21706XC vs XSR2280M — Compare
Sabian 17" Thin Crash AAX vs Sabian XSR 22" Monarch
The Sabian 17" Thin Crash AAX is a compact, bright crash cymbal designed for cutting definition in rock, pop, and fusion; the Sabian XSR 22" Monarch is a larger, drier ride cymbal built for crashes and articulate ride work in rock, blues, and live performance. Choose the AAX for focused crash sounds in a modern setup, or the Monarch for a versatile larger cymbal that handles both riding and crashing with vintage character.
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Specs side by side
| Sabian 17" Thin Crash AAX | Sabian XSR 22" Monarch | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $334.99 | $334.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Effects |
| Cymbal Size | 17" | 22" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 17" Thin Crash AAX
- ✓ Smaller 17" size sits comfortably in the mix without dominating
- ✓ Quick decay and bright, articulate tone ideal for contemporary styles
- ✓ Lightweight (1075g) enables responsive stick feel and dynamic playing
- ✓ Hand-tuned artisan craftsmanship ensures consistent quality
Why choose Sabian XSR 22" Monarch
- ✓ Larger 22" size delivers greater projection and presence for live performance
- ✓ Dry sound with short sustain and clear stick definition cuts through without wash
- ✓ Dual-purpose cymbal works effectively as both ride and crash
- ✓ B20 bronze construction with proven design represents strong value
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between these two cymbals?
The 17" AAX is a crash cymbal designed for bright, quick articulation; the 22" Monarch is a ride cymbal that also crashes, with a drier, more focused tone. The AAX excels at cutting definition, while the Monarch is more versatile for both ride and crash duties.
Which is better for jazz?
Neither is ideal for jazz according to their descriptions. The 17" AAX is noted as not ideal for jazz, and the 22" Monarch is also not recommended for jazz. Both are engineered for rock, blues, and contemporary styles that benefit from dry, articulate tones rather than the warm sustain jazz typically requires.
How much heavier is the Monarch compared to the AAX?
The 22" Monarch weighs approximately 2212 grams, while the 17" AAX Thin Crash weighs around 1075 grams—roughly twice as heavy. This weight difference contributes to the Monarch's greater projection and the AAX's quicker response.
Which cymbal decays faster?
The 17" AAX Thin Crash has a quick decay and minimal sustain, making it snappier. The 22" Monarch is described as having short sustain and dry character, but its larger size means it naturally sustains longer in absolute terms despite the dry profile.