Sabian 21" X-Plosion RIde AAX
Out of stock
- SKU
- 2211287XB
Description
Sabian 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX
The 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX delivers exceptional versatility as a light ride that crashes with authority. Its large raw bell and responsive B20 bronze construction make this cymbal equally comfortable handling sustained ride patterns or explosive crash situations. This is a modern, bright-voiced cymbal built for recording sessions that need one piece to cover both responsibilities.
Tone & Sonic Character
A bright sound profile combined with Sabian's proprietary X-Plosion sustain-enhancing process produces cutting articulation and extended projection that translates well to multi-mic and close-mic drum recording setups. The large raw bell boosts crash-ability while maintaining clean definition during traditional ride applications, making this cymbal unusually flexible across dynamic ranges and mix contexts.
Design & Construction
Cast from B20 bronze and finished with a combination of brilliant plating and raw bell surface, this 21" cymbal weighs between 2553g–2880g (median 2750g), placing it in the medium-to-heavy weight range. The substantial mass and large bell design contribute to its crash-friendly character while maintaining ride clarity and studio-ready separation in the mix.
Key Features
- 21" Ride Cymbal size
- B20 bronze construction
- Brilliant finish with raw bell finish
- Weight: 2553g–2880g (medium-heavy)
- Large sized bell for increased crash-ability
- Bright sound profile
- Modern style designation
- X-Plosion sustain-enhancing process
- Dual-application design (light ride and crash duty)
- Current production (2019–present)
The 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX consolidates the functions of dedicated ride and crash cymbals into one expertly balanced piece for tracking sessions and productions prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing sonic range.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 21" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX is a dual-purpose B20 ride cymbal that records with cutting articulation and bright projection, making it ideal for session work and studio tracking where you need one ride to handle sustained grooves and crash moments. Its medium-heavy weight and raw bell design sit clearly in a mix without muddiness, while the X-Plosion sustain process adds definition and character to both ride and crash applications.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Gigging
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Versatile drum setups
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz (traditional pure ride tone)
- – Practice (cost-prohibitive for beginners)
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this cymbal really do both ride and crash duty, or is it a compromise?
The X-Plosion Ride is designed specifically for dual-application use, with a large raw bell that boosts crash-ability while the body maintains clean articulation for traditional ride patterns. Its medium-heavy weight (around 2750g) and bright tone give it enough mass to project when crashed, yet enough clarity to stay defined during sustained ride work.
What's the tone character, and will it cut through a live mix?
This is a bright, cutting cymbal with extended sustain thanks to Sabian's X-Plosion process. The articulate definition and large bell projection make it ideal for cutting through loud band mixes during both ride passages and crash moments.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?
No—this cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its cost and medium-heavy weight make it better suited to gigging and studio use than practice or learning scenarios.
How does the weight compare to other 21" rides?
At 2553–2880g (median 2750g), the X-Plosion sits in the medium-heavy range, making it more responsive and crash-capable than lighter rides, while still maintaining enough control for sustained ride articulation.
What's the finish, and what does the raw bell add?
The cymbal features a brilliant finish on the main body with a raw (unpolished) bell surface. The raw bell enhances crash projection and contributes to the cymbal's versatile, modern sonic character.