I am considering trying die cast hoops on my RK for a couple of reasons. They would focus the sound, make the head feel more firm when played, and provide more even tuning.....possibly even extend the tuning range a little. I love the feel of the COB stick savers but I seem to be getting a little too much resonance out of the drum throughout the tuning range.

My hesitation is based on price and trying wood hoops on the drum. I have tried 32 ply wood hoops on the drum and they gave it a lifeless choked sound with no harmonics. I was under the impression that die cast hoops did something similar to the sound of the drum so I am kind of worried about having the same experience with the die cast hoops. A wood hoop on the bottom only actually improved the sensitivity and tone which I think is due to the tuning consistance.

Has anyone tried die cast hoops on their RK? Which die cast would fit best and have good quality? I like the Yamaha aluminum ones, but they are expensive and I don't know if I can get an aluminum bottom hoop. I know that the Gibraltar hoops say they are over-sized. Remo and Evans heads fit but I don't want the hoop to be too tight.

Any thoughts? Thanks!