Is Pakrat Worth It? An Honest, Deep-Dive Review Yes, the JHS Pedals PackRat is absolutely worth it for guitarists who love distortion, studio producers needing ultimate tone versatility, and ProCo RAT collectors wanting to reclaim pedalboard real estate.
If you are a fan of high-gain music, you know the legendary ProCo RAT distortion pedal. It is famous for its fuzzy grit and sharp bite. However, choosing the right version is difficult because there are dozens of vintage variations, rare mods, and boutique clones.
JHS Pedals fixed this problem by releasing the PackRat. It cames after years of development. This review breaks down what the PackRat is, how it works, and whether it deserves a spot on your pedalboard. What is the JHS PackRat?
The PackRat is a multi-mode distortion pedal. It crams nine distinct RAT circuits into a single compact stompbox.
Instead of using digital modeling or cheap emulations, JHS engineered a complex system using 40 analog switches. When you turn the 9-way rotary knob, the pedal physically alters the internal circuitry. It swaps out hundreds of vintage resistors, capacitors, and op-amps to perfectly recreate each era of the iconic rodent. The 9 Modes Included: The OG (1979): The classic, unvarnished original RAT tone. Whiteface (1984): Clearer, smoother mid-range response. Turbo (1989): Massive headroom using LEDs for clipping. Brat (1997): Lofi, high-gain fuzz with added boost. Dirty (2004): Oversaturated, thick distortion. LA (1986): The rare Ibanez LA Metal circuit variant. Landgraff (2005): Boutique, highly dynamic mod. Caroline (2010): Gritty, modern independent take. JHS Mode: Custom, higher-gain mod with premium op-amps. Performance and Usability
The physical controls are identical to a traditional RAT pedal: Volume, Distortion, and Filter. The Filter knob works in reverse, just like the vintage units. Turning it clockwise cuts the high frequencies to smooth out your tone. Sound Quality
The analog engineering makes a massive difference. Flipping between modes does not feel like changing presets on a multi-effects processor. It feels like unplugging one pedal and plugging in another. The Turbo mode behaves beautifully with tube amplifiers, while the Whiteface delivers pristine 80s rock solos. The JHS Mode provides an extra volume boost and modern clarity, making it excellent for cutting through loud band mixes. Hardware and Build
The pedal is enclosed in a heavy-duty metal casing. It utilizes top-mounted jacks, which save precious space on crowded pedalboards. The rotary mode selector clicks firmly into place, ensuring you do not accidentally shift modes mid-song. The Value Proposition
To understand if the PackRat is worth your money, let’s look at the financial comparison: Single Vintage/Boutique RATs JHS PackRat Average Cost \(70 to \)400+ each \(250</strong> <strong>Total Footprint</strong> Massive board space Single pedal slot <strong>Circuit Type</strong> One fixed circuit <strong>9 true analog circuits</strong> <strong>Versatility</strong> <strong>Extremely High</strong></p> <p>Buying a vintage 1984 Whiteface and a boutique Landgraff clone separately would cost you over \)600. The PackRat delivers both, plus seven other flavors, for a flat price of \(250</strong>. Pros and Cons <strong>Pure Analog Signal:</strong> No digital algorithms or latency. <strong>Space Saver:</strong> Replaces an entire collection of drive pedals. <strong>Boutique Quality:</strong> Built with top-tier components.</p> <p><strong>Incredible Versatility:</strong> Covers everything from subtle overdrive to heavy fuzz.</p> <p><strong>Price Point:</strong> At \)250, it is expensive if you only use one tone.
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