Tama make two of the most popular and widely respected bass drum pedal ranges in the world - the Iron Cobra and the Speed Cobra. Both are used by professional drummers worldwide, both are available in multiple configurations, and both represent exceptional value at their respective price points. But they are designed around very different philosophies - and choosing the wrong one for your playing style can make a real difference to your comfort and performance.
Into Music Store is an authorised Tama dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, stocking the full Tama pedal range. This guide covers every model in both ranges to help you make the right choice.
The Core Difference - Power vs Speed
The names tell you a lot:
- Iron Cobra - designed around power, control, and a solid, weighty feel. The Iron Cobra's cam system and heavier construction give it a powerful, authoritative stroke that is particularly popular with rock and metal drummers.
- Speed Cobra - designed around speed, lightness, and a fast, responsive rebound. The Speed Cobra's spring-loaded footboard and lighter construction make it easier to play at high tempos with less effort.
Neither is objectively better - the right choice depends entirely on your playing style, technique, and the music you play.
Tama Iron Cobra - The Range
Iron Cobra 600 - The Entry Point
The Tama Iron Cobra 600 Single and Iron Cobra 600 Double use Tama's Duo Glide cam - a rounded cam that produces a smooth, even feel throughout the stroke. The 600 series uses a slightly simpler specification than the 900 but retains the core Iron Cobra character - solid, powerful, and reliable. An excellent choice for intermediate players who want a genuine Iron Cobra at a more accessible price.
Iron Cobra 900 - The Professional Standard
The Iron Cobra 900 is available in two cam configurations - and this is where the choice gets interesting:
- Power Glide - uses an offset cam that accelerates through the stroke, producing a powerful, driving feel with maximum impact. Ideal for rock, metal, and high-energy playing where power and projection are the priority. Available as a single and double pedal.
- Rolling Glide - uses a round cam for a smoother, more even feel throughout the stroke - similar in character to the 600 but with the full 900 specification. More versatile across styles. Available as a single and double pedal.
The 900 series adds Tama's Cobra Coil spring assist, a die-cast footboard, and a more refined overall specification compared to the 600. If you're a serious player who wants the best Iron Cobra has to offer, the 900 is the one to choose.
Tama Speed Cobra - The Range
Speed Cobra 310 - The Entry Point
The Tama Speed Cobra 310 Single and Speed Cobra 310 Double bring the Speed Cobra's fast, responsive character to a more accessible price point. The spring-loaded footboard and lightweight construction make it noticeably easier to play at speed compared to the Iron Cobra 600 at a similar price. An excellent choice for drummers who prioritise speed and rebound over power.
Speed Cobra 910 - The Professional Standard
The Tama Speed Cobra 910 Single and Speed Cobra 910 Twin are the flagship Speed Cobra models. The 910 adds Tama's Cobra Coil spring assist, a longer footboard for increased leverage, and a more refined specification throughout. The result is a pedal that is exceptionally fast and responsive while remaining comfortable over long playing sessions. The 910 Twin comes with a carrying case - a useful addition for gigging drummers.
Tama Dyna-Sync - The Third Option
Worth mentioning alongside the Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra is the Tama Dyna-Sync Single and Dyna-Sync Twin - Tama's direct-drive pedal range. Direct-drive pedals use a rigid linkage between the footboard and the beater rather than a chain or strap, producing an extremely direct, immediate feel with no slack or lag. Popular with drummers who want maximum control and precision, particularly in jazz and fusion contexts. Both come with a carrying case.
Which Should You Choose?
- You play rock, metal, or any high-energy style and want maximum power → Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide
- You want the Iron Cobra feel but prefer a smoother, more versatile stroke → Iron Cobra 900 Rolling Glide
- You want Iron Cobra quality at a more accessible price → Iron Cobra 600
- You play fast styles and want maximum speed and rebound → Speed Cobra 910
- You want Speed Cobra character at a more accessible price → Speed Cobra 310
- You want maximum control and a direct, immediate feel → Tama Dyna-Sync
Try Tama Pedals at Into Music Store - Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Into Music Store is an authorised Tama dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire - one of the UK's leading independent drum shops. We stock the full Tama pedal range both online and in our showroom, where you're welcome to come in and try pedals in person before you buy. The feel of a bass drum pedal is deeply personal, and there's no substitute for trying one yourself.
Our team of experienced drummers are on hand to help you compare models and find the right pedal for your playing style. UK next day delivery is available on all Tama pedals.