So, you're probably wondering what makes AXIS the leading pedal in extreme metal. You also may be wondering why there is a dedicated FAQ section to a drum pedal. The answer is simple. Supremacy. The AXIS pedals are superior to any pedal on the marker for extreme drummers. They're light, durable, long-lasting, and can be easily adjusted, even from your throne. Here is a basic FAQ on the parts of an AXIS pedal and we'll go through some of the basics to adjusting the pedal for your needs. The most common questions are:

1. What makes Axis pedals different from other pedals?
2. What's the difference between the Axis A and Axis X pedals?
3. What is direct drive? (Refer to question 1)
4. What's a Longboard?
5. How should I care for my Axis pedals?
6. What does the Variable Drive lever on the Axis A do?
7. Is the Sonic Hammer any good?

Q: What makes Axis pedals different from other pedals? A: The biggest and most noticable thing that differentiates Axis pedals from most other pedals on the market is the direct drive link (see highlight on the right)) that replaces the chain/belt and cam drive system most pedals use. The direct drive link is a completely solid assembly, there is not "give" as there is with a belt or cam, no possibility for the link to fold on itself. The advantages to this system are far more accurate representation of what your foot is doing. Axis pedals are constructed using aircraft grade aluminum, a lighter and much stronger material than the metal most other pedals are cast from. The result is that while the pedal may feel a little "flimsy" at first there's no fear that the pedal will break, the pedal also feels noticably lighter than others.

Q: What's a Longboard? A: Simply put, rather than having a separate foot plate and a heel plate that sits on the floor, they are combined into one long foot plate, giving you a much larger area to play the pedal on (see picture at right). The design is built for heel-toe players, making it easier to preform the move. However it can also be an advantage to regular heel-up players by allowing them to play further back on the pedal board giving them more overall leverage.

Q: How should I care for my Axis pedals?
A: Personally, I recommend a daily check over and dustoff, and a monthly thorough cleaning. Basically, what I do is, once a month, I take both pedals off my kit, clean them with a dust rag and q-tip, and polish them using a product called "Ble Magic Metal Polish." I then apply a small amount of lithium grease in can form (thanks to Infectus for this recomendation) to each moving joint and anywhere there's moving metal to metal contact. Taking good care of the pedal will make sure it preform at it's fullest for a long time to come.

Q: What does the Variable Drive lever on the Axis A do? A: The Variable Drive Lever (pictured at right) allows you to greatly change the feel of the pedal (similar to the switchable and variable cams of the Pearl Eliminator and DW9000 pedals respectively). Using the orientation of the picture, the further to the right you move the lever, the lighter and faster the pedal feels, the further in the opposite direction, the more powerful the pedal feels. This allows you to customize the feel of the pedal to your preference and needs.

Q: Is the Sonic Hammer any good?
A: Well...in my opinion, no, neither of Axis beater designs is good. The idea is great, however, it suffers from construction and frailty issues that keep it from being recommendable. The Sonic Hammer has a habit of slipping around and not holding the position you set it in. Both beaters don't seem to have the strength to hold up to the stress of regular playing and end up snapping.