The FlexBeater – A Dynamic Beater
I don’t think in all the time I’ve been doing these reviews that I’ve looked at an early version of something and then went on to also see the later model too, but that’s where we are with this. I first tried the Flex Beater back in 2019. I really liked the idea of it and how it worked in a practical application. As a recap to my initial review, what the flexion (the coloured bit) does is essentially soften the impact of the contact and also provides a spring movement improving the response.
To use, the Flex Beaters (I had a couple with different weights and flexions) definitely provided me with two things – improved bounce and a slightly cushioned playing experience. Now, whilst you may see all this as a bit of a novelty thing, the Flex Beater really does work, and works well.
To quote the company website, The FlexBeater in the 95 gram range is equipped with a stainless-steel rod and a dense felt beater and new shoulder, which packs a punch. It’s time to get the most out of your bass drum. The new and improved shoulder is a new technology that enables the FlexBeater to behave like a felt beater and also will give you more punch when the music calls for it. The Dynamic FlexBeater is there when you need it, pulling off doubles, triples and quadruples. It’s all about being relaxed and feeling good. Feel the Flex!
I’ve been practising at home a lot recently learning new songs. After a recent session using a heavy wood beater which happened to be on my pedal after a kit change, I noticed my leg aching after a few hours. It was my fault and I was admittedly going for it a little too hard on the kick. This was before the new Flex Beater arrived at my house.
The revised design, and if you look at the original version of the Flex Beater you’ll quickly see what I mean, has ‘a shoulder which improves longevity of the beater and provides a a bigger punch than before’.
The beater ball is also a little heavier than the earlier versions I have and I can feel and hear the difference between the two. To play, the beater doesn’t feel that much heavier, but the sonic difference is more notable, with the added thump of the 95g ball being more apparent in the mix. Following a quick switch, and since I’ve been using the Flex Beater again, I’ve not had any obvious fatigue in my leg and I’ve felt much better too after putting a few hours in on the kit.
One thing I’ve found over the years is that some of my bass drums ‘like’ different beaters. That’s to say that they basically respond and play better with certain beater types, i.e. wood, plastic, felt, etc. With that in mind, I also put some of my original Flex Beaters on my double pedal and used them on my 22×14” kick because that drum sounds better to me with a more traditional felt beater.
I can proudly confirm that I’m not Thomas Lang when it c0mes to a double pedal. However, and I really mean this, since putting the Flex Beaters on, my ability to use a double pedal, and make it sound half convincing, has increased. Using the two beaters is comfortable and helps me hit the drum consistently with both. This may all be a coincidence. But, at the same time, I haven’t played double kicks in a year, so it can’t be my ability or muscle-memory either. Just saying…
If you notice fatigue in your leg due to prolonged playing, have an existing injury or just want a little help with your playing, check out the Flex Beater.