Howdy.

What's worked best for me is to have the springs set to where the smackhammer is about 2.5 to 3 inches away from the head when my foot's just laying flat on the footboard. And back in my SK days, I always had both screws in evenly.

Tell ya what else: I had occasion to play on Nicko McBrain's kit once and if all SK's felt like his, I'd still be usin' 'em. His tech (named Steve Gadd. I LOVED that.) said they put bearings from an aircraft company in them. WOW! what a difference.

Good luck settin' er up, mate.