From the earliest days of Mapex, until the great refesh in 2010, all Black Panther snares came with either Die-Cast hoops or 2.3mm Powerhoops, depending on the model. Die-cast hoops are more rigid than triple-flange hoops and so reduce the build up of overtones and provide a drier, tighter sound, with more focussed rim-shots.

They are however heavier and most expensive to produce than triple-flange hoops.