Can a 21" ride cymbal really crash convincingly, or is this a compromise?

The X-Plosion's large raw bell and medium-heavy weight (2553–2880g) allow it to crash with genuine authority while maintaining clean definition during traditional ride patterns. It's designed specifically to eliminate the compromise by balancing both functions expertly rather than splitting the difference.

What genres and playing styles are the best fit for this cymbal?

This ride excels in rock, hard rock, metal, and progressive music where dynamic range and cutting articulation are essential. It is not designed for jazz or folk applications, where traditional ride sustain and softer crash character are typically preferred.

What finish does it have, and how does the raw bell affect the sound?

The cymbal features a brilliant plating on the main surface with a raw bell finish. The raw bell boosts crash-ability and contributes to the bright, cutting tone and extended projection that define the X-Plosion character.

How does the X-Plosion sustain-enhancing process affect the ride sound compared to other AAX cymbals?

Sabian's proprietary X-Plosion process enhances sustain and projection while maintaining clean definition, giving this ride a distinctly bright, cutting articulation that carries well in a full band mix without getting buried or washing out.

What skill level should a drummer be to get the most from this cymbal?

This ride is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers who have the dynamic control and technique to voice both riding and crashing duties effectively on a single piece.

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.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	21"
Cymbal Type	Ride
Country of Manufacture	Canada