Sabian AAX Cymbal Set Review

Background

The AAX Stage Performance set was actually my first professional-level cymbal pack I ever owned way back in 2008. That was a long time ago now, but I still remember how much I loved those cymbals. Looking back, though, they were quite a bit heavier, and they didn’t have the raw-looking bells that these newer versions have.

These latest AAX models feel far more refined. The thinner weights, brilliant finishes, and unlathed bells work perfectly together to produce a sound that’s cleaner, more open, and just generally more modern. 

To my ears, these sound way better than the older AAX models. They are more musical, more expressive, and more versatile.

Hi-Hats

The 14” medium AAX hi-hats are excellent. They’re super clean and precise with very minimal harsh overtones. The foot “chick” sound is crisp and defined, while the stick sound is articulate and controlled. When you open them up, they roar with a bright, punchy wash that still feels refined rather than harsh.

These are some of the most versatile hi-hats in this price range – they work beautifully for pop, rock, funk, gospel, and even heavier genres.

Crash Cymbals

Both the 16” and 18” AAX thin crashes sound fantastic. They have that distinctive glassy shimmer that Sabian’s known for, but they also sound smooth and premium – not brittle or overly bright.

What stands out most to me is how dynamic they are. They respond beautifully to lighter touches, which makes them easy to control, but they open up effortlessly when you dig in. They’re expressive, musical, and just really well-voiced across the range.

Ride Cymbal

The 21” medium ride is an absolute all-rounder. It’s got a clean, defined stick sound, a strong bell that cuts through with authority, and a crashable bow that opens up nicely without getting too washy.

It’s right in that perfect middle ground. It’s not too heavy that it feels stiff, but not too light that it loses clarity. It’s a proper workhorse ride that could easily be the centrepiece of your setup.

Tone and Character

Overall, this AAX set sounds bright, modern, and glassy, but there’s also a warmth and refinement that stops it from being too aggressive.

Compared to something like Zildjian A Customs or Z Customs (which I also own) these have a slightly more mellow top end and a rounder tone overall.

They still cut through any mix with ease, but they feel a bit more musical and controlled. That balance of brightness and smoothness makes them suitable for a really wide range of styles like pop, rock, gospel, metal, fusion – you name it.

Build Quality and Features

Each cymbal features a brilliant finish with raw, unlathed bells. The contrast between the shiny bow and the raw bell looks stunning in person and adds that modern aesthetic Sabian’s been leaning into with the AAX range.

The thinner weights across this set also help them feel more responsive and lively under the sticks, while still maintaining that trademark AAX projection and presence. They open up easily but retain focus, which is a tricky balance to get right.

Verdict

I’m genuinely impressed with the latest generation of Sabian AAX cymbals. They’ve managed to refine the sound without losing what made the AAX line so popular in the first place – power, projection, and clarity.

These cymbals are explosive, bright, and full of life, yet still controlled and versatile enough to suit a huge range of musical situations. The hi-hats are tight and precise, the crashes are rich and musical, and the ride is an absolute workhorse.

If you want cymbals that deliver a modern, pro-level sound with a bit more character and warmth than some of their competitors, the Sabian AAX series is a fantastic choice.