G2 vs EC2 Drum Heads: What They Tell Us About Drum Sets and Their Prices

Whether you’re a gearhead or a gigging drummer on a budget, comparing drum sets and their prices can feel overwhelming. So many options, so many opinions and a mountain of variables - wood types, shell depths, hardware quality, finishes and, of course, drum heads.

But here’s a secret: sometimes it’s not about upgrading your whole kit, it’s about making smart changes to the components that matter most, like your drum heads.

That’s exactly what we explore in one of our latest Drum Dog comparisons: a head-to-head matchup between the ever-reliable Evans G2 Clears and the slightly more specialised Evans EC2 Clears. Both are top-tier heads, both are clear two-ply designs, but the subtle differences between them say a lot about how you can get more for your money when thinking about drum sets and their prices.

The Comparison: G2 vs EC2

Both of these Evans drum heads are made from two 7-mil plies, giving them a durable feel and a punchy tone that’s ideal for modern drummers. However, the EC2s come with an integrated control ring around the edge, providing them with a touch of built-in damping.

The question is - how much does that affect the sound? And how does it translate when you're comparing drum sets and their prices, trying to get pro tone without spending a fortune?

We tested both head types on the same drum set, in the same room, with the same tuning and microphones. The goal: isolate the head as the only variable.

What We Heard

The G2s offer a more open, ringing tone, full-bodied with lots of sustain. Great for players who like a bigger, livelier sound and don’t mind using gels or tuning tricks to control overtones.

The EC2s, on the other hand, offer slightly shorter sustain, with more focus and clarity, especially on rack toms. The built-in dampening ring subtly “pre-EQs” the head, making it sound a bit tighter and more defined.

It’s like the difference between a raw canvas and one that’s been prepped and smoothed out - same surface, but the feel is more controlled.

If you’re comparing drum sets and their prices, these subtle changes matter. A mid-tier kit with the right heads can sound dramatically better than a high-end kit with stock heads that aren’t suited to your style.

Heads Over Hardware? How to Shop Smarter

Let’s say you’re looking at two drum kits:

Option A: £500 kit with generic, single-ply heads
Option B: £800 kit with higher-end finishes and pre-installed pro heads

Now imagine swapping the heads on Option A with EC2s or G2s for about £90.

Suddenly, that £500 kit sounds like a studio-ready monster… At a fraction of the cost. This is exactly why learning the ins and outs of heads, tuning and tone is critical when comparing drum sets and their prices.

Upgrades don’t always mean new drums. Sometimes, it’s just smarter drums.

Which Head Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

G2 Clear

Open, resonant tone
Full sustain, great for expressive players
Ideal for tuning experimentation
A good fit for larger venues and styles that benefit from long decay

EC2 Clear

Built-in control ring for light dampening
More focused attack
Cleaner tone for recording or tight live mixes
A solid choice if you want consistency and clarity without extra accessories

And again, if you’re scanning product pages comparing drum sets and their prices, remember that stock heads can really limit a kit’s potential. Swap in a head that fits your sound, and you’re instantly playing at a higher level - often for less cash.

The Real Value Behind Drum Sets and Their Prices

So, what do we really mean when we talk about drum sets and their prices?

We’re not just talking about a sticker on a box. We’re talking about:

Sound: What kind of tone can you expect out of the box?
Feel: How do the drums respond to your playing style?
Customisation potential: Can you make a cheaper kit sound like a premium one?
Investment: Are you paying for tone, brand or features you’ll actually use?

That’s where informed gear knowledge comes in. The more you understand things like drum head materials, tuning range and shell behaviour, the more value you’ll get - no matter what your budget is.

Learn the Why, Not Just the What

Drum Dog exists to help drummers make sense of the market, play better and buy smarter. Inside our membership, we go beyond product reviews. We teach drummers how gear affects performance, how to tweak your setup for your sound and how to get more from less - all crucial when evaluating drum sets and their prices.

Ready to sound better without spending more? If you’re someone who loves digging into the details and wants to get the best results possible from your gear, you’re going to love Drum Dog. Join us today for exclusive access to in-depth lessons, masterclasses and real-world gear breakdowns.

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