11589XN-2 vs 21808XCB — Compare
SABIAN 15" HHX Groove Hat Bottom vs SABIAN 18" Medium Crash AAX Brilliant Finish
The HHX Groove Hat Bottom is a hi-hat bottom cymbal designed for tight, funk-and-rock-focused foot playing, while the AAX Crash is a standalone crash cymbal for cutting through live and studio mixes across rock, metal, and pop. Choose the hat bottom if you need a responsive hi-hat pair component; choose the crash if you want a bright, articulate standalone crash.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
SABIAN 18" Medium Crash AAX Brilliant Finish
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 15" HHX Groove Hat Bottom | SABIAN 18" Medium Crash AAX Brilliant Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 15" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 15" HHX Groove Hat Bottom
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze with multiple peen sizes ensures refined, consistent tone
- ✓ Heavy bottom weight pairs reliably with medium tops for balanced, cutting hi-hat response
- ✓ Tight articulation and controlled stick definition ideal for groove and funk styles
- ✓ Responsive dynamics in both tight and open playing scenarios
Why choose SABIAN 18" Medium Crash AAX Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Bright brilliant finish and larger-peen hammering create cutting penetration for live and studio
- ✓ Quick attack with clear pitch projection cuts through mixes without excessive wash
- ✓ Medium weight balances crisp articulation with musical decay across multiple genres
- ✓ Standalone crash cymbal—no pairing required; versatile for rock, metal, and pop
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these two cymbals together?
No. The HHX Groove Hat Bottom is a hi-hat bottom that must be paired with a hi-hat top to function; it is not a crash. The AAX is a standalone crash cymbal. They serve different roles on a drum kit.
Which cymbal is better for funk and groove?
The HHX Groove Hat Bottom is specifically designed for funk, groove, and rock drumming with tight articulation and controlled stick definition. The AAX Crash is better suited for cutting through live mixes in rock, metal, and pop but is not classified as ideal for groove-focused styles.
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The HHX Hat Bottom produces a tight, focused character with controlled articulation ideal for tight hi-hat playing. The AAX Crash delivers a bright, penetrating tone with quick attack and musical decay, designed for cutting through a mix as a crash cymbal.
Are both cymbals B20 bronze?
Yes, both are cast from B20 bronze, a blend of bronze, tin, and silver. The AAX's brilliant finish and larger-peen hammering create a brighter character, while the HHX Hat Bottom's hand-hammering with multiple peen sizes delivers a refined, focused tone.