Hey Taylor, can you let us know how you had your Axis set up? And are you trying to get the Darwin to feel just like the Axis? It's hard to say exactly what is needed unless we know what kind of thing you're going for. Also it sounds like you've been switching back and fourth between various settings, so Id definitely say its worth sticking with a setting ad really getting to know it first.

The axis X having the fixed position on the direct drive is similar to an Axis A with the VDL pushed all the way forwards (towards the drum). That tends to be a very light feel, which is the opposite of what you've mentioned you're wanting. If you want that feel, I would use the direct drive with the cam opened up fully, or ideally using the radical cam. Keep in mind the darwin has LOTS of option on where the direct drive sits due to it being able to move with the cam (similar to VDL) but also move on the footplate at the bottom, and then the angle of the cam itself changing. My advice would be to find a photo of the X sideways on so that you can clearly see the angle and geometry of the direct drive linkage, and then copy this shape and angle with your Darwin.

For the feel you describe with a heavier feel at the start, I would bring the direct drive closer to the pedal and close up the cam. But this will feel VERY different to your axis and require more force. A huge part of how easy the pedals are to play and how responsive they feel is also in the footboard height. Again, this cant be changed separately of the beater angle on the Axis pedals, so if you want the same you'd need to copy it from a picture, or just experiment with that until you have the feel you'd keen on. You could also try the heel raisers on the Darwins so that the footboard feels more similar to your axis. You can still get the same footboard angle with the stock Darwins, but the lower heel plate can be a bit awkward coming straight from an Axis.

The last pedals I was using before I got my Darwins was A Longboards and instead of trying to get the Darwins to feel like the Axis, I used it as an opportunity to have something better. So I switched to the strap drives which I much prefer, and used a longer beater throw with a lighter spring tension. I like the round cams for a totally linear feel where the stroke feels the same throughout. This works great for heel up ankle technique, but is about as far away from an axis feel as is possible other than the lightness. Dont forget to experiment with beater height and weight as that will have a huge impact on the way the stroke feels. the higher/heavier the beater, the more effort the pedal will take to play with and the heavier it'll feel to get it started. The lower/light the beater, the faster and more responsive it'll feel. All of these settings play off of one another, so when you change one, you may need to compensate slightly with another. I would start with a very general "everything at middle" starting point, and then tweak from there, paying attention to what changes each thing makes.

Hope this helps!

Zitat von T.C. im Beitrag #3

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Great explanation, James. I'd just add one bit of advice - when you do as James has suggested, I would change only ONE THING at a time and play with that for a while to really understand what that one change accomplished. If you change too many things at once, you may have overshot what you're trying to do and get frustrated.

Welcome to the world of the absolute best pedals out there. :)

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