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SABIAN 14" AAX X-Plosion Hat Top Brilliant Finish vs SABIAN 14" AAX Medium Hat Top
The AAX X-Plosion Hat Top is a high-projection, aggressive cymbal designed for rock and metal players who need cut and punch in loud environments. The AAX Medium Hat Top is a lighter, more refined cymbal suited to studio work and jazz players who prioritize articulation and harmonic complexity over sheer volume.
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SABIAN 14" AAX X-Plosion Hat Top Brilliant Finish
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" AAX X-Plosion Hat Top Brilliant Finish | SABIAN 14" AAX Medium Hat Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $254.99 | $254.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" AAX X-Plosion Hat Top Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Large, unlathed high-profile bell for maximum volume and cut
- ✓ Medium-heavy bottom pairing delivers projecting, open wash tones
- ✓ Punchy stick definition excels in rock and metal live settings
- ✓ Award-winning X-Plosion Crash design proven for dynamic range
Why choose SABIAN 14" AAX Medium Hat Top
- ✓ Lighter medium weight (1027g top, 1287g bottom) suits studio and fast playing
- ✓ Dual-lathing process creates wider frequency band with subtle darkness
- ✓ Crispy articulation and complex harmonics blend well in contemporary mix
- ✓ Reduced-size bell keeps profile compact for controlled pedal feel
Frequently asked questions
Which cymbal works better for metal and hard rock?
The AAX X-Plosion Hat Top. Its large unlathed bell, medium-heavy bottom, and award-winning X-Plosion design generate the volume, cut, and aggressive stick definition metal and rock players demand in live settings.
Which cymbal is better for studio recording?
The AAX Medium Hat Top. Its lighter weight, dual-lathing process, and reduced-size bell create a thinner, more articulate sound with complex harmonics that sits better in a mix without overwhelming the recording.
How do the weights differ and why does it matter?
The X-Plosion uses a medium top with medium-heavy bottom for projection and washy open tones. The Medium Hat Top is lighter overall (1027g top, 1287g bottom), producing crispy, faster response ideal for articulate playing and tight control.
Which cymbal has more tonal range?
The AAX X-Plosion delivers genuinely different tones from closed articulations to fully open crash, while the AAX Medium offers complex harmonics and crispy articulation with subtle darkness—different strengths for different styles.