Split Snares
These snare drums feature a split around the entire center of the drum. In essence, we cut the drum in half and re-assemble it.  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.

7x14 Split Edgevent Blonde Satin outside Flat Black inside	7x14 Hybrid Split Yellow AC edges, Black Glass ctr	7x14 Split Snare Black Holo Flake w/Candy Red HW

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!!!
 

7x13 Zig Zag Split Green Swirl	7x14 Zig Zag Split Stars n Stripes	7x13 Zig Zag Split Blonde to Charcoal Fade Satin