I am trying to develop may hand technique with double strokes and finger control and Moeller strokes.  Unfortunately as I'm living in student accomodation I can't make much noise so I have to practise with silencer pads on my kit all the time.  

I'm in the fairly early stages of learning these methods, and I want to know if the pads, being as they are less responsive than bare drum heads, are likely to hinder my progress.

Thanks

Hi , i have same problem as you , i searched many different silencer pad for acoustic drum with good rebound and didn't find it   ( i wonder why All company who sell thoses pad silencer ( HQ , Vic Firth , Sabian... ) don't just think to use a rubber with better rebound    )  so i suggest you that for learn how to use rebound for finger control , Moeller strokes etc... to use a pad , there is several , the best i find is here : http://www.rtom.com/snarepad.html

I use a mouse pad turned upside down (so grippy rubber faces you) on a piece of wood for my make shift drum pad, although it has more response than a practice pad, but I usually do my rudiments in a pillow due to sound tolerance as well.

jon

i personally use clothes on mine.not as silent as rubber pads but obviously has the same feel as a normal skin.but if you need to be silent then this is NOT an option.it can still be quite loud. does anyone else find with practice pads if you hit them hard they hurt your wrists?