I've used the same kind of pedals for years: DW900, Pearl Eliminators, etc. I switched to the Axis AL-2 Longboards because of all the reviews on how fast you can play with them. I just couldn't get the Pearl Eliminators to be that responsive - they're just too sluggish.

Here's my opinion, so far: The Axis AL-2 Longboards are incredibly responsive and you can get them to go really fast. I can do things that I just couldn't do with other pedals. That being said - they require time to get used to. They just don't play the same. Although I can play faster and do more - things that I used to do (because of the way that I'm used to playing) are a little harder on this pedal. Sometimes I get a very weak response for a single hit, because my foot isn't in the right spot on this pedal (compared to where it worked on my old pedal). So far, I am not getting as much power as I did on my old pedals - but they were a bit too heavy, anyway.

I am convinced that, with time, I'll be playing better than I ever could have with any of my old pedals. But it will take a lot of practice.

Set-up: The variable drive setting is awesome. Springs are a bit hard to adjust. It'll take time to get the pedal set up the way that you like it. I have had a bit of a problem with the beaters moving a little. The worst problem that I've encountered, so far, is that the way that this pedal attaches to my rim, the right beater is centered - but the left beater is too far to the left of the center. I ended up putting the left beater on an angle, but it's a bit weird.

I highly recommend these pedals. It will probably take you time to get used to them, so don't buy them and take them to a gig on the first day! The longboards are the way to go - they give you more control and you can play back pretty far on these.

A lot of people will claim that you can pick these up and fly with them. That is simply not true. With the direct drive, there is a substantial period in which you become accustomed to it. Make sure you know that it will take a while to get used to these. You will not be "Joey Jordison" because you have these pedals. That is a long term skill.

These pedals are incredible! Ive heard people complain about the craftsmanship of these pedals and them falling apart. True, but you should always tighten any new drum or pedal when you get them. Once tightened they will almost never come loose, EVER! After about a week or so of having these pedals I finally set them up just how I want them and definately noticed the difference in my playing. These pedals are as responsive as it gets which is just want I need for my type of playing. BUY THESE! They can replicate any pedal out there and the footboards are a big plus! Give your feet a little time to get used to them since direct drive pedals are a whole different animal compared to chain or nylon driven pedals.

I've been playing Iron Cobras for a few years. I've heard so many things about the Axis pedals and have read the reviews here on how much of a pain they are to adjust and set up.

As soon as I got these pedals, it probably took me only a half hour to make the adjustments. The spring tension is a little pain to adjust, but that's about it. It took me a couple of days to find the right adjustments and to make the pedal completely comfortable.

One down side to these pedals are, if you're like me and like your foot boards pretty high, you will need to buy the toe risers from Axis. They're $6 for a pack of two. You can't raise the foot boards independently because they beaters move with the foot boards when you're trying to raise or lower them. The factory setting height for the foot boards are pretty low, but if you like them low then don't bother buying the toe risers. Also, I would recommend NOT using the sonic beaters because they add extra weight to the pedals and they just feel awkward. I just put my wooden beaters from my Iron Cobra pedals.

Other than that, extremely smooth, light and very responsive pedal. I've increased my double bass speed a lot since playing with the Iron Cobras.

At first I was skeptical about spending $600 on a pair of double pedals. Eventually I saved up enough and decided I'd like to know what the craze with Axis is. I'm glad I did, because they're amazing. Previously, I played Iron Cobras (which were great), but I don't see myself ever going back. The pedals are incredibly light, responsive, and (if set up properly) fast. Most people seem to have a problem with the volume of these, which I was also nervous about. I have noticed NO drop-off in volume. Besides, volume and power comes from your technique first, and pedal settings SECOND. I feel like I'm not even playing on pedals, like if my feet were just moving and sound was coming out. I also noticed that alot of people have problems with the Sonic Hammers that come with these, but I don't really mind them so far.

So in conclusion, they are a bit pricey but if you hang in there and save, you will be getting an amazing product.