thank you Dennis for your up most professionalism and providing us drummers some of the best products and hardware out there!

-Kevin K.-
\m/\m/

Dean Romarine (Wednesday, 20 April 2022 06:31)

Hello Dennis!

I want to thank you again for the most amazing pedal ever made!! Your pedal design, features, and adjustability are far above any pedal on the market or ever produced. It’s likeness is unmatched!

I am very happy with my double pedal and have been working with all kinds of variations and combinations between strap drive, direct drive, beater weight, etc. The possibilities really are endless, unlike anything I’ve experienced in any other pedal to date, (and I have pretty much played them all)! Your customer service and attention to your customers are top notch. I thank you and appreciate all your correspondence.

Again, thank you so much for everything! I have told everyone I know about Darwin.
My Darwin FTW double pedals are worth every bit of money spent!

Best wishes to you for the future and success of what literally is the best pedal on the planet!

Sincerely,

Dean Romarine
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Brian Collins (Wednesday, 13 April 2022 22:13)

It was the pedals!! Really!
I just put the Spring Geometry Upgrades on my Pearl Eliminators, which I like a lot, but was considering a new double pedal. Not now!
The improvement to both sides is monumental. The slave side is crazy smooth and equally as fast as the main pedal. I highly recommend these. Thanks Dennis!
PS,The shipping was amazingly quick.

Oliver Lutter (Thursday, 07 April 2022 08:35)

Dennis hat sich so wahnsinnig viele Gedanken gemacht, wie man ein Fusspedal verbessern kann. Das ist eine Revolution. Seit 2020 spiele ich eine Darwin Doublebassmaschine und bin immer wieder aufs Neue begeistert. Seit März 22 ist eine Darwin Hihat Maschine dazugekommen. Auch hier sind es, neben absoluter Präzision und einem hervorragendem Service, die kleinen Details, die eine Darwin Maschine zum besten Pedal macht. Vielen Dank dafür!!!

David (Wednesday, 30 March 2022 14:39)

Hallo Dennis,
vielen Dank für den hervorragenden Service.
Ich probiere seit ein paar Tagen mit den Upgrades herum und bin begeistert! Alle Teile fügen sich wunderbar in die bestehende Konstruktion ein. Alles top verarbeitet. Die Longboards machen mich noch immer sprachlos.
So ist aus einer in die Jahre gekommenen Speed Cobra eine völlig neue, vermutlich einzigartige Maschine geworden.
Der beigelegte Snack für zwischendurch hat auch seine Wirkung nicht verfehlt.:)
Herzlichen Dank und bis bald!

Carsten Schubert (Thursday, 24 March 2022 13:37)

Ich bin seit Februar 2021 Besitzer einer Darwin Doppelfußmaschine und freue mich jedesmal erneut , wenn ich das Pedal treten darf. Das Darwin Pedal ist die absolute Supermaschine. Kein anderes Pedal kann da mithalten. Die Maschine lässt sich äußerst präzise einstellen und lässt in puncto Spielfeeling keinerlei Wünsche offen. Nicht unerwähnt bleiben sollte auch Dennis´ vorbildlicher Service.

James Chapman (Sunday, 20 March 2022 13:41)

The Darwin FTW pedals are not only the most well built pedals on the market, but are also the most well designed! You can dial in every possible feel with ease and every little detail is so amazingly practical that I could never imagine using another pedal again. Also, Dennis is an amazing guy who genuinely cares about his customers and works super hard to make sure you are happy!

Ash meadows (Sunday, 20 March 2022 00:44)

Amazing pedals, amazing craftsmanship, infinite adjustability will never buy another pedal again from any other company,
Weather you play axis or heavy iron cobra’s, these pedals can be made to mimic anything but far exceed the limitations of pedals mentioned.

Götz von Gemmingen (Saturday, 19 March 2022 18:01)

Bin durch Drums&Percussion auf ACD aufmerksam geworden. Dennis hat mir ein Doppelpedal zum Testen geschickt. Es hat keine fünf Minuten gedauert bis mir klar wurde, das ich da das beste Pedal unter den Füssen habe, das ich je gespielt hab. Nun, mittlerweile sind alle Pedale bei mir von ACD und mir kommt nix anderes mehr ans Set. Die Cable Hat funktioniert mit ner 16er Hihat besser wie manche andere Standard Hihat Maschine. Zudem ist der Service von Dennis sowas von Klasse und kundenfreundlich. Mehr geht nicht! Absoluteste Empfehlung!!

Larue loris (Saturday, 19 March 2022 17:54)

I got the ultimate driveshaft for my iron cobra a little more than a year ago, and when I saw the quality I decided my next pedal would be an acd darwin, still waiting for being able to afford it.
Anyway, this shaft hasn't gain any play in one year, and is still smooth as new.
I'm sure the whole pedal would respect this quality.
Nice products here !