To develop this IRON COBRA special feature, we interviewed Mr. Sato who is a technical development manager and also a key player of the IRON COBRA project.

― First, would you please tell me when the IRON COBRA project started and how it progressed?

Sato：This project started in 1992. Originally, its momentum came from the short life of the die-cast zinc mold used to create the pedal parts. A drum pedal needs many die-cast parts, and we needed to replace the die-cast zinc molds. At that point, we had not made any major changes to our drum pedals for around ten years, except for changing the design of the footboard. So we thought if we have to make a new mold, it is a good chance to use ideas we had been gathering and develop a new model altogether.  Therefore we carefully investigated all the drum pedals on the market again and again, concentrated our knowledge and experience gained from creating many drum pedals, and set about making a new pedal. The result led to the birth of IRON COBRA.

― Did you have any images in mind for what IRON COBRA drum pedals would become when the project first started?

Sato：No, it is not so. We did not have any clear total image when the project started, because some ideas suddenly emerged. The COBRA BEATER is a good example. Originally, a certain manufacturer was producing different beater shapes, including a conic beater head, and its sound had a good reputation. So we adopted a similar approach for the shape of the first COBRA BEATER, and during its development we also came up with some new ideas such as beater angle adjustment and a changeable beater head. Therefore the end result was not our intention from the very beginning, but we had set the direction of the new pedal to have high adjustability and versatility from the start.

― After a lot of hard work and many challenges, the first generation IRON COBRA debuted in 1993. It became a big success and set a new standard for drum pedals from all manufacturers. In 1998, you worked on the second generation IRON COBRA, with improvements in performance, function and design. In that process, did you change the development approach?

Sato：No, there was no particular change in approach, because the goal of the second generation was simply to improve and build upon the first generation. But there was a new theme adopted for the second generation, which was “light feeling”. The reason is that we had gotten feedback that the “IRON COBRA beater feels heavy” from users of the first generation pedals. To tell the truth, the real weight itself did not change from previous models. But the prevalence of that opinion led us to believe the touch and the feeling had to be heavy.
Therefore, I improved various aspects of the beater. For example, I changed the material of the beater head to a lighter substance, and I changed the radius of the sprocket so it was easier to generate power. As we moved to the second generation, the heaviness complaint disappeared, probably because of these improvements. Of course, I also adopted the Oiles® bearing for the hinge part of the footboard, and reviewed the bearing housing structure. Aiming at a lighter feeling, I made improvements to all these areas.

― Many improvements made to the pedals are hard to notice from the pedal’s outer appearance. For example, the relatively recent “Cobra Coil” feature is also hard to notice, but many drummers love this innovative function. What inspired you to create the Cobra Coil?

Sato：As you know, the playability and feeling of oneness with the foot are very important factors for developing a drum pedal. The Cobra Coil is one of our answers to these goals. A few years ago, we tried a magnesium footboard to achieve a lighter feeling. The specific gravity of magnesium is lighter than aluminum, so it does provide a lighter feeling. However, it also creates some repulsive force. In other words, in the beginning of a stroke, a heavy footboard provides you with an easier down-stroke, but a lighter footboard achieves a quicker beater and footboard return on the up-stroke. The Cobra Coil is the answer we found after much research and many attempts to solve these opposing forces. I think you can understand if you look at the Cobra Coil from the side of the drum pedal. In the very beginning of the stroke, the Cobra Coil does not contact with the footboard. After you press the footboard a little, the spring starts to work. If you take off the Speedo-Ring [pedal spring mechanism] and turn the beater by hand, the Cobra Coil pushes up the footboard after the stroke. As a result, the Cobra Coil gives the footboard a floating feeling. Of course, the Cobra Coil does create a little repulsive force to the footboard in the beginning of a stroke, so we adjusted its position and strength so it feels right.

― In 2011, you have changed the design of the footboard for all Iron Cobra models, the first design change since 1998. Can you tell me what led you to change it this year?

Sato：Honestly, I think I did not truly understand the true essence of the drum pedal in 1998. At that time, I built the footboard based only on what the designer gave me. I did not really consider the impact that footboard design has on the pedal’s playability. But, after the release of the 2nd generation Iron Cobra, a certain professional drummer asked me to make a special footboard that reduced the unevenness of the design. Then I started to hear similar requests from other drummers. However, the footboard design is a very important element and distinguishing factor for IRON COBRA pedals. So it was very difficult to invent a new, smoother footboard design which was still suitable as the face of IRON COBRA. Over time, many footboard designs were examined but all were dismissed for various reasons. But in the market, the flat surface footboard is becoming more mainstream. So in 2011, we finally changed the IRON COBRA footboard.

― Also for 2011, the Oiles® bearing hinge has been changed to 6mm diameter. Can you tell me about that?

Sato：Sure. I think that the previous models’ Oiles® bearing hinge had enough durability for most drummers. But some of the super hard hitting drummers did break it. If those drummers buy a new pedal or footboard, sometimes they would break again. By investigating broken footboards, we found that the bearing hinge shaft was always bent first, and then broken. So we thickened the diameter from 1mm to 6mm, which we felt would prevent the shaft from bending, and therefore also prevent it from breaking.

― IRON COBRA has a strong reputation as a drum pedal, but the IRON COBRA hi-hat stand is also highly regarded all over the world. Would you tell me about its development?

Sato：The IRON COBRA hi-hat stand debuted at the same time as the 2nd generation IRON COBRA drum pedals. Its main feature, the “Lever Glide” system, had already been adopted on the previous hi-hat model. We developed it for smooth action and stable playability, which we felt was suitable to the name IRON COBRA, therefore it became part of the IC family.

― I heard that the “Lever Glide” system, which is TAMA hi-hat "stand’s" unique mechanism, was your own idea. Where did that idea come from?

Sato：I have enjoyed motocross as a hobby for a long time. A motocross bike adopts a link construction to the swing arm side mounting parts at the bottom of the rear suspension. I often casually noticed this construction when I washed or worked on my bike on holidays. One day, I decided to make a hi-hat stand sample based on this link construction. My supervisor saw that sample and immediately applied for the patent application. And we made a new hi-hat stand featuring this Lever Glide construction. Honestly, I did not recognize that it was such an innovative mechanism at the time.

― When I think about its big impact to hi-hat stand history, this inside story surprises me so much. That mechanism has helped the IRON COBRA hi-hat stand to achieve a reputation of the smoothest and quietest action to this day. In 2011, this hi-hat stand has been updated as well. What was the theme of this renewal?  

Sato：I believe that the previous model already has high quality in smooth action and playability. So it was very difficult to think what we should work on for the next model. So, to reconsider what is the most important aspect of the hi-hat stand, we got input from various relevant organizations and professional drummers. In that process, we found out that it was generally believed that a thinner stand enhances the cymbal sound and a thicker stand mutes it. To test that opinion, we gathered all hi-hat "stands", including those from other brands/manufacturers, and evaluated them many times one by one. As a result, we found out that the thickness of the pipe itself did not affect the cymbal stand, but the cymbal sound did change based on the stand.

― Do you mean you decided to focus on the “sound”?

Sato：Yes, that’s right. We developed the new hi-hat stand with a focus on achieving a natural cymbal sound and comfortable feeling. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you all the detailed information of our development process here. But, as a result of many examinations, we successfully adopted two new features: the “Swing Lock Clutch” and “Spring Seat”. The Swing Lock Clutch allows the top hi-hat cymbal to float more freely, maximizing the natural resonance of the cymbals by minimizing the contact point of the clutch with the top cymbal. And the Spring Seat provides a new structure which lets out the air between the top and bottom cymbals by tilting the bottom cymbal, and provides a crisper and clearer hi-hat sound with your foot. If you try this new IRON COBRA hi-hat stand, I think you will feel and understand the advantage of these features. Finally, we also updated the hi-hat stand footboard to match the drum pedals.

― Thanks to all your efforts, IRON COBRA has such a strong reputation. Could it be said that IRON COBRA has now arrived at the culmination of the drum pedal with this new model?

Sato：I myself sometimes wondered, for example “What should I do next?” or “What can I do?”. Or I think “There is nothing that I can do.” However, we released the Speed Cobra in 2010 and this year the new IRON COBRA. Now I feel that the development will never end, even if I think “This product is perfect!”. I think maybe the next generation of IRON COBRA will have to be released in the future – IRON COBRA XXX or XXX COBRA – I don’t know what its name will be. I am myself looking forward to it.

― Will you continue to have a hand in further evolution of the IRON COBRA?

Sato：Hmmm… I don’t whether I will still be involved with IRON COBRA in the future. I have been involved with the development of drums and hardware for over 20 years now. To tell the truth, I think it is time to entrust the next generation people and my role is to facilitate the environment to help them grow and prosper. However, I have a special attachment to IRON COBRA, so I do want to associate with it in some way from now on.