Are they worth the money?

[The Dorian]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a new kit, and I'm stuck between the ELX and VLX. I know the Visions probably sound a little better, and have slightly better hardware, lugs, stock heads, etc., but I was wondering if they're actually worth dishing out the extra cash for? I'm mainly concerned about the sound of these 2 kits (hardware and stuff isn't that important to me). I could get an ELX and I'd have some extra cash to spend on a new snare or a new cymbal or something, but would the Visions be worth the extra cash?

[BRX rad]

yes it's def. worth it, birch shells are better than poplar shells, and the hardware is also upgraded as you said. it's not that much more as far as cash goes, spend a little more and get a better kit

[mf daniel]

Definately.

Or even go for a Pacific kit. I got a birch kit for around 500 bucks and it sounds wonderful. My only complaints were about the hardware.

[MattKeaton]

Just play them and see for yourself if it's worth the extra money...
I would much prefer the sound of Vision series kits because of the low end - i believe they would produce a much more 'rounded' tone, in general, than the poplar and the smaller drums therefore should sound really good in comparisson. But really, it's presonal preference all the way - so check them out! Colour options might change your mind too.
MD

[The Dorian]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah Matt, I'm really diggin the amber fade with chrome hardware instead of black hardware. For some reason the black hardware seems kind of "toy-ey" to me. Just my opinion.

Does anyone know when they'll be stocked in local shops and stuff? It seems like these drums don't even exist. I've read so much about them online, but I have yet to witness them in person.

[Son of Shub-Niggurath]

Probably some time this month.

[Thrashed]

haha Drummerman I totally understand what you mean about black hardware looking "toy-ey" I always thought that about black hardware too and yes in my opinion the visions are worth the extra cash but like Matt said it's all personal preference

[44Ronin]

Wait till you can at least hear the drums........

[The Dorian]

Yeah Ronin, I'm obviously not gonna buy them without hearing them, I was just trying to get an overall opinion about them. Have you heard/played them?

[Son of Shub-Niggurath]

I don't think anyone has played them yet, except for Pearl employees and the people at Modern Drummer.

[AL PERCIVAL]

Just play them and see for yourself if it's worth the extra money...
I would much prefer the sound of Vision series kits because of the low end - i believe they would produce a much more 'rounded' tone, in general, than the poplar and the smaller drums therefore should sound really good in comparisson. But really, it's presonal preference all the way - so check them out! Colour options might change your mind too.
MD

You are right MattKeaton! The Vision kits are lower end sounding pretty phat if you ask me even with the stock pro-tone heads on it. The 16" floor tom sound is not to be believed.

[ebuzzcut]

I would say it is, but I have a RMV set that was $700, and you can probably find a cheaper one, but they look and sound SO AMAZING! Deffienatly get it, if you are not only looking at Pearls!

[-Glenn-]

Bass wood and Birch. This kit is a crock. Go get yourself a Sonor 2007 birch kit. Best kit in its price range you will be blown away.

[skywalker2]

I'd say they'd be worth the money, defintely an improvement over the old exports anyway.

[The Dorian]

Lol. I'm only looking at Pearls anyway.

[AL PERCIVAL]

Bass wood and Birch. This kit is a crock. Go get yourself a Sonor 2007 birch kit. Best kit in its price range you will be blown away.

Interestingly enough, all other drum manufactures in a 'quality and price' comparision grid, lump the Sonor 2007/3005 in the same catagory with the following series:

1. Gretsch Catalina Maple
2. Pacific CX and MX
3. Pearl ECX Custom
4. Yamaha Tour Custom
5. Ludwig CS Maple
6. Mapex Pro-M
7. Sonor 20007/3005/3007

[Battle_royale]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah Matt, I'm really diggin the amber fade with chrome hardware instead of black hardware. For some reason the black hardware seems kind of "toy-ey" to me. Just my opinion.

Does anyone know when they'll be stocked in local shops and stuff? It seems like these drums don't even exist. I've read so much about them online, but I have yet to witness them in person.
There is already one at a shop i take lessons at. It was in Ruby Fade, i believe.
Man, did it look great. It was in a 1-up 2-down setup. Didn't have a chance to play it though.

[The Dorian]

Nice. I guess that means we'll be getting them soon.

[Midnight Camel]

Bass wood and Birch. This kit is a crock. Go get yourself a Sonor 2007 birch kit. Best kit in its price range you will be blown away.
I'm going to have to disagree. The Yamaha Stage Custom is made of basswood, birch, and falkata, yet those are THE BEST intermediate level kit I have ever played. I'm really looking forward to trying out the vision once it comes out. I'd say it's definitely worth the money over the Export.

[Son of Shub-Niggurath]

I'm going to have to disagree. The Yamaha Stage Custom is made of basswood, birch, and falkata, yet those are THE BEST intermediate level kit I have ever played. I'm really looking forward to trying out the vision once it comes out. I'd say it's definitely worth the money over the Export.

It's actually made out of birch, phillipine mahogany, and falkata.

[Midnight Camel]

^ Oops my bad. Well, my point still stands.

[AL PERCIVAL]

We got a few VLX kits in today in the #230 Natural Birch finish and I have to say, the clear coat shine, wood grain patterns are as nice as any Masters Premium finish I've seen. Super Hi-Gloss quality. It is by far my favorite of the VLX Vision finishes.

[dis330]

We got a few VLX kits in today in the #230 Natural Birch finish and I have to say, the clear coat shine, wood grain patterns are as nice as any Masters Premium finish I've seen. Super Hi-Gloss quality. It is by far my favorite of the VLX Vision finishes.

Hi Al,

Can you post a pic or two?

Thanks,
Cliff

[dis330]

We got a few VLX kits in today in the #230 Natural Birch finish and I have to say, the clear coat shine, wood grain patterns are as nice as any Masters Premium finish I've seen. Super Hi-Gloss quality. It is by far my favorite of the VLX Vision finishes.

Also, do the grain patterns/wood color match?

Cliff

[AL PERCIVAL]

Also, do the grain patterns/wood color match?

Cliff

I'll see if I can get Gene to take a few pics of the #230 Natural Birch up close.

The grain patterns are a perfect natural wavy horizontal blend and the color match is very nice. It reminds me of the early 80's Ludwig Maple Classic. The natural birch finish is much lighter than the Natural stain on the Masters series.