The Black Panther Design Lab Versatus System represents the pinnacle of instrument design. Groundbreaking innovations combine with drum-building mastery to form a unique and extremely versatile instrument. The hybrid Maple and Mahogany shells use the chamber-specific designs of the Black Panther Design Lab systems. Plies get progressively thicker, depths graduate by 1/2”, bearing edges change and the SAS ring system modulates as the drums get larger in diameter. The combination of these details creates an amazing symphony of instruments in one kit, where each and every drum sounds perfect!

(Janka Scale Hardness for Hard Maple = 1450 / Mahogany = 1100)

Update April 2023

I've added the photos that Josh Beyers, General Manager, Denver Percussion posted on Facebook in late April 2023, which show the first kit I've seen to come with HALO tom mounts as standard, rather than being retrofitted by the store. According to Josh's post, these are now replacing the MAATS (Magnetic Air Adjustment Tom Suspension) mounts that have caused "some controversy"*, since their introduction as the only mounting option on the Design Lab kits. Personally I think it's a massive improvement, although I'd still prefer the option of the mounts used on Craig Blundell's Concert Tom kit. But that's just me - your mileage may vary.

*I'm trying to be diplomatic here. I'm sure the MAATS mount really is the ultimate in personalising your drum sound and would be unbeatable in the right circumstances. However, I'm not sure Mapex did themselves any great favours by refusing to countenance any other option for five years, other than one that really polarised (not remotely evenly!) opinion. Clearly other systems could have been fitted, especially as one of the big selling points of the range is customisability. Apparently the MAATS system is now being quietly retired altogether, although the Design Lab website was still showing it in late April 2023. Again, why not keep it as an option for those whose use case would justify it? Sorry - rant over.