21105XMPV2 vs SD1402-1 — Compare
SABIAN 11" AAX MAX SPLASH V2 vs 14" Stratus Dry Hat Top
The AAX MAX SPLASH V2 is a compact accent cymbal designed for rock and metal's dense mixes, while the Stratus Dry Hat Top is a full-sized hi-hat component built for jazz and studio work requiring tonal control. Choose the splash for dynamic accent articulation in high-energy genres; choose the Stratus top for tight, defined hi-hat chops in jazz and progressive settings.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 11" AAX MAX SPLASH V2 | 14" Stratus Dry Hat Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $204.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Splash | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 11" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 11" AAX MAX SPLASH V2
- ✓ Compact 11" size cuts through heavy mix environments without sustaining competing pitch
- ✓ Substantial volume and projection from expanded raw bell design
- ✓ Sharp attack and fast decay ideal for accent work in rock, metal, and progressive music
- ✓ Moderate weight (323g) enables responsive, dynamic articulation
Why choose 14" Stratus Dry Hat Top
- ✓ 14" full hi-hat size provides versatile foundation for multiple playing contexts
- ✓ Tight low end and higher-pitched voice deliver crisp stick definition in studio and live jazz
- ✓ Medium-thin B20 bronze with STRATUS hammering creates dark, modern articulation
- ✓ Can be paired with matching bottom or integrated into custom hi-hat builds
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AAX MAX SPLASH V2 in jazz?
Not ideally. The splash is designed for rock, metal, and progressive genres with sharp attack and cutting presence. Its accent-only voice and tight decay make it less suitable for jazz's nuanced dynamics and tonal blending.
Is the Stratus Dry Hat Top sold as a complete pair?
No, this is the top cymbal only. You must pair it with the matching SD1402-2 bottom cymbal or purchase the complete SD1402 pair separately to form a working hi-hat.
What's the key difference in how these cymbals function?
The AAX MAX SPLASH V2 is a dedicated accent cymbal for punctuation and cutting through dense mixes. The Stratus Dry Hat Top is a hi-hat component designed for continuous closed and open articulation with controlled tone.
Which cymbal is better for live performance in loud settings?
The AAX MAX SPLASH V2 excels in loud, dense live environments due to its large bell, cutting high-end response, and pure accent voice that doesn't compete with other instruments. The Stratus top functions best in tighter jazz and studio contexts where control matters more than projection.