Remo P3-1318-C2 Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead 18″

Focused Warmth Defined Attack

The Powerstroke 3 Clear isn’t just about raw volume — it’s about bringing discipline to your low end. From the first kick, you get a solid, weighty thud followed by a perfectly controlled decay, allowing your footwork to cut through the music without ringing out or sounding boomy. It provides excellent definition and presence, locking in seamlessly with the bass line. This makes it an incredibly reliable choice for both live gigging and studio environments where clarity is paramount.

1-Ply 10-mil Clear Film — Punch with Clarity

At the core of this drumhead is a single ply of 10-mil Clear film, which provides a highly responsive feel under the pedal. The clear finish enhances the attack, giving the head a bright, articulate slap when the beater connects, while the 10-mil thickness ensures plenty of durability and full-bodied low-frequency projection. You get maximum resonance and punch, but with a highly focused delivery.

Internal Inlay Ring — Subtraction by Design

What sets the Powerstroke 3 apart is its integrated 10-mil overtone inlay ring profile, positioned along the outer edge of the head. In real terms, this means: The head naturally dampens harsh, high-frequency overtones and ring right at the source without choking the drum’s natural volume. It focuses the fundamental note of your 18″ bass drum, making it faster to tune and much easier to manage across different rooms.

Versatile Engineering — The Studio Standard

While engineered for performance, the P3 design also changes how the drum behaves dynamically. The response is incredibly balanced across the entire surface. Whether you play with a light touch or a heavy foot, the head translates your dynamics predictably, ensuring consistent acoustic performance every time you step behind the kit.

Why It Works

The Powerstroke 3 Clear delivers a deep, warm, and highly focused bass drum sound with a pronounced attack. It gives you the low-end authority you want while keeping unwanted ring completely under control, allowing every single kick note to sound intentional, clean, and punchy.

Where It Really Excels

• All-Round Session Work: It is arguably the most recorded bass drumhead style in the world, trusted for its predictability.

• Small-Kit & Jazz Setups: Brings an exceptionally deep, controlled thump to smaller 18″ bass drums without making them sound boxy.

• Live Venues: Cuts through live stage mixes cleanly, making it a favorite for sound engineers.

• Dynamic Playing: From subtle feathering to driving backbeats, it maintains an even, articulate tone.

Is This The Right Drumhead For You?

Choosing the right bass drumhead depends entirely on how much natural ring, punch, and durability you need from your drum shell.

• Vs. Remo Ambassador Clear (Standard 1-Ply): Standard 1-ply heads are highly resonant and open with a lot of sustained ring. The Powerstroke 3 reins that energy in, focusing the sound into a tighter, punchier thud.

• Vs. Remo Powerstroke P4 / P3 Coated: Coated options or double-ply heads offer a warmer, softer attack with even shorter decay. The P3 Clear retains a sharper, more defined attack and slap off the beater.

What’s in the Box

• 1 x Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead (18″)

• Integrated 10-mil dampening inlay ring (pre-installed)

• Original Remo packaging

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Does this head require additional internal dampening (pillows/muffling)?

In many cases, no. The built-in 10-mil inlay ring does an excellent job of controlling ring. However, if you want an ultra-dry “click” or a complete thud, you can still add a small pillow inside the shell.

How does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated head?

The clear finish gives you a brighter, sharper attack (more “slap”) when the beater hits the head. Coated heads offer a slightly warmer, darker tone with a softer attack.

Can I use this as both a batter (striking) and resonant head?

The P3 Clear is primarily designed and most commonly used as a batter-side head. However, using a Powerstroke 3 on the resonant side is also an excellent option if you want to achieve maximum focus and minimal decay.

Is this head durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes. While it is a single-ply head, the 10-mil film construction is highly durable and can easily handle heavy regular playing, provided it is tuned evenly.

Will this head fit any standard 18″ bass drum?

Yes. It is manufactured to standard industry sizing and will fit any 18-inch acoustic bass drum hoop.