For my tastes, I like a big open bass drum sound with a lot of volume. I'm guessing that guys that tend to like a lot of attack and muffling, it would work for them.
For those who are wondering, it was on a 22"x18" Ludwig Keystone.
No kickport but for anyone who says the kickport wasn't there cup of tea, I highly, highly suggest trying a ported Aquarian Regulator. Also note that you need to tighten that thing up more than you would on non-aquarian resonant bass drum head.
Completely agree with you Jon. Absurdity is an accurate term here. If you want to kill head sustain on a tom, then they're just fine. They shouldn't affect shell resonance though, but TBH, I'm not even sure of that.
My thoughts - if you port & muffle anyhow, then Kickport in a bass drum reso may be a valid muffling form choice for you.
An 18" deep kick doesn't deliver enough low end for you??
Word.........Have had this combo on my last two kits. Super Kick II/Aquarian Regulator. BOOM done !!