Crash cymbals are like very loud, metallic versions of literary punctuation marks. Well, except the 14 punctuation marks commonly used by writers can be slashed to just two for drummers: an exclamation mark (smashing a crash to accent a part or announce the next section of a song) and a period (choking a crash to end a passage).

However, drummers can command more subtle (and not-so-subtle) variations over those two punctuation marks than even the greatest writers of all time. For example, drummers aren’t beholden to a reader’s interpretation of a written exclamation mark. A drummer can incisively deliver the exact punctuation they intend by hitting the right crash the right way.

Pictured: Zildjian Logo on Zildjian Crash Cymbal

But first you’ll need to find the crash cymbals that will become your personal exclamation marks.

In this article, we’ll provide insights into crash cymbal elements and construction to help you zero in on the tones you want. Then, we’ll reveal the best crash cymbals of 2024—from renowned makers such as MEINL, Paiste, SABIAN and Zildjian—so you can find the most suitable “punctuation marks” for your style and music.

Table of Contents

Parts of a Crash Cymbal
What Affects Crash Cymbal Tone?
Metal Manners
The Best Crash Cymbals of 2024
   16" Crash Cymbals
       SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash
       Zildlian K Sweet Crash
   17" Crash Cymbals
       Paiste PST 7
   18" Crash Cymbals
       MEINL Classics Custom Dual Crash
       MEINL HCS Crash
       MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash
       Paiste 2002 Crash
       Paiste PST 7 Crash
       SABIAN AAX X-Plosion Crash
       SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash
       SABIAN STRATUS Crash
       SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash
       Zildjian A Custom Crash
       Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash
       Zildjian K Sweet Crash
       Zildjian Z Custom Crash
   20" Crash Cymbals
       MEINL Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
       MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash
       SABIAN STRATUS Crash
       Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash
   22" Crash Cymbals
       Paiste 2002 Crash
       SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash
Smash It!

Parts of a Crash Cymbal

You may ask yourself: “It’s a crash cymbal. I just batter and smash it. Why do I need to know about parts?” Well, you can just bash away, but the ability to express those subtle/unsubtle shades of shimmer we discussed earlier will be lost to you. Knowing something about the anatomy of a cymbal—and how those different regions affect tone—will open up significant options for changing up the impact of your crashes.

Bell. This is the bump in the middle of the cymbal, and its size is critical to how a crash reacts. A large bell has a rapid attack and produces more overtones—definite benefits for a crash cymbal. A small bell delivers a focused sound with excellent articulation, but not much volume—qualities that are great for a ride cymbal, but less desirable for a crash.

• Hip trick: If you’re playing in a low-volume situation, hitting the edge (see below) of a crash cymbal with your stick perpendicular to it creates a gentle bell sound. It’s a harmonically rich clang, rather than an explosive crash, but the sound should be enough to punctuate a part without resorting to high-volume antics.

Pictured: Zildjian K Sweet Crash Bell

Edge. The outermost part of the cymbal is the edge, and this is where you’ll target most of your crash playing. It’s thin out there, however, so while hitting a crash at its edge produces a wonderful wash with excellent articulation, brutish bashing can cause cracks.

• Hip trick: Crashes are typically played with a rapid stick attack, but try letting your stick get lazy and dawdle on the cymbal for slightly muted tone.

Surface. The area between the bell and edge is the surface, and this region is responsible for the bulk of a cymbal’s vibration. You can get a somewhat softer crash by aiming the shoulder of your stick at the middle of the cymbal, or even rapidly “swishing” the stick across the surface.

• Hip trick: Don’t always focus on the edge for your crashes. Switch it up by hitting different areas of the surface.

Pictured: SABIAN Logo on SABIAN Crash Cymbal

Taper. The taper indicates how progressively thin the cymbal gets as measured from the bell to the edge. Crash cymbals tend to have prominent tapers because a thinner edge typically produces rapid, explosive washes.

Bow. Sometimes referred to as “curvature,” the bow of a cymbal is the degree it curves from bell to edge. Generally, the steeper the curve, the higher the pitch.

What Affects Crash Cymbal Tone?

There’s no one easy answer, as most everything that goes into the construction of a cymbal affects its sound. The parts we just discussed impose tonal impacts, and other elements influence the final sonic outcome, as well. We’ll touch on some tone factors below. However, many cymbal manufacturers pride themselves on developing exclusive production methods, so definitions and descriptions usually don’t tell the whole story.

Bronze alloys. The majority of cymbals are forged from some kind of brass alloy, and brass is a mixture of copper and tin. Generally, the more tin in the blend, the darker and richer the tone. Less tin in the mix produces a bright, articulate sound. The most popular bronze alloys for cymbals are B20 (80-percent copper/20-percent tin) and B8 (92-percent copper/8-percent tin)—although you’ll also see B10 (90-percent copper/10-percent tin), B12 (88-percent copper/12-percent tin) and others.

Size. The diameter of a crash cymbal informs its sound in a big way. Sizes typically range from 14" to 20", and the larger the cymbal, the longer the decay and deeper the sound. Go small for a fast attack and size up if you want an explosive start and a big finish. Opinions vary—imagine that—but an 18" crash is considered a good size to start with, or if you plan to use just one crash cymbal in your rig. Something else to consider is the thickness of the crash. A large, thick cymbal usually has a lower pitch than a small, thin crash.

Hammering. The hammering process compresses the metal of the cymbal outward, creating both a profile (the steeper the profile, the higher the pitch) and surface distortions (which can increase sonic complexity). While hammering may evoke visions of blacksmiths, it can be done by a machine, as well as a human. However, hand-hammered cymbals are typically one of a kind. Even crashes of the same model designation can sound quite different and unique.

Pictured: Star Pattern Hammering on Zildjian 18" Z Custom Crash Cymbal

Lathing. Lathing cuts grooves into a cymbal’s surface that help project the sound. Typically, smoother grooves with less peaks and valleys generate less volume and overtones, while deep, sharp and tight grooves produce more volume and more overtones.

Finish. Even looks can impact crash cymbal tone. A shiny finish requires buffing and polishing—which also smooths out the grooves made by the lathe—typically resulting in a bright, dimensional sound. A cymbal with a raw, natural finish often produces a warmer, darker tone.

Metal Manners

It should not have to be said, but it actually has to be said. If you’re playing aggressive music, fierce salvos of crashes may be totally appropriate. However, singer-songwriters and pop vocalists likely won’t appreciate the same treatment, as blizzards of high end will step all over their melodies and the dynamics of their songs. Practice crash courtesy—along with a healthy dash of self-awareness—when working with other musicians in a band. If your crashes are obliterating the lead and background vocals, guitars, keyboards and anything else in harm’s way, back off. Save any relentless clangorous clatter for your drum solo.

The Best Crash Cymbals of 2024

Whether our explanation of anatomy and tone helped sharpen your understanding of which cymbal might be right for you, or if you simply clicked directly to the following guide, we’ve assembled some of the most popular, top-rated crash cymbals for your consideration.

We also organized the options by size to make it easier to fill in sounds you may be missing amongst your current cymbal setup, or focus precisely on the size and tone you want.

16" Crash Cymbals

SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash

The SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash is a medium-thin cymbal that produces a bold midrange and lots of high end. Cast from SABIAN’s proprietary B20 bronze alloy, the 16" Fast Crash has a rapid response and lots of sensitivity to your sticking dynamics.

Pictured: SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash Cymbal 16"

Zildjian K Sweet Crash

The Zildjian K Sweet Crash is hammered to a very thin density from the company’s B20 bronze alloy. The surface is lathed, but the bell is unlathed, contributing to a dark shimmer with resonant overtones and a fast response.

Pictured: Zildjian K Sweet Crash Cymbal 16"

17" Crash Cymbals

Paiste PST 7

The hammered, fully lathed Paiste PST 7 is crafted from the CuSn8 bronze used for its 2002 series of cymbals—a formulation that’s 92-percent copper and 8-percent tin. The PST 7 is a very articulate crash that also delivers some warm tones.

Pictured: Paiste PST 7 Crash Cymbal 17"

18" Crash Cymbals

MEINL Classics Custom Dual Crash

The MEINL Classics Custom Dual Crash is an eye-catching cymbal with a black and gold circular design at its bell and center. The Dual Crash is made from B12 bronze, and it is fully lathed with buffed edges. Sonic characteristics include a swift attack, short decay and a dark and punchy tone.

Pictured: MEINL Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal 18"

MEINL HCS Crash

The MEINL HCS Crash Cymbal has a lathed finish and is made from the company’s MS63 brass alloy. The HCS offers a warm, harmonically rich tone with medium sustain—an excellent choice for when you want a crash to extend over a few bars of music, rather than fade quickly.

Pictured: MEINL HCS Crash Cymbal 18"

MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash

The MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is an extensively hammered cymbal with a stunning surface that looks like it was hit by a meteor shower. Sonically, the result is a penetrating and articulate voice with enhanced midrange and high-end overtones. Response is near instant, and sustain is medium to long.

Pictured: MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash Cymbal 18"

Paiste 2002 Crash

The Paiste 2002 produces a bright, washy tone with medium sustain. It’s an expressive and dynamic crash with a quick and sparkling response.

Pictured: Paiste 2002 Crash Cymbal 18"

Paiste PST 7

The Paiste PST 7 from the company’s value line is crafted from CuSn8 bronze (92-percent copper/8-percent tin), and delivers a balanced and very articulate sound. Sustain is in the medium range.

Pictured: Paiste PST 7 Crash Cymbal 18"

SABIAN AAX X-Plosion Crash

The SABIAN AAX X-Plosion Crash deploys the company’s Auto-Focus feature to shape its response—balancing high and low pitches, enhancing sensitivity and filtering out any annoying or conflicting overtones. The result is a crash with incisive presence and medium sustain.

Pictured: SABIAN AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal 18"

SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash

The SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash is cast from B20 bronze and includes a raw, unfinished bell. Two of SABIAN’s hammering processes were used to craft the HHX Complex Thin—the more conventional HH-style hammering and the aggressive HHX method. This is a crash with complex overtones, excellent response, musical sustain and warm yet shimmering tone.

Pictured: SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal 18"

SABIAN STRATUS Crash

The SABIAN STRATUS proudly displays the marks of the company’s high-impact hammering on its B20 bronze surface. Response is super quick with a fast decay, and the sound is articulate with a warm, lower-toned wash.

Pictured: SABIAN STRATUS Crash Cymbal 18"

SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash

The SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash is a hammered B20 bronze cymbal with full lathing and a polished finish. This crash projects focused and articulate mids, subtle lows and a bright, dimensional shimmer.

Pictured: SABIAN XSR Series Fast Crash Cymbal 18"

Zildjian A Custom Crash

The Zildjian A Custom Crash offers a complex sound with broad overtones, cutting mids, sparkling highs and a solid low end. The A Custom Crash is made using Zildjian’s rotary machine hammering, and it is fully lathed with a brilliant finish.

Pictured: Zildjian A Custom Crash Cymbal 18"

Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash

The Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash showcases a speckled B20 bronze surface—the result of the company’s over-hammering methodology. The goal for the K Custom is a heavy crash with the response, volume and overtones of a lighter crash. True to its name, the K Custom Dark produces a quick and vivid attack, and an equally swift warm, mellow decay.

Pictured: Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 18"

Zildjian K Sweet Crash

The Zildjian K Sweet is a powerful crash with a fast response and quick decay. The cymbal is crafted with B20 bronze, K-style hammering, a lathed surface and an unlathed bell. This crash unleashes a lot of dark, resonant overtones.

Pictured: Zildjian K Sweet Crash Cymbal 18"

Zildjian Z Custom Crash

The Zildjian Z Custom Crash struts an eye-catching, hammered star pattern. It is unlathed and finished with a lovely gloss. The Z Custom promises an intense roar with excellent projection, a punchy attack and a nuanced sustain.

Pictured: Zildjian Z Custom Crash Cymbal 18"

20" Crash Cymbals

MEINL Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash

The MEINL Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash looks like a piece of ancient metal unearthed from an archeological dig. This hammered, unlathed crash is crafted from B20 bronze and designed to produce defined, articulate notes with minimal wash. It also elicits a swift response that works well for dynamic playing.

Pictured: MEINL Byzance Extra Dry Thin Traditional Crash Cymbal 20"

MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash

The MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash looks like a cratered landscape, but it’s the Pure Alloy’s extensive hand hammering that offers excellent responsiveness and control. The sound of the crash is precise and aggressive, with bright, focused mids and high-end overtones.

Pictured: MEINL Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash Cymbal 20"

SABIAN STRATUS Crash

The SABIAN STRATUS Crash is another cymbal that beautifully shows off the effects of high-impact hammering. Crafted from B20 bronze, the STRATUS delivers a brisk, articulate attack and a quick decay with warm overtones.

Pictured: SABIAN STRATUS Crash Cymbal 20"

Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash

The Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash showcases the spotty traces of the company’s over-hammering process on its B20 bronze surface. It looks cool, but it’s not just for fashion—the hammering results in a fast attack, more volume, complex overtones and a rapid decay that reveals dark and mellow timbres.

Pictured: Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 20"

22" Crash Cymbals

Paiste 2002 Crash

The Paiste 2002 Crash is renowned for its coherent midrange attack balanced with a warm shimmer. Response is super quick and sustain is in the medium range.

Pictured: Paiste 2002 Crash Cymbal 22"

SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash

The SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash utilizes both HH and HHX hammering on its B20 bronze surface to produce dark, expressive crashes with shimmering overtones. Sustain is short, but the decay is nonetheless musical and rich.

Pictured: SABIAN HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal 22"

Smash It!

Like a lot of music gear, you can get the most out of a crash cymbal if you experiment with different techniques and wild ideas to coax interesting sounds from it. Sure, smash away when and where appropriate, but also look for moments to expand your crash vocabulary and drop some surprises on stage and in the recording studio.

Pictured: MEINL Logo on MEINL Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash Cymbal

As the sound of a crash is so important, try not to look for your cymbal based on specs alone. The best way to audition cymbals hasn’t changed since the days of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa—go out and play them in person. To find a local Guitar Center, click here. If you can’t make it to a Guitar Center for an in-person listening session, don’t sweat it—our Gear Advisers can help you with recommendations and answer any questions.