2201287XB vs 22012XC — Compare
Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Ride vs Sabian 20" Medium Ride AAX
The AAX X-Plosion emphasizes a larger, raw bell with medium-to-long sustain for dynamic range and shimmer, while the standard Medium Ride AAX prioritizes minimal wash and focused tonality with a smaller bell for pure articulation. Choose the X-Plosion if you want musical sustain and dynamic versatility; pick the Medium Ride if you need maximum clarity and separation with minimal bloom.
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Specs side by side
| Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Ride | Sabian 20" Medium Ride AAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $424.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Ride | Ride |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 20" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Ride
- ✓ Large, raw bell with focused pitch center and defined articulation
- ✓ Medium to long sustain allows for shimmer and musical nuance during dynamics
- ✓ Excellent projection through dense mixes without sacrificing musicality
- ✓ Responds to both tight groove work and dynamic crescendos
Why choose Sabian 20" Medium Ride AAX
- ✓ Smaller, raw bell design delivers hyper-focused tonality with minimal wash
- ✓ Thinner weight peen application makes it extremely responsive to controlled technique
- ✓ Maximum stick definition and cutting projection for studio clarity
- ✓ Optimized for contemporary playing contexts requiring pure articulation
Frequently asked questions
Which handles funk and metal better?
Both excel in funk and metal, but the X-Plosion is specifically listed for all three genres. The X-Plosion's larger bell and medium-to-long sustain make it slightly more versatile across dynamic playing, while the Medium Ride AAX is tuned more narrowly for cutting projection and minimal wash.
What's the key construction difference?
The X-Plosion has a larger, raw bell with medium weight for broader articulation. The Medium Ride AAX has a smaller, raw bell paired with a larger-rounder hammer peen and thinner weight application, creating a more responsive, focused playing surface with less overall bloom.
Which is better for studio recording?
The Medium Ride AAX is specifically engineered for studio work, with minimal wash and maximum stick definition—ideal for tracks where pure clarity matters. The X-Plosion works well in studios too, but its medium-to-long sustain adds shimmer that may require more mixing control.
Which rider should an intermediate player choose?
Both suit intermediate to professional levels, but the Medium Ride AAX rewards controlled technique more directly due to its thinner peen and responsive surface. The X-Plosion is more forgiving across dynamic ranges, making it slightly easier to sound musical across varied playing contexts.