Mapex Black Panther Switchblade Snare Drum - 14 x 5.5 in. Aegean Burl

The Mapex Black Panther Switchblade snare drum is designed for drummers who want speed, articulation and open tonal character from a versatile 14x5.5" platform. Its 6-ply, 6.0 mm maple shell produces a bright, responsive voice with crisp attack and cutting projection, making it well suited for rock, pop, funk, fusion and other styles that demand clarity and definition. Part of the acclaimed Black Panther Series, the Switchblade pairs its thin maple shell with single-flanged hoops, SONIClear bearing edges and a three-vent shell design to maximize resonance and sensitivity. Finished in striking Aegean Burl, the Switchblade combines boutique-inspired aesthetics with a sound engineered to cut through demanding live and studio mixes.

Thin Maple Shell for Fast Response

The nucleus of the Switchblade is a 6-ply, 6.0 mm maple shell that delivers the bright attack, articulate response and balanced tonal character that have made maple one of the most popular snare drum materials. The relatively thin shell construction allows the drum to vibrate freely, producing lively resonance and excellent sensitivity across a wide dynamic range. Whether playing intricate ghost notes, detailed brushwork or powerful backbeats, the Switchblade responds quickly and consistently to every stroke.

Three Air Vents and SONIClear Bearing Edges

The Switchblade incorporates a three-vent shell design that helps the drum breathe more freely while contributing to its responsive feel and open voice. Complementing this design, Mapex SONIClear bearing edges allow the drumhead to sit flatter against the shell for increased head-to-shell contact. The result is easier tuning, a stronger fundamental pitch and a broader tuning range, giving players the flexibility to dial in everything from crisp, cutting crack to a fuller, more resonant response.

Open Resonance With Premium Hardware

Single-flanged hoops help preserve the shell's natural resonance and overtones, creating a lively character that differs from the more focused response of heavier hoop designs. Double-ended B lugs provide dependable tuning stability, while the Cylinder-Drive strainer utilizes a self-lubricating bearing system and micro-lock adjustment mechanism for smooth operation and precise snare-wire tension control. Combining responsive shell construction, open hardware design and refined Black Panther craftsmanship, the Mapex Black Panther Switchblade snare drum delivers the speed, clarity and musicality that define its name.