Axis AL-2 Longboard Double Pedal

1. It is a double pedal. But Axis have made their pedals so good, so
that it easily can be changes into two single pedals.

2. It does not have a chain, double-chain or a nylon strap. It have an
aluminium part that holds the pedal to the club.

3. I think that almost everything can be adjusted. And it is great!
Compared to many other pedals I have used, this one can be adjusted
much more. It doesent matter if it is the height of the pedals, the
distance from the clubs to the drumhead, etc etc.

4. This Longboard A Twin can also be rebuilt to a left-footed version.
That is very awsome. So if you buy a right-footed version, it is very
easy to change. And you dont have to buy any extra parts or anything!

5. The foot plate is very light. I actually think that this pedal in
general is one of the most lightweight pedals in the world. It is quite
thin and made in somekind of aeroplane aluminium.

6. The whole thing with the Longboard-version is that it dont have a
heel plate. Instead the foot plate is longer and goes all the way to
the very end (to your heel). That means that you easily can play faster
beats on the lower parts of the pedal and still get the same pressure
in the beat.

7. The standard beater is the one called "hammer". It looks quite weird
and consists of two parts that makes the pedal even more adjustable.
In the beginning the beater did not work very well, as I just screwed
it together. It screwed it self up a couple of times. But in the last
year I have never had any problem at all with my Axis pedal.

This one feels very stable. The arm between the two pedals is very thick
and it feels very stable and safe, as well as the whole construction of
the pedal. It feels even safer and more stable than many other models
that have very high quality (DW, Tama, Sonor).

I have never been in contact with somekind of customer support.

1. I have been playing drums for about twelve years now. I use my Axis
pedal together with my Tama Starclassic drumkit (10", 12", 14", 20").
Besides that I am using a Pearl Signature: Omar Hakim snare (13"),
Gibraltar racksystem, Sabian cymbals, Boss metronomes, Ddrum triggers etc.

2. No, not really. It was the best thing I've ever bought to my kit.
It felt a bit weird to play with in the beginning. But now I cant play
with any other pedal!

3. I would buy a new one - defenitely. The price is quite high, but it
doesnt matter. It is the best pedal ever made!

4. I love almost everything. The only thing that I can think of, that
could be better is that I would like to have somekind of pattern of
the foot plate. I often play in socks (easier). And it is quite easy
to slip with the foots. But it is nothing extreme. It works fine.

5. Tama Iron Cobra, older Mapex models, Sonor, DW, Lazer etc.

The greatly hyped Axis A longboards in double format. Direct Drive, and lever adjusted resistance/leverage system (VDL) that truly gives a zero latency performance, and the secondary shaft joints dont budge or jiggle a bit. I typically use them broken into two singles for my double bass kit, but have used them at many shows in the double configuration.

This pedal is adjustable in every way save independent beater angle/pedal height adjustment. This is made up for by adjusting the beater position in its own shaft, forward or back. It isnt the most effective, but given the complex design of the VDL and the tight and solid construction of everything else, you cant complain. The VDL allows severe adjustment in the feel by throwing the leverage forward or back on the pedal, and can be used as a quick tension adjustment in a tight spot.

Left versions are available, and the pedals are completely convertible into singles in every way. This is how I use them most of the time. Everything is incredibly light due to the materials used. Adjustments are made via a pack of allen screws, which could be a problem for some people. I dont mind, and I have yet to have any of the allen screws slip out of place, but I check them before every show as anyone should. The beaters can slip if you dont check them, so I like to give them a little wiggle to see if they are seated well once or twice throughout a show. I wish they would introduce some secondary locks for the beaters.

This is now my main pedal system and gets used at home and at shows on a regular basis. I have had it since late Jan 08 and its done fine so far. Regardless of the poor reviews given on places like MF by people who dont even own the pedals, these are very durable. I have stomped on these guys as much as anyone ever should and there are no bends or breaks, the SonicHammer beaters hold up great, and sound wonderful, even if they do take a bit of getting used to and can be a pain to adjust if you convert the pedals often like I do.

**Stories about the SonicHammers lacking power are due to incorrect adjustments or simple negative trolls. The beaters do not feel as heavy and powerful hitting as conventional ones, but after checking levels with mics I was able to prove that they hit with the same impact velocity (as velocity on all DD pedals is controlled by pedalboard movement and mass of beater is of minimal importance) and produce the same volume when adjusted appropriately.

Havent had to deal with Axis yet, hope I dont for fault issues. I have heard they are fairly responsive however and hope they keep it up as they grow.

Axis pedals are the 3rd system I have owned, Speedkings being first, Gibraltar Intruder IIs being second. These are the most impressive, advanced, and expensive of the 3.

If these were lost, I would replace them as soon as I had that kind of money again. I was lucky to have a price match and coupon deal with MF and scored these pedals at a mere $389 vs. the going rate of $599.

I did compare these pedals to the Trick Pro V double pedals and found them to be superior in many ways. I didnt like the Trick beaters at all, and found that no matter how I adjusted the tension, I didnt get a decent rebound feel, and found that the double drive shaft had as much play and lag as conventional pedals (up to 1/2"). Axis delivered on all of these points.

CONS: Though I got a great deal, these things are overpriced otherwise. Im sure the materials give them great value, but $500-600 is simply too high, hence many bogus negative reviews that have no relevance to the pedal function. Also, beater locks to prevent slippage would be great!

After experiencing Axis ALs, I would love to try the Longboard hihat system.