Black Panther Design Lab
The Black Panther Design Lab is Mapex’s elite, artist-driven custom drum line created in collaboration with renowned musicians and acoustical engineers. Integrating “sound first” principles into every part of drum design, BPDL focuses on acoustic science, advanced shell compositions, and custom hardware innovations to deliver highly responsive, professional-grade instruments. A great example is the Black Panther Design Lab Equinox. Featuring padauk and maple hybrid shells and resonance-enhancing single-flanged hoops, it produces a rich, vibrant sound and the most open, bright tone in the BPDL series. The Black Panther Design Lab Cherry Bomb, meanwhile, offers unmatched focus. Featuring cherrywood shells and high toms that descend in 1/2-inch depths to retain their drive and punch, it produces an incredible vintage tone with the body of modern drums. The Black Panther Design Lab Versatus, featuring hybrid maple and mahogany shells, employs chamber-specific designs to create an amazing symphony of instruments in one kit, where each drum perfectly complements the overall sound.
Marching Drums
Established in 2008, Mapex’s marching line was built on innovation and collaboration between Mapex’s staff and their retailers, partner ensembles, and artists to craft a powerful sound that educators can count on. This commitment to evolution and musical integrity has enabled the brand to grow rapidly, becoming a trusted choice for programs worldwide. Mapex marching drums support every level of performance and competition, from elevating touring ensembles and powering game-day marching bands and parades to delivering precision and impact on the indoor percussion stage.
Armory Series
Since its 2014 launch, the Mapex Armory Series has become a well-established benchmark for workhorse drums. While widely recognized for its head-turning looks, Armory’s debut also introduced the famed Mapex SONIClear bearing-edge profile, marking an important milestone in the development of drum technology. This innovation greatly contributed to the Armory Series’ exceptional sound quality, significantly raising the bar among drums at a midrange price point. More than a decade later, Armory continues to lead the midrange segment into the future by offering the highest value while ensuring superior performance every time.
Saturn Series
Expressive sound quality, stunning beauty, and exceptional value: these are just a few of the reasons that Saturn is the longest-running Mapex drum series worldwide, respected by drummers, artists, and producers everywhere. The latest-generation Saturn VI is packed with proven features to elevate your sound. These include the SONIClear tom suspension system, triple-flanged power hoops, SONIC pedestal floor-tom feet, Mapex Design Lab–engineered airflow venting technology, and 90-degree static floor-tom legs.
Mapex Snare Drums
The snare drum is the foundation of your sound, the heartbeat of your music, and the ultimate expression of your groove. Black Panther snare drums have been the Mapex foundation for more than 30 years, and the lineup is now more expansive than ever. Thanks to Mapex’s painstaking Concept Hybrid approach to drum design, the Black Panther sound palette now offers 16 distinct wood and metal sounds across deep, standard, and small-diameter models, producing bright, dark, or vintage tones.
