Sabian 17" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
Description
Sabian 17" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
The 17" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash delivers super-fast response with full, explosive articulation across all dynamic ranges. This cymbal redefines power potential for crash cymbals, offering faster, punchier accents whether playing delicate jazz brushwork or driving hard rock backbeats. The bright, cutting character cuts through any mix with the modern clarity that defines the AAX series.
Tone & Response for Recording
Built from B20 bronze with an ultrathin, tapered edge, this crash produces the bright, crisp, and cutting response characteristic of Sabian's AAX series. The Auto-Focus Response technology ensures accurate, balanced tone at all volume levels, making the cymbal equally articulate on subtle accents and full crashes—critical for capturing consistent articulation across multitrack sessions and overdubs.
Construction & Durability
Each cymbal is handcrafted individually through traditional hammering and lathing techniques, ensuring consistent quality and tonal complexity. The extra-thin weight class (documented range 959g–1290g) provides the speed and sensitivity required for fast, explosive playing while maintaining structural integrity.
Key Features
- 17-inch size — versatile crash diameter for contemporary drum kits
- B20 bronze alloy — 80% copper, 20% tin for warm, resonant overtones
- Extra-Thin weight class — optimized for fast, responsive articulation
- Ultrathin, tapered edge — enhances sustain and projection
- Handcrafted individually — hammered and lathed for tonal depth
- Auto-Focus Response technology — balanced response across all dynamic levels
- Bright, modern sound character — cuts through in any musical context
- Model 21785XB — full Sabian specification designation
- Sabian Two-Year Warranty — manufacturer protection included
The AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash combines traditional cymbal craftsmanship with modern bright tonality, making it an excellent choice for session work and production environments where fast, cutting articulation with explosive response sits decisively in dense mixes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 17" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash is a bright, responsive crash cymbal that cuts through dense mixes with modern clarity and punchy articulation, making it ideal for recording hard rock, metal, funk, and contemporary rock. Built with an ultrathin weight class and Auto-Focus Response technology, it delivers articulate, balanced tone at all recording levels—from subtle brush accents to full dynamic crashes—without losing definition in a mix. Its handcrafted B20 bronze construction ensures tonal complexity and consistency across takes, supporting fast, explosive playing in tracking and production sessions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Funk
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this crash best suited for?
The AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash excels in hard rock, rock, metal, and funk, where its bright, cutting tone and explosive articulation cut through dense mixes. It is not recommended for jazz or folk styles, which typically call for warmer, darker cymbal character.
What makes the response on this crash so fast?
The ultrathin, tapered edge and extra-thin weight class (959g–1290g range) optimize the cymbal for quick response and sensitive articulation. Auto-Focus Response technology ensures accurate, balanced tone at all volume levels, so delicate accents and full crashes are equally articulate.
How does the 17-inch size compare to other crash cymbals?
The 17-inch diameter is versatile for contemporary drum kits, offering a balance between projection and fast response. It pairs well with larger crash cymbals in a cymbal setup and is comparable in size and function to the Zildjian K Custom Session Crash and Meinl Soundcaster Fusion Fast Crash.
What is the construction and will it hold up to regular gigging?
Each cymbal is individually handcrafted using traditional hammering and lathing techniques from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin), ensuring tonal depth and structural integrity. The extra-thin weight class provides the speed and sensitivity for fast playing while maintaining durability under regular use, and it comes with a Sabian Two-Year Warranty.
How does this crash sit in a dense mix?
The bright, cutting character and modern clarity of the AAX series ensures this crash cuts through any mix without getting lost. The crisp attack and fast response make it articulate and punchy, even when layered with other instruments in a full arrangement.