120XACN vs NP2214B — Compare
20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH vs SABIAN 22" Paragon Ride Brilliant Finish
The HHX Complex Aero is a 20" crash cymbal with dark, complex tones ideal for jazz and studio work, while the Paragon Ride is a 22" ride cymbal with bright, cutting character built for rock and live touring. Choose the crash if you need articulate, multi-dynamic crash sounds; choose the ride if you need a primary ride cymbal for high-volume ensemble settings.
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Specs side by side
| 20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH | SABIAN 22" Paragon Ride Brilliant Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.99 | $544.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Ride |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 22" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose 20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH
- ✓ Thin, loose construction enables fast decay and immediate response for dynamic playing
- ✓ Dark, complex HHX character with rich lows cuts through without sacrificing sophistication
- ✓ Aero hole design boosts highs while maintaining depth—rare tonal balance for studio and live
- ✓ 20-inch size sits naturally in mixed cymbal setups across jazz, progressive, and studio genres
Why choose SABIAN 22" Paragon Ride Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Extra-heavy 8+ pound weight and solid 4-inch bell deliver commanding presence in loud ensemble mix
- ✓ B20 bronze with AA/AAX/HH hybrid hammering technique offers articulate stick definition and full harmonic complexity
- ✓ 22-inch size provides sustained ride patterns with cutting projection ideal for rock and touring
- ✓ Neil Peart collaboration ensures professional-grade design for advanced players in demanding live contexts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either of these as a primary ride cymbal?
The Paragon Ride is purpose-built as a primary ride with a solid bell and extra-heavy weight for sustained patterns. The HHX Complex Aero is a crash cymbal with fast decay, better suited for accents and dynamic crashes rather than steady ride work.
Which works better for jazz?
The HHX Complex Aero Crash is explicitly designed for jazz with its dark, complex character, articulate attack, and responsive decay. The Paragon Ride's bright tone and heavy weight are better suited to rock and touring contexts.
How do the construction materials compare?
Both use B20 bronze—the professional standard. The HHX Complex Aero combines HH and HHX hammering techniques in a thin, loose profile; the Paragon uses AA/AAX/HH hybrid hammering in an extra-heavy weight class. Different construction approaches serve their respective instruments' tonal goals.
What is the weight and durability difference?
The Paragon Ride weighs 8+ pounds with a solid hand-hammered bell designed for high-volume, touring durability. The HHX Complex Aero is quite thin and loose, prioritizing response and decay over raw weight, making it ideal for controlled studio and medium-volume live settings.