Since the mid to late 1950's, Die Cast hoops have been the primary counter hoop outfitted on Gretsch drums. When the 6 ply shell was developed for the "round badge kits" (today's USA Custom), the die cast hoop was the selected choice for this legendary series. Gretsch's 4mm die cast hoop is very sturdy, rigid, and it's heavy weight help control the frequency mix while focusing the character of the drum at the same time. The feel of a die cast hoop is unique to itself and quite different from our 301, 302, or triple flange hoops. Gretsch Die Cast Hoops are a standard build on all USA Custom drum kits, wood snares, and USA metal snares. All sizes of our dies cast hoops are also available as an after market sales part.