Independent Drum Lab has introduced a new piece of hardware that’s raising eyebrows in drummer circles, not because of its flash, but because of its practical appeal. The company’s newly launched RST Brackets, announced in May 2025, are being positioned as a solution to one of the more tedious parts of drumming: setting up and tearing down a kit while keeping everything exactly where it was.
What sets these brackets apart isn’t some high-concept reinvention. Instead, it’s a refined system that quietly does away with the usual hardware headaches. There are no wingnuts, no keyscrews: just a tapered dovetail connection that snaps into place and stays put until the drummer decides to break the kit down. Each bracket acts as a kind of memory lock, so whatever setup a drummer had the night before will be right there waiting for them at the next show.
The brackets serve multiple roles on the kit. They’re being pitched for tom mounts, floor tom legs, and bass drum spurs, essentially any connection that deals with vertical pressure. However, they aren’t recommended for accessories that deal with side loads, such as cymbal boom arms or cross-mounted percussion pieces. That distinction is important for drummers who like to customize beyond the usual four-piece configuration.
In terms of the build, the RST Bracket’s most immediate appeal might be its low-profile form. The base of the unit sticks out less than ¾ of an inch, just 18 millimeters, making it far easier to get drums in and out of cases without catching edges or taking up extra space. That alone could win over drummers who spend more time loading in and out than they’d like to admit.
For those who already use Independent Drum Lab’s hardware, the brackets are designed to work with the BR2, BR2XL, and BR3 models, as well as the Slim-Band mounts. This means players won’t have to start from scratch to take advantage of the new setup system. There’s also flexibility built in for different hardware sizes: the brackets fit 9.5mm and 10.5mm rods and legs right out of the box, and can accommodate 12.7mm ones with a simple swap of longer screws.
Perhaps what’s most telling is how the product avoids hype in favor of utility. The RST Brackets don’t promise to revolutionize drumming. Instead, they offer something a bit rarer: a small improvement that could quietly become essential over time. For the drummer who handles their own gear, especially the touring musician or session player juggling quick changeovers, these could represent a serious time-saver.
Independent Drum Lab appears to understand its audience well. Rather than chase after trendy features or exotic materials, the company has delivered something functional and considered. Time will tell whether these brackets become a go-to among working drummers, but early reactions suggest they’re already starting to earn their place.