Is It Worth Upgrading My Electronic Drum Kit or Should I Buy a New One?

July 23, 2025

If you’ve been playing on the same electronic drum kit for a while, you might find yourself wondering:
Should I upgrade my current setup — or just buy a new one?
It’s a question many drummers face, especially when chasing better sound, feel, or functionality.

Let’s break down the pros and cons — and introduce smart upgrade solutions from World Drummers that might save you hundreds.

When It Makes Sense to Upgrade

Upgrading is a great option when:

Your drum module works well but the pads feel outdated
You want better cymbal responsiveness or larger pads
You’re happy with your kit's layout, but want a more realistic playing experience
You’re looking to improve durability or comfort without replacing the entire system

Smart upgrades include:

Swapping your snare for a Phantom 14” Mesh Snare with 6-zone triggering
Replacing old cymbals with Phantom Dual or Triple Zone Cymbals (available in 12"–20")
Upgrading your hi-hat with the Phantom EVO 2-piece hi-hat system for a real acoustic feel
Improving playability with 3-ply mesh heads, available from 8” to 20”

When You Should Consider Buying New

You might want a new kit if:

Your module is very limited or outdated
Your kit lacks expandability (no additional trigger inputs)
You need USB/MIDI connectivity, Bluetooth, or modern onboard kits
Multiple parts are broken, making upgrade costs add up

Even then, it’s worth comparing the price of a full Roland or Yamaha replacement to custom upgrades from World Drummers. Many times, you’ll find that upgrading select components gives you the same feel and performance — at half the price.