Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals for Special Effects 2025

Perfect 16-18" hi-hat cymbals for special-effects - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Experimental For Progressive For Fusion For Unique Sounds For Special Effects For Creative Applications

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Fusion Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Great for creative and experimental music

✓ PROS

• Excellent for special musical effects
• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbals
• Can dominate musical arrangements

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Hi-HatHi-HatSize: 17"Xist Dry Dark SeriesB20 BronzeHand-hammeredShort trashy...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 474222

$479

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Meinl 16" Byzance Sand Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 16" Byzance Sand Hi-Hat

by Meinl

Special Effects Unique Sounds Fusion

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and audio impact

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and audio impact
• Distinctive sonic character

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional technique
• Very expensive specialty cymbals

Meinl 16" Byzance Sand Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 16 "Benny Greb Signature Hi-Hat PairByzance...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 447734

$714

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Istanbul Agop 16" Agop Signature Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop 16" Agop Signature Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Creative Applications Fusion Unique Sounds

Key Feature:

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sonic character
• Excellent for special musical effects

✗ CONS

• Limited practical applications
• May be difficult to control

Istanbul Agop 16" Agop Signature Hi-HatHi-HatHand-hammeredSize: 16"Material: B20 bronzeDry stick stop with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 435666

$626

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Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hats - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hats

by Zildjian

Fusion Creative Applications Experimental

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sonic character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sonic character
• Impressive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• May be difficult to control
• Very expensive specialty cymbals

Zildjian 16" K Sweet HatsHi-Hat CymbalSize: 16 "K SeriesDark and fast responding pelvis"Random...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 430937

$692

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Meinl 16" Byzance Foundry Reserve HH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 16" Byzance Foundry Reserve HH

by Meinl

Fusion Progressive Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sonic character

✓ PROS

• Great for creative and experimental music
• Impressive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbals
• Can dominate musical arrangements

Meinl 16" Byzance Foundry Reserve HHHiHat cymbalSize: 16"Byzance Foundry Reserve SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 503764

$857

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Sabian 18" AA Sick Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 18" AA Sick Hi-Hat

by Sabian

Fusion Progressive Unique Sounds

Key Feature:

• Great for creative and experimental music

✓ PROS

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds
• Great for creative and experimental music

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional technique
• Limited practical applications

Sabian 18" AA Sick Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 18"AA Sick SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeNatural finishThinperforated...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 486034

$855

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Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Creative Applications Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and audio impact

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sonic character
• Great for creative and experimental music

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbals
• Limited practical applications

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 17"Traditional Dark SeriesB20 bronzeTraditional...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581329

$637

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Zildjian 16" K-Series Light Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 16" K-Series Light Hi-Hat

by Zildjian

Unique Sounds Special Effects Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Excellent for special musical effects

✓ PROS

• Excellent for special musical effects
• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds

✗ CONS

• Can dominate musical arrangements
• Limited practical applications

Zildjian 16" K-Series Light HiHatLight HiHatSize: 16"K SeriesRegular versionMade to fullfil drummers...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 337167

$703

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Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Hats - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Hats

by Istanbul Agop

Fusion Progressive Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for creative and experimental music

✓ PROS

• Great for creative and experimental music
• Distinctive sonic character

✗ CONS

• Can dominate musical arrangements
• May be difficult to control

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Brill. HatsHi-HatXist Dry Dark Brilliant SeriesSize:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 554168

$480

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Paiste 16" 2002 Black Big Beat Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 16" 2002 Black Big Beat Hi-Hat

by Paiste

Unique Sounds Special Effects Progressive

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sonic character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sonic character
• Great for creative and experimental music

✗ CONS

• Limited practical applications
• May be difficult to control

Paiste 16" 2002 Black Big Beat Hi-Hat, Hi-Hat Cymbal, Size: 16", 2002 Black Big Beat series, Material: CuSn8...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 382020

$582

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Ufip 16" Blast Series Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip 16" Blast Series Hi-Hat

by Ufip

Experimental Unique Sounds Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Excellent for special musical effects

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and audio impact
• Excellent for special musical effects

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional technique
• Can dominate musical arrangements

Ufip 16" Blast Series Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 16"Blast seriesMaterial: B20 bronzeHammered twiceModern...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 424407

$615

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Zultan 16" Dune Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 16" Dune Hi-Hat

by Zultan

Special Effects Creative Applications Experimental

Key Feature:

• Excellent for special musical effects

✓ PROS

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds
• Great for creative and experimental music

✗ CONS

• Can dominate musical arrangements
• Requires exceptional technique

Zultan 16" Dune Hi-HatHi-hat cymbalSize: 16"Dune seriesHand-hammeredPremium hi-hat cymbals in traditional...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 450117

$318

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Zultan 16" Heritage Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 16" Heritage Hi-Hat

by Zultan

Progressive Experimental Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Excellent for special musical effects

✓ PROS

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds
• Distinctive sonic character

✗ CONS

• Limited practical applications
• Requires exceptional technique

Zultan 16" Heritage Hi-HatHi-HatHeritage SeriesSize: 16"100% Handcrafted pool according to old tradition for...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 422377

$384

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Paiste 16" Giant Beat Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 16" Giant Beat Hi-Hat

by Paiste

Fusion Unique Sounds Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sonic character
• Impressive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• May be difficult to control
• Limited practical applications

Paiste 16" Giant Beat Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalGiant Beat seriesSize: 16"Made of CuSn8 bronzealso called bronze in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 407601

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat

by Meinl

Special Effects Fusion Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for creative and experimental music

✓ PROS

• Unique, unconventional hi-hat sounds
• Excellent for special musical effects

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional technique
• Can dominate musical arrangements

Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalsSize: 16"B16EDMTHNatural finishMaterial: B20 bronzeHand...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 327645

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 16-18" hi-hat cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals for Special Effects 2025

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat

Meinl 16" Byzance Sand Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 16" Agop Signature Hi-Hat

Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hats

Meinl 16" Byzance Foundry Reserve HH

Sabian 18" AA Sick Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat

Zildjian 16" K-Series Light Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Hats

Paiste 16" 2002 Black Big Beat Hi-Hat

Ufip 16" Blast Series Hi-Hat

Zultan 16" Dune Hi-Hat

Zultan 16" Heritage Hi-Hat

Paiste 16" Giant Beat Hi-Hat

Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat

How to Choose the Best 16-18" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 16-18" hi-hat cymbals?

How much should I spend on 16-18" hi-hat cymbals?

Are expensive 16-18" hi-hat cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 16-18" hi-hat cymbals?

Should I buy 16-18" hi-hat cymbals online or in-store?

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