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Crash cymbals are essential tools for drummers, allowing you to add dramatic accents, powerful transitions, and explosive energy to your drumming.
While a single crash cymbal has a particular sound profile, there are many different crash cymbals on the market to suit all different tastes.
When choosing the best-sounding crash cymbal, you will want a model that complements the styles of music you play, and is the ideal size for your playing style and setup.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best crash cymbals to suit a range of budgets. I’ve compared cymbal sizes, sounds, build quality, and cost to give you my top recommendations.
What are the Best Crash Cymbals?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
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BEST COMPLEX CHARACTER
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Best Premium Crash
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Best Professional Crash
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Best Intermediate Crash
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Best Responsive Crash
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BEST CLASSIC CRASH
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Best Bright Sounds
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Best Trashy Tones
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How I've Tested and Selected the Best Crash Cymbals
I’ve carefully evaluated and tested all of the crash cymbals in this guide to provide you with the best models available for drummers of all different budgets.
These cymbals are handpicked based on their capacity to deliver powerful and explosive accents, while still possessing a highly musical sound that will fit at home within any modern style of music.
My evaluation criteria focused on attributes including tone, projection, sustain, and durability, ensuring they meet the standards of professional drummers.
Below you’ll find the top options to suit various budgets and musical styles, that are powerful and expressive additions to any drummer’s arsenal.
In-Depth Crash Cymbal Reviews
Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Thin Crash
Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Thin Crash Review
The Meinl 18″ Byzance Sand Thin Crash is a remarkable sounding cymbal with a warm and musically pleasing crash sound that excels both live and in the studio.
Crafted with a distinctive “Sand” finish, this cymbal offers a unique character, providing a warm and dry tonality with controlled sustain.
I love that its thinner weight ensures a quick attack and a full-bodied wash, making it suitable for various musical styles, including rock, jazz, pop, and fusion.
Despite its buttery and warm sonic texture, the Byzance Sand Thin Crash also exhibits a dark and trashy quality. This dual characteristic offers nuanced tones that cut through the mix without being overpowering. The cymbal’s ability to balance warmth with a hint of darkness and trashiness makes it a versatile addition to any drummer’s kit.
One of the standout features of this cymbal is its ability to project a wide sonic range. When struck with different playing dynamics, it can produce anything from a soft, subtle crash to a loud explosion. This dynamic versatility allows it to easily adapt to different musical contexts and playing styles.
The Meinl Byzance Sand Thin Crash’s controlled sustain ensures that it doesn’t linger too long in the mix, preventing it from overwhelming other elements of your sound. This makes it particularly effective for live performances, where clarity and articulation are crucial.
This is one of my all-time favorite crashes, and it’s such a joy to play. Its responsive nature, combined with its rich and varied tonal qualities, inspires creativity and keeps drawing me back to play it.
Pros
- Versatile for a wide range of musical styles
- Quick attack and full-bodied wash
- Warm, buttery texture with a dark and trashy quality
Cons
- Premium price point
Zildjian 18” K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
Zildjian 18” K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal Review
This sublime Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal is a beautiful-sounding medium-thin weight model, and it is extremely versatile for many styles of music.
This K Custom crash is a part of Zildjian’s flagship line of premium cymbals, and it possesses a wonderfully dark and complex character.
After striking this cymbal for the first time, I was amazed by its explosive, dark, and rich tone.
It has a lower pitch yet it still has high-end qualities that give it a strong presence and enable it to cut through instruments within various musical genres.
After the initial crash explosion, the sounds decay quickly. It’s a highly articulate and versatile cymbal with a buttery smooth sound that is just so inviting to play.
No matter whether I play rock, blues, or hip-hop, I keep being drawn back to this crash cymbal simply because of how good it feels and sounds to play.
The Zildjian K Custom line of cymbals represent some of the best cymbals available, and I personally love this 18” dark crash. It’s one of the finest in the series.
Pros
- Gorgeous explosive and dark sounds
- Highly musical and is perfect for a broad range of styles and genres
- Articulate and responsive no matter what playing dynamics
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Darker character may not be best suited for those who enjoy bright cymbals such as A customs
Sabian 18” AAX Fast Crash Cymbal
Sabian 18” AAX Fast Crash Cymbal Review
The Sabian 18” AAX Fast Crash Cymbal is one of my favorite cymbals to use for live gigs.
This cymbal has an amazing tone, that is bright without being too overpowering, and with a thin design that makes it feel super responsive to play.
That washiness, weight, and pitch makes it more versatile than other bright cymbal options in my opinion, such as Zildjian’s A Custom line.
The response I get when playing this crash is very quick. You get an immediate full tone when you strike it, and you don’t need to strike it hard to get all the depth.
That quick response is a result of the bell being a bit smaller, as well as its thinner weight.
I’ve used this crash cymbal in almost every musical style possible. It feels right at home when used in metal setups, but it sounds just as good for electronic music, pop, blues, or classic rock.
While I’m more of a fan of Sabian’s HHX lines, this is definitely a fantastic crash cymbal that I immediately loved after playing it for a very short time.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good 18” crash cymbal for a reasonable price. It’s a full-on professional crash ready to take on any situation.
Pros
- Very musically responsive thanks to the thin design
- Versatile enough to sound great in any style from metal to jazz
- Popular option for professional drummers
- Great durability thanks to the immaculate build
Cons
- Not all drummers are fans of brighter cymbals, so you may want something a bit lower in pitch
Meinl 18" Classics Custom Dual Crash
Meinl 18" Classics Custom Dual Crash Review
The Meinl 18″ Classics Custom Dual Crash is an excellent value cymbal in the Meinl lineup, known for its modern and explosive sound with a moderate-quick decay.
Crafted from a B12 bronze alloy, the Classics Custom Dual Crash features an extra 2% tin compared to the rest of the Classics Custom line that uses B10. This slight variation in alloy composition results in a cymbal with a richer yet focused sound.
The cymbal’s dual finish – a combination of brilliant and traditional – not only adds to its visual appeal to my playing but also contributes to its unique sound profile, blending the bright attack of the brilliant finish with the warm sustain of the traditional finish.
One of the best things about this cymbal is its versatility. Whether you’re playing aggressive rock and metal or more nuanced fusion and pop, the Meinl 18″ Classics Custom Dual Crash will blend in seamlessly to any style.
I love how this cymbal sounds, and I think it offers an impressive performance at an affordable price- making it an excellent choice for drummers looking for great sounds without breaking the bank.
Its durability, affordability, versatility, and modern tonal character makes it a top choice for both intermediate and advanced drummers.
Pros
- Modern and explosive sound with a moderate-quick decay
- Excellent sounding cymbal with an affordable price tag
- Versatile and explosive crash cymbal
Cons
- Brightness may be too intense for softer, more mellow musical styles
Sabian 18" HHX Legacy Crash
Sabian 18" HHX Legacy Crash Review
The Sabian 18″ HHX Legacy crash is a beautiful sounding cymbal with a wonderfully dark and intricate tonal character.
Crafted from B20 bronze, it produces a warm, rich sound with a deep undertone, accompanied by a controlled wash and a quick, responsive attack.
The sonic palette of this cymbal is perfectly balanced. isn’t too dark, and it isn’t too bright, and it also has a slight trashiness that adds to its character.
I’m particularly drawn to the glossy, shimmering undertones that add an extra layer of complexity to the sound.
This cymbal strikes a perfect balance of projection, articulation, and warmth, making it an ideal choice for both studio recordings and live performances.
In my opinion, this cymbal has a warm complex tone, yet it also has a modern and bright projection making it sound incredibly impressive and versatile.
It is supremely versatile across a number of genres, including jazz, pop, blues, punk, metal, and funk. This cymbal features in many pro drummer setups from these genres.
I personally love this cymbal, and find myself keep being drawn back to play it. It’s incredibly responsive and musical, and makes an inspiring choice for the discerning modern drummer.
Pros
- Versatile for a wide range of genres
- Quick, responsive attack and beautiful tone
- Glossy undertones enhance complexity
Cons
- Expensive model
- Rather thin weight means it lacks some volume
Paiste 18" 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal
Paiste 18" 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal Review
The Paiste 18″ 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal has an iconic sound that has made it a staple in the rock drumming world for decades. Renowned for its bright and penetrating tone, this cymbal is perfect for genres that require a bit more volume and presence.
This cymbal is characterized by its clear and cutting projection. When struck, it produces a focused and brilliant crash with a shimmering wash that effortlessly cuts through the mix.
Constructed from Paiste’s proprietary CuSn8 bronze alloy, also known as “2002 Bronze,” this cymbal combines durability with a bright, clean sound profile.
One of the standout features of the Paiste 18″ 2002 Classic Crash is its lively and energetic sound. I love its quick attack and powerful, explosive crash that decays smoothly, leaving a pleasing shimmer.
Despite its brightness and energy, it also possesses just enough warmth to prevent it from sounding too harsh or brittle.
For me, it really offers a timeless and well-defined sound, making it an excellent choice for both live performances and studio recordings.
Overall, this cymbal embodies the classic crash sound and it’s offered at a reasonable price too. Its combination of quality construction, iconic sound, and affordability makes it a fantastic addition to any drummer’s setup.
Pros
- Iconic bright and penetrating tone
- Timeless and well-defined sound
- Quick attack with a smooth decay
Cons
- Brightness might be too intense for softer musical genres
Paiste 18” PST7 Crash Cymbal
Paiste 18” PST7 Crash Cymbal Review
The Paiste PST7 18-inch crash is an excellent mid-range crash cymbal produced by Swiss manufacturer Paiste. It has an explosive and full-bodied sound that truly offers amazing value for money.
I find the Paiste PST7 line possess similar sound qualities to that of far more expensive cymbals thanks to the high-quality CuSn8 bronze alloy, which is the same as Paiste’s legendary 2002 series.
When compared to the flagship 2002 crash cymbal, I think this 18” medium crash has very similar sonic characteristics, which is very impressive.
This crash cymbal opens up with an incredibly musical voice, and it really bursts to life with bright overtones and it has just the right amount of sustain.
It has a medium pitch and has a good balance of bright and warm sonic qualities.
The Paiste PST7 Crash Cymbal works great for just about any popular style of music. It has the ability to cut through a wall of loud distorted guitars as well as speak with a softer voice when played more quietly.
Overall this crash cymbal is a fantastic mid-priced option, and if you are looking for the best cymbal for the money this has to be in your shortlist.
For the money, I can find no major faults with this cymbal, and it’s a great choice for all drummers looking to upgrade a crash cymbal or to add an additional crash to a setup.
Pros
- Beautiful traditional sounding crash cymbal
- Excellent value for money- easily one of the best sounding crash cymbals for its price point
- Explosive and full-bodied with bright and rich tones
Cons
- Very few negatives can be drawn, but some of the high frequencies may be problematic for very small rooms
Zultan 18" Dune Crash Cymbal
Zultan 18" Dune Crash Cymbal Review
The Zultan 18″ Dune Crash Cymbal offers quality craftsmanship, distinctive sonic characteristics, and outstanding value for money. After spending time with this cymbal, I can confidently say it’s one of the most impressive crashes in its price range.
I find it quite similar to the Zildjian K Special Dry line, which is known for its raw and earthy tones. If you’re a fan of that sound but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Zultan Dune Crash is a fantastic alternative.
This crash cymbal boasts a very modern and desirable range of tones. When I strike it, it delivers an explosive attack that quickly settles into a warm, complex wash. This combination of brightness and warmth makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide array of musical styles, from rock and pop to jazz and fusion.
One of the aspects that truly sets Zultan’s cymbals apart is the value for money they offer. Despite its professional-grade quality and sound, the Zultan 18″ Dune Crash is very affordable.
In my experience, Zultan’s cymbals are hands down some of the best value-for-money cymbals I’ve ever tried. The craftsmanship is evident in the cymbal’s responsiveness and durability, ensuring that it will hold up well under regular use, whether in a studio or live setting.
The versatility of this cymbal cannot be overstated. Its tonal character is broad enough to fit into various genres and settings, yet it maintains a unique sound that can distinguish your playing. The combination of its explosive nature and warm undertones offers a dynamic range that’s both exciting and musically satisfying.
In summary, the Zultan 18″ Dune Crash Cymbal is a remarkable instrument that offers professional quality at an unbeatable price. Its dry and trashy sound, combined with a modern tonal range, makes it a joy to play.
Pros
- Incredibly dry and trashy sound, similar to Zildjian K Special Dry line
- Explosive attack with a warm, complex wash
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- May not be suitable for drummers seeking a more traditional crash sound
Crash Cymbal Buying Guide
A crash cymbal is an iconic cymbal that is featured in every musical style and is a staple part of any drum set.
The main function of a crash cymbal is to provide distinctive accents within music to signify the ends of phrases and musical transitions.
Because of their distinctive sound qualities and use within modern music, a drummer typically features two or more crash cymbals within a setup.
Crash cymbals are typically the loudest cymbals available as the name suggests, and provide a punctuated and sharp sound.
They sound great at the end of a fill, which generally marks the transition into the ‘1’ of a new phrase.
Rock and metal music predominantly feature crash cymbals within grooves and drum beats to add more aggression and power alongside the distorted guitar rhythms.
When hi-hats or a ride cymbal bell won’t quite cut it, wailing on a crash cymbal will add lots more intensity to a piece of music!
What Features to Look for in a Crash Cymbal
Cymbal Alloy
The type of cymbal alloy used is largely responsible for the cymbal’s overall sound.
Traditionally, the best crash cymbal is one that is made from B20 bronze: a formula that is comprised of 80% copper and 20% tin, with traces of silver.
Adding more tin to a bronze alloy is known to darken the tone, and lead to a sonically richer sounding cymbal. This is why nearly all professional cymbals available are comprised of B20 bronze.
Meinl and Paiste have developed mid-priced point cymbals that are far superior to other affordable cymbals in terms of quality, tone, sound, versatility, and playing response.
These two manufacturers utilize B10 bronze and CuSn8 bronze respectively to produce high-quality and affordable cymbals.
B20 bronze cymbals still dominate the premium cymbal market and are still the professional’s choice. But it’s important to use your ears over your eyes when it comes to choosing a crash cymbal.
Cymbal Weight
The weight of a cymbal greatly affects the cymbal’s volume, sound, and power.
Thin crash cymbals speak faster and are more responsive. This is because vibrations are able to travel through the metal faster. Because of this, thinner cymbals are punchier and more energetic.
But with this being said, heavier crash cymbals are louder and have more projection. So in terms of volume and power, heavier cymbals can cut through music far better than lightweight models.
If you are looking for the best crash cymbal to suit a wide range of musical styles, the crash cymbal you should go for will be a medium weight, which has the optimal balance of explosive sounds and loud projection.
Cymbal Size
Crash cymbals can range from 14 to 24 inches in diameter, even though the most popular sizes are between 16 and 20 inches.
Larger cymbals have more volume and a longer sustain than smaller cymbals. Think of the short and snappy cutting sound of a splash cymbal as opposed to a 24” ride cymbal.
Bigger cymbals have a bigger sound and will require more power from the drummer to activate them.
The size of the bell of a cymbal also contributes to the volume and overtones. The cymbal bell adds harmonics that can audibly be heard. A heavy crash cymbal with a large bell has richer harmonics than a thin cymbal with a small bell.
Cymbal Finishes
There are two main types of finishes that come adorned on crash cymbals: traditional or brilliant.
Brilliant finish cymbals have a gleaming, highly-buffed mirror-shine surface.
The reflective, slick surface lends itself to a much brighter sound overall that can cut through loud mixes.
Traditional finish cymbals undergo a less intense finishing process, and therefore have a dull sheen on the surface.
Traditional cymbals typically have a warmer and darker sound compared to brilliant finish cymbals.
Crash Cymbal FAQs
What Size Crash Cymbals Should I Get?
The ideal size for a crash cymbal is between 16 and 20 inches in diameter. Anything smaller than 16 inches and I find it begins to sound like a splash cymbal, and if you go larger than 20 inches it loses its explosiveness.
It is very common and popular for drummers to incorporate two crash cymbals within their setup of different sizes.
My personal favorite-sized crash cymbals are 17 and 19 inches. So I like to have a 17-inch crash cymbal on my left in my setup, and the 19-inch crash placed to my right.
If you are buying a first crash cymbal as a beginner I’d recommend buying a 16-inch crash cymbal. If you are getting a secondary crash cymbal then I would look to get a 17-inch or 18-inch crash cymbal.
Do I Need 2 Crash Cymbals?
Most drummers feature more than one crash cymbal within their setup, whether that’s two, three, or even more crash cymbals.
It totally depends on personal preference, budget, the style of music you play, as well as the amount of space you have to set up a drum set!
There are rock and metal drummers like Mike Portnoy and Thomas Lang who play with almost 10 crash cymbals! And then there are some drummers who only use 2 or even some who use a single crash cymbal.
Drummers with very compact sets (typically Motown or jazz drummers) tend to only use a single crash cymbal, it just depends on personal preference and also your playing style.
If I had a drum tech that would set up and pack down my drum set between shows, then I think I would probably be using a lot more crash cymbals within my setup!
