Detail 01
Steel shell
Brighter and louder than wood, with more ring and a sharper crack. Cuts through a loud band.

Independent shopping perspective
A 14x8 steel snare from DW's Performance Series. For drummers who want a loud, bright, cutting backbeat with more body than a standard-depth snare.


Strong match
Consider the trade-offs
What matters in use
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Detail 01
Brighter and louder than wood, with more ring and a sharper crack. Cuts through a loud band.
Detail 02
Deeper than the common 5.5 or 6.5. More low end and body, slightly slower stick response.
Detail 03
Standard size, so any 14 in. head, and most snare stands and cases, will fit.
Detail 04
Steel rings more than wood. Moongel or a dampening ring tames it if the room is live.
Final check

Product questions
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
It works as a main drum if you want volume and low-end body. It responds a bit slower than a 5.5 or 6.5, so fast ghost-note playing takes more effort.
Steel is brighter, louder and has more ring and sustain. Wood is warmer and drier. Steel is the easier choice for cutting through a loud band.
No. You need a 14 in. snare stand, and a sturdy one given the drum's depth.
14 in. batter and 14 in. snare-side. Depth does not affect head size.
Reference
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.