11402-2 vs 21885XB — Compare
SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom vs Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
The HH Medium Hat Bottom is a dedicated hi-hat bottom cymbal for tight, articulate pairs, while the AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash is a standalone crash cymbal built for explosive, cutting attacks in rock and metal. Choose the HH bottom if you're building a professional hi-hat setup; choose the X-Plosion if you need a responsive crash for live or studio work.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom | Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze with organic tonal complexity ideal for cutting hi-hat pairs
- ✓ Heavy bottom weight anchors tight, controlled articulation without excessive wash
- ✓ Purpose-built bottom cymbal designed to pair with HH Medium Top for balanced versatility
- ✓ Professional-grade response across dynamic ranges, from crisp clicks to warm wash
Why choose Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
- ✓ Bright, cutting articulation with snappy attack and fast decay cuts through any mix
- ✓ Extra-thin weight and punchy definition require less stick pressure for precision accents
- ✓ 18-inch size delivers full-bodied tone while maintaining explosive response at all volumes
- ✓ Proven design in production since 2009 with consistent reliability across thousands of units
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the HH Medium Hat Bottom as a crash or ride cymbal?
No. The HH Medium Hat Bottom is specifically designed as a bottom hi-hat cymbal to pair with a top. It is not intended for standalone crash or ride applications.
What's the key tonal difference between these two cymbals?
The HH Hat Bottom emphasizes organic complexity and controlled sustain with crisp stick definition, while the X-Plosion Fast Crash prioritizes bright, cutting articulation with snappy attack and rapid decay. The hat bottom is tuned for hi-hat pairs; the crash is built for explosive, cutting projection.
Which cymbal is better for jazz or traditional music?
Neither is ideal for jazz. The HH Medium Hat Bottom works only as part of a hi-hat pair and is suited for intermediate to professional players in live and studio contexts. The X-Plosion Fast Crash is explicitly not ideal for jazz or classical music due to its bright, cutting, explosive character.
Are both these cymbals B20 bronze?
Yes. Both use B20 bronze alloy. The HH Hat Bottom features hand-hammering for organic complexity, while the X-Plosion uses very light hammering and lathing to achieve its bright, cutting tone.