Best 16" Crash Cymbals Under $200 2025

Affordable 16" crash cymbals under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Hard Rock For Metal For Punk For Aggressive Playing For Live Performance

BRANDS: Meinl Paiste Zildjian Sabian Zultan Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop Masterwork

Masterwork 16" Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Masterwork 16" Custom Crash

by Masterwork

Hard Rock Aggressive Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Powerful attack with good sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic rock crash size
• Powerful attack with good sustain

✗ CONS

• May be too loud for intimate settings
• May ring too long in some applications

Masterwork 16" Custom Crash, 16" CrashThe all-round cymbal in the range. A remarkable sound spectrum and a...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111586

$182

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork 16" Custom Rock Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Masterwork 16" Custom Rock Crash

by Masterwork

Metal Aggressive Playing Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Cuts through dense mixes well

✓ PROS

• Excellent for rock and heavier styles
• Cuts through dense mixes well

✗ CONS

• May ring too long in some applications
• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts

Masterwork 16" Custom Rock Crash, 16 "Rock CrashThe all-round Cymbal of the series. A remarkable sound...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 111589

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 16" B8X Medium Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Sabian 16" B8X Medium Crash

by Sabian

Hard Rock Live Performance Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent for rock and heavier styles

✓ PROS

• Powerful attack with good sustain
• Cuts through dense mixes well

✗ CONS

• Requires proper technique to control
• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts

Sabian 16" B8X Medium CrashMedium Crash CymbalSize: 16"B8X SeriesAlloy: B8 bronzeNatural finishHammered...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 363256

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 16" B8X Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Sabian 16" B8X Thin Crash

by Sabian

Rock Punk Metal

Key Feature:

• Cuts through dense mixes well

✓ PROS

• Powerful attack with good sustain
• Cuts through dense mixes well

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• May be too loud for intimate settings

Sabian 16" B8X Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 16"B8X SeriesAlloy: B8 bronzeNatural finishHammered...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 363272

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 16" Caz Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 16" Caz Crash

by Zultan

Live Performance Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock crash size

✓ PROS

• Great stage presence and projection
• Classic rock crash size

✗ CONS

• May ring too long in some applications
• May be too loud for intimate settings

Zultan 16" Caz CrashCrash cymbalB20 bronzeHand-hammeredFast-response crashWarmfull-bodied fundamental tone with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 278663

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 16" Crash IMC Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 16" Crash IMC Natural

by Istanbul Mehmet

Live Performance Punk Rock

Key Feature:

• Powerful attack with good sustain

✓ PROS

• Great stage presence and projection
• Powerful attack with good sustain

✗ CONS

• May be too loud for intimate settings
• More expensive than smaller sizes

Istanbul Mehmet 16" Crash IMC NaturalCrash CymbalSize: 16"Material: B20 bronzeFinish: NaturalHigh-quality...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609351

$174

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork 16" Custom Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Masterwork 16" Custom Thin Crash

by Masterwork

Rock Hard Rock Punk

Key Feature:

• Great stage presence and projection

✓ PROS

• Cuts through dense mixes well
• Great stage presence and projection

✗ CONS

• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts
• May ring too long in some applications

Masterwork 16" Custom Thin Crash, 16" Thin CrashThe all-round cymbal in the range. A remarkable sound...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 111588

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 16" S Series Medium Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 16" S Series Medium Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Aggressive Playing Punk Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock crash size

✓ PROS

• Great stage presence and projection
• Excellent for rock and heavier styles

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• May be too loud for intimate settings

Zildjian 16" S Series Medium Thin CrashMedium Thin Crash CymbalSize: 16"S SeriesMaterial: B12 bronze alloy...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 380564

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 16" S Series Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 16" S Series Trash Crash

by Zildjian

Hard Rock Rock Aggressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Powerful attack with good sustain

✓ PROS

• Cuts through dense mixes well
• Excellent for rock and heavier styles

✗ CONS

• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts
• More expensive than smaller sizes

Zildjian 16" S Series Trash CrashTrash Crash CymbalSize: 16"S SeriesMaterial: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper12%...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 380565

$182

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 16" Rock Beat Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 16" Rock Beat Crash

by Zultan

Aggressive Playing Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Cuts through dense mixes well

✓ PROS

• Excellent for rock and heavier styles
• Classic rock crash size

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts

Zultan 16" Rock Beat CrashCrash cymbalSize: 16 "Rock beat seriesMade of B20 bronzeFull voluminous...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 268217

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 16" PST8 Reflector Rock Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 16" PST8 Reflector Rock Crash

by Paiste

Aggressive Playing Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Powerful attack with good sustain

✓ PROS

• Cuts through dense mixes well
• Excellent for rock and heavier styles

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• May ring too long in some applications

Paiste 16" PST8 Reflector Rock CrashCrashPST8 SeriesEnergeticpowerfulstrong crash with great sound width and clear...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278820

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 16" PSTX Swiss Flanger Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 16" PSTX Swiss Flanger Crash

by Paiste

Rock Live Performance Aggressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent for rock and heavier styles

✓ PROS

• Great stage presence and projection
• Classic rock crash size

✗ CONS

• May ring too long in some applications
• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts

Paiste 16" PSTX Swiss Flanger CrashCrash CymbalSize: 16"PSTX seriesSilk-matte finishFast explosive easy...

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615599

$138

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 16" S Series Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 16" S Series Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Rock Aggressive Playing Punk

Key Feature:

• Cuts through dense mixes well

✓ PROS

• Powerful attack with good sustain
• Classic rock crash size

✗ CONS

• Can overpower in lighter musical contexts
• Requires proper technique to control

Zildjian 16" S Series Thin CrashThin CrashSize: 16"S SeriesMaterial: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper12%...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 380607

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Classics Custom Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 16" Classics Custom Thin Crash

by Meinl

Rock Live Performance Metal

Key Feature:

• Cuts through dense mixes well

✓ PROS

• Great stage presence and projection
• Classic rock crash size

✗ CONS

• May ring too long in some applications
• Requires proper technique to control

Meinl 16" Classics Custom Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 16"ThinFinish: BrilliantExcellently balanced crash in...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558086

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Class. Cust. Dark Heavy CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 16" Class. Cust. Dark Heavy CR

by Meinl

Live Performance Punk Aggressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Powerful attack with good sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic rock crash size
• Great stage presence and projection

✗ CONS

• Requires proper technique to control
• May ring too long in some applications

Meinl 16" Class. Cust. Dark Heavy CRCrash CymbalSize: 16"Classics Custom Dark SeriesThickness: HeavyFinish:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 510230

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 16" Crash 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" crash 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" Crash Cymbals Under $200 2025

Masterwork 16" Custom Crash

Masterwork 16" Custom Rock Crash

Sabian 16" B8X Medium Crash

Sabian 16" B8X Thin Crash

Zultan 16" Caz Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 16" Crash IMC Natural

Masterwork 16" Custom Thin Crash

Zildjian 16" S Series Medium Thin Crash

Zildjian 16" S Series Trash Crash

Zultan 16" Rock Beat Crash

Paiste 16" PST8 Reflector Rock Crash

Paiste 16" PSTX Swiss Flanger Crash

Zildjian 16" S Series Thin Crash

Meinl 16" Classics Custom Thin Crash

Meinl 16" Class. Cust. Dark Heavy CR

How to Choose the Best 16" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 16" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 16" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 16" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 16" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 16" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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