It's very important to know how it feels when playing at a normal stick velocity before purchasing. If you dislike the unnatural surface that some pads have, it won't get used much. Or worse it could cause wrist or hand problems.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

How natural and giving is the surface?
Is the stick rebound similar to a drumhead?
Does easy portability matter?
What diameter feels comfortable?
Is a full set including the bass drum needed?
Will a metronome or "computer coach" be required?
Is mounting on a cymbal stand important?
Will it be used on a snare stand?
What is my budget?

Classic Rubber Type

A high quality drum practice pad should be forgiving and flex like a drumhead. The response of a typical snare drum is a good example to judge by. The models with firm but pliable rubber simulate this natural feel to some degree.

How realistic and "drumhead like" the response is depends on the thickness and quality of the rubber. The Ludwig Gladstone, Real Feel, Drum Workshop (DW) and Gibraltar are a few examples of these.

This rubber based pad surface has been around for decades and will get the job done at reasonable cost. Be careful to try them out first because although similar none will feel identical to the other. My recommendation would be the most giving surface with natural rebound.

Digital Metronome Type

The Roland RMP5 has a adjustable mesh head with built in metronome. The mesh might be too springy for some drummers. There are inputs for triggering, mix input for your CD player or iPod and 28 sounds to choose from. Runs on battery or AC. This unit could double as two extra digital drum sounds as an add-on to an acoustic drum kit.

Full Drum Practice Pad Sets

Specialty Types

The ProMark Rubber single pad has a simulated snare sound.

Vic Firth's "Exactopad" features a very unique design.

The Regal Tip Calato 310P mountable gum rubber is reversible.

The Contos RP1 "Rudi-Pad" has the rudiments written on the pad!

Build Your Own!

Consider building a one-of-a-kind personal pad. For example, find a nice piece of finished solid wood like a kitchen cutting board in a size you like. Purchase two or three mouse pads and cut them neatly to fit the wood.

Use two stacked for a softer feel. Another one on the bottom will act as a non-slip surface. Some white school glue will hold it all together. Thick gum rubber would be an excellent option also, just harder to find.

Just a plain old mouse pad can make a pocketable portable as long as you have a hard surface to put it on. Use your imagination and build a better "drum-trap" as the saying goes.

If you think about it, there's not to many drum accessories of this importance that you can make yourself - and save money in the process! Good luck finding your perfect drum practice pad set-up. Have fun practicing those diddles!