DW's Design Series® represents a genuine shift in the mid-tier drum market–thoughtfully engineered shells at a price that doesn't demand compromise. Built entirely from North American eight-ply maple with HVLT grain orientation technology, this 4-piece kit (18x22 kick, 8x10 and 9x12 mounted toms, 14x16 floor tom) delivers the warm punch and resonance traditionally found in higher-priced designs. The blue slate matte lacquer finish sits somewhere between professional aesthetics and understated durability.
Hardware choices reveal the engineering philosophy: low-mass mini-turret lugs reduce weight without sacrificing strength, whilst triple-flange hoops provide consistent bearing surface contact across the shell. Suspension tom mounts (STM) isolate mounted drums from the kick and floor tom, minimising sympathetic vibration and allowing each drum to ring with clarity. True-Pitch tuning system gives precise control over tension and interval accuracy–a feature that justifies careful setup and pays dividends across the tuning range. The pack ships with a two-piece bass drum pillow set; matching Design Series snare available separately.