Gibraltar Hi-Hat Drop Clutch SC-DC  

I bought two of these (one for me and the other for my nephew).  This gear is one of my favorites. It was easy to set up on my hi-hats and so easy to use. Other brands sell a similar product between $30 - $35, but why pay for that much when you can get 2 of these for less than the price of other brands?  I'm so glad I got this and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a drop clutch.

I was initially pleased with this drop clutch since it looked to be better quality than the older style Gibraltar drop clutch that it replaced. after maybe 30 hours of playing the set screw that goes under the top cymbal stripped out. I took the screw out and found the bottom cymbal nut casting had cracked because it is made of cheap pot metal. Thus, I have broken two Gibraltar drop clutches. To be fair, I play hard. I will try a DW clutch.

appears to be high quality but appearance is only surface deep, it's made of cheap cast pot metal

it was fairly inexpensive so not a total loss but one would not think of a hihat clutch as a disposable item

I would not trust this product for performance use. to be fair I think Gibraltar makes good quality hardware for the money, racks, stands, but this product did not even hold up in the home studio.

Pros:  Simple mechanics

          Sturdy

          Bolt Lock Nut

Cons: Rubber Splits

          Slips Closed

It's Gibraltar.  Built like a rock.  The rubber on the strike handle is the only weakness.

Worth every penny and more!

I've owned this clutch for some time now and it's been a handy accessory at times.  The set-up is straight forward and easy to use.  The reason for the tight spring and the fact you have to give it an actual stroke to get it to drop is simply for holding the cymbal open.  However, I did have trouble with it dopping some when I played heavily open.  So much that I ultimately got an X-hat to have one set open and one closed.  This also means that I have to carry that much extra weight so, take that into consideration.  The only modification you'll need to make is to attach a larger piece of rubber to the strike handle as what's on it wears out fast.  So, if you don't want the weight and set-up/tear down time of an extra set of hats and play double bass or with a cowbell/percussion pedal, you need this clutch!

  Fits the larger diameter hi-hat shaft of the Pearl stand. My vintage Rogers clutch would not fit the Pearl stand because it fits a smaller diameter hi-hat shaft.

  The spring for the drop lever has more tension than is needed, so it requires a fairly hard hit. By comparison, the Rogers clutch is released with a very light tap.

Stepping on the pedal to re-engage the clutch is smooth. No problems.

  The locking feature on the underside is well thought out. It screws on like any other. A section of the threads is then pressed tighter by the locking screw, so it does not bugger up the threads when it is locked in place.

The clutch seems to be well built, and should last. I recommend this clutch and would buy again.

If the clutch would realease with a lighter hit, I would give all 5 stars. Hopefully with time the spring will weaken.

This clutch functions great! It did not want to cooperate well, when I would strike it at first. You have to really lay into it, with your stick to get it to drop. I'll let you in on a little secret folks, buy a set of Gibralter throne feet (the small none's)  #SC-PC13. You can squeeze one foot right onto the strike lever.  it  fits perfect! Now you can really nail it with your stick and not worry  about wearing out the rubber on the lever (or breaking your sticks). "You're welcome" Gibraltar!!