8 Best Hi Hat Stands That Are Rock Solid

best hi hat stand

I review products independently and only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase through a link, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

A hi-hat stand is an often understated part of the drum set. But it is worth investing in the best hi-hat stand you can afford that offers a solid and reliable performance.

The best hi-hat stand should provide rock-solid stability as well as an exceptional playing response. A good hi-hat stand will also need to withstand frequent touring and use both on stage and in the studio.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best hi-hat stands on the drum market. I’ve compared performance, durability, stability, and cost to give you my top recommendations.

What are the Best Hi Hat Stands?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best
Pearl H2050 Eliminator Redline Hi-Hat Stand
  • Interchangeable cams 
  • Footboard Powershifter 
  • SuperGrip Clutch
DW 5000 Series Hi-Hat Stand
  • Two-legged hi-hat stand
  • Ultra sturdy and smooth
  • Renowned DW quality
Premium
DW 9500 Heavy-Duty Hi-Hat Stand
  • Two-legged hi-hat stand
  • The true professional's choice
  • Double Eccentric Cam
Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand
  • Two-legged hi-hat stand
  • Modeled on flagship Speed Cobra range
  • 6-Way tension adjustment
DW 3000 Series Hi-Hat Stand
  • Two-legged hi-hat stand
  • Sturdy footboard and baseplate
  • Great value professional stand
BUDGET
PDP 800 series hi hat stand
  • 2-Leg design
  • Sturdy baseplate
  • Very comfortable to play
Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand
  • Affordable yet durable
  • Very heavy construction
  • Liquid Drive chain mechanism
Pearl H930 Hi-Hat Stand
  • Highly durable hi-hat stand
  • Pearl Lifetime guarantee
  • Tripod with swivel function

How I Tested

After careful consideration and extensive testing, I handpicked the top hi-hat stands based on various criteria to ensure an exceptional playing experience.

First, weight played a significant role. I chose hi hat stands that are suitable to transport to gigs while being strong enough to cater to the demands of professional-level drumming.

Performance was the most crucial key consideration. I chose hi hat stands that feature a remarkably smooth pedal drive and a solid footboard that together offer a responsive playing feel and precise control. 

I also prioritized hi-hat stands with two legs over those with three. Two-legged stands are favored by professionals due to their ease of setup and compatibility with double pedals.

By carefully considering these factors and testing each stand, I am confident that these selections will meet the needs of any drummer.

In-Depth Hi Hat Stand Reviews

Best

Pearl H2050 Eliminator Redline Hi-Hat Stand

One of Pearl’s highest-quality hi-hat stands. It has a range of adjustable features to make it highly personalized for any drummer using it. It’s a great option for anyone wanting something very premium.
Performance
5.0
Stability
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
Adjustability
5.0
Value
4.5

    Pearl H2050 Eliminator Redline Hi-Hat Stand Review

    The Pearl H2050 Eliminator Redline is truly an impressive hi-hat stand. Most people think of DW when they want a deeply engineered stand with impressive features, but I think this option easily competes with the likes of the DW 5000 and 9000 stands. 

    When I tried this stand out, I was massively impressed by the amount of customization it offered, and I was quickly able to dial in settings that made it feel very comfortable to use. 

    One of the most impressive features is the interchangeable cam system. The stand comes with four different cams that you can use, with each one offering a varied level of response. 

    The footboard also has Pearl’s Powershifter design, allowing you to switch between three playing positions. This accommodates for different feet sizes, but I also found it to work incredibly well for drummers that use different parts of their foot to play the pedal. 

    On top of that, the feet have retractable spikes to keep the stand secured to the floor. So, the stand is incredibly stable, even though it only has two legs. 

    This makes it one of the best hi-hat stands for double pedal drummers, in my opinion. You get complete freedom with your slave pedal placement, and the stand feels just as stable as any three-legged stand out there. 

    If you can afford the high price tag, I highly recommend that you consider this hi-hat stand. You likely won’t need to buy a new one for a very long time once you get it. 

    Features:

    • Interchangeable cams 
    • Footboard Powershifter 
    • SuperGrip Clutch

    Pros

    • One of the most adjustable hi-hat stands available, giving it really high value
    • Very stable, even though it has two legs instead of three
    • Great option for drummers who use double bass drum pedals
    • Includes a high-quality clutch

    Cons

    • Quite expensive, pushing it out of the budget range of many drummers

    DW 5000 Series Hi-Hat Stand

    The DW 5000 hi-hat stand offers the perfect balance of weight, durability, roadworthiness, and performance. It is the best all-round performer on the market right now.
    Performance
    4.6
    Stability
    4.8
    Build Quality
    4.8
    Adjustability
    4.5
    Value
    4.3

      DW 5000 Series Hi-Hat Stand Review

      The DW 5000 series hardware represents the industry standard for top quality, medium-weight hardware.

      This hi-hat stand offers the perfect balance of weight, durability, road-worthiness, and fantastic performance. It is the best all-round performer on the market right now.

      This DW 5000 Series Hi-Hat Stand is designed and manufactured with the high quality you can expect from DW. This stand is packed with innovative features that improve its portability and performance.

      The uni-body folding footboard saves space when packing down, and the unique bearing link connector offers a precise playing response from the pedal mechanism.

      The DW 5000 Series hi-hat stand feels great to play and incredibly sturdy underfoot. The baseplate and footboard are substantial the stand doesn’t wobble at all. The pedal mechanism is accurate and responsive to all of the nuances of my playing.

      The hi-hat pedal closes with a really confident and firm action and it results in a great hi-hat ‘chick’ sound. Although it is very weighty and substantial it doesn’t require you to stomp your foot down too hard, it is dynamic and smooth.

      Overall this product by DW wins first place as my top recommended hi-hat pedal on the market. It is ultra sturdy and constructed of very high-quality materials and all of the components perform brilliantly, including the SM379 locking hi-hat clutch.

      Features:

      • Two-legged hi-hat stand
      • Ultra sturdy and smooth
      • Renowned DW quality

      Pros

      • Best hi hat stand for the money
      • Weighty and substantial footboard
      • Smooth pedal mechanism
      • Highly durable construction

      Cons

      • Very little negatives!
      Premium

      DW 9500 Heavy-Duty Hi-Hat Stand

      The true professional’s choice as the top hi-hat stand on the market. It offers a uniquely fast and responsive feel, as well as sturdiness unmatched by any hi-hat stand on the market.
      Performance
      5.0
      Stability
      5.0
      Build Quality
      4.8
      Adjustability
      4.5
      Value
      3.8

        DW 9500 Heavy-Duty Hi-Hat Stand Review

        The DW 9500 Heavy-Duty Hi Hat Stand is the true professional’s choice as the best hi hat stand on the market. This hi hat stand offers a uniquely fast and responsive feel that is unmatched by any hi hat stand on the market.

        It is incredibly sturdy and heavy – and it will last you years of service. It’s built like a tank and although it carries a premium price tag, it feels effortless to play and it boasts incredible design features.

        The patented Double Eccentric Cam offers the fastest and most responsive playing feel of any hi hat stand available. It increases the sensitivity of the footboard in relation to the cymbal movement that offers a distinctive playing experience.

        The fixed steel baseplate adds sturdiness, and the footboard is well constructed and hefty. The hi-hat stand feels great to use and the mechanism offers a fast action and quick response. It feels light yet also substantial that responds well to the opening and closing motions.

        The DW 9500 Hi Hat Stand is used by the world’s top drummers on stage and in the recording studio, for all styles of music. The uni-body folding footboard, heavy-gauge tubing, and lateral cymbal seat all help to make this hi hat stand the best hi hat stand for pro drummers.

        Features:

        • Two-legged hi-hat stand
        • The true professional’s choice
        • Double Eccentric Cam

        Pros

        • Effortless playing response
        • Incredibly durable and robust
        • Fast and responsive feel from Double Eccentric Cam
        • Cutting edge design

        Cons

        • Premium price tag

        Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand

        Modeled on Tama’s flagship Speed Cobra hi-hat stand, this 315 model feels great to play with and has a sturdy build quality.
        Performance
        4.0
        Stability
        3.8
        Build Quality
        4.1
        Adjustability
        3.7
        Value
        4.8

          Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand Review

          This Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand we have up for review has been modeled on the flagship range of speed cobra products. It feels great to play and has a sturdy build quality.

          Much like the two previous DW hi-hat stands, this Tama Speed Cobra 315 hi-hat stand also features dual-leg construction, and permits for convenient setup as well as allowing for a double bass pedal and other cymbal stands.

          This hi-hat stand does not feature a steel base plate, but it does have a small stabilizer underneath the footboard that shifts the balance and strength towards the player. The absence of a baseplate means this hi-hat stand is fully foldable and highly portable.

          The construction of this hi-hat stand is of noteworthy quality, and Tama is well known for manufacturing great drum hardware. This model shares a similar quality construction as its 915 Speed Cobra bigger brother but at an affordable price.

          The hi-hat response is smooth and accurate, and the footboard is heavy-duty. With this stand, you are able to adjust the hi-hat between 6 different tensions to suit your desired pedal action.

          All the components are well constructed and I’m really impressed with this hi-hat stand in operation. It offers everything you want from a quality hi-hat stand and for a great price!

          Features:

          • Two-legged hi-hat stand
          • Modeled on flagship Speed Cobra range
          • 6-Way tension adjustment

          Pros

          • Highly functional and stable
          • Excellent value dual-legged stand
          • 6 Different tension setings
          • High quality all round performer

          Cons

          • Not quite as well equipped as premium stands

          DW 3000 Series Hi-Hat Stand

          With a smooth playing response and good stability, the DW 3000 series stand is a versatile medium-weight hi-hat stand that is perfect for both gigging and studio use.
          Performance
          4.0
          Stability
          4.2
          Build Quality
          3.8
          Adjustability
          3.8
          Value
          4.5

            DW 3000 Series Hi-Hat Stand Review

            Up next we have the DW 3000 Series Hi-Hat Stand which offers fantastic value for money, with lots of high-end features at an attractive price point.

            It is a two-legged stand, which is a huge bonus for a stand of this price. The benefits of having a two-legged stand mean that you can comfortably accommodate a double bass drum pedal without the feet interfering, whilst also offering fantastic stability.

            The DW 3000 series hi-hat stand performs great much like it’s bigger brother 5000 series stand, and offers a smooth playing response and great stability. It is a medium weight hi-hat stand that also folds away really easily for a quick and easy setup.

            The best thing about this pedal is the price in conjunction with the significant level of quality it offers. It makes a seriously good investment for the up and coming drummer.

            Features: 

            • Two-legged hi-hat stand
            • Sturdy footboard and baseplate
            • Great value professional stand

            Pros

            • Fantastic value for money
            • Solid footboard and baseplate
            • Uni-body folding footboard
            • Smooth and accurate performance

            Cons

            • Not quite as rugged or beefy as DW 5000
            BUDGET

            PDP HH820 Hi-Hat Stand

            This dual-legged hi-hat stand is well constructed, and it’s got some killer high-end features, including oversized rubber feet, memory locks, and a sturdy base plate.
            Performance
            3.6
            Stability
            3.8
            Build Quality
            3.6
            Adjustability
            3.8
            Value
            4.8

              PDP HH820 Hi-Hat Stand Review

              Next up for review, we have the PDP HH820 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand that features a 2-leg design for flexible positioning and double-braced legs for sturdy performance.

              This dual-legged hi hat stand is really well constructed and it’s got some killer high-end features including oversized rubber feet, memory locks and a sturdy base plate.

              If you play a double bass pedal, you’re going to want a 2-leg hi hat stand. It allows for far more comfortable positioning! This stand is a quality piece of drum hardware that is very sturdy and robust, even with 2 legs.

              This is the best hi hat stand that features 2 legs to buy on a budget. I found it to be super smooth and comfortable to play. It’s an affordable yet high-quality hi hat stand that will hold up well to the rigors of touring.

              Features:

              • 2-Leg design
              • Sturdy baseplate
              • Very comfortable to play

              Pros

              • Exceptional value for money
              • Sturdy and robust design
              • Easily accommodates double pedal
              • Smooth, lightweight pedal mechanism

              Cons

              • Not able to adjust pedal tension

              Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand

              Although very affordable, the Gibraltar 5707 hi-hat stand provides a playful and smooth playing response. It is also surprisingly sturdy and will hold up to any type of drumming.
              Performance
              4.0
              Stability
              4.0
              Build Quality
              4.0
              Adjustability
              3.7
              Value
              4.6

                Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand Review

                The Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand i is very heavy. It is built like a tank. This will stand up to even the most punishing drummers and take a real beating.

                It’s also really smooth. It features a high-quality direct lever pull with Gibraltar designed Liquid Drive for a really responsive feel. The hi-hat pedal offers great control and a smooth response to the varying dynamics of my feet.

                This hi hat stand really holds up to my playing and its super sturdy whilst offering a great pedal action. I’m certainly impressed with a hi-hat stand of this quality especially for its budget price range.

                If you’re on a budget looking for a well-built hi-hat stand, the Gibraltar 5707 might be just the ticket!

                Features: 

                • Affordable yet durable
                • Very heavy construction
                • Liquid Drive chain mechanism

                Pros

                • Solid construction
                • Best budget hi hat stand on the market
                • Reliable brand
                • Responsive pedal mechanism

                Cons

                • Not a two-legged hi hat stand
                • Not very portable

                Pearl H930 Hi-Hat Stand

                A robust and easy to use hi-hat stand available on a budget, that feels smooth in operation and also has a lifetime warranty.
                Performance
                3.5
                Stability
                4.2
                Build Quality
                4.5
                Adjustability
                3.5
                Value
                4.5

                  Pearl H930 Hi-Hat Stand Review

                  The design of the Pearl H930 Hi-Hat Stand is simple yet effective. There are no fancy gimmicks, it simply offers reliability and solid performance for every single performance you throw at it.

                  In use, the Pearl H930 hi-hat stand offers a smooth and comfortable playing response, with its solid chain drive mechanism.

                  I owned the previous generation model of this exact hi-hat stand for 8 years and it never wore out at all, it was just as strong as it was the day I got it.

                  With this hi-hat stand, you are able to rotate the legs with the swivel function that helps to accommodate a double bass pedal.

                  You also have the ability to adjust the desired pedal tension with the spring tension dial in the frame of the stand.

                  If you are looking for one of the most reliable hi-hat stands at a more affordable price then the Pearl H930 is an excellent option to consider.

                  The only real downside is that over the years, it seems the quality of Pearl’s more affordable hardware has gone down slightly, as the latest version doesn’t feel quite as beefy as the one I owned years ago.

                  Features: 

                  • Highly durable hi-hat stand
                  • Pearl Lifetime guarantee
                  • Tripod with swivel function

                  Pros

                  • Pearl Lifetime guarantee
                  • Incredibly robust and durable
                  • Smooth pedal action
                  • Tripod with swivel function

                  Cons

                  • Not a two-legged hi hat stand
                  • Lacks a base plate

                  Hi-Hat Stand Buyer's Guide

                  Hi-hat stands are an essential part of every drummer’s kit, and choosing the best hi-hat stand for your needs will help to provide you with better playing control, improved sound, as well as greater reliability within your setup.

                  But with so many different types available, how do you know which one is right for you? In this buyer’s guide, I’ll help to provide you with everything you need to know about hi-hat stands, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

                  Hi-hat stands are available at a wide range of different prices, and the features included vary greatly. So you’ll need to consider a few factors before choosing the best one for your setup.

                  Features to Look For in Hi-Hat Stands

                  Reliability and Durability

                  Solid drum hardware needs to be built with high-quality components and strong internal mechanisms.

                  The last thing you will want is a hi-hat stand with loose pieces and weak construction.

                  The best hi-hat stands will be comprised of heavy-duty tubing with integrated memory locks to replicate the hi-hat height settings when setting up the hi-hat stand for each show and rehearsal.

                  Hi-hat rods should have secure threads that affix tight to the stand’s internal mechanism.

                  A good hi-hat stand will also include an easy-to-use hi-hat clutch that attaches to the top hi-hat cymbal.

                  Smooth Performance

                  As well as being sturdy and reliable, you will want a hi-hat stand with a smooth pedal action that accurately responds to the dynamics of your foot.

                  It’s not just about playing the hi-hats either fully open or closed, but every possible level in between.

                  A good hi-hat stand will feel great to play and offer a smooth and responsive action whilst playing your hi-hat cymbals.

                  Not only should a hi-hat stand offer a smooth, effortless action, but also an instant playing response without any lag.

                  This allows the pedal to be an extension of your foot, and will therefore translate all of the nuances of your playing technique.

                  Things to Consider When Buying a Hi-Hat Stand

                  When looking for a hi-hat stand, you’ll want to consider the following features:

                  • The weight of the stand – Hi-hat stands come in various weights, which affects their durability and portability. A lightweight stand is great for those who need to easily transport their set-up, while a heavier stand is better suited for heavier players and professional-level situations.
                  • The height adjustment range – This will determine how high or low the stand can be adjusted, and the height of the rod that the hi-hat clutch attaches to. This is important if you have a particularly short or tall cymbal set-up. A good stand should be able to accommodate different playing styles and heights.
                  • The pedal drive – This will determine how smooth and responsive the pedal is, which affects your playing control. Good hi-hat stands use a dual-chain drive which offers professional-level performance.
                  • The tilting range – This will determine how far the top hat can be tilted in either direction and is important for finding a comfortable playing position.
                  • The number of legs – Most hi-hat stands have three legs, but hi-hat stands with two legs are used more by professionals, and they are more desirable. This is because they are easier to incorporate into a setup and accommodate double pedals better.

                  Why Are Two-Legged Hi-Hat Stands Better?

                  Hi-hat stands come in two different variants: two-legged options and three-legged options.

                  Two-legged hi-hat stands are typically more desirable and have traditionally been exclusive to the most expensive and top-of-the-range hi-hat pedals from various manufacturers.

                  It is great to see that two-legged hi-hat stands are making their way into the mid-range market and are becoming more accessible for intermediate and advancing drummers.

                  Using a double bass drum pedal with a three-legged hi-hat stand is often a pain. Even if the hi-hat stand has swivel legs it simply gets in the way and causes an obstruction.

                  Two-legged hi-hat stands are much easier to use with double bass pedals because the legs fold out of the way and support the hi-hat frame from behind.

                  Two-Legged hi-hat stands also offer even more stability than their three-legged counterparts also. This is because the footplate offers its role as the third leg and forms a very stable tripod.

                  Another great benefit of two-legged hi-hat stands is that you can adjust the angle of the hi-hat cymbals for you to hit. This is especially important when recording your hi-hat cymbals on stage and in the studio with a hi-hat microphone.

                  You can achieve your desired level by opening the legs out more or less depending on what you prefer. I personally like to have my hi-hats set up rather flat but if you want your hi-hats angled slightly higher up you are able to set this up with no problem.

                  Hi-Hat Stand FAQs

                  How high should your hi-hats be positioned?

                  As a rule of thumb, I’d suggest having your hi-hats positioned about 6 inches above the height of the snare drum.

                  This will enable you to play the hi-hats comfortably while also having complete playing control, and you’ll be able to utilize a variety of playing techniques and dynamics.

                  Drumeo Banner
                  Drumeo Banner Desktop
                  Scroll to Top