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Cymbal stands are a crucial part of a drummer’s setup. They mount all different types of cymbals, and because cymbals are expensive, they need to be strong and dependable!
The best cymbal stands are designed to be ultra-sturdy and highly functional. They also feature player comforts such as memory locks, quick-lock cymbal wingnuts, and large adjustment handles.
Cymbal stands will also need to be lightweight enough to be transported easily, yet sturdy enough to not creep or move during a performance. They will also need to be able to comfortably accommodate large ride cymbals and crash cymbals within a setup.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best cymbal stands for all different budgets. I’ve compared performance, durability, stability, features, and cost to give you my top recommendations.
What are the Best Cymbal Stands?
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Cymbal Stands
I’ve used countless cymbal stands throughout my drumming career. I’ve owned dozens of my own, but I’ve also used plenty more at gigs where drum setups have been provided.
With that experience, I’ve been able to identify what the best cymbals stands available are. I used that to compile this list, but I also made sure to include stands that checked a few boxes.
Stability was the most important consideration during my selection process. The construction and design needed to ensure that the cymbal stand remained sturdy, even during intense drumming.
Weight was also crucial. Cymbal stands must strike the right balance between having a robust construction and a manageable weight, as having a stand that is too heavy can be impractical.
I also ensured to select stands that are easily adjustable; in order to facilitate quick and precise adjustments both on stage and in the studio.
Best Cymbal Stands Reviews
DW 9700 Boom Cymbal Stand
DW 9700 Boom Cymbal Stand Review
The DW 9700 Boom Cymbal Stand is the most versatile and heavy-duty cymbal stand on the market.
The construction quality of the DW 9700 boom cymbal stand is superior to every other cymbal stand on the market that I’ve played, and it’s packed with excellent features and offers enormous stability.
Several pro drummer friends of mine all swear by this particular cymbal stand, and when I first used it, I instantly knew how well the stand would stay in place and not let me down.
It’s immediately noticeable just how sturdy and strong this cymbal stand is. It feels absolutely rock solid, and it’s clearly designed to withstand frequent touring and shows.
The DW 9700 boom cymbal stand is the best-constructed stand on the market, and it has an array of innovative features that make setting up your drum set quick and painless each time.
The toothless tilters with the drummer-friendly TechLock made finding precise angles very easy for my cymbals, and the integrated cymbal felt and wingnut combo is convenient when taking cymbals on and off the stand.
The cymbal stand utilizes memory locks throughout, enabling you to save your preferred cymbal height and settings. This makes setting up and packing down effortless.
The double-braced tripod legs and hefty steel tubing provide unparalleled stability and strength compared to other cymbal stands on the market.
If you are looking for the best cymbal stands to add to your setup, the DW 9000 series cymbal stands are the best cymbal stands for professional drummers and they are worth their weight in gold.
Although it has a high price tag, I can honestly say this is the highest quality cymbal stand I’ve ever used.
You can feel the quality when playing cymbals, and it made the price seem more than worth it. So, it’s definitely my top recommendation for anyone with a high budget.
Pros
- Best cymbal stands for professional touring drummers
- Toothless tilter allows for infinite cymbal positioning
- Hinged memory locks allows you to recall height settings when setting up and packing down
Cons
- Heavier than most other cymbal stands- the trade off for its superior strength
- Premium price tag makes it a rather costly investment
Tama Roadpro HC83BW Boom Cymbal Stand
Tama Roadpro HC83BW Boom Cymbal Stand Review
The Tama Roadpro HC83BW Boom Cymbal Stand is another exceptional cymbal stand for the money. It is seriously sturdy and well built and makes this a great cymbal stand for shows and touring.
The build quality of this cymbal stand is excellent, and all of the components are strong and durable. It’s also super easy to set up and teardown after a show.
The stand itself is pretty heavy at 6kg, and it’s very easy to set up and pack down thanks to the smooth locking nuts and tube joints.
For any drummer looking for a cymbal stand that will stay firmly in place and support cymbals and rack toms, this stand really is a dream investment. It is affordable yet professional quality.
Tama’s patented toothless gear tilter mechanism allows you to adjust the cymbal stand to any angle, and the mechanism has a more durable structure to a conventional gear tilter. I’ve always been a big fan of this design, so I’m always excited to be playing with Tama hardware stands.
It also features a useful quick-set cymbal mate wingnut that locks into place over the cymbal with one touch, saving time and effort when setting up your cymbals!
Overall this Tama Roadpro HC83BW cymbal stand is one of the best cymbal stands on the market and it won’t let you down. It is perfect for drummers of all levels, and it is incredibly sturdy and strong.
Pros
- Quick-Set Tilter offers infinite adjustability
- Useful Quick-set Cymbal Mate wingnut allows for quick cymbal changes
- Excellent value and sturdy cymbal stand
Cons
- No memory locks featured on this stand
DW 5000 Boom Cymbal Stand
DW 5000 Boom Cymbal Stand Review
The DW 5700 Boom Cymbal Stand is another professional cymbal stand from Drum Workshop, and I’ve been using these cymbal stands within my own gigging and touring setup for quite a while now.
The DW 5700 is a premium-level cymbal stand that boasts the same features and high level of functionality as the more expensive DW 9700 cymbal stand.
This cymbal stand is a very robust and durable piece of hardware that can also convert between a straight stand and a boom cymbal stand when required.
It is rock solid and has always been able to support even my heaviest ride cymbals.
The cymbal stand has pro-level features such as a fine-tooth tilter plus a captive wingnut and cymbal felt that makes setting up cymbals a breeze when playing shows and rehearsals. It also utilizes memory locks throughout to replicate your settings.
I own three of these DW 5700 cymbal stands and they have all of the pro-level features I look for in the best cymbal stands on the market.
For its price, it’s one of the best professional cymbal stands available. It’s by no means cheap, but it should last decades of use. Mine are all over 10 years old and still going strong!
Pros
- Incredibly stable and rugged medium weight stand
- Toothless tilter allows for infinite cymbal positioning
- Hinged memory locks to save height settings
Cons
- Not as smooth to set up as DW 9700 stand
Pearl BC-930 Boom Cymbal Stand
Pearl BC-930 Boom Cymbal Stand Review
The Pearl BC-930 Boom Cymbal Stand is a high-quality model that is the optimal balance of performance, value, and functionality.
Much like the other cymbal stands reviewed thus far, this model also has the ability to convert between a boom and a straight cymbal stand.
Pearl drums make excellent quality hardware, and this boom cymbal stand is no exception. The build quality is fantastic, and these cymbal stands are able to support heavy cymbals and rack toms without any trouble.
I loved the Uni-Lock tilter, as it seemed to be very smooth and user-friendly, allowing me to adjust my cymbal to any desired angle without any fuss.
The overall heavy-dutiness of the stand was also a big stand out quality for me.
Overall, the Pearl BC-930 boom cymbal stand is solid in operation and is a good size and weight. It’s one of the best cymbal stands that is affordable and reliable to use for shows, rehearsals, and home practice.
Pros
- Uni-Lock tilter is smooth and user friendly
- Reliable and dependable cymbal stand
- A great affordable option for beginners and those operating on a budget
Cons
- No memory locks included- meaning you are unable to recall settings
- Not as heavy-duty as the older version BC900
- Lacks the sturdiness and heft of other cymbal stands reviewed
Gibraltar 5709 Boom Cymbal Stand
Gibraltar 5709 Boom Cymbal Stand Review
The Gibraltar 5709 Boom Cymbal Stand is a budget offering from Gibraltar hardware, a company that specializes in making reliable and roadworthy drum hardware.
This boom cymbal stand is an excellent quality stand for its price point. Although it is not as substantial and heavy as the other cymbal stands offered in this guide, it is sturdy and easy to use.
The cymbal stand has wide double-braced legs and oversized rubber feet that provide a solid foundation. It also has easy-to-use cast-hinged height adjustments that hold firmly in place.
Another great feature of this cymbal stand for the price it is offered is the retractable boom arm that allows this cymbal stand to convert into a straight cymbal stand.
This feature isn’t one that I’ve seen on many entry-level stands, so it stood out when I tested this model.
Despite this stand having high-quality components, it is somewhat lighter than professional quality cymbal stands, so it would likely struggle to hold a rack tom as well as a heavy cymbal.
Overall this is one of the best cymbal stands available for the beginner- intermediate level market and will be a welcome addition to a beginner drum set.
Pros
- Excellent quality cymbal stand with an affordable price tag
- Cast hinged height adjustments hold firmly in place
- Sturdy in operation and easy to use with comfortable gear tilters
Cons
- No hinged memory locks included
Cymbal Stands Buyer’s Guide
No matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced gigging drummer, sturdy and supportive cymbal stands make up a crucial part of your drumming gear.
The more you spend on a cymbal stand, the better quality features and build quality you’ll receive. The good news, however, is that you can obtain a functional cymbal stand at an affordable price.
There is a gulf of difference in quality between expensive and cheap cymbal stands. Cheap cymbal stands break easily, rattle, and can even fall over during a performance if a large cymbal side as a ride cymbal is placed on it. You sure don’t want that happening.
The Gibraltar 5709 Boom Cymbal Stand is an excellent example that offers reliability at a budget price point, and the Pearl BC-930 Boom Cymbal Stand is also a good alternative option.
Towards the higher-end of the market, you can look at options such as the DW 5700 and DW 9700 Boom Cymbal Stands. Both of which are designed with ultimate performance and functionality in mind.
These cymbal stands are noticeably higher quality than cheaper drum hardware. The steel tubing is much more hefty and substantial, and the mechanisms operate extremely smoothly.
Furthermore, high-end stands also feature player comforts such as fine-tooth tilters that offer infinite adjustability for positioning, memory locks, and quick-lock cymbal wingnuts for faster drum set setting up and tearing down.
Below I will cover different features you should look for when searching for your next cymbal stand, and I’ll answer some FAQs too.
Features to Look For In Cymbal Stands
Strong Double Braced Tripod Legs
Most modern cymbal stands feature double-braced tripod legs because they offer excellent stability.
Whether you have a large budget or you are seeking something more affordable, be sure to buy a cymbal stand that has double-braced legs. In addition to this, look for large, oversized rubber feet too.
Boom Cymbal Arm
In the past, cymbal stands were either boom cymbal stands or straight cymbal stands. While you can still buy each type, most cymbal stands nowadays are boom stands that can function as either.
Boom cymbal stands are more versatile and offer greater flexibility when setting up your drum set. This is because the boom arm offers greater reach and can bring cymbals to a more comfortable playing position.
Cymbal stands with boom cymbal arms generally have the functionality to make them ‘hideaway’ within the steel tubing so they can also function as a straight stand if required.
Memory Locks
Memory locks are typically found in more expensive and higher-end drum hardware, and they serve two important purposes.
Memory locks allow you to save and recall your favored height adjustments and positioning angles, which saves time when setting up your drum set next time.
In addition to this, memory locks also offer an added layer of reliability while performing, as they secure everything in place even tighter.
Infinite Adjustment Settings
Brands such as DW and Pearl amongst others have added functionality to their cymbal stands that allow for infinite adjustability when it comes to cymbal positioning.
DW’s Toothless tilters and Pearl’s Uni-Lock tilter both essentially function the same, and as they don’t have a set number of ‘teeth’ you can choose any adjustment angle for maximum placement versatility.
This is a very desirable feature that you’ll only find on the high-end cymbal stands.
Quick Release Cymbal Wingnuts
Top-quality cymbal stands are also now packed with player comforts such as quick-release cymbal wingnuts which allow fast changeovers without needing to screw a wingnut at all.
They work with clip mechanisms that save some time and also allow you to achieve the optimal level of cymbal tightness, and therefore you can choose for greater or less freedom of movement from the cymbal swing.
Just remember not to over-tighten your cymbals as this can cause cymbal cracks and keyholing!
Cymbal Stand FAQs
How Many Types of Cymbal Stand are There?
There are two types of cymbal stands: straight cymbal stands and boom cymbal stands. Boom cymbal arms offer greater reach and can extend outwards instead of simply just up and down, which is what straight cymbal stands offer.
What are the Best Brands for Cymbal Stands?
Most of the top drumming brands offer their own hardware lines, which include affordable options as well as expensive offerings.
Some of the best brands for cymbal stands include Drum Workshop (DW), Tama, Pearl, Gretsch, Mapex, and Ludwig.
How Do I Set Up and Position a Cymbal Stand?
Setting up a cymbal stand is easy. You’ll need to assemble it by putting the various metal tubes together. They may well just be collapsed together like a Russian doll. Then you’ll need to open up the tripod base and ensure it’s sturdy by tightening the gears.
Positioning a cymbal stand is mostly down to personal preference, but I’ve written a complete guide that you can find here about how to set up your cymbals correctly.
The key thing to remember when setting up crash cymbals or ride cymbals is that you need to find a good spot for your cymbal stand that allows you to position the cymbals without getting in the way of any of your other drums.
