21401XC/1B vs 21485XB — Compare
SABIAN 14" AAX Thin Hat Top Brilliant Finish vs Sabian 14" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
The AAX Thin Hat Top is a hi-hat cymbal designed for closed and open hat articulation, while the AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash is a crash cymbal built for accent and crash moments. Choose the hat top if you need responsive foot-controlled hi-hats for rock and metal; choose the crash if you want a punchy, quick-decaying crash-ride for funk, punk, and jazz.
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SABIAN 14" AAX Thin Hat Top Brilliant Finish
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" AAX Thin Hat Top Brilliant Finish | Sabian 14" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $254.99 | $254.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" AAX Thin Hat Top Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Purpose-built hi-hat top with responsive foot control for intricate pedal patterns
- ✓ Reduced-size bell provides controlled pitch without washiness, cuts clearly in band mix
- ✓ Thin weight delivers quick stick articulation and plays well as standalone or paired piece
Why choose Sabian 14" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash
- ✓ Extra-thin weight and 567g mass make it easy to control and reduce player fatigue
- ✓ Minimal sustain and fast decay perfect for articulate, rhythmically driven genres
- ✓ Bright punchy attack cuts through without masking other kit elements
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the X-Plosion Fast Crash as a hi-hat?
No. The X-Plosion is a crash cymbal with minimal sustain, designed for accent and crash moments. The AAX Thin Hat Top is engineered specifically for hi-hat pairs with controlled pitch and responsive foot control.
Which is better for jazz?
The X-Plosion Fast Crash is listed as suitable for jazz, offering punchy articulation and minimal overtone complexity. The Thin Hat Top is not recommended for jazz. However, the hat top alone is only one half of a hi-hat pair.
Are both cymbals B20 bronze?
Yes, both are hand-cast from B20 bronze alloy (copper, tin, and silver) and carry a 2-year SABIAN warranty against manufacturing flaws.
Which cymbal is lighter and easier to play?
The X-Plosion Fast Crash weighs 567 grams and is extra-thin, making it exceptionally easy to control. The Thin Hat Top is also thin and responsive but is designed for different playing techniques—pedal control rather than hand striking dynamics.