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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.
I’ve handpicked six of the best options out there, and I’m going to put them to the test. I’ll highlight their standout features, test their strength and functionality, and reveal which ones come out on top.
I’ve included a mix of both soft cymbal bags and hard shell cases, so there’s something here for everyone. I’ve also filmed a full comparison video where I’ve personally tested each of these cymbal bags and cases. Let’s see how each case stacks up!
What are the Best Cymbal Bags?
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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
SKB 24" Cymbal Vault Case
SKB 24" Cymbal Vault Case Review
First up is the SKB 24” Cymbal Vault. This thing is built like a fortress! It has an extremely rigid body for maximum protection, and I can tell you it will survive the rigors of touring.
I know a lot of drummers who use SKB cases on tour, and they do a great job of keeping their gear safe. If you’re planning to fly with your cymbals, the SKB Vault has you covered.
The cymbal vault is designed to hold up to 7 cymbals and it includes 4 dividers to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
To load cymbals into it, place your largest cymbal on the central threaded rod and stack the rest in size order. The cymbals rest on a lightly padded base for added protection.
One thing I love is how stable this case is. Even when it’s upright, it won’t wobble or tip over.
The pullout handle feels premium and it opens out smoothly, which is a real plus. However, the wheels are quite noisy, especially on uneven surfaces—this is the one drawback I’ve found.
Despite that, this is an amazing cymbal case and it offers fantastic value for money at just over $200, given the solid build and high-level of protection. It’s definitely a top contender if you’re serious about safeguarding your cymbals.
Pros
- Extremely durable, hard-shell design offers maximum protection
- Stable and won't tip over when upright
- Ideal for frequent travel and flying
Cons
- Noisy wheels on uneven surfaces
- Only includes 4 internal dividers
Ahead Armor Deluxe 24" Cymbal Trolley
Ahead Armor Deluxe 24" Cymbal Trolley Review
The Ahead Armor Cymbal Trolley has a design that’s reminiscent of a hardshell case but is made from more flexible, softer materials. It’s a great middle ground between protection and convenience.
The build quality is really good, and there’s loads of space. Plus, there’s lots of thick padding all around to keep your cymbals well-protected.
Inside, you’ve got room for 9 cymbals in total. You can store 5 cymbals up to 24 inches in the main compartment and 4 smaller cymbals up to 15 inches in the outer pocket.
I’m especially impressed by the fur-lined dividers inside. They are super thick and plush, and provide a good deal of padding. These stood out as the best dividers among all the cymbal cases I tested.
The pullout handle feels great, and the wheels roll super smoothly. It’s definitely a plus for getting your gear around with minimal effort.
The carry handle could benefit from being a bit longer as it catches slightly on the pullout handle, but it’s nothing major.
The main downside of this case is that it won’t offer quite the same level of protection as a hard shell case like the SKB. It’s not completely weatherproof and I wouldn’t put a heavy load on top of it. Also, it can be prone to tipping forward if left standing upright.
Despite this, the Ahead Cymbal Trolley is a solid investment for those looking for a more premium soft cymbal bag.
Pros
- Super-soft fleece dividers are the best I have seen in any cymbal case
- Rolls smoothly and handles comfortably
- Spacious with separate compartments for large and small cymbals
Cons
- Less protection compared to hard-shell cases
- Prone to tipping over when upright
Hardcase 24” Cymbal Case
Hardcase 24” Cymbal Case Review
The Hardcase 24″ Cymbal Case has been my go-to for several tours and festivals, and I’ve gotta say, it’s always done a fantastic job. I really appreciate that it can hold up 12 cymbals too, which is a lot more practical than the SKB.
I’ve also flown my cymbals in this case overseas without any issues. So if you’re a drummer who travels a lot, it’s a solid choice for plane travel too.
This version of the Hardcase is actually an upgrade from the one I’ve owned for a number of years.
The opening design is much better now – no more clip buckles like the old one. I also like that the top lid is attached now via these small straps which is more convenient when loading and unloading cymbals.
Plus, the wheels are smoother, making it a lot easier and quieter to move around.
Inside, there’s space for up to 12 cymbals, and you get 11 foam dividers to keep everything separated. Loading it up is simple: just start with your largest cymbal at the bottom and work your way up, then tighten the nut over the thread to keep everything secure.
The case itself is built like a tank. The rigid body protects your cymbals from impacts and also from the weight of other gear you’ve got stacked on top.
Overall, this is a fantastic cymbal case. It does get heavy when it’s fully loaded, but the wheels and pull-out handle make it manageable, so your back won’t hate you when you’re lugging it from the car to the venue.
The only thing that bugs me is that it can be a bit prone to tipping over when it’s standing upright, but that’s a small trade-off for the level of protection you’re getting.
Pros
- Enormous cymbal capacity of up to 12 cymbals
- Extremely durable and impact-resistant
- Smooth, quiet wheels
Cons
- Tends to tip over when standing upright
Mono Cymbal Bag
Mono Cymbal Bag Review
The Mono M80 22” cymbal bag is super lightweight yet it doesn’t compromise on protection whatsoever.
I’m a big fan of this case. It’s durable and extremely well made. Despite being compact and space-saving, it’s strong enough to handle all your cymbals with ease.
Whether using the handle or the backpack straps, I found it really comfortable to carry. It’s practical for gigs, especially where you might be walking up and down lots of stairs or taking public transport.
The padding on this bag is impressive. It’s thick all around, and offers a high level of protection. Inside the main compartment, you can fit up to five 22” cymbals, each separated by plush, padded dividers that keep them safe and secure.
There are also two external pockets – one for your hi-hats and another for splashes – both well-padded, with the hi-hat compartment also featuring a small pouch for clutches.
The zippers are rugged, and the base of the bag is reinforced with a tough rubber material, which adds to its overall durability. Despite its protective features, the Mono M80 remains incredibly compact, saving you space while ensuring your cymbals are fully protected.
Aesthetically, it’s probably my favorite of all the models tested- it has a sleek and minimalistic look that I think is really stylish.
If you’re after a soft-shell cymbal bag that’s lightweight, versatile, and built to last, the Mono M80 is a top pick.
Pros
- Premium quality materials offer superior durability and protection
- Very stable and comfortable to carry thanks to the backpack straps
- Stylish and practical design with additional storage
Cons
- Smaller than comparable bags for larger setups
Tama Powerpad 22" Cymbal Bag
Tama Powerpad 22" Cymbal Bag Review
The Tama Powerpad 22″ Cymbal Bag has truly surprised me in the best way possible, especially considering its budget-friendly price. You’d expect a bag at this price point to have some compromises, but honestly, this thing delivers across the board.
First off, the padding is seriously impressive. It’s thick, and the materials feel solid and durable, like they could handle some serious road wear. Inside, you’ve got four compartments in the main section that can hold cymbals up to 22 inches.
The internal dividers are surprisingly thick and offer way more protection than you’d expect from a bag at this price.
Plus, there’s an outer pocket that’s perfect for your hi-hats and splashes, accommodating cymbals up to 15 inches.
The base and underside are also really well-padded and reinforced, so you don’t have to worry about your cymbals getting damaged on hard floors or the bag tearing.
This bag is easy to carry, with a comfy handle and a padded shoulder strap. It doesn’t have backpack straps, which might be the only drawback, but I still found it convenient to get around.
It’s not only protective and affordable, but it’s also water-repellent, looks sleek, and has a large back pocket for accessories, sticks, and whatever else you need.
For what you pay, the Tama Powerpad is amazing. Out of all the bags I tested, this one has the best bang for your buck, hands down!
Pros
- Affordable yet remarkably protective and durable
- Water-repellent and extremely well-designed
- Excellent padding and reinforcement throughout
Cons
- Lacks backpack straps
- Limited to 4 cymbals in the main section
Gator Cymbal Bag 22" Backpack
Gator Cymbal Bag 22" Backpack Review
Last up we’ve got the Gator 22″ Cymbal Backpack. I wanted to include this as it’s a relatively popular budget option, but I noticed right off the bat that the quality of the materials doesn’t match up to the Tama Powerpad, especially when you compare the thickness of the dividers.
Inside, you’ve got a main compartment with six slots for your cymbals, all separated by dividers. These feel thinner and less protective, which I was quite disappointed by.
There’s no smaller pocket for hi-hats or splashes, instead just a large accessories pocket on the front, which can store extras like drum keys, sticks, or sheet music.
The Gator Cymbal Bag does have one advantage over the Tama Powerpad with its backpack straps, which are actually pretty comfy. It does also have a shoulder strap if you prefer to sling it over your shoulder instead.
The base is quite thick and well-protected, and the walls aren’t too bad either. But overall this bag didn’t hit the mark for me in terms of build quality and ruggedness.
Pros
- Comfortable backpack straps
- Affordable with decent protection for its price
- Lots of storage compartments
Cons
- Thin dividers offer less cymbal protection
- No separate pocket for hi-hats or splashes
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.
