21680AH-2 vs SD1806 — Compare
SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom vs 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a hi-hat cymbal designed for foot-controlled articulation in live and studio settings, while the Stratus Dry Crash is a standalone crash cymbal built for aggressive accents in rock and metal. Choose the Apollo if you need versatile hi-hat control; choose the Stratus if you want a tight, dark crash accent for high-energy genres.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom | 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $294.99 | $294.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 16" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
- ✓ Medium-thin 16" bottom weight pairs with thin top for super-fat closed sound
- ✓ Dirty, bone-dry character cuts through mixes with stick definition and foot articulation
- ✓ Highly responsive foot control and nuanced dynamic range for live performance
Why choose 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH
- ✓ Extra-thin 18" construction delivers lightning-quick response for fast accent crashes
- ✓ Dark, low tonal profile with textured attack suits metal, hard rock, and punk
- ✓ Extremely short sustain prevents muddiness in dense, stacked arrangements
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these together in one kit?
Yes. The Apollo Hat Bottom serves as a hi-hat (requires a thin top cymbal) for foot control, while the Stratus Dry Crash functions as a standalone accent crash, so they fill different roles and complement each other in a setup.
Which is better for beginners?
Neither product is rated for beginner drummers. Both are built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can fully utilize their articulation, control, and responsive characteristics.
What genres suit each cymbal?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom excels in live performance and studio sessions across multiple styles. The Stratus Dry Crash is optimized for metal, hard rock, punk, and progressive rock where tight, dark crashes without wash are preferred.
How do the weights compare?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom weighs 1331 grams as a bottom cymbal, while the Stratus Dry Crash weighs 1224 grams total as a single crash—the Apollo is heavier but designed as part of a pair, whereas the Stratus delivers response with lighter mass via its extra-thin construction.