21680AH-1 vs 21680AH-2 — Compare
SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top vs SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
The AA Apollo Hat Top is a complete matched pair designed for drummers seeking bright, articulate classic character across all genres, while the AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a standalone bottom cymbal optimized for experienced players wanting a darker, grittier tone in a paired setup. Choose the Hat Top for simplicity and versatility; choose the Hat Bottom if you already own a compatible top or want to customize your sound.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top | SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $294.99 | $294.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 16" | 16" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top
- ✓ Complete matched pair ready to use out of the box
- ✓ Bright, vintage-voiced tone suits jazz, rock, funk, and studio work
- ✓ Suitable for beginners through professionals across multiple genres
- ✓ Balanced weight distribution delivers responsive, predictable feel
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
- ✓ Standalone bottom cymbal for customizing existing hat pairs
- ✓ Dirty, bone-dry tone cuts through live performance mixes
- ✓ Exceptional foot control and responsiveness for advanced technique
- ✓ Two-year manufacturer warranty against defects
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these products together?
Yes. The AA Apollo Hat Bottom (1331 grams) is specifically designed to pair with a thin top cymbal like the one included in the Hat Top pair (1142 grams). This combination produces the super-fat closed sound and articulate response described for both products.
Which is better for a beginner?
The AA Apollo Hat Top is better for beginners because it's a complete, ready-to-play pair with a bright, forgiving tone suited to learning across multiple styles. The Hat Bottom alone is not ideal for beginners and requires existing equipment and advanced technique.
What's the main tonal difference?
The Hat Top delivers bright, clear, vintage-voiced articulation across the pair, while the Hat Bottom provides a darker, dirty, bone-dry character designed to cut through louder live settings when paired with a thin top.
Which is better for heavy metal?
Neither product is listed as ideal for heavy metal. The Hat Top is explicitly not ideal for that genre, and the Hat Bottom's dirty, bone-dry tone is optimized for live performance in other styles like funk, rock, and jazz.