The Ultimate Guide to Tama Bass Drum Pedals!

• Posted on 27 February 2026
• By GRD
• 0

A Complete Breakdown of the full Tama bass drum pedal range we stock at Graham Russell Drums!

Ultimate Tama Bass Drum Pedal Guide – Iron Cobra, Speed Cobra & Dyna-Sync Explained

Tama has long been one of the most recognised names in bass drum pedal design. From the iconic Iron Cobra to the speed-focused Speed Cobra and the direct drive Dyna-Sync, the range covers everything from entry-level rehearsal pedals through to flagship touring models.

At Graham Russell Drums, we stock the full progression of Tama single pedals and double bass drum pedals, including chain drive and direct drive systems, Power Glide and Rolling Glide cam options, and left-footed variants. This guide breaks down the entire lineup from the most affordable models through to Tama’s most advanced engineering.

Entry Level – HP50, Stagemaster & Iron Cobra 200

At the most accessible end of the range sit the HP50, Stagemaster single and double pedals, and the Iron Cobra 200 series (HP200P and HP200PTW).

The Tama HP50 is designed around a traditional, lightweight feel. It’s compact, simple and ideal for students, smaller kits or drummers prioritising portability and affordability, whilst still having the high quality feel that Tama bass drum pedals are renowned for.

The Tama Stagemaster provides a more modern layout with improved stability, making it great for rehearsal spaces and entry-level gigging. Available in both single and double configurations, it offers straightforward functionality without advanced adjustment systems.

The Iron Cobra 200 series brings the Iron Cobra design language into a more affordable tier. These pedals use a cam system inspired by higher-end Cobra models and offer a stronger, more controlled response than basic entry pedals. For players wanting the feel of a Cobra without stepping into professional pricing, the Iron Cobra 200 series provides a solid starting point.

Mid-Range – Iron Cobra 600 & Speed Cobra 310

Stepping up from entry level brings us to the Iron Cobra 600 (singleanddouble) and the Speed Cobra 310 series (single and double). The Iron Cobra 600 introduces a more refined cam system and stronger construction, making it well suited to regular gigging drummers. It retains the familiar Iron Cobra feel whilst adding increased durability and smoother response.

The Speed Cobra 310 is built around a longer footboard design, allowing increased leverage and quicker stroke recovery. It’s often chosen by players who favour faster footwork or lighter-feeling pedals but do not require the full adjustability of flagship models. Both ranges offer a noticeable performance upgrade from entry-level pedals, particularly in terms of consistency, durability and power transfer.

Professional – Iron Cobra 900 Series

The Iron Cobra 900 series is one of the most widely used professional bass drum pedal lines available. Models stocked include:

• HP900PN (Power Glide single)
• HP900PWN (Power Glide double)
• HP900PWNL (left-footed double)
• HP900RN (Rolling Glide single)

The key distinction within the 900 series is between Power Glide and Rolling Glide cams. Power Glide cams feature an offset design that increases power toward the end of the stroke, delivering more punch and impact. Rolling Glide cams offer a more linear response, providing a smooth and consistent feel throughout the stroke.

The Iron Cobra 900 series offers high build quality, extensive adjustability and the durability required for touring and professional use. For many drummers, this series represents the benchmark for chain drive performance.

Professional – Speed Cobra 910 Series

The Speed Cobra 910 series takes the longer footboard concept further and is built specifically for speed and efficiency. Models include:

• HP910LN (single pedal)
• HP910LWN (double pedal)
• HP910LWNL (left-footed double pedal)

The extended footboard and lightweight cam design allow for fast rebound and minimal resistance, making the Speed Cobra 910 popular with technical players and drummers incorporating rapid bass drum patterns. Compared to the Iron Cobra 900, the Speed Cobra 910 typically feels lighter and more responsive, with an emphasis on speed over sheer power.

Flagship Direct Drive – Dyna-Sync

At the top of the Tama pedal range sits the Tama Dyna-Sync, available as both a single and double bass drum pedal. Unlike the Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra, which use chain drive systems, the Tama Dyna-Sync is a direct drive pedal. This creates a rigid connection between footboard and beater, producing immediate response and extremely fast rebound. Dyna-Sync pedals offer detailed adjustability and are engineered for maximum precision. For players demanding the fastest response and most direct feel available in the Tama pedal range, this is the flagship option.

Power Glide vs Rolling Glide

Within the Iron Cobra 900 series, the choice between Power Glide and Rolling Glide significantly affects feel. Power Glide cams increase leverage at the end of the stroke, resulting in a stronger, more aggressive attack. Rolling Glide cams maintain a consistent radius, producing a smoother and more traditional response. Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on whether the player prioritises punch or linear feel.

Chain Drive vs Direct Drive

Chain drive pedals introduce a slight flexibility in feel, making them forgiving and versatile across styles. Direct drive pedals provide immediate transfer of motion, offering faster response and tighter rebound. Tama’s chain drive pedals dominate the Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra ranges, while Dyna-Sync represents the direct drive flagship.

Single vs Double Pedals

Single pedals remain ideal for most musical settings, including rock, funk and general session work. Double pedals become essential for players incorporating double-bass patterns or playing styles that require extended low-end articulation. Tama offers double pedal options across entry, mid-range and professional tiers, including left-footed pedal configurations.

Choosing the Right Tama Pedal

For entry-level and rehearsal setups, the HP50, Stagemaster or Iron Cobra 200 series provide reliable performance. The Iron Cobra 600 and Speed Cobra 310 step into stronger mid-range territory. The Iron Cobra 900 series delivers professional chain drive performance with Power Glide and Rolling Glide options. The Speed Cobra 910 focuses on speed and efficiency. The Dyna-Sync stands as Tama’s flagship direct drive solution.Selecting the right pedal ultimately depends on playing style, preferred feel and the level of adjustability required.

The GRD Take

At Graham Russell Drums, we see a lot of Tama pedals come through the shop, and whilst every player has their preference, the Speed Cobra 910 is a standout for many of us. Personally, I favour the Speed Cobra for its durability and incredibly responsive feel — the longer footboard and smooth action make it feel fast without being overly sensitive. Several members of the GRD team also lean toward the Speed Cobra range, particularly for players who want a pedal that feels powerful but still agile under the foot.

At Graham Russell Drums, we stock the entire Tama pedal range and a wide range of other bass drum pedals from all different brands, both new and used, along with the full range of Tama Hardware Feel free to visit in store or give us a call if you would like any more information, and our experienced and knowledgeable GRD team will be more than happy to help!

FAQ's

What is the difference between Tama Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra?

The main difference between Tama Iron Cobra and Tama Speed Cobra pedals is feel and footboard length. Iron Cobra pedals are designed for power and control, with Power Glide and Rolling Glide cam options affecting punch and response. Speed Cobra pedals feature a longer footboard and lighter cam design, making them feel faster and more responsive, particularly for quick footwork and technical playing.

What is the difference between Power Glide and Rolling Glide?

Power Glide cams increase leverage toward the end of the stroke, delivering more punch and attack. Rolling Glide cams provide a more linear, smooth feel throughout the stroke. Power Glide is often preferred for heavier playing styles, while Rolling Glide suits drummers wanting a consistent, traditional response.

Is direct drive better than chain drive?

Direct drive pedals, such as the Tama Dyna-Sync, offer immediate response and fast rebound due to the solid linkage between footboard and beater. Chain drive pedals, used in the Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra ranges, provide a slightly more forgiving feel and are highly versatile across styles. The choice depends on preferred feel rather than one system being objectively better.

Which Tama pedal is best for beginners?

For beginners or rehearsal setups, the Tama HP50, Stagemaster, or Iron Cobra 200 series offer reliable performance at accessible price points. These models provide solid build quality without the complexity of higher-end adjustability.