21005XAB vs SD1402-2 — Compare
Sabian 10" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish vs 14" Stratus Dry Hat Bottom
The Sabian 10" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish is a compact, bright splash cymbal for cutting articulation in rock and metal, while the 14" Stratus Dry Hat Bottom is a hi-hat bottom cymbal offering tight, warm definition in versatile styles including jazz. Choose the splash for accent and effect work; choose the hat bottom if you need a hi-hat foundation or are building a custom setup.
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 10" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish | 14" Stratus Dry Hat Bottom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205.85 | $204.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Splash | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 10" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 10" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Compact 10" size ideal for quick, cutting accents and splash effects
- ✓ Bright, explosive tone cuts through dense mixes without muddiness
- ✓ Six 1"-diameter holes enhance bite and articulation across all dynamic levels
- ✓ AAX 2013 Cymbal Vote winner with proven design and recognition
Why choose 14" Stratus Dry Hat Bottom
- ✓ 14" diameter provides full hi-hat range and presence for standard drum kits
- ✓ Tight, warm articulation works across rock, metal, funk, and jazz styles
- ✓ Sell as individual bottom allows replacement or custom top/bottom pairing
- ✓ Medium-light weight delivers crisp stick definition and quick response
Frequently asked questions
Can these two cymbals work together in one kit?
Yes. The splash serves as an accent/effect cymbal, while the hat bottom is part of your hi-hat pair—they fill different roles and complement each other.
Which is better for jazz?
The Stratus Dry Hat Bottom is listed as suitable for jazz; the AAX Air Splash is specifically noted as not ideal for jazz due to its bright, explosive character that favors rock and metal.
Do I need a matching top cymbal for the Stratus bottom?
Yes, the 14" Stratus Dry Hat Bottom is sold individually and must be paired with a matching top cymbal (SD1402-1) to function as a complete hi-hat, or you can purchase the full pair (SD1402).
Which cymbal is more beginner-friendly?
Both are rated for beginner through professional skill levels. The splash is smaller and forgiving for dynamics, while the hat bottom integrates into a standard hi-hat setup that most drummers learn on first.