21816 vs 21885XB — Compare
Sabian 18" AA Chinese vs Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
The AA Chinese is a thin, trashy accent cymbal with aggressive brashness and vintage character, while the AAX X-Plosion is an extra-thin crash with fast decay and punchy articulation across dynamic ranges. The AA Chinese suits players wanting raw bite and definition in rock, funk, and jazz; the AAX X-Plosion is better for drummers needing a responsive crash that speaks quickly in rock, metal, and studio work.
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Specs side by side
| Sabian 18" AA Chinese | Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 18" AA Chinese
- ✓ Aggressive, trashy character cuts through mixes with sharp articulation
- ✓ Classic vintage bright tone with modern edge appeals to jazz and funk players
- ✓ Attack-focused voice excels at accentuating rhythmic figures
Why choose Sabian 18" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
- ✓ Extra-thin weight enables fast decay and snappy attack at any volume level
- ✓ Responsive even at lower volumes without heavy stick pressure
- ✓ Bright, cutting tone projects clearly in rock and metal contexts
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for jazz?
The AA Chinese is explicitly designed for jazz applications with its attack-focused voice and articulate definition. The AAX X-Plosion is noted as not ideal for jazz, focusing instead on rock and metal contexts.
What's the weight difference?
Both are similarly weighted at median ranges around 1300g, but the AA Chinese is thin weight while the AAX X-Plosion is extra-thin, giving the X-Plosion faster response and decay characteristics.
Which one has more 'trash' or grit?
The AA Chinese is specifically described as having trashy and aggressive brashness with penetrating bite. The AAX X-Plosion emphasizes clean articulation and punchy definition rather than trashy character.
Which responds better to lighter playing?
The AAX X-Plosion excels at lower volumes and requires less stick pressure to speak clearly, making it ideal for dynamic studio and live work. The AA Chinese is attack-focused and works best in cutting, high-energy applications.