The DW Design Series maple snare drum is packed with features drawn from DW's custom drum-making experience. It starts with the shell, made from 100% North American maple. It's built thick and uses DW's proprietary HVLT ply construction, for that low-timbre "crack" that maple is known for. The shell is then fitted with hardware that DW developed for their custom drums, including True Pitch tension rods for nuanced tuning that stays in place. And, of course—the MAG throw-off. The MAG is a drop throw-off that contains a magnet that keeps it in place, detaching only with a slight tug. When opened, it pulls the snare wires completely off the head to prevent buzz.

But the Design Series doesn't just mimic DW's other series. It's designed to raise the bar for modern drums. So, this snare has a few features that are specific to the series. The low-mass mini turret lugs are unmistakably DW, but smaller for reduced shell contact and a better view of the finish. The Design Series badge is a sleek silver and white—bold without being flashy.

This drum meets one of the biggest demands from modern players: an all-maple snare, built solidly with premium hardware. It can stand up as the centerpiece of any kit.