Best crash cymbals: Give your playing the emphasis it deserves

Whether you like your crashes on the downbeat or the upbeat, crash cymbals are one of the most important elements of your cymbal selection.

This list will go over some of our top picks when it comes to the best crash cymbals.

Best crash cymbal overall: Paiste Signature Full Crash

What determines the best crash cymbals? Every drummer has their preference. Size, the type of metal or alloy, ported on not. There are a lot of factors that go into it.

Remember, every drummer is different. Every drummer has their own style. And not every cymbal will suit every style of music. We went with the Signature Full Crash because of its amazing sound quality, durability, and overall versatility.

It’s not the most expensive crash cymbal on the market, but a lot of drummers swear by the Paiste Signature Full Crash. Read reviews on any music distributor and you’ll find five stars across the board.

Using Paiste’s signature alloy you’ll get a sound that is full bodied, with a high end that shimmers and a very clean decay. It also comes in a number of sizes – 16”, 18”, 19”, and 20”. So no matter what size you prefer there’s an option for you.

Best crash/ride cymbal: Zildjian K Crash/Ride

Crash/ride cymbals are unique, dual-purpose cymbals. They’re obviously a mix of both types, so you want one that doesn’t have too long of a decay but one that is versatile enough to be used in a variety of cymbal scenarios.

Much like the A series, Zildjian’s K line is a choice of top drummers worldwide. Their crash/ride is great for pretty much every style of music. It’s got a darker tone, but responds well and has great definition. The K logo is even vented!

It comes in three sizes – 18”, 20”, and 21”. It’s a little pricey, but with the versatility it offers and Zildjian’s dedication to quality this K series model is a great choice.

Best crash cymbal for recording: Paiste 16” Signature Fast Crash

When it comes to recording, ideally you want smaller cymbals due to their faster decay. A lot of the pros prefer thin crash cymbals for this very reason.

This fast crash from Swiss company Paiste has all of the features you could want in a studio crash. Made from the company’s signature bronze alloy it’s got a warm sound with a fast response and short sustain. This makes it perfect for minimizing wash.

It’s also got a little bit reduced volume so you don’t have to worry as much about clipping. And although it’s ideal for studio work, if you want a fast crash for playing live it’s still a top choice.

Best crash cymbal for rock: Zildjian 18” A Custom

A lot of the best drummers in rock swear by the Zildjian A Custom series. And their preferred choice of crash cymbal from the set is the 18” A Custom.

It’s got a bright tone that cuts right through a dense mix. Great for rock and heavier styles like metal, this Zildjian is made of highly durable cast bronze. And if properly cared for it will last you for years.

It’s not cheap, but cymbals take such abuse that you want something that will hold up to a drummer that really goes for it.

It’s a thin weight, but has a lot of body to the sound. When you think of the best crash cymbals for rock, this one is the sound you imagine. When it comes to the best crash cymbals, especially for rock, it’s hard to beat.

Best O-Zone crash cymbal: Sabian HHX Evolution Series O-Zone 18″

O-Zone cymbals are one of the most unique types of crash cymbals. This type of cymbal has small holes, in this case 2″ in diameter, to add a unique flair to the sound.

At 18″ it’s a larger crash with a thin weight, but they’re meant to stick out in a mix. O-Zone style cymbals don’t just come in crashes either. Rides, hi-hats, inverted, even smaller cymbals like splashes sound cool with the reduced surface area.

Raw, dark, dirty. Nasty, aggressive, trashy. Whatever adjectives you want to put on it this model from the HHX line adds a sound all its own to any cymbal setup.

Best dual crash cymbal: Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash 16″

Dual crashes add a unique sound to any cymbal configuration. This model from Meinl has a dark and warm tone with great definition. Even though it’s tame in the high frequencies it still offers solid projection and presence.

The material is a cast alloy and the hammering is done by hand. There’s no lathing and the finish is raw, which adds to its unique look. It’s got a brilliant finish with a proprietary combination of hammering and lathing.

Effects cymbals vary just like the needs of the drummers that use them. This dual crash has an open sound with raspy wash and fast decay.

Best budget crash cymbal: Meinl HCS 18”

Good cymbals are not cheap. Manufacturing them is a painstaking process, but you want one that sounds as good as it is durable.

Meinl’s HCS series is their entry level line, but don’t think that means they don’t sound professional. Their HCS crash is a MS63 alloy that provides a balanced sound that’s got some warmth to it. It’s got a good sound spread with a medium sustain.

Don’t sleep on Meinl cymbals. They may not have the market share that companies like Zildjian and Paiste do, but the quality is really comparable. At under $100 this is a great option if budget is tight but you don’t want to skip on tone.

What to consider when buying crash cymbals

Cymbal alloys

Cymbals are made of different alloys, or combinations of metals. Copper is large component, not only for how shapeable it is, but because of its sound properties. The most commonly used copper alloy is bronze.

You might see cymbals labeled B20 (80% copper, 20% tin), or B8 (92% copper, 8%tin). The ratio depends on the sound you want, the type of cymbal it is, and the manufacturer.

Cymbal sizes

Crash cymbals range from 14”-20”. The “ideal” size most drummers prefer is around 18”. This size has good projection without too much decay. Once you get to 19” and above it tends to be more crash/ride territory (our choice in that category below!).

You also have to consider what you’re using it for. A lot of drummers prefer larger cymbals for live playing because they have stronger projection and a slower decay.

But for recording the opposite tends to be true. Smaller cymbals with a faster decay are preferable because they won’t sound overly “washy”, muddying up the mix.

FAQ

What is a crash cymbal used for?

It’s used to create accents, or “crashes”. They’re generally used in moderation like during transitions, solos, or song endings.

What is the best crash cymbal?

What does “best” mean to you? This is highly subjective. We went with the Paiste Signature Full Crash because of the reasons listed above.

Ideally you want something with a full body to the sound, a shimmering top end, and a decay that works best for your style and application.

What is the best size crash cymbal?

As mentioned above, crash cymbals generally range from 14”-20”. The best size depends on drummer preference. Again, decay and projection are usually the two most critical elements drummers look for. As mentioned, cymbals for playing live generally have the best sound if they’re larger, while drummers tend to prefer smaller cymbals for recording because of the faster decay.

Which cymbal brand is best?

Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, and Meinl are the most popular. They sound fantastic, they’re durable, and whichever brand you prefer it’s a worthwhile investment.

Is Sabian better than Zildjian?

Sabian is actually an offshoot of Zildjian. Both brands are high quality and used worldwide by all types of drummers. Choosing one or the other is really up to personal preference.