218SHN-1 vs H14H-1 — Compare
SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Top vs SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Top
The AA Sick Hat Top is an 18-inch rock and metal workhorse with a holed top that delivers cutting articulation and wash control, while the HH Crescent Hammertone is a smaller 14-inch jazz and funk-friendly option with a bright, lathed finish and higher sensitivity. Choose the AA Sick if you play heavier genres and need that distinctive vibe; choose the HH Crescent if you want a lighter, more responsive cymbal for jazz, funk, or studio work.
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 18" AA Sick Hat Top | SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Top
- ✓ 18-inch size projects further and cuts through loud rock and metal mixes
- ✓ Distinctive hole pattern in top cymbal provides unique wash control and vibe flexibility
- ✓ Medium-thin B20 bronze with natural finish delivers complex, raw tonality
- ✓ Asymmetrical design (1107g holed top paired with 1721g solid bottom) optimizes definition and pedal response
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Top
- ✓ 14-inch size is lighter and more responsive for detailed, nuanced playing
- ✓ Fully lathed hammertone finish delivers bright, articulate character ideal for jazz and funk
- ✓ Higher profile and light-top/medium-bottom pairing offers quick stick response and sensitivity
- ✓ Versatile design works across multiple styles from jazz to studio sessions
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for jazz?
The HH Crescent Hammertone is purpose-built for jazz with its bright, articulate lathed finish and responsive light-top design. The AA Sick Hat Top is voiced for rock and metal genres, making it less ideal for traditional jazz contexts.
What's the main difference in size and weight feel?
The AA Sick Hat is 18 inches with a combined weight of 2828 grams (holed 1107g top plus solid 1721g bottom), delivering more projection and body. The HH Crescent is 14 inches with a light-top/medium-bottom design that feels significantly lighter in hand and more sensitive to subtle dynamics.
Can the AA Sick Hat work in studio sessions?
Yes—the AA Sick Hat is listed for studio sessions and delivers complex tonality with controlled wash, making it versatile in a mix. However, if you want maximum sensitivity and a brighter response for detailed overdub work, the HH Crescent's lathed finish and lighter design may be preferable.
What does the hole pattern in the AA Sick Hat actually do?
The 28 two-inch holes in the AA top cymbal provide flexibility in stick response and wash control that a solid cymbal cannot match, giving you more vibe adjustment within a single pair. The solid bottom cymbal remains stable under foot pedal pressure.