AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 14" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal ($267). Paiste 14" PST X Swiss Thin Crash Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $98. Sabian 14" B8X Thin Crash Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All 14" Crash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal
14" A-Series Fast Crash · Zildjian
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
If you want a crash that responds fast and gives a full, lively splash, this cymbal fits the bill. At 14 inches, it suits quick accents and short crashes. It's a good pick when you want a cymbal that gets to the point.
Pros
- Fast response, so it speaks quickly when struck
- Full, lively splash sound, as the maker describes it
- Regular finish, a classic look for the A-Series line
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$267 now$267€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal
14" A-Custom Fast Crash · Zildjian
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14 inch fast crash cymbal from Zildjian's A Custom series, with a brilliant finish. A fast crash is a small cymbal that sounds quickly after you hit it, so it suits short accents more than long, big crashes. If you want a quick, shiny cymbal for accents, you may like it, and drummers such as Vinnie Colaiuta and Thierry Arpino have played it.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A Custom series
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny, polished look
- Fast crash design, a cymbal type built for quick accents
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal
14" K-Custom Fast Crash · Zildjian
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
You get a 14-inch crash with a new bell design and a brilliant finish. It is built to fade out faster and hit with more attack than other K Custom crashes. This one suits you if you want a quick crash that gets out of the way fast.
Pros
- New bell design gives this crash its own voice compared to standard K Custom crashes
- Faster decay means the sound clears quickly, which keeps busy playing tidy
- More explosive attack makes each hit jump out
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
This is a thin 14-inch crash cymbal made from B20 bronze with a traditional finish. You get a dark sound and a fast response, so it suits you if you want a crash that speaks quickly and stays dark. It is a good pick for a drummer who wants a short, low-toned accent.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Thin cut gives it a dark sound
- Fast response when struck
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 14" PST X Swiss Thin Crash Cymbal
14" PSTX Swiss Thin Crash · Paiste
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This 14-inch crash is made for quick, sharp hits. You get a fast, explosive response with a short sustain, so the sound stops quickly instead of ringing on. It suits you if you want a crash that speaks right away and gets out of the way.
Pros
- Fast, explosive, light response for quick accents
- Basic tone with a short sustain that cuts off fast
- Silk-matte surface finish
Cons
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long
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Zildjian 14" A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal
14" A-Custom EFX · Zildjian
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14 inch crash cymbal from the A Custom series, with a brilliant finish. Its laser-cut openings and holes give it a fast, dry attack, which makes it a good pick for precise crash accents. If you want a quick, dry crash that also looks different from a standard cymbal, this one may suit you.
Pros
- Laser-cut openings and holes give it a unique look
- Laser-cut holes give it a fast, dry attack
- Brilliant finish from the A Custom series
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian XSR5005GB XSR Performance 14" / 16" / 20" Cymbal Pack w/ 18"…
14" XSR Fast Crash · Sabian
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14-inch crash cymbal from Sabian's XSR series, made of B20 bronze with a brilliant finish. Its thinner build means it reacts quickly and sensitively, so you may like it if you want a fast crash. The maker calls it universally applicable, so it can fit many kinds of drumming.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
- Thinner build gives it high sensitivity to light and hard strikes
86AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 14" Thin Crash · Paiste
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14-inch thin crash from Paiste's PST7 series, made of CuSn8 bronze in Switzerland. It gives you a light crash with a traditional sound and look, so you can add accents without overpowering the other players. It suits you if you play all kinds of music, especially soft to medium loud styles.
Pros
- Made from CuSn8 bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Made in Switzerland
- Suitable for all styles of music
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Meinl 14" Classics Custom Dark Trash Crash Cymbal 2019
14" Classics Custom Med. Crash · Meinl
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14 inch medium crash with a brilliant finish. It is balanced across all frequencies and has a dissolving sound with a pleasant attack, so you get a crash that blends in well. It is an all-purpose crash for all styles of music, which makes it a good pick if you want one crash for many kinds of playing.
Pros
- Part of the Meinl Classics Custom series, a line of cymbals from the same maker
- Medium weight crash with a brilliant surface finish
- Balanced across all frequencies for an even, consistent crash
84AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 14" PST X Swiss Flanger Crash Cymbal
14" PSTX Swiss Flanger Crash · Paiste
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size14"
This is a 14 inch crash from Paiste's PSTX series. It has a fast, explosive attack, and the sound dies away quickly. If you want a crash for short accents, or one you can also play lightly with your hand, this one suits you well.
Pros
- Silk matte finish gives this crash a subdued, non-shiny look
- Fast, explosive attack for quick, sharp accents
- Plenty of fundamental tone with rapid decay for short, tight crashes
Cons
- At 14 inches it is a smaller crash, so it suits accents more than big crashes
All 48 14" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Paiste 14" Signature Fast Crash Cymbal14" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste83Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 12
Paiste 14" PST 3 Crash CymbalPST3 14" Crash · Paiste81Stable$54€48$54€48Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash Cymbal14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash · Meinl79Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 14" 101 Brass Crash Cymbal14" 101 Crash · Paiste74Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 15
Paiste 14" Signature Full Crash Cymbal14" Signature Full Crash · Paiste74Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 16
Meinl 14" Byzance Traditional Thin Crash Cymbal14" Byzance Thin Crash · Meinl67Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 14" Byzance Traditional Thin Crash Cymbal14" Byzance Thin Crash Brill. · Meinl67Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
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Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Heavy Crash Cymbal14" Heavy Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet66Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 19
Masterwork 14" Resonant CrashMasterwork65↓ 4.1%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 20
Zultan 14" Aja CrashZultan64Stable$66€59$66€59Check ↗
- 21
Zultan 14" Aja Blaze CrashZultan64Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 22
Paiste PST5 14" Medium Crash '14Paiste64Stable$85€76$85€76Check ↗
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Masterwork 14" Troy Traditional CrashMasterwork64↓ 3.4%$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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Zultan 14" Q CrashZultan64Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Zultan 14" Rock Beat CrashZultan64Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 26
Zultan 14" Aeon FX CrashZultan64Stable$207€185$207€185Check ↗
- 27
Zultan 14" Mellow CrashZultan64Stable$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 28
Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Rubbish CrashIstanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 29
Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 CrashIstanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 30
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.Istanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 31
Paiste 2002 Classic 14" CrashPaiste64Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
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Masterwork 14" Troy CrashMasterwork63Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Masterwork 14" Custom Thin CrashMasterwork63Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
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Masterwork 14" Custom CrashMasterwork63Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 35
Masterwork 14" Jazz Master CrashMasterwork63Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
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Zildjian 14" I Family Crash medium-thinZildjian62Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
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Meinl 14" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Cr.Meinl62Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
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Sabian 14" B8X Thin CrashSabian62Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
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Sabian 14" Stratus ZeroSabian62Stable$307€275$307€275Check ↗
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Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion CrashSabian62Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
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Istanbul Mehmet 14" Turk Crash Cymbal14" Crash Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
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Istanbul Mehmet 14" Samatya Crash Cymbal14" Crash Samatya Series · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 43
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Thin Crash Cymbal14" Thin Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 44
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Medium Crash Cymbal14" Medium Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 45
Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter CrashZultan60↑ 7.8%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 46
Millenium 14" B20 CrashMillenium58Stable$40€36$40€36Check ↗
- 47
Ufip 14" Class Series Crash MediumUfip58Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 48
Schlagwerk 14" Cajon Crash-RideSchlagwerk58Stable$218€195$218€195Check ↗
14" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 48 models we track, not a sample.
Median $211 — half of all 14" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 48 models · 14"–14"
How to choose the best 14" crash cymbals
Weight
Lighter crashes (around 900g) will have a quicker, more shimmering response - great for delicate accents and quieter genres. Heavier crashes (1100g+) offer more sustain and a fuller, more explosive sound, ideal for rock or situations where you need to cut through. It's a tonal trade-off, always.
Bell Size & Shape
A larger bell generally means more volume and a more defined "ping." A smaller, more tapered bell will give you a smoother, more washy sound. Pay attention to the bell's shape - some are more aggressively hammered for a brighter, more complex tone.
Hammering & Lathing
Deeper hammering creates a more complex, trashier sound with more overtones. Lathing (the grooves around the bell) affects the cymbal's action and responsiveness. Less lathing tends to produce a more controlled, focused sound, while more lathing can add brightness and complexity.
B20 vs. B8 Bronze
B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) is the standard for higher-end crashes and delivers a richer, more complex tone with more sustain and overtones. B8 bronze (often a proprietary blend) is more common in budget options, and while it can still sound decent, it'll generally lack the depth and complexity of B20.
Wash vs. Stick Definition
A washy crash blends into the overall sound, providing a beautiful atmospheric effect. Defined stick definition means you hear the impact of the stick clearly, which is crucial for cutting through a loud band and for precise, articulate playing.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a 14" crash? Smart move. They're the unsung heroes - versatile enough for quiet jazz gigs, bright enough to cut through a rock band, and gentle enough for bedroom practice without driving your neighbors crazy. Finding the right one, though, can be tricky. It's not just about volume; it's about that wash, the articulation, and how it sits in a mix - and that's what we're digging into here.
Don't chase the loudest crash. A 14" is about finesse, not brute force. Budget options often skimp on hammering and use thinner bronze alloys, resulting in a brittle, one-dimensional sound.
Spend a little more for B20 bronze and proper hammering - it'll make a world of difference in terms of musicality and feel. Listen for a crash that responds well to dynamics - a crash that can whisper and roar is a versatile crash.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 48 14" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 14" crashes good for louder music?
They can be, but you'll need a heavier weight and likely a more aggressively hammered model. They're not going to replace a 16" or 18" for full-on rock, but a well-chosen 14" can cut through surprisingly well.
What's the difference between a crash and a ride crash?
A ride crash is designed to have a more defined stick sound and a drier, more controlled wash. It's intended to be usable as both a ride and a crash, but it often compromises on the qualities of each - it's not the best at either.
Can I use a 14" crash as a splash cymbal?
You can, but it's overkill. A 14" crash has too much sustain and complexity to truly function like a splash. A dedicated splash cymbal will be brighter, shorter, and more articulate.
I'm a beginner - what 14" crash should I get?
Start with a medium-weight B20 bronze crash from a reputable brand. Something in the 950-1050g range. Focus on a balanced sound that's responsive and easy to control - you don't want to get overwhelmed.
What does 'trashy' mean when describing a cymbal?
It refers to a cymbal with a complex, chaotic wash, lots of overtones, and a slightly rough, raw sound. It's often achieved through aggressive hammering and lathing - it's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's a distinct sonic character.
