Split Shells

These snare drums feature a 1” split in the center of the drum. This allows the air to escape immediately which results in higher volume, more projection, and extremely sensitive snare response. One of the characteristics you will notice is that ghost notes are amplified in relation to full volume notes. Accentuating both crack and sensitivity, split snare drums are an excellent choice for high volume situations and where busy sticking patterns need to penetrate the mix. With a very distinctive voice, the split snare may not be the proper choice as your only snare drum, but every drummer should have one in their arsenal.

Zig Zag Split
Here's an even crazier  version of the split snare... the Zig Zag Split.  The sound characteristics are the same as standard split snares, but talk about freaky!!!
 

Black Serpentine w/Black Hardware