I have owned this snare for a week. First my snare actually has an adjustment knob on both sides of the snare, whereas the picture on this site doesn't have it. I don't find the plastic to be flimsy. I can't tell whether the plastic is a covering on top of metal or if is entirely plastic but its not really an issue for me. The throw off is a little weird in that you have to use a full motion to engage/disengage the snare. Whereas on my Pearl MCX the snares basically drop all the way down as soon as I press down on it. I can't say whether it is a good or bad thing. Tama must do this for a reason, possible to avoid rattles, although my Pearl snare doesn't rattle at all. The tuning seems fairly easy except on the bottom lugs near the snare wires. It just seems I have to tighten those lugs more. The snare does have a really nice heavy crack. Not suprising though is the sound if not that fat. Also, the snare is not that sensitive at very low volumes. What I mean is if you gently tap the snare I don't hear any snare sound at all; it basically sounds like a tom. On the other hand with a little more striking force the snare comes to life. I am not sure if this is common trait of metal snares since this is the only metal snare I have. Overall I like this snare especially at this price point.

I bought this snare primarily based on the reviews I read. All were correct it sounds and looks magnificent. I think it's a great value and love the way it sounds. My only surprise/disappointment was the on/off lever for the snares. It's made out of plastic and seems to be on the flimsy side. In order to turn the snares off, you have to completely push the lever all the way down.

It's like buying a top of the line vehicle to find the door locks, switches etc. are made of plastic.

What a beauty! Either play this snare or put it in a glass emplacement and just stare at it. This is a snappy snare with amazing echoing rimshots. This drum has tension adjustment on either side which will change your sound dramatically from a sharp pop (with some head tightening) to... whatever you need. I gave the "features" a 4.5 only because I'm not sure what else you'd need. The top rim is not curved just a solid, smooth metal edge which seems to cause these amazing rimshots. Of course, like any TAMA product, it looks amazing as well. It's got some weight to it and has solid lugs attached with care and it's shiny as can be. I splurged on this snare for sure, but if you want satisfaction and long-term durablity go for this. And by the way, it does sound exactly like Stuart's famous "The Police" snare drum depending on how you adjust it. Get it!

A great snare for the price with excellent ghosts in the machine and rimshots from the moon.

Play it and you will see!

It all started with my fascination of Steward’s technique and sound. Yet, honestly, I was not looking for a copy of his pitch. Somehow, I felt that this drum with his name on, could not suck. This snare gives the “pop” of piccolo, sensitivity and warmness (although it is a brass snare) that I have been always looking for! It cuts great thought my crash cymbals, loud guitar amps and all other noises. I can recommend this snare to any musician of any drumming style. I only changed the top head with the Remo Coated Controlled Sound.