Ahead drumkey (AFF2)

I hate to give a mediocre review to a reasonably well made product. I can't speak for the durability or long term quality of this product since I've only used it a few times.At first blush I thought it was a great idea. I have a similar drum key that ratchets like a ratchet screw driver, but it is a lot bulkier.There are two basic problems with this:It has no lock position, so if you try to use it as your only drum key and you over tighten, or loosen your pig you have to flip it over to turn the lug the other direction. I found it very difficult to tune my drum with this key and not end up flipping it 20 or 30 times.The other problem is that the lugs on my kit are so free that once you remove the tension on the head the actual ratchet function stops working and you just have to spin it with your fingers. I can do the same thing with my Evans key and not have to flip it 20 or 30 times in the process.I don't think it's a bad product, just one with very limited usefulness in the real world. My other ratchet is bulkier, but it does have a lock position for fine tuning the drum. At the end of the day It looks really cool, but I'm not going to use it very often. If you aren't concerned about the short comings I mentioned, and you think it will be helpful for you knowing it's short comings I would consider purchasing it. I just want people to be aware of the issues I found.

It works but will not stay on the tuning rod on it's own, it will fall off. I know it's a small thing but at times I like to leave my key(s) on when tuning. Secondly, it feels a little feeble when torqueing your snare table top tight, like the key could snap. I don't think I would buy this again, for the money, there are better options out there. It IS a cool idea though it just needs to feel more stout in your hand.

The key broke and fell apart in the middle of tuning my drum kit. Hey only lasted about 3 months. Great design though.

UPDATE:. So I purchased another one February of this year, 2018. This time from a chain music store. I returned it yesterday. Another broken one. I do not advise buying this product. I'm not hard on my gear. Normal wear and tare. Just can't withstand lots of use I guess.Absolute garbage! The ratcheting stopped mid way through a head change. I've had to lubricate this thing so many times. Not worth the time or the money. It become just a drum key. I bought this in December of 2015 and it worked until January. Normal use. I'm not a traveling drummer. I don't torque my heads. It just got really sticky. I'm really bummed that it's not what I hoped it would be. I'd love to hear from the manufacturer or the seller on this matter.

Best drum key ever. Makes it easy to tune the drums and faster. I should've gotten it earlier

Great key, makes head changes quick and easy !!!

This is a very well made and quality drum key. A bit on the expensive side, but the coolness factor makes up for it. I have no idea how the silent ratchet system works, and I really want to take it apart to find out, but can't afford another key.

Awesome idea and so far after 1 week it's working great. Easy to use and hopefully it lasts.

...Once you get your hands on this little beauty you will not go back to other drum keys... because this has got to be the most innovative little piece of engineering you'll ever use. Keep one in your hardware case and one in your pocket...it's magic with a capital M.

Received with thanks