These entry-level, yet highly regarded kits have improved their lugs, mounts, badges and bass drum claws.

The "Horizon HZ" kit offers a newly mixed birch/basswood drum shell.

They also feature Mapex 2.3mm Steel Powerhoops and Remo UT Pinstripe batter heads along with Spring Loaded Floor Tom Legs (from the higher end Saturn & Orion lines).

The hoops on the Birch line (1.6mm) and the floor tom legs are considerably thinner.

It is a common misconception among customers (even among some Mapex retailers) that these two lines of drums are similar and share the same features.

It shares a number of options with both the Mars and Orion line, but is not available with birdseye maple plies.

Saturn kits come in a variety of lacquer and wrap finishes (including bursts, sparkles and fades) and come with the option of black or chrome hardware.

Mapex had taken the rich sonic characteristics of walnut and combined them with the bright and articulate punch of birch.

This new edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter and brings out an improved response by optimizing the relationship between head and shell.

The Orion Series is an all-maple 6.1 millimetre 7-ply setup with an outer layer of Birdseye maple as an option.

With the exception of the 15th Anniversary edition Pro-M with a production run of 300 worldwide, this set was given the figured Birdseye Maple finish of the Orion in Autumn or Jade Fade.

The exotic burl finish is not common with other high-end drum companies at the same price point.

As of April 2013, four models were produced: the Blaster, the Velvetone, the Retrosonic and the Black Widow.

The aluminium hoop was folded over a steel ring that is inserted in the U-channel to hold the film in place.