Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals for Beginner 2026

• 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"

The Zultan Dune 16' hi-hats offer a really unique character – think controlled aggression and a quick, dark response. This is a great choice for drummers in rock, metal, or any genre needing a hi-hat that cuts through the mix without being overly splashy. They're a really cool alternative to the usual suspects.

• Size16"

The Zultan Heritage 16' hi-hat is a solid choice for drummers seeking a vintage-inspired sound with a touch of complexity. It's a well-built, responsive pair that sits nicely in a mix, perfect for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who want a more traditional feel without sacrificing modern playability.

• Size17"

These Xist Dry Dark Brill hats are a fantastic choice for drummers seeking a unique, vintage-inspired sound. The combination of a thin top and a slightly heavier bottom provides a surprising amount of control and projection for a 'trashy' hat. They're perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and alternative where a darker, more complex hi-hat voice is desired.

• Size17"

These Xist Dry Dark hi-hats from Istanbul Agop are a real find for drummers wanting a modern, articulate sound. The 17-inch size nails that balance between trash and wash, making them perfect for genres like indie, alternative, and even some jazz where you want a more understated, organic feel. They’re built solid and offer a unique character you won't find in more mass-produced cymbals.

• Size16"

This is a 16 inch hi-hat made from B20 bronze and hand hammered. It gives you a very dry, dark sound with a trashy edge and a short sustain. It suits you if you play many bass parts and want a cymbal you can control well, in rock, funk, R&B, jazz or the studio.

• 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.