Can this cymbal really do both ride and crash duty, or is it a compromise?

The X-Plosion Ride is designed specifically for dual-application use, with a large raw bell that boosts crash-ability while the body maintains clean articulation for traditional ride patterns. Its medium-heavy weight (around 2750g) and bright tone give it enough mass to project when crashed, yet enough clarity to stay defined during sustained ride work.

What's the tone character, and will it cut through a live mix?

This is a bright, cutting cymbal with extended sustain thanks to Sabian's X-Plosion process. The articulate definition and large bell projection make it ideal for cutting through loud band mixes during both ride passages and crash moments.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

No—this cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its cost and medium-heavy weight make it better suited to gigging and studio use than practice or learning scenarios.

How does the weight compare to other 21" rides?

At 2553–2880g (median 2750g), the X-Plosion sits in the medium-heavy range, making it more responsive and crash-capable than lighter rides, while still maintaining enough control for sustained ride articulation.

What's the finish, and what does the raw bell add?

The cymbal features a brilliant finish on the main body with a raw (unpolished) bell surface. The raw bell enhances crash projection and contributes to the cymbal's versatile, modern sonic character.

Sabian 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX

The 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX delivers exceptional versatility as a light ride that crashes with authority. Its large raw bell and responsive B20 bronze construction make this cymbal equally comfortable handling sustained ride patterns or explosive crash situations. This is a modern, bright-voiced cymbal built for drummers who need one piece to cover both responsibilities.

Tone & Sonic Character

A bright sound profile combined with Sabian's proprietary X-Plosion sustain-enhancing process produces cutting articulation and extended projection. The large raw bell boosts crash-ability while maintaining clean definition during traditional ride applications, making this cymbal unusually flexible across dynamic ranges. On stage, you'll hear penetrating clarity that cuts through a full mix without muddiness, yet retains the warmth needed for controlled ride work during softer passages.

Design & Construction

Cast from B20 bronze and finished with a combination of brilliant plating and raw bell surface, this 21" cymbal weighs between 2553g–2880g (median 2750g), placing it in the medium-to-heavy weight range. The substantial mass and large bell design contribute to its crash-friendly character while maintaining ride clarity. That heft translates to reliable response night after night—no flaky playability, just consistent stick feel and response regardless of venue or travel.

Key Features

21" Ride Cymbal size
B20 bronze construction
Brilliant finish with raw bell finish
Weight: 2553g–2880g (medium-heavy)
Large sized bell for increased crash-ability
Bright sound profile
Modern style designation
X-Plosion sustain-enhancing process
Dual-application design (light ride and crash duty)
Current production (2019–present)

The 21" X-Plosion Ride AAX consolidates the functions of dedicated ride and crash cymbals into one expertly balanced piece, reducing setup complexity and giving you more sonic flexibility from a single, road-ready cymbal.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	21"
Cymbal Type	Ride
Country of Manufacture	Canada