SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom

SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom

The 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom delivers a thin, dry response with remarkable control—a pair that sounds nothing like conventional 18" cymbals when heard without visual reference. The solid bottom cymbal (without holes) pairs with a perforated top to create a versatile setup that can be flipped to eliminate airlock and adjust tonal character on the fly. This is a working tool for drummers who demand precision and adaptability in their hi-hat articulation.

Tone & Sonic Character

Thin and very dry overall, Sick Hats function as a controllable, pre-EQ white-noise effect with virtually no airlock thanks to the large holes in the top cymbal. The medium-heavy bottom provides stability and definition, while the natural finish B20 bronze delivers the classic bright, cutting response the AA series is known for—ideal for cutting through dense mixes and live environments.

Design & Versatility

The bottom cymbal's solid construction (no holes) allows players to flip the pair hole-side down for reduced air in the face and uninterrupted pattern play, completely transforming the sonic footprint without switching hardware. This design choice gives you two distinct voices from a single pair, making Sick Hats exceptionally practical for studio work or touring situations where cymbal changes aren't feasible.

Key Features

• 18" diameter cymbal
• AA Series — bright, cutting tone
• B20 Bronze construction
• Natural finish
• Medium-heavy bottom cymbal weight (1721 grams)
• Bottom cymbal with no holes for solid response
• Top cymbal with large perforations for zero airlock breathing
• Reversible design — play holes-up or holes-down for tonal variation
• Dry, controllable articulation ideal for defined hi-hat work
• SABIAN limited 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects

The combination of thin profile, B20 bronze construction, and reversible configuration makes the Sick Hat Bottom an unusually flexible tool for drummers seeking definition and control without sacrificing the distinctive character that defines the AA series.