What makes the Air Wave design different from a standard hi-hat?

The Air Wave ripples on the bottom cymbal allow air to escape freely between the top and bottom, eliminating airlock that can dampen articulation. This design delivers super-clean stick definition and a tighter, more controlled feel at all dynamic levels.

Is this hi-hat suitable for jazz or traditional music?

No—the AAX X-Celerator is engineered for modern bright applications and works best in rock and metal contexts. Its cutting, crisp character is not designed for the softer, warmer tones typical of jazz or traditional folk drumming.

What skill level do I need to use this cymbal effectively?

This cymbal is suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its tight, controlled response and focused articulation reward confident technique and work well in demanding live and studio environments.

How heavy is this cymbal and what does that affect?

The Hat Top weighs approximately 1077 grams in Brilliant finish, classifying it as a medium-weight top. This weight balances responsiveness with projection, allowing it to cut through at high volumes while remaining nimble enough for controlled stick articulation.

What warranty comes with this cymbal?

SABIAN includes a two-year warranty with the AAX X-Celerator Hat Top.

SABIAN 14" AAX X-Celerator Hat Top

The AAX X-Celerator Hat Top delivers exceptional clarity and cut with a bright, crisp response that punches through at any volume. Its rippled Air Wave bottom design eliminates airlock, producing articulate stick definition and a tight, controlled feel underfoot. Built for modern bright applications, this top cymbal pairs with the bottom to create a cohesive, cutting hi-hat voice.

Sonic Character & Brightness

The AAX series is engineered for a consistently bright, crisp, and cutting modern response. The Air Wave ripples shaped into the bottom cymbal allow air to escape freely between the cymbals, eliminating trapped air and delivering super-clean stick articulation at all dynamic levels. In the mix, the hi-hat maintains definition and presence even when layered with kick and bass, making it ideal for genres demanding high-end clarity and punch.

Construction & Materials

Crafted from premium B20 bronze with a smaller, raw bell and larger, rounder peen hammering visible across the surface, this medium-weight top cymbal (approximately 1077 grams in Brilliant finish) balances responsiveness with projection. The deliberate hammering pattern contributes to the cymbal's focused, cutting character, ensuring the hi-hat sits forward in your recording without sacrificing control or feel.

Key Features

14-inch cymbal size
Medium top weight classification
B20 bronze construction
Air Wave design ripples on bottom for airlock elimination
Smaller, raw bell design
Larger, rounder peen hammering for visible surface detail
Top cymbal weight approximately 1077 grams (Brilliant finish)
Modern Bright AAX sonic character—crisp, clear, and cutting
Two-year SABIAN warranty

The AAX X-Celerator Hat Top is a versatile hi-hat cymbal engineered to capture tight, articulate stick work in studio and live contexts with exceptional clarity and control.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	14"
Cymbal Type	Hi-Hats
Country of Manufacture	Canada