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Sabian 18" HHX X-Treme Crash vs Sabian 20" Paragon Crash
The HHX X-Treme is an 18" thin crash with dark, aggressive tone and rapid decay, designed for cutting through dense mixes in rock and metal. The Paragon is a larger 20" medium-weight crash with a brighter, more balanced tone and longer sustain, offering warmer articulation and greater projection for live and studio work.
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 18" HHX X-Treme Crash | Sabian 20" Paragon Crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $464.99 | $464.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 20" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 18" HHX X-Treme Crash
- ✓ Lighter weight and thin profile makes it highly responsive and quick to articulate
- ✓ Dark, complex tone with musical dirt cuts through heavy music without muddiness
- ✓ Rapid decay keeps the cymbal from washing out in fast passages
- ✓ Smaller diameter (18") easier to control in tight playing spaces
Why choose Sabian 20" Paragon Crash
- ✓ Larger 20" diameter provides greater volume and commanding presence
- ✓ Handcrafted B20 bronze with AA-style hammering delivers rich harmonic complexity
- ✓ Medium decay balances cut with musical sustain for versatile playing styles
- ✓ Medium weight (2122–2325g) offers better durability and fuller projection
Frequently asked questions
Which crash is better for metal drumming?
Both suit metal, but differently. The HHX X-Treme excels at cutting through distorted guitars with its dark bite and rapid decay, staying tight in fast passages. The Paragon offers greater presence and durability with its larger size and medium weight, making it ideal if you prioritize projection and punch in a loud live setting.
What's the main tonal difference?
The HHX X-Treme delivers dark, simmering aggression with complex overtones and minimal wash. The Paragon produces a silvery, cutting tone with warmth and medium sustain, offering more harmonic balance and musicality across varying dynamics.
Are these suitable for beginners?
No, both are rated for intermediate to professional skill levels. Their thin or medium-thin profiles and nuanced response require developed technique to unlock their tonal qualities.
Which is lighter and more responsive?
The HHX X-Treme is significantly lighter (1214–1372g) and thinner, making it more responsive and efficient. The Paragon is heavier (2122–2325g) with more mass, providing greater projection and durability but requiring more force to activate fully.