Buying a Mapex drum kit involves the same fundamental decisions as purchasing any drum kit — intended use, budget, shell material preference and hardware quality — with the additional consideration of which series within the Mapex range best matches those requirements. Mapex's tiered structure makes this relatively straightforward once you understand what each level offers.
Entry Level: Tornado and Percussion Series
The Mapex Tornado is the standard entry-level recommendation from the brand — a complete package that includes shells, hardware, cymbals and pedals at a price point accessible to students and beginners. The shell quality is adequate for learning, the hardware is functional, and the included cymbals are a starting point rather than a long-term option. The Percussion series provides similar functionality at a slightly lower price point. Both are positioned as learning tools rather than performance instruments. For context on what distinguishes Mapex from competitors, see the overview article. The beginner's guide covers first kit selection and setup.
Mid-Range: Armory and Horizon
The Armory series is Mapex's most popular mid-range offering — a maple and walnut hybrid shell kit with Remo heads, Armory hardware and a sound character suited to rock and pop playing. At £500–900 for a shell pack, it represents a significant improvement in shell quality and tuning response over the entry-level kits. The Horizon series targets the lower end of the mid-range at around £400–600. Both are appropriate for regular live use and home recording. The upgrade from entry-level to mid-range produces a more obvious improvement in sound and hardware reliability than any subsequent tier jump.
Professional: Saturn and Meridian Maple
The Saturn V is Mapex's flagship maple shell kit, used by professional drummers in touring and studio contexts. Its construction — maple shells with maple reinforcement rings — is designed for maximum resonance and projection. Prices typically run from £1,200–2,500 for a shell pack depending on configuration. The Meridian Maple provides similar shell quality at a slightly lower price point. Both series include Mapex professional hardware with adjustable bass drum spurs, improved bass drum hoops and die-cast tom hoops that provide superior tuning stability for demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mapex drum kit series is best for a gigging drummer?
The Armory is the most practical choice for regular gigging at an accessible price — its maple/walnut shell provides a good live sound, the Armory hardware is reliable under touring conditions, and the price is reasonable for working musicians. The Saturn V is the better choice if budget allows — its construction and hardware quality are a level above the Armory and it holds up better under long-term professional use.
Is the Mapex Tornado good enough for lessons?
Yes. The Tornado is specifically designed for student use — it provides a complete setup for learning the fundamentals of drumming at a sensible price. The shells and hardware are entry-level, which means they are adequate for practice and initial lessons but not ideal for regular live performance or recording. Upgrading to the Armory series when technique and commitment are established is the natural progression.
Should I buy a shell pack or a complete kit?
If you already have quality hardware — stands, pedals, hi-hat stand — a shell pack is the more economical option. Shell packs contain only the drums and hoops; hardware is purchased separately. Complete kits include everything but the cymbals at a bundled price, which is usually better value than buying each item individually. For most first-time buyers, a complete kit provides a better starting point.
What hardware is included with a Mapex drum kit?
It depends on the tier. Entry-level complete kits include single-braced stands, a basic bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand and sometimes a snare stand. Mid-range kits include Armory double-braced hardware — stands, a better-quality pedal and in some configurations a hardware pack. Professional series kits are typically sold as shell packs without hardware. Check the specific listing carefully before purchasing.
Are Mapex cymbals included any good?
Entry-level complete kits typically include budget brass or B8 bronze cymbals that are adequate for learning but not suited to live performance or recording. The sensible approach is to treat included cymbals as temporary and upgrade them when the drumming progresses to a point where better cymbals make a meaningful difference. AAX, Zildjian A Custom or Paiste 2002 cymbals are the standard replacement targets at the mid-range.
Can I upgrade a Mapex drum kit over time?
Yes, and this is a common approach. Many players start with an entry-level complete kit and replace components as they identify what matters to them — cymbals first, then a better bass drum pedal, then hardware upgrades. Shell upgrades (replacing the kit entirely with better shells) are also common. Mapex produces replacement shells and additional kit components that allow piecemeal upgrading rather than requiring a complete new purchase.
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