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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?
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How I Tested
After careful consideration and extensive testing, I handpicked these 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.
In-Depth Hi Hat Stand Reviews
Tama Speed Cobra 915D Hi-Hat Stand
Tama Speed Cobra 915D Hi-Hat Stand Review
The Tama Speed Cobra Hi-Hat Stand is my personal choice, and I’ve been a huge fan of Tama’s Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra pedals and hardware for almost 15 years now.
This high-end stand delivers excellent responsiveness, stability, performance, and customization in a single package. Although it is a premium hi-hat stand, it offers good value for money and is more affordable than comparable stands from DW and Pearl.
Having used this hi-hat stand extensively in both recording studio sessions and on tour, I can attest to its top-tier performance. The super smooth, responsive pedal action and adjustable settings allow for nuanced control, catering to your individual playing style.
It has a solid, robust construction and a sturdy design that means it can withstand the rigors of professional use, whether you’re gigging regularly or recording in the studio. It’s built to last and it always holds up well to my playing.
If you’re an intermediate or professional drummer looking for a hi-hat stand that offers outstanding performance and reliability at a fair price, the Tama Speed Cobra 915D is a fantastic choice.
The stand also features a Quick-Set Clutch that allows for easy and secure adjustment of the top hi-hat.
Overall, I’m a big fan of the Tama Speed Cobra line of hardware, and I consistently use this in my setup along with the matching double pedal.
Pros
- Ultra-responsive and smooth footboard
- Extremely stable two-legged design
- Quick-Set Clutch for easy cymbal adjustments
- Fantastic value for money compared to other professional models
Cons
- No negatives found from my years of testing
Pearl H2050 Eliminator Redline Hi-Hat Stand
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.
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 9500 Heavy-Duty Hi-Hat Stand
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.
Pros
- Effortless playing response
- Incredibly durable and robust
- Fast and responsive feel from Double Eccentric Cam
- Cutting edge design and build quality
Cons
- Very expensive price tag
DW 5000 Series Hi-Hat Stand
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.
Pros
- Very sturdy and stable in use
- Weighty and substantial footboard
- Smooth pedal mechanism
- Highly durable construction
Cons
- No negatives to mention
Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand
Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand Review
This Tama Speed Cobra 315 Hi-Hat Stand 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 more premium hi-hat stands in this list, the Tama Speed Cobra 315 hi-hat stand also features dual-leg construction, which 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.
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
PDP HH820 Hi-Hat Stand
PDP HH820 Hi-Hat Stand Review
PDP, or Pacific Drums and Percussion, is known for offering more affordable drum hardware under the prestigious Drum Workshop brand.
This is their 800 series dual-legged hi-hat stand that is priced towards the entry-level market, yet it is well constructed, and comes with some quality features, including a quick-release clutch, memory locks, solid tubing throughout, and a sturdy baseplate.
It is durably built, and the chain drive mechanism feels silky smooth in operation. You can even adjust the spring tension to your preference.
Large oversized feet help keep the stand in place, and I found it to be very stable from my testing.
It is very well built for the price, and I really don’t think you can go wrong with this option. After testing this model, I can find no faults for the price.
I think it’s the best entry level to intermediate two-legged hi-hat stand on the market.
It would serve any beginner or intermediate drummer well, or even an advanced drummer seeking a reliable hi-hat stand for a practice or electronic kit.
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 9707 Direct Pull Hi-Hat Stand
Gibraltar 9707 Direct Pull Hi-Hat Stand Review
With its smooth action, solid construction, and versatile adjustability, the Gibraltar 9707 Direct Pull Hi-Hat Stand offers a unique playing experience compared to others on this list.
It utilizes a direct pull system rather than a traditional chain drive, which ensures an immediate response, providing a different but very smooth playing sensation that allows for intricate hi-hat work with ease.
From my testing, I found it to be a different type of playing sensation, but it’s very smooth and allows for intricate hi-hat work with ease.
This immediate response is something that many drummers will love, and it’s especially beneficial for drummers who already like the feeling of a direct drive bass drum pedal.
The stand itself features a robust construction that feels totally substantial and solid. Overall it strikes a perfect balance between durability, weight, and affordability.
It also has different adjustment features that can be tailored to suit your overall comfort and performance.
Overall, this is an impressive stand for the money. Gibraltar produces some fantastic quality hardware, particularly for the price, and this 907 direct pull hi hat stand is a good model to consider.
Pros
- Immediate response with the direct pull system
- Smooth action for intricate hi-hat work
- Affordable price tag for a direct drive stand
- Solid and robust construction
Cons
- The direct pull mechanism may feel different for drummers used to chain drives
- I had no problems with this model but some people have mentioned build quality issues
Pearl H930 Hi-Hat Stand
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.
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.
