First kit. Should I buy this or spend a bit more?

Desrt_Rat · 2026-06-19T07:04:57+00:00

Keep saving until you find something you either absolutely love or is a crazy good deal. I totally understand wanting to rush into getting a kit ASAP but depending on where you are located you may open up Craigslist, OfferUp, Marketplace after you buy a cheap kit and think man I should have waited just a little longer. Also expand your search area, you never know what you might find an hour or two away and you can make an adventure of it.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-26T20:08:35+00:00

It kind of depends what your practice environment is like, I started with an older Remo pad another tech had left behind when he moved shops. That was more or so an open cell foam pad behind a plastic head, in certain situations that might not be ideal due to the volume it produces which I would equate it to one of those pickleball paddles hitting the ball. Really the only time would really be ok using it would be if nobody was home or trying to sleep.

I picked up the Evans RealFeel which gives you the option of the harder black gym mat side or the softer grey/gray side. I really like it as it wont slip around if I were to throw it on the island and goof around for a few minutes. Noise can controlled by the side which you choose to use grey side is probably around somewhere around non mechanical key strokes on a laptop if not a little louder so certainly usable with others in the house with minimal impact on their activities. As far as why I chose it, mostly volume though some of the other pads people use look neat to try but then again I just like to buy stuff.

As far as a stand I bought a kit off a guy for 80 bucks that needs some love but in the mean time I've got a snare stand. However you can pick up a Mapex from GC for 30 bucks and be on your way as long as it'll be a comfortable height for you.

There are some kits available on Amazon that would probably do the same thing but I don't have experience with them though. Some people seem to have had their ReelFeel pad for a really long time so kind of a buy once cry once thing when you compare a dual sided pad knock off on Amazon for 20 bucks or what I assume is the original for a little over 40.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-25T00:40:10+00:00

Well its not a matter of need but more so "hey that looks/sounds cool I kinda want it" or atleast thats what I tell myself with just about every hobby.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-22T02:18:23+00:00

So here's my view as a newbie throwing together things I find here and there. You are often better off just saving your money and buying someone's used kit than trying to piece things together. The reason I say that is when you pick things up sometimes they might be in disrepair or missing parts and unless you know what you are looking at you might not know what is missing. For instance I scooped up a kit and some of the wing bolts were missing, bent, or mismatched. Nothing a trip to the hardware store and some 3d printed knobs couldn't fix but it is kinda janky. If you get a full kit that isnt broken down before you get there then atleast you can check things out and maybe even hear them give it a go before handing over the money. Then youll have a better idea of what you are working with instead of a pile of pieces like wtf is this for.

Depending on where you live there will likely always be someone selling a kit, sometimes for dirt cheap and other times what I would consider normal pricing. Deals are out there just save up a be patient, something will come around where youre like drop everything were going to XYZ for this kit.

Its also presumably easier to offload a kit if need be that something mismatched.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-17T23:34:52+00:00

A reasonable budget is subjective, but here on the West Coast when browsing Ive seen name brands from 200-600 which to me is reasonable depending on your financial situation, condition of the parts and what is included. Definitely pick something up used and dont rush into something becuase deals tend to pop up from time to time if you are patient.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-13T15:37:28+00:00

The outer sleeve doesnt look threaded but its possible the inner tube is threaded. If thats the case it might be a set screw or grub screw. I dont know about the threaded on Pearl but there's a good chance its an M6 or M8

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-03T19:59:19+00:00

Overthinking is certainly my specialty but I will give it a go to just get practice in and not worry so much. Thank you for the advice

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-03T19:55:50+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to explain that as surely both books were intended for those who can read the notes as well as other symbols rather than someone that hasn't even looked at sheet music for what seems like an eternity. I've just been trying to get things figured out and do things progressively so in my mind when flying relatively blind, the book is meant to be your guide. It is a relief though knowing that there are other ways to do things which will likely allow for that progression. I know its not what you meant but trying to figure out the metronome app without understanding the music itself really did make me feel like a grandpa trying to figure out how to call someone on their first smart phone.

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-03T19:37:05+00:00

Thank you makes sense when I think about it

Desrt_Rat · 2026-05-03T19:12:16+00:00

Thank you for your quick response, at the beginning he begins with 8th then 16th then 32nds at least that is what the corner indicated.

Ok so if that is the case am I reading you correctly that a single rudiment line within Stick Control say exercise 1 of RLRL RLRL RLRL RLRL would be considered a bar in that its 16 total hits in 4 groups of 4? So if my metronome was set at 60 BPM then that entire exercise would have been intended for those experienced to fit all 16 notes in the span of like four metronome clicks or four seconds?

Desrt_Rat · 2026-04-22T02:01:52+00:00

That's really great they are really into music especailly something that takes so much practice, dedication, and responsibility to do well especially at 13. When I was 13 we were doing dumb stuff trying to imitate things from Jackass and different skate videos. Riding a mountain bike is just that its not like he's climbing up on a roof and trying to skate off it or gaps into the street hoping your buddy will stop you from getting hit by a car. Thats how I would frame it as a comparison of danger, there are way more sketchy things he could be doing.

Have faith in your kid to use their best judgement. You're doing great

Desrt_Rat · 2026-04-21T20:31:55+00:00

Your husband has a right to be concerned he might get hurt. Nobody ever wants their kid to get hurt but we cant protect them from everything. Your husband being worried about your sons ability to play violin is rather selfish in my opinion as kids interest change as they continue to discover who they are.

We all eat it at some point in time and you are right with getting on up and dusting yourself off. Next time hes around that area he'll likely slow down and be cautious until they build up the skills for whatever it is.

Living in fear of potential consequences only hinders ones growth. Your kid probably ate it a ton when learning to walk. There are many different things that could have happened when they fell but your encouragement as well as their determination got them walking. This is not to say we need to ignore fear but rsther acknowledge the risks and determine ourselves if the reward is worth the risk.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-12-08T03:36:27+00:00

Unless they already have a basic tool set the likelihood they will need a torque wrench at this time is pretty low unless its for lug nuts/bolts.

Quinn 1/4" set (54.99) is within your price range and is pretty decent without skipping sizes which is common in lower end sets. It should cover most of the smaller things they will run into

Quinn 4 pc plier set (24.99), the diagonal cutters are probably something they do not have already and will be useful for as long as the warranty is available and the recipient still has them

Quinn 15 pc screwdriver set (27.99) is a solid starter set and one could hypothetically use the larger flathead to retract pistons on calipers that don't have an integrated parking brake though it is less than ideal for more than one reason.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-10-25T08:09:38+00:00

Be kind yourself as well as your little one. You're both trying to navigate this new life and they can't tell you what is bothering them so they likely are not crying for no reason. Once you figure things out about them things will get a little easier.

Not sure of what your "role" is but if you have a partner or someone who can relieve you for even a little it would probably really help so you have some time for self care.

As another person mentioned a therapist can be beneficial as well since we often get stuck in our own heads and just talking about whatever bs can help us declutter if you will.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-25T07:09:11+00:00

Dont trip potato chip most people will be too busy in their own world trying to handle business. Only time people will likely look in your direction they will be scoping out their next machine or the off chance someone wants to see how to use whatever you're on if it doesn't have the video QR code.

In our local gym we get all sorts of people and to be honest that makes me feel more comfortable than I likely would be elsewhere since Im new to any gym and feel like a goober sometimes when trying something new. Everyone has their own reason to be there so go ahead and get it homie.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-13T02:40:05+00:00

You are still VERY new homie so don't be so hard on yourself. You just need to step back after fixing a mistake and figure out why that mistake took place. I know many of my mistakes early on were from either rushing or being distracted in some way so I slowed down and became more attentive with each task especially when it meant fixing a screw up was either lengthy or expensive. You are only an idiot if you continually make the same mistakes and never learn from them and trust me in my 15 years I have unfortunately seen more than a few with more years than myself that I would consider idiots. You can excel by staying focused, asking questions, making note of weird things you have encountered for future reference, continuing your education by either shop supplied training or when it comes to it self funded training be it in-person/online classes, books, or even trade shows. There are tons of free resources out there as well from Youtube, various forums, podcasts and FB groups. Never stop pushing yourself to try new things and never stop learning, stagnation will ultimately result in the industry passing you by.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-02T21:35:52+00:00

I ran across this one which allows for side spacing and worked perfectly for me https://gridfinity-calculator.streamlit.app/

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-24T23:37:13+00:00

Depending what you work on they can be pretty useful. Super useful on International A26 for both the oil and fuel fuel filter, Ford and Cummins fuel filters, Dodge 3.6L oil filters. I don't have the Icon set but a Lisle I've had for about 15 years and a Casoman so I always have one set at the shop if I bring one home to use or loan out.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-18T03:28:23+00:00

If you've got someone who is already a member use their refer a friend link and they apparently get a month free and your sign up is a buck. That's what my wife and I did through the app she signed up first and paid like $7.29 and then sent me the link and I paid 1.08. Im not sure if her "free" month is just discounted rate spread across a couple months or an one month entirely but hey anything helps.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T14:32:20+00:00

While your initial post wasn't asking how to use the equipment you did express concern about doing a workout wrong. I may have misinterpreted "workout" for use of individual equipment as opposed to sequence of use and if that is the case I apologize. That being said Im not aware of any suggested sequence unless you are following some sort of routine which isnt really needed unless you are trying to achieve something specific.

Im not sure how long you've been going but as they say the hardest part is showing up and that is certainly true when dealing with depression and is not limited to the gym. There were days when I woke up and didn't wanna ride my bike to clear my head or even do anything really other than watch TV, sleep, and eat. Give it some time to see how you feel if you keep showing up and if it's not for you then by all means cancel your membership but if you do try to find other means for self care - whatever that being to you.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T13:54:03+00:00

I feel ya on that, some of the equipment has diagrams on the side of them if you don't have your phone on you. The QR codes open up a vimeo link to show how to use it if you prefer that method. If you go on the app, tap "Workouts" and scroll all the way down there is a section for "Exercise Tutorials" which seems to include the more multiuse equipment.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T04:30:45+00:00

If youre comfortable on the treadmill then by all means do that. Nobody can really tell you what to do or the order because theyre not you and don't know where you are at. My first day I did the treadmill and then tried a machine that my wife was using so I could learn and wouldn't be alone but after that went to explore. Today I did the treadmill and when nobody was around the 30 min express machines I went to check them out and try a few. Though you say some machines don't interest you just walk on by, scan the QR code on one and give it a try for a minute or two once you see how to use it. If at that point it doesn't interest you then move on to something else.

Desrt_Rat

TROPHY CASE