Pacific Drum PDP By DW 5-Piece or Pacific Drum PDP Concept Maple Shell? Which Pacific Drum Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When comparing the pacific drum pdp by dw 5 piece vs pdp concept maple shell, you look at two distinct maple shell packs. Both use 7-ply maple for toms and kick drums, with 10-ply snare shells. They share True Pitch tension rods and DW Mag throw-offs. The main difference lies in the package size. One is a compact 5-piece set. The other is a large 7-piece shell pack. This changes the hardware needs and the physical footprint for your drum kit.
Key differences
| Aspect | PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack | PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Piece Count | 5-piece | 7-piece |
| Snare Size | Not listed | 5.5x14 |
| Weight | 60 pounds | 106 pounds |
| Included Accessories | None (stands and cymbals not included) | Not listed |
| Form Factor | Acoustic-style shell pack | Acoustic-style shell pack |
Which one should you choose?
Choose PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack if
- You want a smaller footprint with less total weight.
- You prefer a standard 5-piece configuration for simpler setups.
- You already own stands and cymbals separately.
Choose PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack if
- You need a larger kit with multiple tom sizes.
- You want a specific 5.5x14 snare drum included.
- You prefer a heavier, more substantial shell pack.
Verdict: The PDP By DW 5-piece suits players who want a manageable weight and standard layout. The PDP Concept Maple 7-piece is better for those needing more toms and a larger snare. Choose based on your desired kit size and available space.
PDP 5-Piece vs 7-Piece Maple
Piece Count
The PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack includes seven drums: 7x8 and 8x10 rack toms, a 9x12 tom, 12x14 and 14x16 floor toms, an 18x22 bass drum, and a 5.5x14 snare. The PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack contains five shells. It includes a snare, two rack toms, one floor tom, and a bass drum. You get fewer drums with the five-piece model. This makes the seven-piece set better for complex kits. The five-piece is simpler to set up. Choose based on your desired drum count.
Weight
Weight matters for transport and stability. The seven-piece shell pack weighs 106 pounds. This is a heavy load for moving or setting up. The five-piece shell pack weighs 60 pounds. This is significantly lighter. You will find the five-piece easier to carry to gigs or move around your studio. The seven-piece requires more effort to handle. If you prioritize portability, the lighter five-piece is the practical choice. The heavier seven-piece offers more sound but less convenience.
Snare Size
Both packs include a 5.5x14 snare drum. This is a standard size for many drummers. The snare shell is 10-ply European maple in both cases. You get the same snare dimensions and material thickness. There is no difference in the snare specifications between the two models. This aspect is a tie. Your choice will depend on the rest of the kit rather than the snare. The snare performance should feel consistent across both options.
Included Accessories
The seven-piece pack lists Remo drum heads as a feature. This means the drums come pre-headed. The five-piece pack data does not explicitly list heads or hardware in the features. It notes that stands and cymbals are not included. You may need to buy hardware and heads separately for the five-piece. The seven-piece appears to include heads. This adds value to the seven-piece model. Check the full description for the five-piece to confirm hardware inclusion.
Form Factor
Both models are acoustic-style shell packs. They use traditional maple construction. The seven-piece offers a larger kit layout. The five-piece offers a compact layout. Both use 7-ply maple for toms and kicks. Both use 10-ply maple for the snare. The form factor is similar in build style. The difference is the number of drums. You choose based on space and sound needs. The seven-piece fills more sonic space. The five-piece is more compact.
Which PDP Maple Pack Fits Your Setup
Drummer needing a complete drum kit
You need more drums for a full setup. This seven-piece pack includes two rack toms, one floor tom, a second floor tom, a bass drum, and a snare. The larger piece count provides greater sonic variety and flexibility for complex arrangements without buying additional shells.
Player wanting a compact and lighter kit
You prefer a smaller footprint and easier transport. This five-piece pack weighs 60 pounds, significantly less than the 106-pound seven-piece option. The reduced weight and fewer drums make it easier to move, store, and set up in smaller venues or home studios.
Drummer seeking specific mounting hardware features
You value suspension tom mounts for better resonance. This model explicitly lists suspension mounts, which isolate the toms from the bass drum for clearer tone. The five-piece alternative uses dual-turret lugs instead, offering a different mounting style that may not suit your tonal preference.
The products compared
PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack
Best for: drummers needing a full 7-piece acoustic kit
- Pad Count
- 7-piece shell pack
- Snare Size
- 5.5x14
- Form Factor
- Acoustic-style shell pack
- Material
- Maple
- Weight
- 106 pounds
View on Amazon: PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack Affiliate link
This 7-piece acoustic shell pack from Pacific Drum features European Maple construction. It includes a 5.5x14 snare, three rack toms, two floor toms, and an 18x22 bass drum. The set uses True Pitch tension rods and suspension mounts for stable tuning. It weighs 106 pounds and comes in Satin Black. This kit suits drummers seeking a complete, traditional acoustic setup with high-quality shell materials.
Pros
- 7-piece shell pack includes multiple tom sizes
- European Maple shells for 7-ply toms and kick
- True Pitch tension rods ensure stable tuning
- Suspension tom mounts reduce shell interference
Cons
- 106-pound weight makes transport difficult
- Large 18x22 bass drum limits space options
- Acoustic-only design lacks electronic triggers
Good fit if
- You want a complete 7-piece acoustic setup
- You prefer European Maple shell construction
- You have space for a large bass drum
Skip if
- You need a compact electronic drum kit
- You require a lightweight portable setup
- You want to use it for quiet practice
Verdict: Pacific Drum PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Pack delivers a robust acoustic foundation with its seven-piece maple configuration. It fits drummers who prioritize traditional shell resonance and a full range of tom sizes over portability or electronic integration.
PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack
Best for: Drummers wanting a standard 5-piece maple kit
- Pad Count
- 5-piece
- Included Accessories
- none (stands and cymbals not included)
- Material
- Maple
- Dimensions
- 40 × 46 × 46 inches
- Weight
- 60 pounds
View on Amazon: PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack Affiliate link
This 5-piece Pacific Drum PDP set features 7-ply maple shells for toms and kick, with 10-ply maple for the snare. It includes chrome hardware, dual-turret lugs, and true-pitch tension rods. The package weighs 60 pounds and measures 46 by 46 by 40 inches. It suits drummers seeking a standard configuration with durable maple construction. Stands and cymbals are not included.
Pros
- 7-ply maple shells on toms and kick drum
- 10-ply maple snare shell for crisp response
- Dual-turret lug system with true-pitch tension rods
- Die-cast claw hooks for stable tuning
Cons
- Smaller 5-piece configuration compared to 7-piece alternatives
- Heavier build at 60 pounds
- Stands and cymbals not included in the package
Good fit if
- You want a standard 5-piece setup
- You prefer maple shells for warmth
- You already own stands and cymbals
Skip if
- You need a larger 7-piece kit
- You want a lighter portable kit
- You need an all-in-one package with hardware
Verdict: PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple offers solid maple construction and reliable hardware for drummers who prefer a traditional 5-piece layout. It is ideal for players who already have their own stands and cymbals.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Shell Pack | PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Pad Count | 7-piece shell pack | 5-piece |
| Snare Size | 5.5x14 | not stated |
| Included Accessories | not stated | none (stands and cymbals not included) |
| Form Factor | Acoustic-style shell pack | not stated |
| Material | Maple | Maple |
| Piece Count | 7-Piece | 5-Piece |
| Weight | 106 pounds | 60 pounds |
| Dimensions | not stated | 40 × 46 × 46 inches |
| Color | Satin Black | Pearlexcent White |
| Model | PDCM2217BK | PDCM2215PW |
| Size | not stated | 5-Piece |
Frequently asked questions
Does the PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Pack include a snare drum?
Yes, the seven-piece configuration includes a snare drum. The kit features a 5.5x14 snare along with rack toms, floor toms, and a bass drum. This complete set provides a full acoustic foundation for drummers who want a traditional layout without needing to source additional drums separately.
What is the weight difference between the 5-piece and 7-piece packs?
The 5-piece pack weighs 60 pounds, while the 7-piece pack weighs 106 pounds. This 46-pound difference accounts for the additional toms and hardware in the larger set. You should consider this weight if you need to transport the kit frequently or store it in limited space.
Are both packs made from maple wood?
Both models use maple for their shells. The 5-piece pack offers solid maple construction for a traditional sound. The 7-piece pack also utilizes a robust maple configuration. This shared material choice ensures consistent tonal characteristics across both options, prioritizing traditional shell resonance.
What colors are available for the PDP By DW 5-Piece pack?
The PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple is available in Pearlexcent White. This finish is listed under the specific model specifications. You can choose this aesthetic if it matches your existing drum hardware or stage setup preferences.
Which model is better for drummers who already own stands?
The PDP By DW 5-Piece Concept Maple is ideal for players who already have stands and cymbals. It provides a standard five-piece layout with reliable hardware. This option suits drummers who prefer a traditional setup without the extra drums included in the seven-piece pack.
What are the dimensions of the 5-piece pack?
The 5-piece pack measures 46 inches in width, 46 inches in height, and 40 inches in length. These dimensions help you plan your storage space or stage setup. The compact footprint compared to the larger set makes it easier to manage in smaller venues.
Does the 7-piece pack fit drummers needing a full acoustic kit?
Yes, the PDP Concept Maple 7-Piece Pack is designed for drummers needing a full acoustic kit. It includes two rack toms, two floor toms, a bass drum, and a snare. This configuration fits players who prioritize a wide range of tom sizes and traditional resonance over portability.