Gibraltar Intruder 9611DD-DB

(Originally written by etiennepoumtchak/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Hi,

I've been using this pedal for one year. I previously used a double DW4000 and a dual-chain Tama Iron-cobra.

Compared with both other pedals, I find the Gibraltar feels very light especially the direct drive model (the dual-chain model feels much heavier under your foot).

People often say there is no energy loss with this system, meaning that all the energy you give to the pedal is transferred directly to the bass drum. And that's exactly what I feel!

The large foot plate follows every movement you make... Is it the direct drive effect?

But surely not everyone will like this lightness. People who want heavier pedals where you can clearly feel the plate under your foot won't like it (the DW gave me this impression).

I think Gibraltar developed this pedal for heavy metal drummers who play fast because the lightness helps you maintain the speed without a sweat. I don't recommend this pedal for other music styles except for jazz club drummers who lay their foot down flat because they will be able to control it effortlessly. All other drummers better choose a DW (I find the 5000 model feels very nice).

Someone recommended me to change the spring for a harder one but I haven't tried this option.

As a summary, this pedal is no universal tool but it is a delight for wild double bass drum players who can't afford an Axis or Tricks (the lightest pedals I've ever played).

Personally, I wouldn't buy this pedal again (but I'm not a double bass drum freak).

How long have you use it?
Since the purchase (ie a few months, very intensive).

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Not really, budget cuts forced ... Otherwise I'll go with Yamaha or Tama.

What is so special that you like most and least?
In terms of strengths, the settings are well thought out and does not flanchent (not like the pearl eliminator that I used before, and that eventually dismembered ...)
As for weaknesses, like any equipment a little 'low cost', this fair lady does not support people like me who do the hard work of the feet. So, I have had the pleasant surprise to see repeated in the heel of the sole to fold up, and discovered that the metal base was split at the level of the latter. It is still usable ... until the heel break for good.

How would you rate the quality / price?
Considering the price of this pedal (relatively low), I would say that the quality / price is right, although it is not appropriate, in my opinion, people with intensive practice.

With experience, you do again this choice?
I do not think this choice again in the future, but this is only my opinion. As I said before, this pedal is not suitable for intensive work and every day. However, for a drummer playing little (I mean on average less than one hour per day), and especially with the quiet walk, I think it is better to save a few hundred dollars and take this pedal instead a model mastock dearly.

EDIT: The plateau of the broken pedal net last night while I was playing in a group (and not particularly strong). I was able to note an obvious design flaw (the pivot of the base does not rest directly on the plate, which causes a considerable torsion). I thought the engineers at GIBRALTAR had taken courses in mechanical ... obviously not!

NB: funny little detail, the bass drum pedal was not as old as the skin on which it broke ...

How long have you use it?
Since the purchase (ie a few months, very intensive).

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Not really, budget cuts forced ... Otherwise I'll go with Yamaha or Tama.

What is so special that you like most and least?
In terms of strengths, the settings are well thought out and does not flanchent (not like the pearl eliminator that I used before, and that eventually dismembered ...)
As for weaknesses, like any equipment a little 'low cost', this fair lady does not support people like me who do the hard work of the feet. So, I have had the pleasant surprise to see repeated in the heel of the sole to fold up, and discovered that the metal base was split at the level of the latter. It is still usable ... until the heel break for good.

How would you rate the quality / price?
Considering the price of this pedal (relatively low), I would say that the quality / price is right, although it is not appropriate, in my opinion, people with intensive practice.

With experience, you do again this choice?
I do not think this choice again in the future, but this is only my opinion. As I said before, this pedal is not suitable for intensive work and every day. However, for a drummer playing little (I mean on average less than one hour per day), and especially with the quiet walk, I think it is better to save a few hundred dollars and take this pedal instead a model mastock dearly.