Best 17" Crash Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 17" crash cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

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

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

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Progressive For Metal For Fusion For Power Playing For Complex Music

BRANDS: Paiste Sabian Zultan Zildjian Meinl Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash

by Zildjian

Complex Music Fusion Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• May be overpowering in small venues

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid CrashHybrid Crash CymbalSize: 17"K-Custom SeriesHybrid CrashRegular...

⭐ 4.4/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 198793

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash

by Sabian

Metal Complex Music Fusion

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Versatile across heavier genres

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone CrashCrashSize: 17"B20 BronzeCombination of HH and HHX hammeringHammered bell6...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 498159

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 Series

by Paiste

Complex Music Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• Requires strong technique to control

Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 SeriesCrash CymbalSize: 17"Thickness: thinSilvery transparent response with wide...

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 483851

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash

by Zildjian

Metal Fusion Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry TrashTrash Crash CymbalSize: 17"K Custom Special Dry SeriesNatural...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 407209

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash

by Sabian

Complex Music Progressive Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and projection
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Sabian 17" AAX Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"AAX SeriesThickness: thinBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 465058

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash

by Sabian

Power Playing Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• May be overpowering in small venues

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 17"HHX Complex SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeCombination...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 476036

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" Z Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 17" Z Custom Crash

by Zildjian

Fusion Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and projection
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Expensive compared to standard sizes
• Can mask other instruments if overused

Zildjian 17" Z Custom CrashCrash CymbalDiameter: 17"Developed for heavy hittersBright sound with explosive...

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588917

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad.

by Sabian

Fusion Progressive Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and projection
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires strong technique to control
• Can mask other instruments if overused

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad.Crash CymbalSize: 17"HHX seriesTraditional versionDarkexplosive crash sound...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 519740

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 17" Byzance Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 17" Byzance Dark Crash

by Meinl

Rock Complex Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Meinl 17" Byzance Dark CrashDark Crash CymbalByzance seriesSize: 17"Dark (natural) performanceExtremely...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 221807

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin Crash

by Sabian

Power Playing Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• Can mask other instruments if overused

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin CrashCrystal Thin Crash CymbalSize: 17"AAX seriesBrilliant...

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 552837

$393

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Paper Thin Crash Tradit. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.

by Istanbul Mehmet

Fusion Power Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• Can mask other instruments if overused

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.17" Paper Thin Crash CymbalTraditional seriesRegular...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311604

$262

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Dark Crash

by Zildjian

Complex Music Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires strong technique to control
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Dark CrashDark CrashSize: 17"K Custom seriesRegular finishUnique crash with drytrashy...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 135866

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" K-Series Dark Crash Thin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 17" K-Series Dark Crash Thin

by Zildjian

Power Playing Complex Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Expensive compared to standard sizes
• Requires strong technique to control

Zildjian 17" K-Series Dark Crash ThinDark Thin Crash CymbalK seriesSize: 17"Traditional finishDarkwarm and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 100723

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" FRX Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" FRX Crash

by Sabian

Complex Music Power Playing Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• May be overpowering in small venues

Sabian 17" FRX CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"FRX seriesFrequency Reduced CymbalsB20 bronzeSpecial cymbals with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 430606

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr

by Meinl

Complex Music Power Playing Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overused
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr17" Jazz Extra Thin CrashJazz model (brilliant)The response is fast and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 223542

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 17" 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 17" 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 17" Crash Cymbals 2025

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash

Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash

Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 Series

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash

Zildjian 17" Z Custom Crash

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad.

Meinl 17" Byzance Dark Crash

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Dark Crash

Zildjian 17" K-Series Dark Crash Thin

Sabian 17" FRX Crash

Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr

How to Choose the Best 17" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 17" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 17" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 17" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 17" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 17" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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