Mapex Saturn Evolution Review:
What To Expect from This Drum Kit
Quality
The sound quality of the Mapex Saturn Evolution is excellent. It’s quite unique, considering that hybrid maple/walnut shells aren’t common.
The maple gives the drums warm and rounded tones, while the walnut adds resonance and richness.
They tune really easily as well, having a wide enough tuning range to fit the preferences of most drummers.
This is thanks to Mapex’s SONIClear bearing edges. They’re present in most of Mapex’s mid to pro-level kits, so they’re a natural inclusion with this kit.
Construction
The construction of this kit is the biggest selling point. There are so many amazing design features packaged here that make the kit as good as it is.
While they’re not at the forefront of your buying decision, they should be, as they are what make the kit feel so good to play on.
The Nodal Air Venting Scheme allows the drums to resonate very freely. The Halo mounts also add to that with the rack toms. While they resonate very openly, you also get an adjustment knob that lets you dampen them a bit.
We love the construction choices on the Saturn Evolution. Mapex really nailed it out of the park here. The amazing thing is that you’ll find similar construction features on even their affordable kits.
Performance
The great thing about drum kits with immaculate construction quality is that they feel amazing to play. The high-end construction provides a solid platform to play from, giving you an overall better drumming experience.
These drums respond very musically when you play them. The richness of tone from the walnut comes out noticeably, and the maple evens them out.
The kit also looks incredible, and you can never underestimate the feeling of playing on a drum kit that looks great.
Price Value Ratio
The Mapex Saturn Evolution comes with a high price tag, costing around $3000 depending on where you buy it. While it’s packed with amazing value, it’s by no means an affordable drum kit.
Apart from Mapex’s Design Lab Black Panther kits, the Saturn Evolution kits are the most expensive options from the brand.
They’re full-on professional drum sets, so they have professional price tags. We’d say the shell pack is worth the money, especially considering all the design features you get.