21502XC-2B vs S1706 — Compare
SABIAN 15" AAX Medium Hat Bottom Brilliant Finish vs SABIAN 17" STRATUS CRASH
The AAX Medium Hat Bottom is a closed hi-hat pair designed for crisp, articulate stick definition in studio and live settings, while the STRATUS Crash is a standalone crash cymbal built for explosive attack and quick decay in high-energy genres. Choose the hi-hats if you need versatile foot-controlled timekeeping; choose the crash if you need a single cymbal for powerful, cutting crash articulations.
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SABIAN 15" AAX Medium Hat Bottom Brilliant Finish
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 15" AAX Medium Hat Bottom Brilliant Finish | SABIAN 17" STRATUS CRASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $279.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 15" | 17" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 15" AAX Medium Hat Bottom Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Closed hi-hat pair with Air Wave design eliminates air lock for unrestricted foot control
- ✓ Crisp, articulate response cuts through modern mixes without sacrificing complexity
- ✓ Thinner weight and smaller bell provide faster, more nuanced character than heavier alternatives
- ✓ Equally suited to studio tracking and live performance across contemporary music genres
Why choose SABIAN 17" STRATUS CRASH
- ✓ Quick decay and lower tone keep crash definition clear even in dense arrangements
- ✓ Explosive attack cuts decisively through high-volume rock, metal, and progressive contexts
- ✓ Thin weight and STRATUS hammering produce fast, responsive feel for detailed playing
- ✓ Warm wash provides musical spread without muddying adjacent cymbals
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these together as part of one cymbal set?
These are different cymbal types—the AAX is a hi-hat pair for closed/open playing with your foot, while the STRATUS is a standalone crash for hand-struck accent articulations. Many drummers use both in the same kit, along with additional cymbals.
Which is better for jazz or traditional music?
Neither is ideal for traditional jazz. The AAX Medium Hat Bottom is noted as not ideal for traditional jazz or vintage sounds; the STRATUS Crash is explicitly not recommended for jazz applications. Both are engineered for contemporary, modern music contexts.
What skill level do these suit?
Both products are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. They require developed technique to exploit their nuanced tonal characteristics and responsive feel.
How do the construction approaches differ?
The AAX Medium uses a larger, rounder peen hammering style that creates visible surface texture for nuanced tonality. The STRATUS uses SABIAN's STRATUS high-impact hammering technique optimized for explosive attack and quick decay. Both use B20 bronze and thin weight specifications, but their peen shapes and hammering philosophies target different sonic goals.