This pedal needs to be talked about way more than it is. Hence, here goes...
In my opinion it beats its price class peers, such as the DW 5000, Pearl Eliminator and Tama Iron Cobra, with ease. It's smooth, looks the business, has amazing features and is easy to use. It includes all the features I was looking for when shopping around for a new single pedal, such as:
- Spring assembly is bearing-suspended top and bottom for clearly reduced friction. Some competitors have only recently introduced these, the Falcon has had 'em since 2010!
- Smooth footboard for slide-techniques with a smooth heel-to-footplate joint that has no play
- Separate (independent of each other) adjustments for beater angle and footboard angle
- Strap drive and direct drive possibilities, although you have to buy those drives separately
- Floor spikes/screws, plus a completely rubber-coated base plate underside for traction! The spikes are a must for fly-in shows, when playing with varying set-ups and on all kinds of stages. I cannot understand why some brands have opted out of these on many of their otherwise great pedals. WHY?!? It is an infuriating trend that only decreases their number of potential customers! Not every kit has reliable spurs, and not every stage set up has the right kind of drum rug!
- A sturdy, roadworthy carrying case and other accessories
Apparently the Falcon had to be "updated" somewhere around 2012/13, probably because of a lawsuit with another brand who capitalises on interchangeable cams... The Falcon used to come with two interchangeable cams and a strap drive. Now the cam is a fixed round cam and both alternative drives need to be purchased separately. Also, the older drives do not fit the updated Falcon. I had previously purchased a Falcon direct drive accessory kit, but was seriously disappointed when I found out it was meant for the older Falcon and therefore did not fit the updated pedal I just bought! Mapex has done a lousy job of informing about these changes, perhaps trying to save face. Now I'm considering buying the new ACC-DD -kit anyway, as I love direct drive and cannot find any other pedal that has all these features and d/d.
To summarise, I love the pedal. In my opinion it is the single best thing Mapex has ever produced, including their marketing and PR strategies.