The INVADER  F.A.Q.

All the following questions were asked during ongoing critiques of the INVADER™ series practice pads by players either having direct experience and/or examining them online. We spend a good deal of time reviewing and deliberating on this feedback (both the positive and negative) and we’re pleased that this input continues to filter in since the first of these implements were released. This includes everything from online videos, emails, phone calls direct to us and forums hosted on several perc-related sites, click here for an example. The FAQ is here to pinpoint some key topics commonly touched upon in an effort more throughly illuminate our rationale behind the product’s creation and latent professional application.  With years of development into these units, we’re dedicated to making sure the project is positively flowing and we continually open to any comments and suggestions. We do listen, so keep them coming! Our fellow percussionist’s input as vitally important towards the continued evolution of the implements OffWorld strives to create.

Q : “Why did you change the V3’s logo from an imprint to the badge?”/“how can I get a badge to put on my current pad..?”

A : We opted for the silver-backed Crescent Earth badge to equip all future Invader V3’s after 7.1.10. This was a result of continued research to manifest a logo on the pads that appeared more uniform on each and every unit produced rather than an unavoidably highly variable nature by way that the “embossed” OffWorld™ logo had been created (since release april ’09). We feel the new badge turned out beautifully, and further augments the slick, otherworldly look we wanted the V3 to embody.

*These badges will be made available for individual sale on our Online Store. for those interested to outfitting their current V3’s.

Q : “When is the “V4” coming out?”

A :  We don’t have any immediate plans to upgrade the Invader V3, in fact we hope it’s revolutionary design transcends the ever changing arc of the rudimental art form for a long time to come. However, OffWorld™ is constantly in the process of creating and refining new products and if there were such a pad in the works, we’d absolutely make it known in no small way.

Q : “Is there a Warranty on the Invaders?”

A :  Offworld™ does now offer a limited 1 year warranty on the Invader™ V3 series. Please click here for more information.

Q : “It’s pretty big for a snare pad..”/ “Why does it weigh so much?”

A : The INVADER™ comes to a total span of 13 1/2”, and was designed to manifest the perfect diameter to utilize the top circumference of the archetype 14” drum. In keeping with the original motives behind it’s creation, we believe a device of this kind needs to allow for the maximum surface area possible to more completely duplicate the experience of performing a typical snare drum, the instrument it was specifically designed to emulate. The V3 will actually accommodate 3 players executing with correct form while surrounding the device on a stand. 

Weight : After many years of materials testing, a moderate amount of weight produced by the these components is the only way to ensure an extremely rigid and vibration-proof experience when using. In short, a good practice pad should feel absolutely solid when struck, just like a drum does. Also, we’ve more recently begun to use a higher density core to further counteract any vibration caused by vigorous playing.

INVADERS™ fit nicely into standard backpacks and laptop-sized bags. At roughly 5.5 lbs they are truly the stoutest devices of their kind. Readily portable, they are easily capable of equipping a myriad of player levels from beginning students to consummate professionals.

Q : “What’s the difference between the v.2 and the new V3?”

A : As with many other more experimental products, the physical manifestation of the INVADER™ was refined in order to continue striving for the more all around paradigm practice implement. Since the debut of the v.1 and v.2 in the spring of 2008, the V3 employs further advancements on the previous model by presenting a more rugged industrial-spec composite outer matrix and patented rim component, which also effectively lightens the overall weight of the device. The V3 is also roughly 1/2” larger in diameter to more fully utilize the inner circumference of and duplicate performance on a true 14” snare. Darkmatter™ to the upper playing and lower non-slip surfaces, as well as the core substrate, rim thickness and height are identical to the v.2 in every other way.

Q : “What’s the v.1 gum rubber?”/“Does the v.1 feel like a VF Slimpad?”

A : “ The Version 1 was our premiere offering into the INVADER series Pro-Rudimental pads, marketed to Northwest-based percussionists in the Spring of ’08.  It’s components include use of a fiber substrate identical to the v.2, and a 1/8” natural gum rubber playing surface, the material of choice used towards the creation of these devices for decades. The v.1 concept is now available as another model of the Invader series, the GRV3.

We can’t speak to any further comparison over to any other company’s offerings beyond what’s clearly evident within the construction and performance of our products. We do reserve an immense amount of respect towards other company’s creations. Having owned just about every “drumpad”-related device ever devised, we’re mindful of years of percussive practice pursuits as a result of their fine products.

Q : “Why don’t you guys apply laminate to your playing surface like other pads?”

A : Great question. The trademark Darkmatter™ was specifically forged in part to allow for a more subtle, yet audible “slap” at lower dynamic levels, rather than manifesting the somewhat harsher/louder volume as presented on units equipped with a mylar/laminate option. We find this feature not only allows a wider breath of percussionists to use the device in low volume situations, but it’s easier on the ears.

This being said, we much appreciate that some players in certain practice situations appreciate the benefits of the mylar option and have given this a great deal of thought in a way that will greater expand the possibilities of the device. After some recent testing (summer ’11) we’ve received some great results from mylar application to the surface of the Invaders. This is why we are preparing to release both factory applied mylar surfaced Invaders and also pre-adhesive laminate disks to accessorize current models. This option will become available shortly on our site an elsewhere.

Q : “What’s INVADER V3 surface made of?”/”does it play like a real drumhead?”

A : The revolutionary Darkmatter™ that equips the black-surfaced INVADER V3 is a high density, industrial-spec, military-grade polymer which is applied while at high temperature and cured to form a thermomolecular bond with the surrounding matrix. The driving concept behind the creation of this unit is to provide the smoothest possible transition from practice pad to drum. For many years, natural and artificial rubber-based compounds have been utilized as playing surfaces in the creation of practice pads. Through no rubber-style practice pad will likely ever perfectly replicate the actual instrument, The Darkmatter™ has been specifically formulated (and exhaustively field-tested) to as closely simulate the rebound and articulation of a Kevlar/Aramid-Mylar based drumhead, as utilized more specifically on contemporary rudimental marching snares within the corps/band and pipe band communities, than any other drum practice pad ever created. Concert, Drumkit and tenor-based, mylar drumhead-acclimated percussionists interested in honing their rudimental chops have also provided great feedback from their experience with this surface. Since sometimes upwards of 80% of a player’s practice can go into pads rather than the actual instrument, the development of the Darkmatter™ (in combination with use of the patented Rims™ component) to mirror the actual performance of a drum is absolutely vital to avoid what drummers regularly refer to as “pad-hands”.

We consider the V3 to be our flagship product and are very pleased with the way it’s turned out... we sincerely hope you will feel the same way.

Q : “Why are there tiny bubbles around the edge of the V3’s rim?” / “Why are there little dimples on the surface?”

A : Each of the Invader’s specialized playing surfaces are actually hand-applied as a liquid polymer rather than a glued solid, utilizing technology that allows the material to be applied to a precision down to 1 gram and achieve the signature density and feel the Darkmatter™ presents. Because this is a highly complex and viscus liquid, slight outgassing from this process naturally occurs around the inner edge of the rim and across the face as it cools. These manifest as tiny bubbles or micro dimples/discolorations becoming visible as they escape at a point beyond where the surface solidifies. Many years of research were dedicated to refining this process until these effects were minimized to match a surface which would be visually akin to other materials (gum rubber for example). This in no measurable way effects the functionality or playability of the V3, and we go to excessive lengths to inspect each unit multiple times throughout the production process to make sure it meets the highest level of quality demanded of the advanced design.

Q : “Is the Invader V3 waterproof?” / ”can you play the V3 in a swimming pool or in the ocean?” / “can I do what Mike Steven’s says he does with his pad?”

A : Um, No. Though as cool a concept as this might actually be (and there has been some more recent press about this), the Invader™ was never designed to be a waterproof practice pad. As with any quality musical instrument/implement, care should be taken to avoid exposure to the elements that might otherwise damage the unit, including water. The topside playing surface of the Invader V3 is water resistant, to the extent it will wick water and not allow small amounts of moisture to permeate while being used (outdoors in a light drizzle for example). Going as far as soaking, washing or even submerging the device in water could easily allow seepage into the bottomside edge that contacts the outer rim matrix, and into the substrate core itself. This would result in expansion/distortion of the core, destroying the seal and the inner adhesive permanently, which is unrepairable.

We wouldn’t advise most of the things that Mike Steven’s can do with his pad, but the first person that “Pimps out their Ride”, gets a free hat.

Q : “Why is it all black?”

A : Darkmatter™ is black because it has a slick and otherworldly look we wanted it to have... Like nothing else on Earth.

Q : “Why is the Invader surface become tacky/grippy over time?”

The bottom surface will reveal it’s amazingly non-slip reaction when placed on various surfaces. This surface is so non-slip in fact that it the unit may be used at extreme angles and on surfaces like no other pad of it’s kind. To lessen this effect, simply apply the topside formula. Additionally, the bottom surface can also be used as a more common drumpad, when executing rim shots on the rim produces a level of volume beyond what is appropriate in certain practice situations. Just flip it over. Click here for more information.

A : The ONLY formula we recommend to further clean the surfaces of the V3 beyond what the F21 formula offers is original formula Windex. Apply a generous amount to the surfaces and buff them to remove and dirt that has accumulated. A second application might be in order if the unit has not been cleaned in a long while. Once this process is complete, reapply the F21 to return the unit’s slick surfacing to the topside.

Q : “Will the Rim destroy drumsticks the way a real drum rim does?”

A : The patented INVADER Rims™ element was designed to simulate the look and feel of playing a true drum rim as much as possible without ultimately damaging sticks the way a more “knife-edge” drum rim does. The surface area of the Invader’s rim is nearly twice again as thick, creating a much greater area of shock experienced by sticks during shots, translating to considerably less overall damage over time. Any real impact to sticks could be better described as larger “welts” than dents or cuts. In short, you’ll more quickly destroy the same pair of sticks upon regular transition to the drum then you ever would on an INVADER™.

Q : “Are you guys making a tenor practice pad?”/ “When are you guys going to release the tenor practice pad?”

A : That’s actually a tough question, and one of the most oft-asked since the release of the very first line of Invaders in 2008. YES, we are in the process of developing an integrated device to fulfill a niche in the tenor pad market to the outstanding level expected of Offworld’s otherworldly creations. Unfortunately, the extremely high investments associated with R&D, tooling and mass production of this particular device is very prohibitive, especially when considering the otherwise extremely genre-specific, more limited performance nature of the device itself. We often pose the question as - how many tenor-specific players are there on the earth that would purchase this device than players who would use a typical rudimental snare pad. When considering this point, it's difficult to gauge, despite the continued (at times almost disquieting) interest from tenor players (and even non-tenor drummers) based on the continuing hype.

Too all of you, who have so patiently been waiting for information and have contacted us diligently both at shows and online, please know we sincerely appreciate your dedicated interest, and know that and have every intention to eventually release this long-awaited product once we are in a good place with an assurance that it will succeed in changing the way quad players approach the instrument world-wide. We need to be patient as the entity grows to the extent we can support it's manifestation with long term viability and widespread availability. In terms of a release date it's very difficult to estimate, especially when we do not wish to jump the gun as has unfortunately occurred in the past. The best option at this time is to check in with our site  periodically for information, as the upcoming release of such a unit would be broadcast world-wide and throughout our dealer network in no small way.

Other quick questions related to the tenor pad topic :

“Will the tenor device have the patented Rims™ component like the Invader™ for sweeps?” - YES

“Will the Tenor pad have Darkmatter™ surfacing like the Invader™?” - YES

“What will it be called?” - The MOTHERSHIP™  (working title)

“Will the tenor pad be low profile or full sized like the drums themselves?” - The first model will be a Full Sized device, with potential subsequent low profile models when successful.

“How much will it cost?” - Difficult to estimate as we continue to project and refine the production process, but likely in the upper price range of tenor pad models currently available.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always appreciated.  Please email us directly : offworldpercussion@gmail.com