AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 14" Crash Cymbals for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Paiste 14" PST 3 Crash Cymbal ($54). Meinl 14" Classics Custom Dark Trash Crash Cymbal 2019 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size14"
The PST3 14in crash is a solid, budget-friendly option for drummers needing a bright, cutting crash. It's a great starting point for younger players or those wanting a Paiste sound without the premium price tag. It's a workhorse cymbal – not a statement piece – but it gets the job done reliably.
Pros
- Bright, cutting sound ideal for rock, pop, and lighter genres.
- Paiste’s bronze alloy offers a consistent, reliable tone.
- The average weight provides a controlled, responsive crash.
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end Paiste cymbals.
- The piercing nature can be harsh in denser, more complex mixes.
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- Size14"
The 101 series is Paiste's entry-level line, and this 14 in crash is a solid starting point. It's got a bright, clear sound that's perfect for beginners or players needing a budget-friendly cymbal for practice or a secondary crash. It's a good all-rounder that won’t overwhelm other cymbals in your kit.
Pros
- Bright, focused tone cuts through busy mixes easily
- Paiste’s signature bronze alloy offers reliable consistency
- Quick response makes it great for dynamic playing
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end Paiste models
- The sound can be a bit thin for heavier genres like metal
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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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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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- Size14"
This Millenium 14' B20 crash is a solid option for beginners or players on a tight budget who need a basic, bright crash. It's surprisingly responsive for the price, but don't expect the nuanced complexity of a Zildjian or Sabian. It’s a great starting point for students or gigging musicians needing a reliable, affordable spare.
Pros
- B20 bronze alloy offers a surprisingly bright, responsive tone.
- Thin profile promotes quick, explosive crashes.
- Relatively lightweight, easing control and stamina.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end bronze cymbals.
- The hammering is basic, resulting in a somewhat one-dimensional sound.
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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
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- Size14"
The Zultan Aja 14' is a surprisingly punchy little crash. It's a great option for drummers needing a bright, articulate crash that won't bury the kit – think pop, rock, or even lighter jazz styles where you want a defined accent. It’s a solid, affordable choice for gigging musicians or students.
Pros
- Bright, cutting sound cuts through dense mixes effectively.
- Relatively thin profile offers a responsive, quick attack.
- Zultan’s B20 bronze provides a warm, complex harmonic content.
Cons
- Lacks the wash and sustain of higher-end, larger crash cymbals.
- The 'fat' sound can be overwhelming in quieter, more nuanced settings.
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- Size14"
This handmade 14-inch B20 bronze cymbal hits hard but fades softly. It's a great choice if you want a punchy sound that doesn't boom too long.
Pros
- Handmade construction ensures unique voice
- B20 bronze offers rich tone
- Explosive attack hits hard
Cons
- No weight listed for lift
- Finish type is unknown
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- Size14"
The Paiste PST5 14' Medium Crash is a solid, reliable cymbal that punches above its weight class. It's a great entry point into Paiste's sound, offering a bright, clear tone that's perfect for gigging drummers or students looking for quality without a premium price tag. It's a workhorse crash that’ll hold up to regular use.
Pros
- Excellent value for a Paiste-branded cymbal.
- CuSn8 bronze provides a warm, musical fundamental.
- Versatile medium crash suitable for many genres.
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end Paiste lines.
- The finish is prone to finger smudging and minor scratches.
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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 ↗
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
Zildjian 14" I Family Crash medium-thinZildjian62Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 12
Masterwork 14" Troy Traditional CrashMasterwork64↓ 3.4%$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 13
Zultan 14" Q CrashZultan64Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 14" Rock Beat CrashZultan64Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 15
Masterwork 14" Troy CrashMasterwork63Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal14" A-Series Fast Crash · Zildjian90Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 17
Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal14" A-Custom Fast Crash · Zildjian90Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 18
Zildjian 14" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal14" K-Custom Fast Crash · Zildjian90Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 19
Sabian 14" B8X Thin Crash Cymbal14" HHX Thin Crash · Sabian90Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 14" A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal14" A-Custom EFX · Zildjian87Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 21
Sabian XSR5005GB XSR Performance 14" / 16" / 20" Cymbal Pack w/ 18"…14" XSR Fast Crash · Sabian86Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 22
Paiste 14" Signature Fast Crash Cymbal14" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste83Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 23
Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash Cymbal14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash · Meinl79Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 24
Paiste 14" Signature Full Crash Cymbal14" Signature Full Crash · Paiste74Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 25
Meinl 14" Byzance Traditional Thin Crash Cymbal14" Byzance Thin Crash · Meinl67Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 26
Meinl 14" Byzance Traditional Thin Crash Cymbal14" Byzance Thin Crash Brill. · Meinl67Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 27
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Heavy Crash Cymbal14" Heavy Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet66Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 28
Masterwork 14" Resonant CrashMasterwork65↓ 4.1%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 29
Zultan 14" Aeon FX CrashZultan64Stable$207€185$207€185Check ↗
- 30
Zultan 14" Mellow CrashZultan64Stable$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 31
Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Rubbish CrashIstanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 32
Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 CrashIstanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 33
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.Istanbul Mehmet64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 34
Paiste 2002 Classic 14" CrashPaiste64Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 35
Masterwork 14" Custom Thin CrashMasterwork63Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 36
Masterwork 14" Custom CrashMasterwork63Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 37
Masterwork 14" Jazz Master CrashMasterwork63Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 38
Meinl 14" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Cr.Meinl62Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 39
Sabian 14" B8X Thin CrashSabian62Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 40
Sabian 14" Stratus ZeroSabian62Stable$307€275$307€275Check ↗
- 41
Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion CrashSabian62Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 42
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Turk Crash Cymbal14" Crash Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 43
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Samatya Crash Cymbal14" Crash Samatya Series · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 44
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Thin Crash Cymbal14" Thin Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 45
Istanbul Mehmet 14" Traditional Series Medium Crash Cymbal14" Medium Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet61Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 46
Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter CrashZultan60↑ 7.8%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 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
Playability
Beginners need something forgiving. A cymbal that responds well to lighter touches and doesn't require a sledgehammer to get a sound is essential. Stiff, icy crashes are a nightmare when you're still developing your technique.
Sustain & Decay
Too much sustain can be overwhelming, but too little leaves you sounding thin. A moderate decay, allowing for a clear wash without lingering forever, is ideal for building a solid groove.
Tone & Articulation
You want a clear, defined "stick sound" - a clean articulation when you hit it. A muddy or choked sound makes it hard to control the dynamics and can get lost in the mix when you're playing with a band.
Durability & Latency
Let's be honest, beginner drummers aren't always the most gentle. A cymbal that can withstand some abuse without cracking or developing a bunch of unwanted overtones is a plus. Also, a cymbal that doesn't take forever to stop ringing is crucial.
Price & Value
Budget is always a factor. We're looking for the best bang for your buck, considering the build quality and the overall sound you're getting for the price.
Buying guide
So, you're starting out on drums? Awesome! A 14" crash is a fantastic first cymbal - manageable, versatile, and won't overwhelm you like a huge 16" or 18" might. It's easy to control the dynamics, which is critical when you're still learning to get a consistent sound. Forget those flashy, complex cymbals for now; let's find something that'll let you focus on the fundamentals and build good habits.
Don't chase the big, splashy sound right away. Beginner cymbals often cut corners on hammering and lathing, which means they might be a little more brittle or have a slightly harsher edge. Entry-level bronze alloys are common - they'll get you started, but don't expect the warmth and complexity of higher-end B20 bronze.
Consider a pack deal - sometimes you get a better value when buying a crash and a hi-hat together.
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
What's the difference between B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is a cheaper alloy, often used in entry-level cymbals. It's brighter and tends to be a bit less complex in tone. B20 is the standard for most professional cymbals, offering a warmer, more nuanced sound - but at a higher price.
Can I use a 14" crash as a ride cymbal?
Technically, yes. But it won't be great. It'll sound thin and wash out the bell. A dedicated ride is a much better investment down the road.
My crash sounds really harsh and icy - what's wrong?
It's likely the alloy and hammering. Cheaper cymbals often have a harsher, more metallic tone. Try dampening it slightly with a towel or experimenting with different stick angles.
Should I get a heavier or lighter 14" crash?
Lighter is generally better for beginners. It's easier to control and respond to lighter dynamics. Heavier cymbals require more force and can be harder to manage when you're just learning.
I'm worried about cracking my new cymbal. What can I do?
Handle it with care! Avoid hitting it too hard, especially near the edge. Proper storage (on a cymbal bag or with sleeves) is also crucial to prevent accidental damage.
