220XAC vs 220XACB — Compare
Sabian 20" AAX Aero Crash vs Sabian 20" AAX Aero Crash Brilliant
Both are 20" AAX Aero crashes optimized for rock and metal, but the standard Aero has a traditional finish for a slightly darker, narrower spread, while the Brilliant features a polished finish for maximum brightness and cut. Choose the traditional finish if you want a balanced, focused crash; pick the Brilliant if you need maximum penetration and shimmer in a dense live mix.
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 20" AAX Aero Crash | Sabian 20" AAX Aero Crash Brilliant | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.99 | $439.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 20" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 20" AAX Aero Crash
- ✓ Traditional finish offers warm, focused tone with controlled spread
- ✓ Genuinely new crash design with innovative hole pattern for balanced projection
- ✓ Narrow spread keeps definition tight in the mix without excess wash
Why choose Sabian 20" AAX Aero Crash Brilliant
- ✓ Polished brilliant finish delivers maximum brightness and penetrating cut
- ✓ Enhanced responsiveness at lower dynamic levels for versatile playability
- ✓ Slightly reduced weight improves stick feel and articulation
Frequently asked questions
What's the main sonic difference between these two crashes?
The traditional-finish Aero produces a slightly darker, more controlled tone with a narrower spread, while the Brilliant finish amplifies brightness and creates a more penetrating, shimmering character. Both share the same AAX X-Plosion hole-pattern design and thin weight, but the polished surface on the Brilliant reflects more light and contributes to a more aggressive sonic projection.
Are these appropriate for the same genres?
Both excel in rock, metal, and live performance. The Brilliant explicitly lists funk compatibility, while the traditional Aero emphasizes hard rock and metal without mentioning funk. For studio work, the Brilliant is explicitly positioned as suitable; both are budget-tier and accessible to intermediate players and above.
How do these differ in playability and response?
The Brilliant finish cymbal is noted for enhanced responsiveness at lighter dynamics and reduced weight compared to the traditional finish version, making it slightly more forgiving at lower volumes. Both use thin weight classifications for quick decay, but the Brilliant's polished surface and refined hole pattern optimize stick articulation across a wider dynamic range.
Which is better for cutting through a dense mix?
The AAX Aero Crash Brilliant is specifically designed for penetrating thick mixes with its polished finish and optimized articulation. The traditional Aero focuses more on balanced projection with a narrow spread, making it ideal if you want clarity without overwhelming brightness.