11402-2 vs 21806XC — Compare
SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom vs Sabian 18" Thin Crash AAX
The HH Medium Hat Bottom is a hi-hat cymbal designed to pair with a matching top for tight, controlled stick articulation in live and studio settings, while the AAX 18" Thin Crash is a standalone crash cymbal built for fast, bright attack and complex tones in rock and metal styles. Choose the HH Bottom if you need a workhorse hi-hat setup; choose the AAX Crash if you want a responsive crash cymbal with modern brightness.
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 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom | Sabian 18" Thin Crash AAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom
- ✓ Heavy bottom weight anchors tight, controlled hi-hat pairs ideal for cutting through live mixes
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze delivers organic tonal complexity and crisp stick definition
- ✓ Pairs perfectly with HH Medium Top for balanced, versatile articulation
Why choose Sabian 18" Thin Crash AAX
- ✓ Fast attack and decay with bright highs suited to rock and metal styles
- ✓ AAX hammering pattern creates wider frequency spectrum and complex low-end nuance
- ✓ Thin profile and smaller bell enable rapid response for articulate playing
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these two cymbals together?
No—these serve different roles. The HH Bottom is one half of a hi-hat pair (requires a top cymbal); the AAX Crash is a standalone crash cymbal. They complement each other in a full drum kit but are not interchangeable.
Which is better for a beginner?
Neither is ideal for beginners. Both are rated intermediate to advanced and professional. The HH Bottom specifically notes it's not suited for first serious drum kits, and the AAX Crash targets experienced players in specific genres like rock and metal.
How do the tones differ?
The HH Bottom emphasizes controlled sustain, warm wash, and organic complexity for tight articulation underfoot. The AAX Crash prioritizes fast decay, bright highs, and complex low-end for cutting articulation in a mix—two entirely different voice profiles for different kit roles.
What's the main material difference?
Both are B20 bronze, but the HH Bottom uses traditional hand-hammering, while the AAX Crash uses the distinctive AAX hammering pattern with a larger, rounder peen design. This results in different tonal and harmonic characteristics suited to their respective functions.