I have had this pad for 25 years and finally changed the head, mostly because of the poetic ramblings, drawings, dirt and drink stains. It IS the best pad for sounding and feeling like a true drum. You can really pay attention to the sound of your sticking.

The gum rubber pads are quieter but do not "feel real" at all. I recommend this practice pad. I came to this page today to look into buying one here for my niece for Christmas. My question here is, why are these so expensive? The pad surely doesn't cost nearly this much. Come ON. Their cost can not justify this mark up.

My drum instructor uses these because they are the closest thing to hitting a real snare drum. They won't give unnatural bounce or hurt your wrists from the shock of hard rubber. Louder than the rubber but best alternative to real drum.

My drum instructor uses this pad and stand during lessons and it is great! I have bought a Vic Firth Real Feel practice pad, and it is no comparison to the Remo pad. It feels a whole lot more like a true drumhead, while the Vic Firth doesn't really feel all to true to a drumhead (way too bouncy). If you are looking at buying a practice pad, this is the one, without a doubt.