Once you are past the basics, the things that matter are pad feel, dynamic response, and a module you can grow into. These are our top picks for intermediate players developing their technique.
Ranked by DrumReviewer score. We may earn a commission on links to retailers - see our affiliate disclosure.
Strong value at its price tier — you pay for the larger pads and floating hi-hat, both of which meaningfully improve playing feel over cheaper TD-17 configurations.
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Roland's most complete TD-17 kit — a polished mid-priced choice for serious home players.
Standout Floating 12-inch VH-10 hi-hat mounts on a real hi-hat stand
Trade-off Three small 10-inch tom pads (no graduated sizes)
Best for Intermediate players
Compact V-Drums Acoustic Design kit with real wood shells.
Standout Real shallow-depth wood shells in chrome hardware
Trade-off Smaller-diameter rack toms (10 inch)
Best for Players wanting an acoustic look
Mid-priced Yamaha kit with full-size mesh pads.
Standout 12-inch mesh snare with 2 zones
Trade-off No Bluetooth audio onboard
Best for Intermediate players
The most affordable way into the TD-17 platform.
Standout Full PDX-12 mesh snare like the more expensive KVX2
Trade-off CY-5 hi-hat is rubber on a fixed mount, less realistic than VH-10
Best for Intermediate players on a budget
A four-tom, wood-shell kit with a 20-inch acoustic kick - huge hardware for the money.
Standout 20-inch acoustic-shell kick for real kick feel
Trade-off Hi-hat stand and kick pedal sold separately
Best for Intermediate and advanced players
EFNOTE's expanded compact kit with full-size cymbals and 2-piece hi-hat.
Standout Real 14-inch two-piece hi-hat with multi-optical sensing
Trade-off Smaller dealer network than Roland or Yamaha
Best for Players seeking acoustic-style cymbal feel
How we choose: picks are ranked by our editorial DrumReviewer score, which weighs build, sound, feel, features, and value for the price. Kit contents and specs are listed in full on each product page so you can compare apples to apples.