7 Best Cymbal Bags for Reliable Protection

Best Cymbal Bags for Reliable Protection

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A quality cymbal bag will make your life as a drummer much easier while transporting your valuable cymbals to and from rehearsals, gigs, and recording sessions.

Good cymbal bags are made from durable materials and will also feature protective cymbal dividers that prevent cymbals from scratching or bumping against each other.

Crucially, the best cymbal bag will also be comfortable to carry with large, oversized shoulder or back straps and comfortable handles.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best cymbal bags for drummers of all ability levels and budgets. I’ve compared build quality, comfort, design, materials, and cost to give you my top recommendations.

What are the Best Cymbal Bags?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
PREMIUM PICK
ahead cymbal case
  • Holds 24" cymbals
  • Internal dividers
  • Wheels and extendable handle
Gator Cymbal Hard Case With Wheels
  • Hard case
  • Holds 22” cymbals 
  • Wheels and handle
BEST VALUE
Meinl Professional Cymbal Bag
  • Holds 22" cymbals
  • Internal dividers
  • Durable and affordable
Protection Racket Deluxe Cymbal Bag
  • Holds 22" cymbals
  • Internal dividers
  • Fleeced outside zipped
Mono Cymbal Bag
  • Holds 22" cymbals
  • Internal dividers
  • Military grade materials
Gator Cymbal Slinger Bag
  • Holds 22" cymbals
  • Padded and fur-lined interior
  • Internal dividers
BUDGET PICK
on stage cb4000 cymbal bag
  • Holds 22" cymbals
  • Internal dividers
  • Backpack straps

How I Tested the Cymbal Bags

As a professional drummer, I know how important it is to transport your cymbals safely while travelling between rehearsals and gigs.

I meticulously tested these cymbal bags to ensure they met my exacting standards.

Durability was a top priority. I inspected the bags’ construction, examining the quality of materials, thickness of padding, robustness of zippers, and the integrity of seams to guarantee they could withstand constant travel and protect a full set of valuable cymbals from impacts.

Capacity was another key consideration. I assessed how well the bags could accommodate cymbals of various sizes while preventing any risk of scratches during transit.

Lastly, I considered ease of use and value for money. I evaluated handles, shoulder straps, and mobility features like wheels to ensure that moving heavy cymbals between gigs was a hassle-free experience.

Best Cymbal Bags Reviews

PREMIUM PICK

Ahead Armor Deluxe Cymbal Bag

Offering excellent portability and protection, this heavy-duty cymbal case has smooth rolling wheels for convenient transport and it can easily accommodate up to 9 cymbals.
Protection
4.5
Materials
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Value
4.0

    Ahead Armor Deluxe Cymbal Bag Review

    The Ahead Armor Cymbal Case is a very high-quality cymbal case, and one of the best cymbal bags for transporting cymbals between gigs and rehearsals.

    Ahead is a fantasic brand that produces some of the world’s best cases for musicians.

    I trust the Ahead Armor cases to transport my cymbals as well as my high-end Tama Star drum set between shows. 

    This cymbal case specifically offers excellent protection, whilst boasting a sleek design that does not compromise on protection.

    Unlike other cymbal bags, I find that this is a much more rugged and durable case that is designed to survive the rigors of touring.

    What also makes this case so great is its smooth-rolling wheels and trolley handle, which make transporting your cymbals a breeze.

    In terms of materials, this cymbal case is very impressive. The quality of the components is excellent- the large zippers, smooth wheels, and super plush dividers are fantastic.

    Inside the case, the roomy interior offerers lots of space and protection for cymbals, and the dividers are extremely soft and high-quality, ensuring there is no metal-to-metal contact between the cymbals.

    The waterproof polyester exterior helps to keep cymbals dry and scratch-free whilst on the road, and the PVC-reinforced bottom is a well-designed feature that helps cymbals to withstand drops and impacts.

    Overall this is a very impressive cymbal case and is without a doubt one of the best cymbal bags for drummers who want a great balance of protection and portability.

    Features:

    • Holds 24″ cymbals
    • Internal dividers
    • Wheels and extendable handle

    Pros

    • Super-soft fleece dividers are the best I have seen in any cymbal case
    • Wheels and extendable handle function well and make transporting cymbals easy
    • DX-core Hi-impact foam cushions cymbals

    Cons

    • I found the rolling wheels are loud in use
    • Does not offer the same level of protection as a hard-shell case

    Gator Cymbal Hard Case With Wheels

    A rugged cymbal hard case that is perfect for traveling. The built-in wheels and pull-out handle make it easy to drag around when walking long distances.
    Protection
    4.5
    Materials
    4.5
    Comfort
    4.5
    Value
    4.0

      Gator Cymbal Hard Case With Wheels Review

      The Gator GP-PE302 cymbal case is a good heavy-duty option to consider. It’s a hard case that is made of plastic, making it feel a lot more rigid than all the other cases on this list. 

      It has an internal design that allows you to screw cymbals in place. They get protected from touching each other, and then the outer exterior protects the cymbals from any environment. 

      This is a fantastic case for drummers that like to use heavier cymbals, as it tends to hold those a lot better than soft cases. The case feels super sturdy and it won’t get damaged over time as soft cases tend to do. 

      I highly recommend this case for drummers that take their cymbals on airplanes. While soft cases are decent for that, owning a hard case will give you more peace of mind. 

      The main selling point is that this cymbal hard case also has wheels and a pull-out handle. This allows you to drag it across the ground in the same way that you drag a hard hardware case.

      I find that this case is ideal for traveling overseas, as you can drag it with you when commuting through airports. 

      The downside is that it gets really heavy once you have several cymbals inside. While that will happen with any cymbal bag, the heavier nature of this one puts it slightly higher on a scale. 

      I’m also not entirely convinced that the pull-out handle will last for more than a decade, as it does feel quite slim and light to hold. 

      If you constantly use it to pull heavy cymbals, it might fail at some point. However, most cymbal bags don’t have guaranteed long lifespans, so that’s a normal aspect to consider. 

      Overall, this is still an excellent option to consider thanks to its high level of protection it offers and also its modest price point for a molded cymbal hardcase.

      Features:

      • Hard case
      • Holds 22” cymbals 
      • Wheels and handle

      Pros

      • Great for taking cymbals on airplanes
      • Ideal for transporting heavy cymbals
      • Easy to move around with smooth rolling wheels and handle

      Cons

      • The pull-out handle feels flimsy when you have very heavy cymbals in the case
      BEST VALUE

      Meinl Professional Cymbal Bag

      An excellent hard-wearing cymbal bag that offers more protection than its low price tag might suggest. It also has internal dividers to eliminate cymbal-to-cymbal contact.
      Protection
      4.0
      Materials
      4.0
      Comfort
      4.0
      Value
      5.0

        Meinl Professional Cymbal Bag Review

        The Meinl Professional Cymbal Bag is one of the most popular cymbal bags available on the market. It has all of the features you want from a cymbal bag to protect your cymbal set, and it’ll last you years of service.

        This cymbal bag is well constructed. I use this cymbal case to transport my cymbals to my wedding gigs, and all of the components are well-built- including the rugged zipper and the nylon stitching.

        The cymbal bag itself accommodates cymbals of up to 22-inches in diameter comfortably and securely. The inside lining feels incredibly plush and soft, and there are internal dividers inside the bag to eliminate cymbal-to-cymbal contact which can easily cause scratches.

        There is an external 15-inch compartment that holds smaller cymbals such as hi-hats and splashes.

        In terms of carrying comfort, this Meinl cymbal bag performs reasonably well. The handle is durable and comfortable, and the shoulder strap is a nice addition that frees up your hands to carry more gear.

        However, I find my shoulder does get a little uncomfortable after some time of carrying. I think it would benefit from extra padding or backpack straps.

        Overall, this Meinl professional cymbal bag does a good job at protecting your cymbals and importantly it has a very attractive price, meaning it is excellent value for the money.

        Bang for your buck, it’s one of the best cymbal bags available on the market.

        Features:

        • Holds 22″ cymbals
        • Internal dividers
        • Durable and affordable

        Pros

        • Well padded internally, with plush internal dividers for added protection
        • Excellent value for money considering it is much more affordable than premium options
        • After extensive use the materials and build quality still hold up very well

        Cons

        • Does not come equipped with backpack straps- only a shoulder strap and handle
        • Does not feature quite as heavy-duty construction as premium cymbal bags

        Protection Racket Deluxe Cymbal Bag

        This cymbal bag is packed with quality features, including strong zippers, ultra-sturdy materials, and a super-soft interior. It offers excellent protection for cymbals.
        Protection
        4.5
        Materials
        4.5
        Comfort
        4.5
        Value
        4.5

          Protection Racket Deluxe Cymbal Bag Review

          This superb Protection Racket Deluxe Cymbal Bag is designed to fit up to 22-inch ride cymbals and it is a very sturdy and durable case.

          Protection Racket is a top manufacturer that specializes in high-quality protective cases, and I rely on Protection Racket cases to protect my drumming equipment. Currently my Mapex Saturn drum set is in Protection Racket drum cases.

          Inside the case, you’ll find the material is ultra-soft and fleecy. There are 4 dividers included which can also be removed if required.

          The materials used throughout this cymbal bag are all high quality and durable. The base of the cymbal bag has a 12-inch poly-prop protector which guarantees the cymbals will not tear through the bottom of the case.

          The material used for the outside of the case is rugged and very heavy-duty. The case has a fleeced outside zipped compartment for hi-hats and splash cymbals up to 15 inches in diameter.

          This cymbal bag by Protection Racket does not feature rucksack straps, but instead a padded shoulder strap. I find it does the job, but it is not as comfortable as having two highly padded rucksack straps whilst carrying a full bag of cymbals.

          Protection Racket cases do not disappoint. The company offers up to a lifetime warranty on defective workmanship on all of its products- a big plus!

          Features:

          • Holds 22″ cymbals
          • Internal dividers
          • Fleeced outside zipped

          Pros

          • Very soft internal dividers offer excellent protection
          • Useful fleeced outside zipped compartment for accessories or small cymbals
          • Long warranty offered against workmanship defects

          Cons

          • Shoulder strap is not as comfy as rucksack style
          • Dividers are removable so might get lost

          Mono Cymbal Bag

          The Mono cymbal bag offers incredible durability, protection, and carrying comfort. It has a robust backpack carry system as well as an easy grip handle.
          Protection
          5.0
          Materials
          5.0
          Comfort
          4.5
          Value
          4.0

            Mono Cymbal Bag Review

            The Mono Cymbal Bag is a premium cymbal case that is very well constructed and offers a very high level of protection for your cymbals.

            I hadn’t heard of Mono until a few years ago, but when I first felt their cymbal cases I knew these were truly fantastic products.

            The backpack system is surprisingly comfortable with a heavy load, and the chest clip does a fantastic job at distributing the weight of the cymbals across my back.

            The case is also easy to carry thanks to the rock-solid, industrial handle with comfortable webbing.

            Inside the cymbal case, there are 5 padded slots, which house cymbals of up to 22 inches in diameter. The dividers cover each cymbal entirely ensuring there is no metal contact between the cymbals.

            I particularly like that this Mono cymbal bag has not just one, but two external cymbal storage compartments. The middle compartment is designed for hi-hat cymbals whilst the smallest part is used for small splash cymbals of 10 inches and smaller.

            This cymbal bag is ideal for the discerning, modern drummer seeking the most protective cymbal bag available to protect his or her valuable cymbals.

            Features:

            • Holds 22″ cymbals
            • Internal dividers
            • Military grade materials

            Pros

            • Military grade materials offer superior durability and protection
            • Very stable and comfortable to carry thanks to the back straps
            • Stylish and practical design with lots of additional pockets for storage

            Cons

            • It's a struggle to get 22" cymbals into the main compartment
            • Expensive price tag compared to other options

            Gator Cymbal Slinger Bag

            The Gator GP-12 is an affordable cymbal bag that provides sufficient protection while also making it easy to carry your hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbals.
            Protection
            4.1
            Materials
            4.6
            Comfort
            4.1
            Value
            4.5

              Gator Cymbal Slinger Bag Review

              If you’re seeking reliable protection at an affordable price, then the GP-12 by Gator is a great choice for transporting your cymbals to gigs and rehearsals.

              You can fit a maximum of eight cymbals into this bag, with a radius of up to 22”. This facilitates large-ride cymbals and every type of hi-hat, crash, splash, or other cymbals you use. 

              Inside the case, each partition is lined with faux fur to ensure that the cymbals don’t press against one another. This reduces tension and also makes it easy to divide the cymbals based on their type or size. 

              One of the most common causes of cymbals being damaged is other heavy items being placed on top of them. After a gig, it’s easy to toss the cymbals into the back of a vehicle without thinking about the risk of them being broken. 

              Storing your cymbals in this Gator bag will reduce the chance of them being split, cracked, or misshaped by providing a protective layer around them.

              The handles and shoulder pads installed on the GP-12 are comfortable to wear, and they are also strong enough to resist wearing or tearing while carrying numerous heavy cymbals. 

              You can tell as soon as you feel this cymbal bag’s quality that it will last for a long time. For the protection it provides your cymbals, it’s a wise long-term investment. 

              Features:

              • Holds 22″ cymbals
              • Padded and fur-lined interior
              • Internal dividers

              Pros

              • The cushioned inner layer prevents cymbals from being damaged
              • Great value considering the quality
              • Useful dividers protect and organize cymbals

              Cons

              • Doesn’t have backpack-style handles, only an over-shoulder strap
              • Premium cases offer greater protection than this one
              BUDGET PICK

              On-Stage Deluxe Cymbal Bag

              An affordable cymbal bag with internal dividers that will be good for your cymbals and your wallet!
              Protection
              3.5
              Materials
              4.0
              Comfort
              4.0
              Value
              5.0

                On-Stage Deluxe Cymbal Bag Review

                The affordable On-Stage Deluxe Cymbal Bag is a surprisingly decent cymbal case for its low-cost price point.

                Although the cymbal bag does not have a particularly premium-quality feel, it is still functional and sufficiently sturdy.

                The bag has rucksack handles that are fairly padded and offer a decent amount of comfort whilst carrying this bag with cymbals inside.

                To protect the cymbals inside the case, the cymbal bag features soft cymbal dividers made with felt cushioning.

                This case also features a large front pocket which is very handy for storing drumming accessories such as sticks, drum keysmusician’s earplugsand a hi-hat clutch.

                The cymbal bag also features a reinforced bottom sole. This will prevent cymbals from tearing through the material and becoming damaged.

                Overall this cymbal case is a reasonably good investment if you are on a budget and looking for reliable protection for rehearsals and shows.

                Features:

                • Holds 22″ cymbals
                • Internal dividers
                • Backpack straps

                Pros

                • Soft internal dividers are impressive for the price
                • Rucksack straps for easy carrying
                • External compartment for hi-hats

                Cons

                • Not as rugged as the other cymbal bags
                • Zips are not high quality compared to other cymbal cases

                Cymbal Bags Buyer’s Guide

                There are a lot of different types of cymbal bags on the market, and many should be avoided.

                The best cymbal bag is one that is built from high-quality materials, is comfortable to carry, has soft internal dividers, and has enough room for all your cymbals.

                All of the products on this list are the best cymbal bags available in the drum market and you can guarantee that they will do the best job at storing and transporting your cymbals safely and comfortably.

                Not only are cymbals an expensive investment, but cymbals are very easy to damage if treated with neglect and without care.

                Cymbals must be properly stored and transported in protective equipment. This is to ensure they don’t receive scratches, cracks, or dents from accidents or impacts.

                One of the worst things to experience being a drummer is discovering a crack in a cymbal. It may potentially be repaired, but the awkward crack will always be there and it not only looks ugly but it diminishes the value of the cymbal massively.

                Keeping your cymbals protected in a heavy-duty and well-padded case will mean you can transport your cymbals not having to worry about them being damaged in transit.

                While hard cases and flight cases offer lots of protection and weight can be loaded on top of them safely, they are very bulky and inconvenient to transport around.

                High-quality cymbal bags on the other hand are easy to carry, with all the products on this list featuring both a large easy-grip handle and straps to be able to carry on your back.

                Hard Cases Vs Soft Bags

                There are two main types of cymbal cases–hard shell and soft sleeve. There are several main notable differences between the two, and each has its pros and cons.

                Hardshell Cymbal Cases

                Hardshell cymbal cases provide more protection compared to soft sleeve cases. This is because they’re made with thicker, sturdier materials. They are more durable and favored by professional drummers as they offer more reliable protection.

                Hard cymbal cases also typically feature rolling wheels, which makes it easier to transport your cymbals as you can roll them along the ground. However, they are much larger and bulkier than soft-sleeve bags and are only really best suited for travel by car or a van.

                Lastly, hardshell cymbal cases are more expensive than soft cases. This is because they are more durable, have larger and more complex designs, and are made with rigid materials.

                Soft Sleeve Cymbal Bags

                Soft sleeve cymbal bags are more common amongst drummers for many reasons. They are lightweight and very portable, as they generally have strong rucksack straps or shoulder straps that make it easy to carry them.

                Soft sleeves offer better portability, but they provide less protection. Cymbal bags are soft and typically made of nylon or tough fabric, while cymbal cases are hard and usually made from rigid plastic.

                Cymbal gig bags are a great option if you need protection, but are looking for something more flexible and lightweight. They will protect your cymbals from minor bumps and scratches but won’t protect them as well as a hard case from a strong impact or drop.

                Features to Look For in Cymbal Bags

                Quality Materials

                A key aspect regarding cymbal bags is the quality of materials used in manufacturing.

                The most expensive items recommended in this product guide feature expensive materials that are more durable and less likely to tear or suffer any damage.

                The best quality rucksack straps I experienced were the ones that were highly padded and thick like in the Mono Cymbal Bag.

                You will need to consider that the more you spend generally reflects the quality you will receive.

                A high-quality cymbal bag will take more consideration into the design, for example, it will feature rugged rubber or kevlar bottoms at the base of the case that is able to withstand impacts better than nylon or fabric.

                Padded Straps

                A set of cymbals weighs a lot. And carrying your cymbals in a protective bag can put a lot of strain on your arms or shoulders.

                Therefore to counteract this, the best cymbal bags are designed with highly padded and adjustable straps that offer comfort and protection whilst carrying a full set of cymbals.

                Backpack straps are the most desirable types of straps, like the ones that come equipped with the Mono cymbal bag or the Ahead Armor case.

                The more affordable cymbal cases featured all have shoulder straps, but they don’t offer the same level of comfort.

                In fact, it can become quite uncomfortable to transport cymbals if you are walking for more than five minutes or so. So if you are buying a cheaper bag, just be sure you’ll park your car close to the studio or venue!

                Internal Dividers

                Internal dividers are crucial for protecting the cymbals in transport as they prevent impacts, scratching, or bumping together from metal-to-metal contact.

                Soft and fleecy internal dividers offer added protection and good cymbal bags will come equipped with them as standard.

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