DW Drum Workshop 5000 Review: Delta III Accelerator Double Pedal

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The DW Drum Workshop 5000, model DWCP5002AD3, is the Delta III Accelerator version of DW's 5000 Series double bass drum pedal, sold with a hardshell case. The listing names aluminum hex shafts, pedal plates and linkages, dual side adjusting hoop clamps, 101 two way beaters and built in spurs as the headline features.

The 5000 Series is the pedal most drummers mean when they talk about a standard double pedal, and the Accelerator variant uses DW's offset cam, which increases beater speed through the stroke. The Delta III designation refers to the generation of the design, with its triangular bearing housing and hinge geometry.

This review works from the published listing and from what buyers report about the 5000 line. It explains the named features and what the cam means for feel, and it flags the gaps, which include weight, footboard dimensions, materials beyond the shafts, and even the drive type, which the listing does not state.

Sound and Tone

A pedal shapes the attack of the bass drum, and the 101 two way beaters are the part that matters most for tone. One face is felt for a warm, rounded thump suited to jazz and classic rock; the other is a harder surface for a sharper click that cuts through dense mixes. Rotating the beater changes the sound in seconds.

The Accelerator cam adds to the attack. Because the cam is offset, the beater speeds up as it approaches the head, which produces a punchier strike for the same foot effort than a centered cam. Drummers who want their bass drum to sit forward in a rock or metal mix generally prefer this feel.

On a double pedal, evenness between the two beaters matters as much as raw tone. The aluminum hex shafts that link the slave pedal to the primary are rigid and light, which keeps the second beater tracking the foot closely. Buyers report the 5000 as consistent between sides once the spring tensions are matched.

Build and Materials

The listing confirms aluminum hex shafts and refers to pedal plates and linkages without specifying their material. DW's 5000 pedals are known for solid base plates and die-cast components, but this listing does not spell that out, and the footboard material is not stated. Treat it as a well built pedal in the published evidence rather than a fully documented one.

The dual side adjusting hoop clamps are a practical feature. Rather than a single screw under the footboard, the clamp can be tightened from either side, which makes it quick to fit the pedal to hoops of different thicknesses and to swap between kits. Built in spurs dig into carpet and stop the pedal creeping forward during hard playing.

A hardshell case is included, which is unusual at this tier and valuable for a pedal that will be transported. Not stated in the listing are the weight, the dimensions, the spring type, the bearing design and the country of manufacture, so those details must be confirmed elsewhere.

Playability and Technique

The Accelerator cam defines the playing feel. Compared with DW's centered Turbo cam, which gives a linear, even stroke, the offset cam feels lighter at the start of the stroke and faster at the end. Players who use heel up technique and push hard tend to like it; heel down players sometimes prefer the Turbo's predictability.

The two way beaters let a drummer tailor the response as well as the sound. The felt face adds a little cushion and rebound, while the hard face gives a crisper feel against the head. Spring tension and beater angle are adjustable on 5000 pedals, though the listing gives no ranges.

The side adjusting clamps and spurs matter in practice because they keep the pedal where it is set. A pedal that creeps or rocks ruins double bass consistency, and the 5000's reputation rests partly on staying put. New owners usually spend a session matching the spring tension on both sides.

• Accelerator offset cam for a faster, punchier stroke
• 101 two way beaters with felt and hard faces
• Dual side adjusting hoop clamps for quick fitting
• Built in spurs stop forward creep
• Aluminum hex shafts link the slave pedal
• Spring and angle ranges not published

Versatility and Styles

The 5000 double pedal is used across rock, metal, pop, fusion and worship, and the two way beaters widen that range further by switching between a soft and a hard attack. The Accelerator cam leans toward aggressive styles, but it is far from unusable for lighter playing.

It is less ideal for drummers who want the absolute immediacy of a direct drive design, such as the Tama Dyna-Sync, or the long footboard of a longboard pedal. The 5000 is a conventional footboard and cam design, which is exactly why it feels familiar to most players.

The slave pedal can be removed on most double pedals of this type to leave a single pedal, though the listing does not describe the connection hardware. That flexibility makes it a reasonable choice for a player who only occasionally needs the second beater.

Portability and Care

The hardshell case is the portability story. A double pedal with a solid base and aluminum shafts is heavy and awkward to pack, and a fitted case protects the linkage and keeps the parts together. The weight is not published, so plan for a substantial piece of hardware.

Care is routine for a pedal of this type. Keeping the hex shafts and universal joints clean, checking the set screws before gigs, and occasionally lubricating the bearings if they are serviceable prevents the loosening that causes a lagging slave pedal. The felt beater face wears over years and is replaceable.

If the drive is a chain, as is typical for this line though not stated in the listing, a light oil once in a while keeps it quiet and smooth. The hoop clamps should be loosened before storage so that they do not compress the rubber pads unevenly.

Setup and Daily Use

Setup starts with clamping the primary pedal to the bass drum hoop using the side adjusting clamps, positioning the slave pedal beside the hi-hat, and connecting the hex shafts. The built in spurs then anchor the pedal to the carpet. Matching spring tension and beater angle on both sides completes the job.

The Accelerator cam rewards a slightly lighter spring than players expect, because the cam already adds speed at the end of the stroke. Starting from a medium setting and adjusting over a week of practice is the sensible approach. The beater faces can be rotated as the room or the song demands.

Day to day, the pedal needs a quick check that the clamps and shaft screws are tight. Players who move between kits will appreciate how fast the side adjusting clamps release and refit, and the case makes packing after a gig a one minute task.

Who Should Buy It

This pedal is for working drummers who want the reference double pedal and prefer the quicker feel of an offset cam. Rock, metal and worship players who gig regularly will value the case, the spurs and the clamps as much as the stroke itself.

It also suits drummers upgrading from a budget double pedal who want a design with proven parts support. DW spares, from beaters to springs to footboards, are easy to find, which makes the 5000 a long term purchase rather than a stepping stone.

It is a weaker fit for players who already know they want direct drive, or who prefer the even Turbo cam, and for travelers who need the lightest possible hardware. Those buyers should compare the Tama Dyna-Sync or a Turbo cam version of the 5000.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The Tama Dyna-Sync Double Drum Pedal is the direct drive alternative, with an immediate, chain free response and the Dyna Beater, though its listing does not mention a case. Drummers who prioritize speed over the familiar cam feel should compare the two.

Within DW's own range, the 5000 Turbo cam version offers the same build with a centered cam for a linear stroke, and the lighter 3000 series gives up some hardware for a lower tier. The 9000 series adds more adjustment at a premium tier.

Budget double pedals from smaller brands cost a fraction of this tier and are fine for a first attempt at double bass, but they rarely match the bearing quality, the stability or the parts availability. For a drummer who gigs, the 5000 is usually the first pedal that does not need replacing.

Verdict

The DW Drum Workshop 5000 Delta III Accelerator double pedal is the design other pedals are measured against. Aluminum hex shafts, 101 two way beaters, dual side adjusting hoop clamps, built in spurs and a hardshell case are all confirmed in the listing, and the Accelerator cam gives the quick, punchy stroke rock and metal drummers want.

The listing's omissions are frustrating rather than disqualifying. Weight, footboard dimensions, the drive type and the materials beyond the shafts are not stated, so a buyer must rely on DW's reputation and confirm the details elsewhere.

At a mid-range tier with a case included, it is the safest double pedal purchase for a working drummer who likes the offset cam feel. Players who want direct drive or a linear stroke have good alternatives, but most will not regret choosing the reference.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Latin Percussion Aspire Wood Congas 11 and 12 Inch

Beginners and intermediate players who want the traditional conga and tumba pairing from LP's entry line with a stand included.

Read the Latin Percussion Aspire Wood Congas 11 and 12 Inch review →

Roland Mood Pan MN-10

Anyone who wants the sound of a handpan or tongue drum with the freedom to change scales, play quietly through headphones and record over USB.

Read the Roland Mood Pan MN-10 review →

Questions Buyers Ask