My 1971 Ludwig LM400 5x14" Supraphonic snare drum was beginning to go out of round. I installed a pair of die-cast 10-lug Ludwig hoops in hopes of stopping the progression toward oval, and, perhaps, even re-rounding the shell. These die-cast hoops are much heavier and sturdier (less flexible) than the standard triple-flanged hoops that came with the drum. The good news is that the hoops seem to be doing what I hoped they would do -- bolts in all 20 lugs are now pretty much vertical. The bad news is that Ludwig has discontinued manufacturing these hoops. The snare-side hoop can still be found at Sweetwater (as of JAN2025), but you'll have to hunt the internet for the batter-side die-cast hoop & expect to pay a premium when you find one.
Side benefits of the batter-side die-cast hoop: superior (louder) rim shots and cross-sticking.
Negatives of the die-cast hoops: they're expensive and they're heavy, adding significant weight to your drum.

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I purchased five of the Ludwig Batter Side Die Cast hoops and three of the Ludwig Snare Side Die Cast hoops in order to experiment on a number of drums in my arsenal that we problematic with overtones (to my ear). The goal was to install three complete sets--top and bottom--of die cast hoops on three specific snare drums and to have two batter side die cast hoops to float around on different snares and experiment with their tuning/sound. The first snare drum up was a 5-inch X 14-inch Black Beauty. I installed a fresh Aquarian batter head, Canopus Vintage snare wires and a set of the Ludwig die cast hoops. It dialed in quickly to the amount of sustain and focus I wanted. The next snare drum was an 8-inch X 14-inch Copperphonic: new Aquarian batter head, Canopus Vintage plated snares and die cast hoops top and bottom. Loved the sound it achieved: slightly moire focused with a tad less sustain. The third snare drum was a 5-inch X 14-inch Noble & Cooley SS Classic Maple. No bueno! The tension rods splayed inward and did not properly line up with properly with the tension tubes. Otherwise constriction, fit and finish was excellent. I'm an old school biker and I'm extremely picky about chrome plating quality. The Ludwig die cast hoops had exceptional chrome plating. Very pleased overall and recommend the Ludwig hoops if you're looking to dry out the sound of your snare and achieve more of a focused sound. Just don't get these if you own a Noble & Cooley snare, they simply won't work.

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I am a huge believer in die cast hoops on snare drums. I bought a Ludwig Black Beauty and immediately upgraded to Die Cast. Without doing an actually side by side comparison of all the die cast hoops on the market, they all seem to be somewhat generic. I don't know if this is true with Ludwig branded die cast hoops, but they all tend to run the same price give or take a few dollars. SO, for me to upgrade this high quality drum, it made perfect sense to buy Ludwig hoops, even if the others are close or even the same hoop. (I wish I knew more about the origins of the different brands of hoops, as there may be difference beyond what meets the eye-weight and material, for example)

These really got my snare drum sounding great. AWESOME!

Since this is my first die cast hoop, I have no others to compare it to...! But I am comparing it to my stock triple flange and I also ordered S hoops to hear the difference between all 3 types on my Yamaha Stage Custom 5x14 10 lug snare...the S hoop gives it more the sound I like then the die cast really gives it the deep tone I'm looking for... I really dig the die cast hoop.... I'd highly recommend the die cast hoop...

Adding this snare side die cast hoop to my steel drum with a matching batter side hoop along with a Evans HD Dry gives me the desired sound and tuning range,..not to mention a more aggressive look.