Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals 2026

• Size16"

This is a 16-inch hi-hat from Paiste's 2002 Black Big Beat series, made of CuSn8 bronze. It is based on the 2002 design but has a stronger hammer pattern and a slightly darkened finish. If you want a hi-hat with a stronger hammer pattern and a darker look, this one could suit you.

• Size16"

This is a 16 inch hi-hat from Paiste's Giant Beat series, made of CuSn8 bronze. Its sound is described as bright and warm, with a complex, dark and glassy shimmer. You can use it for quiet and loud playing, both live and in the studio, so it suits you if you want one hi-hat for many different settings.

• Size18"

This is an 18-inch hi-hat from Sabian's AA Sick Series, made of B20 Bronze with a natural finish. You get a thin, perforated top cymbal and a medium bottom cymbal, so it pairs a lighter top with a steadier bottom. It suits you if you want a hi-hat with that mix of feel and support.

• Size16"

This 16-inch hi-hat is made from B20 bronze and hammered and turned by hand in Turkey. You get a warm, dark, complex sound with a full, voluminous tapestry of sound. It suits a wide range of musical styles, so it is a good pick if you want a handmade cymbal with plenty of character.

• Size16"

This is a 16-inch hi-hat made from B20 bronze and hand-hammered for a dark, dry sound. It has a crisp chick and a dry stick stop with a warm tone, so it suits you if you want a focused, characterful hi-hat with a complex voice.

• Size16"

This is a 16-inch hi-hat with a medium thin top and a medium bottom. It gives you a darker tone with controlled overtones, which makes it a good pick if you play rock, pop, country or jazz and prefer a thinner cymbal.

• Size17"

You get a 17-inch hi-hat made from B20 bronze, hand hammered and part of the Traditional Dark Series. Its sound is dark, deep and soft, so it suits you if you want a mellow hi-hat rather than a sharp one.

• Size16"

This 16-inch hi-hat is made from B20 bronze and gives you a quick response with a precise chick sound. You get a bright, defined sound with good stick definition, so each stick hit is easy to pick out. It suits you if you want a hi-hat that sounds assertive in any musical context.

• Size16"

This is a 16 inch Byzance hi-hat with a sand-blasted surface. Its upper and lower basins have a noticeable weight difference, and its hammering technique is meant to give it a fancy, clearly articulated sound. It suits you if you want a Byzance hi-hat with a visible finish and a distinct weight balance.