Alesis Nitro Max Review: All Mesh for $449
An Alesis Nitro Max review covering the all mesh pads, 10 inch dual zone snare, Zildjian sounds, Bluetooth module and the pedal hardware that is the real compromise.
Eight pieces, every head mesh, and Zildjian cymbal sounds in the module.
The verdict: The Nitro Max puts mesh heads on every drum at a price where rivals give you one mesh pad and a lot of rubber, and mesh is what makes practice feel like drumming. Buy it if stick feel matters most and the budget is fixed. Skip it if pedal quality matters more, because the hardware under your feet is where this kit saves money and Yamaha's DTX452K spends it.
Alesis Nitro Max Electric Drum Set, 8 piece with mesh heads
~$449
An eight piece electronic drum set with mesh heads throughout, a 10 inch dual zone mesh snare, three 8 inch mesh toms, a kick tower with pedal, three 10 inch cymbals and a module with Bluetooth and Zildjian sounds.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Pads | All mesh heads |
|---|---|
| Snare | 10 inch dual zone mesh |
| Toms | Three 8 inch mesh |
| Kick | Kick drum tower with pedal |
| Cymbals | Three 10 inch: ride, hi-hat with foot control and crash with choke |
| Module | Bluetooth, with authentic Zildjian cymbal sounds and downloadable expansion packs |
Specifications above come from Alesis's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- Every head is mesh, including three toms, which no rival matches at this price. Mesh rebound is what develops stick control.
- A dual zone snare distinguishes head and rim, which is the minimum needed to learn rimshots.
- Zildjian cymbal samples in the module mean the cymbals sound like cymbals rather than like a drum machine, which matters for motivation.
- Bluetooth in the module lets a student play along with music from a phone without a cable, which is how most beginners actually practise.
Where it falls short
- The kick tower and pedal are the weak point. They are functional and they are not a proper bass drum pedal on a kick pad, and foot technique is half of drumming.
- Eight inch toms are small, so moving between them is a different geometry from an acoustic kit and the transition later takes adjustment.
- As with every electronic kit, the pedal is what neighbours below hear through the floor. Mesh solves the stick noise and not the kick.
- Alesis modules are less refined than Roland's, and a drummer who progresses will notice.
What owners report
Published owner reports consistently describe this as the best feel per dollar in beginner electronic drums, and the all mesh configuration is the reason given every time. The Zildjian sounds and Bluetooth draw positive comment from teenage players.
The recurring criticism is the hardware: the kick tower and pedal, and the cymbal arms, are described as the parts that feel budget. Several reports describe replacing the kick pedal early, which is a reasonable upgrade path and worth knowing about.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want the best stick feel available at this price.
- Bedroom setups where quiet mesh practice is the point.
- Teenagers who will play along with music over Bluetooth.
Who should skip it
- Students focused on developing serious foot technique, where the Yamaha's real pedal is better.
- Flats above neighbours, for the usual kick pedal reason.
- Drummers wanting a refined module, where Roland is ahead.
Alternatives worth considering
Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Set with 400+ sounds
~$600
A hundred and fifty dollars more for a real KP65 kick pad with a Yamaha FP6110 bass drum pedal and a three zone snare. Rubber pads instead of mesh, so it is a straight trade of stick feel against foot feel.
Check price on AmazonRoland TD-02K V-Drums Entry-Level Compact Electronic Drum Kit
~$454
The same money for Roland's TD-02 module with 16 kits derived from high end V-Drums. The module is better; the pads are rubber, so the feel under the sticks is not.
Check price on AmazonRoland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit with mesh snare
~$660
Two hundred dollars more for Roland's module plus a mesh snare, which is where mesh matters most. The toms stay rubber, so this is a middle path rather than an upgrade in every respect.
Check price on AmazonKeep reading
- Alesis Nitro Max vs Donner DED-80
- Roland TD-02K vs Alesis Nitro Max
- Best beginner drums
- Roland TD-02KV review
- Yamaha DTX452K review
- Best drum sticks for beginners
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an all mesh kit worth it for a beginner?
Mesh rebounds like a drumhead and is much quieter than rubber, and both matter to a beginner developing stick control in a house with other people in it. At this price, all mesh is genuinely unusual and it is the strongest argument for this kit.
Alesis or Roland for a first electronic kit?
Roland has the better module and the stronger brand; Alesis gives more mesh per dollar. For a beginner practising in headphones, the feel under the sticks matters more day to day than the last few percent of sound quality. Our comparison of the TD-02K and the Nitro Max works through it.
Will neighbours hear it?
They will hear the kick pedal through the floor, not the drums. Mesh heads make stick noise almost negligible; nothing makes a pedal stroke stop travelling through a building. A riser on isolation feet helps substantially. This is the reason most beginner kits get sold on.
What do I need to buy with it?
A drum throne, sticks and closed back headphones, none of which are always included. A throne at the correct height matters for pedal control and posture. Our drum sticks guide covers a sensible first pair.
Can I upgrade the kick pedal later?
Yes, and it is the most common upgrade on this kit. A proper bass drum pedal on a kick tower improves foot feel considerably, and it is a modest cost against buying a dearer kit outright.