The ddrum E-Flex BT9 Review: A Entry Level Electronic Drum Kit That Punches Above Its Weight

I never have big expectations for entry-level drum kits that are under the $1000 price point, but there have been a few that have delivered some great value and performance, like the Roland TD-02KV, which blew me away for its responsiveness, tiny footprint, and great sounds.

The ddrum E-Flex BT9 comes in a pretty strong second and offers more accessories and mesh pads on all the drum heads vs. the 02KV’s rubber heads on the two up toms and floor tom.

So overall, this new kit from ddrum offers excellent value for the price, with sticks and a throne included.

More info here ddrum | price $ $679

The ddrum E-Flex BT9 Review at a glance:

$679, Full Kit – Mesh pads, Bluetooth, throne, sticks—everything you need.
Plays Better Than It Should – Mesh heads on all drums, real bass drum pad, dual-zone snare.
Bluetooth = No Wires – Play along to anything without aux cables.
Built Solid, Sets Up Fast – 30-minute build, sturdy rack, compact but tough.
Not for Pros – Cymbals are small, response isn’t lightning-fast, but insane value for beginners.

Building the kit

I’ve built a lot of electronic drum sets, from high-end kits to total entry-level crap, and the E-Flex BT9 came out of the box strong. The parts were neatly packed in clearly labeled boxes, the components were of decent quality, and the instructions were relatively straightforward.

The drum components felt better than most entry-level kits I’ve seen, and the hardware felt well-machined and durable. The kit’s frame is your standard metal tubing that fits together well and is easy to adjust to your specific playing style and physical size, and the assembly took roughly thirty minutes once out of the box.

Who Is the BT9 For?

The E-Flex BT9 is aimed at entry-level and intermediate players who want a high-quality electronic drum set without breaking the bank. Whether you are a beginner starting out in your basement or an experienced drummer seeking a quieter option for practice, this kit has what you need.

It’s affordable but doesn’t skimp on the essentials, offering a build and playability that can keep up as you advance. It’s compact enough for small spaces, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited room.

Build Quality and Design

ddrum has upgraded several components in the BT9, showing evident attention to aesthetics and function. The expanded rack is wider and feels solid, which is a plus for heavier hitters. The BT9’s mesh tom pads are more significant than the original model’s pads, a detail that adds to the natural feel and control.

The mesh heads are relatively responsive, perfect for quiet practice sessions while still offering enough bounce to satisfy the feel of acoustic drumming.

What impressed me was the inclusion of a 10-inch bass drum pad with an actual bass drum pedal. Unlike entry-level kits with only a bass drum controller, this setup makes for a more lifelike feel, and the dual-zone snare opens the door for rim shots and more nuanced techniques.

Features and Module Capabilities

One of the BT9’s standout features is its updated module, which includes Bluetooth connectivity. This is a big win if, like me, you like to play along to your favorite songs without dealing with an auxiliary cable. The Bluetooth connection works seamlessly, letting you jump right into a session with your playlist or YouTube tutorial.

The module includes 20 preset kits, which you typically find at this price point. The sounds are good and decently responsive, especially in Double Bass mode, where the hi-hat controller can transform into a second bass drum pedal.

The drum and cymbal sounds are well-mixed and sound natural, and while they may not be on par with high-end electronic kits, they come in range.

Everything is in the box

ddrum knows that beginners need a straightforward all-in-one type of setup, so they give you everything you need to start playing out of the box. The drum kit comes with everything you need: pads, frame, cymbals, wires, pedal, and even a drum throne, drumsticks, a stick holder, and even a metronome feature.

This all-in-one approach makes the BT9 not only accessible but also convenient for someone taking their first shot at the instrument.

Potential Drawbacks

No kit is perfect, and the BT9 has some areas that might not be for everyone. Advanced players might find that while solid, the preset kits and sounds lack pricier kits’ depth and customization options.

The 10.5-inch cymbals (an upgrade from the original model’s cymbals) are a nice touch, but they might still feel small for players accustomed to larger setups. The drum sounds are also not as good as the Roland kit that comes in at this price, and the response time for most beginners is acceptable; for more advanced players with more complicated beats, it won’t be.

The kit’s compact size is both convenient and limited. While great for small spaces, more experienced drummers who enjoy larger setups might feel cramped. However, these trade-offs are minimal considering the value this kit delivers overall.

Final Thoughts

The ddrum E-Flex BT9 is a serious contender in the entry to intermediate electronic drum kit space.

From the improved rack and expanded mesh pads to Bluetooth functionality and dual-zone snare, this kit has much to offer for the price. ddrum has listened to user feedback and implemented thoughtful upgrades, bringing an upgraded version of this kit and making it a great choice in the affordable electronic drums category.

If you are a beginner looking for a capable first kit or an intermediate player wanting a budget-friendly practice solution, the BT9 offers everything you need to get started and room to grow.

Specs:

3 – 8″ Mesh Tom Pads
1 – 8″ Dual Zone Snare Pad
2 – 10.5″ Crash Cymbals with Choke Function
1 – 10.5″ Ride Cymbal with Bell Zone & Choke Function
1 – 10.5″ Hi-Hat Pad
1 – 10″ Bass Drum Pad
1 – Hi-Hat Controller and Bass Drum Pedal
Mesh Drum Heads for Quiet and Responsive Playing
1 – Complete Rack
20 – Preset Drum Kits with Realistic Sounds
Onboard Metronome
Sleek and Compact Design
Module Includes Bluetooth Connectivity
Includes Throne, Drumsticks, and Stick Holder
1/4″ mono line out, 1/8″ headphone output, USB connection, & 1/8″ AUX line
Double Bass mode utilizes the Hi-Hat controller as a second bass drum