We unboxed the Evans G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10″, 12″, 16″) with a mix of curiosity and the kind of practicality that comes from years behind a kit. on paper these heads promise a blend of depth, sustain, and attack – two plies of 7mil film, a coated surface for extra warmth and focus, and Evans’ Level 360 technology to make tuning less of a battle. In practice, they felt like a thoughtful compromise between studio control and stage-ready grit: sensitive enough to articulate ghost notes and rim taps, but ample enough to push through a loud mix.
Right away we noticed how the coating tames the high end just enough to give the rack toms a singing clarity while letting the 16″ floor tom thicken and growl without devolving into mud. The two-ply construction delivers a balanced attack and moderate sustain - not overly shining,but with a bite that cuts when we need it. Level 360 made our initial tuning fast and consistent, expanding the usable pitch range of each drum in ways that let us experiment with both modern and classic voicings.
As working drummers ourselves, versatility is non-negotiable, and these G2s feel built for that life: durable enough for frequent gigs, yet sonically flexible for switching styles from rock to funk to pop. Over the course of this review we’ll walk through feel, tone, tuning behavior, durability, and how each size in the pack contributes to a cohesive tom voice. If you’re weighing longevity, ease of setup, and a reliably musical sound, our hands-on tests with this pack will show you were the G2s shine – and where they might ask you to compromise.
Our Overview of the Evans Drum Heads G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10 inch 12 inch 16 inch)
We love how the two-ply construction (7mil per ply) balances depth, sustain, and attack – the coating adds warmth, focus, and extra body so rack toms sing and floor toms growl without losing definition. Its slightly bright tonal edge and average sustain make it a highly versatile choice for working drummers who switch styles, delivering consistent performance and moderate durability gig after gig. With Level 360 technology the heads tune easily and offer an extended pitch range,while being proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.
Key features we noticed:
- Two plies: 7mil film per ply for balance and durability.
- coated surface: adds warmth, focus, and depth.
- Tonal character: balanced attack, slightly bright tone, average sustain.
- Tuning & range: Level 360 for easier tuning and wider pitch options.
- Build: moderate durability,made in the USA.
| Size | Quick Sound Note |
|---|---|
| 10″ | Chimey,focused attack |
| 12″ | Balanced,singing midrange |
| 16″ | Deep,growling lows |
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What We Noticed About Coating Construction Tone and Durability Across the Three Sizes
Construction here feels deliberately built for everyday use: two plies of 7‑mil film give a sturdy 14‑mil mass that translates into consistent response across all three sizes, while the coating adds noticeable warmth, focus, and a touch of vintage grit. We heard the coating tame some of the top-end glare on the 10″ without smothering attack, let the 12″ sit perfectly between snap and body, and coaxed the 16″ into a roomy, growling tone with pleasing low‑end sustain. Level 360 seating made tuning straightforward on every shell – the heads tracked pitches cleanly and let us push each tom through an extended pitch range without odd overtones.Below are the concise takeaways we kept returning to during testing:
- 10″ – quick, articulate attack; compact sustain; slightly bright but focused.
- 12″ – most versatile of the trio; balanced attack and sustain; great for switching styles.
- 16″ - deep, resonant low end; longer sustain; best for thicker, rockier tones.
Durability matched expectations for a two‑ply design: overall moderate but reliable – the dual 7‑mil plies resist dings and keep consistent feel longer than a single‑ply option, and the coating offers extra protection while shaping the tone. We noticed that harder stick work brought out the slightly bright character from the construction, but the heads stayed stable and returned to pitch well thanks to the Level 360 contour. For a quick visual summary of how each size behaved in our sessions, see the table below.
| Size | Character | Sustain | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10″ | Snappy, focused | Short | Moderate |
| 12″ | Balanced, versatile | Medium | Moderate+ |
| 16″ | Roomy, growling | Long | Moderate |
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Our Detailed Setup Tips and Recommendations for Tuning Mounting and Musical Contexts
When we dial in our toms we lean on the fact that these heads are made with two plies of 7mil film – that construction gives a balanced attack with average sustain and a slightly bright character that responds well across styles. The coated finish adds warmth and focus, so for punchy, cutting rack toms we tune a touch higher on the batter and keep the resonant head slightly lower for bite; for growling floor toms we lower both heads and let the coating add depth. As of the Level 360 technology, seating and micro-adjusting is easier-slip the head around the hoop gently, finger-tighten all lugs, then bring them up in quarters to lock an even pitch. Quick reference:
- 10″ rack: medium-high batter, slightly higher than resonant for clarity
- 12″ rack: medium batter, balanced batter/resonant for musicality
- 16″ floor: medium-low, both heads closer in tension for sustain
We also recommend minimal muffling on the batter for modern rock and light felt rings or gels for studio work where focus is critical.
Mounting and musical context decisions shape our final tone: a firm mounting that isolates shell vibrations gives more attack and precision, while looser mounts allow the natural growl to breathe. In practice we pair these heads with moderate dampening for rock, lighter damping for pop/funk and almost none for vintage or ambient textures – their versatility makes them reliable when we switch gigs. The short table below shows our go-to starting points:
| Context | Suggested Setting |
|---|---|
| Rock | Higher batter, light dampening |
| Pop/Funk | Balanced tension, minimal dampening |
| Studio/Vintage | Lower tuning, open sustain |
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Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
We tested the Evans G2 Coated Tompack (10″, 12″, 16″) across kits and styles and distilled what stands out – and what might make you pause - when you want your rack toms to sing.
Pros
- Balanced voice: We hear a great blend of attack, sustain and depth – toms sing without getting woolly.
- Coated warmth: The coating gives extra focus and warmth that suits pop, rock and funk equally well.
- Two-ply consistency: With 7mil + 7mil film we get predictable tuning and fewer surprise overtones.
- Easy tuning & range: Level 360 tech makes tuning smoother and expands usable pitch range for the whole pack.
- Versatile workhorse: We can move between styles without swapping heads – a solid choice for gigging drummers.
- Made in USA: We appreciate the build quality and QC that comes with domestic manufacture.
Cons
- Moderate durability: We noticed they wear faster under heavy hitting than reinforced or thicker options.
- Not ultra-dark: The G2’s slightly bright character may not satisfy players chasing a very vintage, dark tone.
- Two-ply trade-offs: We lose a bit of the airy, single-ply resonance that jazz players might prefer.
- Coating wear: Over long use the coating can change feel and articulation – we’d expect periodic replacement for gigging kits.
We find the Evans G2 coated tompack to be a dependable, musical option that makes rack toms sing while giving floor toms a satisfying growl – with the usual two-ply trade-offs in durability and vintage air.
Quick Size Snapshot
| size | Character |
|---|---|
| 10″ | Punchy, focused - great for cutting through |
| 12″ | Balanced and singing – the sweet spot for tom melody |
| 16″ | Deep, open growl – adds body to the low end |
Q&A
Q: What exactly are we getting in the Evans G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10/12/16)?
A: The pack gives us three coated G2 batter tom heads sized 10″, 12″, and 16″. each head is two plies of 7 mil film (14 mil total), coated for added warmth and focus, and built with Evans’ Level 360 mounting technology. Designed and manufactured in the USA.
Q: Why do we say these heads make rack toms “sing”?
A: The G2’s two-ply construction and coating strike a balance of attack, sustain, and warmth. When tuned properly they deliver a clear, pitched tone with enough sustain and harmonic content to be perceived as a melodic “sing” on rack toms, while the 16″ floor tom will give a meatier, growling low end.
Q: How should we tune them if our goal is a singing tom sound?
A: Aim for relatively higher tension on the batter for clarity and pitch,and experiment with the resonant head’s tension: tuning the resonant slightly higher than the batter often emphasizes a defined pitch; tuning it slightly lower increases sustain and “growl.” Use Level 360 to get even seating and even tension across the hoop-small adjustments around a whole-tone relationship between toms (fourth/fifth) help them sing together.
Q: Are these heads only good for rock?
A: No. They’re marketed as “Rock” because of the balanced attack and moderate durability, but they’re highly versatile.We’ve used them across pop, funk, fusion, and even some lighter jazz contexts-if you want brighter single-ply shimmer you might choose a different head, but G2s cover a wide range of styles well.
Q: Should we use these as batter heads, resonant heads, or both?
A: They’re intended as batter heads (coated for warmth and focus). You can use them as resonant heads too, but many of us pair the-coated G2 batter with a clear single-ply resonant (or a thinner Evans resonant) for openness and sustain. It’s a matter of taste-both configurations work.
Q: How do they compare to single-ply heads or other two-ply options?
A: Compared to single-ply heads, G2s feel more durable, focused, and controlled-less cymbal-like overtones and more punch.Versus other two-ply heads, G2s sit in a sweet spot: not overly damped, slightly bright, average sustain and solid attack. If you want extreme durability or a super-dead sound, there are other options; G2 is the middle ground for working drummers.
Q: How durable are they-how often will we need to change them?
A: Durability is moderate. with regular rehearsal/gigging we might expect to change batter heads every few months; for heavy hitting or touring drummers replacement will be more frequent. For casual players they can last many months to a year. Our mileage varies with style and stick choice.
Q: What kind of muffling or damping works best with these heads?
A: Minimal damping preserves the “sing.” For focused control we like a small ring of tape, a thin gel donut at the edge, or a Moongel for spot control. for deadening a lot, use heavier muffles or internal felt rings.Start minimal and add only what you need.
Q: Do these work well with different sticks or mallets?
A: Yes. Standard sticks and light hickory 5A-2B types accentuate attack and pitch. Heavier sticks push more attack and wear the head faster. Brushes and mallets will sound warm and controlled on the coating-good for ballads or orchestral textures.
Q: Will Level 360 really make tuning easier?
A: We find it does. Level 360 helps the head seat evenly on the hoop, reducing pinched spots and dead zones, which broadens pitch range and makes final tuning adjustments more predictable. It’s not magic-good tuning technique still matters-but it’s a helpful aid.
Q: Any special care or maintenance tips?
A: Wipe the coated surface after heavy playing to remove stick oils and buildup. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temps or humidity. Store spare heads flat and protected. Replace when you see stretching, pitting, or a loss of tone.
Q: Can we use these on all tom rims and lugs?
A: They fit standard 10″, 12″, and 16″ hoops and lugs-Level 360 helps with seating on most modern hoops.Vintage or non-standard rims may need extra attention when tuning but are usually compatible.
Q: How do they sound on a 16″ floor tom?
A: On 16″ they deliver a deep, focused growl with a controlled attack-less over-ring than single-ply options but plenty of low-end presence. Minimal damping keeps the natural sustain; add muffling if you want a punchier, shorter sound.
Q: Is this pack good value for working drummers?
A: Yes. For drummers swapping styles and needing consistent,durable batter heads for rack and floor toms,the G2 coated pack hits the sweet spot between tone and longevity. Built in the USA and featuring Level 360, it’s a professional-level choice without being over-specialized.
Q: Any quick setup tips from our experience?
A: 1) Seat the head gently and finger-tighten all lugs. 2) Use a star pattern and make small, even turns to bring them up to pitch. 3) Tune to interval relationships between toms (fourth/fifth) for musical unity. 4) Start with minimal damping and add only as needed. 5) Play and adjust-these heads reward small tweaks.
If you have a specific drum kit, tuning target, or genre in mind, tell us and we’ll give tailored tuning and setup advice.
Embody Excellence
We came into this test chasing clarity and musicality, and the Evans G2 Coated Tompack (10″, 12″, 16″) delivered exactly the balance we were after. With two plies of 7mil film and a coated finish, these heads give our rack toms a singing top end and let the floor tom growl without becoming muddy. The combination of focused warmth, dependable attack, and moderate sustain makes them a reliably versatile choice for drummers who move between styles.
Level 360 Technology made tuning quicker and expanded our usable pitch range, and the build consistency meant less babysitting between gigs. Durability held up to heavy play while the slightly bright character helped cuts through a full band mix-practical qualities for the working drummer, and a sound that simply feels musical.
If you’re looking for tom heads that help your kit communicate more clearly-whether you want a singing rack or a growling floor-these G2s are worth a try.Hear them for yourself and check current pricing and availability here: Evans G2 Coated Rock Tompack (10″, 12″, 16″) on Amazon.
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