11402-1 vs 21832X — Compare
SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Top vs SABIAN 18" AAX ROCKTAGON
The HH Medium Hat Top is a closed hi-hat cymbal designed for warmth and control across jazz, funk, and rock, while the AAX Rocktagon is an 18-inch crash cymbal built for aggressive, cutting attack in hard rock and metal. Choose the HH if you need responsive hi-hats with musical articulation; choose the Rocktagon if you need a bright, punchy crash cymbal for high-volume rock applications.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Top | SABIAN 18" AAX ROCKTAGON | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | — |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Top
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 construction with 2,000–4,000 hammer blows delivers tonal complexity and warmth
- ✓ Fast response and clean stick definition suit studio and live funk, jazz, and rock equally well
- ✓ Medium/Heavy pairing creates controlled, musical hi-hat closure ideal for intermediate to professional players
- ✓ Dark, articulate character cuts through without harshness across multiple genres
Why choose SABIAN 18" AAX ROCKTAGON
- ✓ Aggressive, cutting attack with quick decay punches through dense rock and metal mixes
- ✓ Octagonal shape and raw un-hammered bell produce distinctive, focused projection
- ✓ Strong bell accents with bright AAX voicing provide versatility as primary crash or effects cymbal
- ✓ Thin crash weight reduces fatigue during extended high-volume live sets
Frequently asked questions
Are these two cymbals designed to work together?
No. The HH Medium Hat Top is a hi-hat cymbal (top piece of a hi-hat pair), while the AAX Rocktagon is a standalone crash cymbal. They serve different functions on the kit. The HH Top requires a Heavy Bottom to form a closed hi-hat pair; the Rocktagon is a crash for accents and transitions.
Which is better for jazz?
The HH Medium Hat Top is specifically voiced for jazz with its warm, dark, articulate character and fast response. The Rocktagon's aggressive attack and quick decay are designed for rock and metal, not jazz applications.
What is the key tonal difference?
The HH delivers warm, full-bodied darkness with musical complexity from hand-hammering; the Rocktagon delivers bright, aggressive cutting presence with quick decay from its raw bell and pinpoint lathing. One controls and colors; the other cuts and crashes.
Which requires less stick force to sound good?
The Rocktagon's thicker raw bell is engineered for strong accents without requiring heavy stick work. The HH Medium Top responds quickly to lighter articulation and is ideal for controlled, dynamic playing across multiple genres.