Galapagos Pad - Stunning Product, However Not Exactly What Was Expected
As an owner of almost a dozen pads from huge name brands (Vic firth, Offworld, Zildjian, Evans, etc,) this one is easily superior to all of them. The natural gum rubber topped with the absolutely stunning laminate design feels incredible, and has a really appealing texture; high rebound yet a tight and compact feel. The back however, isn’t exactly what was pictured. Firstly, there aren’t any of the colorful specks. Most notably though, it isn’t a great playing surface; it feels a lot like the back of the new invaders, that kinda sucky recycled rubber material really just meant for traction and preventing movement (this pad, however, still moves a bit when played on a slick flat surface.) I was expecting a harder, more comfortable backing surface somewhat reminiscent of the back of a real feel, however, that is not was received. It works as a playing surface, just isn’t great. Also the pad does not fully cover the front as pictured; instead, about a quarter inch is base material.
Overall a fantastic product, though they need to update their product representations as I didn’t receive what was depicted. Also, wish they would make the back a more viable playing surface, perhaps something similar to what Prologix has put out (the hard surface w/ the colorful specks). Regardless, superb and would buy again.
