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Our Verdict

Overall the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is a better kit of the two. What sets it apart is the 8" mesh kick tower and bigger-sized snare pad, while the Turbo has a trigger pedal which is not that intuitive and is missing the feel of playing on a kick pedal. Though the pedal on the turbo will be a bit quieter.

Alesis Surge Mesh Kit vs Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit (2024) Head to Head

Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
vs
Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit

The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is a very popular mid-range kit from Alesis, whereas the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is the most affordable kit from Alesis made for absolute beginners. Both drum kits offer good value for money, but the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit has more features overall.

If you are looking for the absolute most affordable e-drum kit then the Turbo Mesh kit is a good option. Therefore if you are a beginner and just starting out with e-drum kits, the Turbo Mesh Kit can get you started well. If you want to invest more to get more sounds, kits, and features overall, the Surge Mesh Kit is the way to go, since it will probably last you longer than the Turbo.

Key Differences

The Surge Drum Module has 385 sounds and 40 different kits built-in, while the Turbo Drum Module has only 120 sounds and 10 different kits.

Nitro Turbo Mesh Kit has single-zone snare and tom pads, while the Surge Mesh Kit has dual-zone pads both on the snare and the toms.

Additionally, the Surge Drum Module has more effects and sound editing capabilities, whereas the Nitro Drum Module is very limited regarding effects and editing.

The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is equipped with the Surge Drum Module, while the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit uses the Turbo Drum Module.

Kick Type
Tower
Trigger Pedal
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
8-inch
Number of Sounds
385
120
Drum Module Name
Surge Drum Module
Turbo Drum Module

Key Features in Common

Both drum sets have integrated learning features such as integrated drum coach and metronome.

They have similar configuration. Both the Turbo Mesh Kit and the Surge Mesh kit come with three tom pads, one snare pad, one ride cymbal and one crash cymbal.

MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin

Check out the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit in action.

And here's a video of the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit.

One thing to keep in mind if you are planning to expand your kit in the future is that the Surge Mesh Kit has two additional inputs for pads or cymbals, while the Turbo Mesh Kit has none.

Price Comparison Between The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit and Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit and Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit

Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
vs
Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit
We have included a head-to-head comparison of the features and specs on both the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit and Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat Size (Inches)
10-inch
10-inch
Hi-Hat Type
Electronic hi-hat pedal
Electronic hi-hat pedal

Cymbal Pads

Ride Cymbal Pad Size (Inches)
10-inch
10-inch
Ride Cymbal Zones
Single-Trigger
Single-Trigger
Number of Crash Cymbal Pads
1
1
Crash Cymbal Sizes
10"
10"
Crash cymbal choke
Yes
Yes

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 8", 8"
8", 8", 8"
Number of Tom Pads
3
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Dual-Zone
Single-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
385
120
Drum Module Name
Surge Drum Module
Turbo Drum Module
Additional Features
Built-in learning features, sixty play-along music tracks
Integrated drum coach
Display
Backlit LCD screen
3-digit LED
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
No
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
2
0
Audio Outputs
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right)
2 Main Outputs (Left and Right)
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/8" inch
1/8" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
Average
Low
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Number of Kits
40
10

Snare

Snare Mount Type
Mounted to Rack
Mounted to Rack
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
8-inch
Snare Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Snare Zones
Dual-Zone
Single-Zone

Kick

Kick Type
Tower
Trigger Pedal
Kick Pad Material
Mesh
-
Kick Pad Size
8-inch
-

Verdict

Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
vs
Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit

If you are looking for the most affordable beginner e-drum kit, Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is a great option. If you want to be more future proof, and invest a bit more in a more well-rounded e-drum kit with more features and sounds the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is the way to go.

Emil Pachkovski

Emil Pachkovski

Emil Pachkovski is a drummer and filmmaker. He is an audiovisual artist that loves to create and explore the abstract art of music coupled mixed with visuals.