I am not a fan.
In the old days only Premier and Gretsch used them. Today, Pearl and Tama, DW and Ludwig for some snares, Noble & Cooley and other manufacturers sell them either as an option or standard on selected models.
After 40 years of looking at, playing, cleaning, collecting and selling drums, I have a few observations. Because of the nature of the hoops, they seem to be prone to bending with hard hitting, although I don't think I ever saw that with vintage Premier hoops.
Gretsch hoops are notorious for bad plating and scratching. Bill Ludwig told me once that all die cast hoops were aluminum. I know that aluminum and chrome plating don't mix well and that aluminum could explain the bending and scratching so common with Gretsch.
I grant you that they are good looking.
But what I don't like is that die casts, in my opinion, restrict the sound/decay of the drums they are on.
No doubt someone will say he thinks die cast hoops make the drums sound better, but they restrict it as far as I can hear.
The hoop I would like to see return is the George Way/Camco hoop--high with a nice curl over at the top. Their hoops are bascially the Leedy design turned into a semi triple-flanged model.
And make them out of brass while you are at it!
If you'd like to learn more about vintage drums, I encourage you to order my book, The Great American Drums, and we'll get a copy mailed right away.
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