Best 17" Crash Cymbals 2026

Top-rated 17" crash cymbals 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 28, 2026 • Next update: February 4, 2026

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-Series Dark Crash Thin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Meinl 17" Byzance Medium Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 17" Byzance Medium Thin Crash

by Meinl

Fusion Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 17" Byzance Medium Thin CrashMedium Thin Crash CymbalSize: 17"Traditional finishByzance SeriesHandmade...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 167213

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Projection Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Projection Crash

by Zildjian

Progressive Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and projection

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Projection Crash, 17" Projection Crash, A Custom series, Brillant finish, More power...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 188716

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Thin Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Thin Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Fusion Complex Music Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Thin Crash Traditional17" Thin Crash CymbalTraditional seriesRegular modelQuick-response...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 311617

$292

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Metal Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"Traditional Dark SeriesMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 580596

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" FRX Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Paiste 17" Signature Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 17" Signature Power Crash

by Paiste

Complex Music Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• Requires strong technique to control

Paiste 17" Signature Power Crash, Paiste Signature Line, 17" Power Crash CymbalEn route to the optimal cymbal...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 133500

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

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

Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash

by Sabian

Power Playing Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Versatile across heavier genres

✗ CONS

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

Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash17" AAXplosion CrashAAX seriesBrillant finishClearcleanwell defined cymbal...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 188222

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash

by Sabian

Progressive Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires strong technique to control
• May be overpowering in small venues

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem CrashHHXtrem Crash CymbalSize: 17"HHX seriesBrilliant finishAn attractive Crash with a...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 188151

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash

by Sabian

Metal Fusion Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and projection
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Sabian 17" HHX Legacy CrashHHX Legacy CrashDave Weckl signature seriesSize: 17"The cymbal is thick and dark...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 193278

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Meinl 17" Byzance Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 17" Byzance Thin Crash

by Meinl

Progressive Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Expensive compared to standard sizes

Meinl 17" Byzance Thin CrashCrash CymbalSeries ByzanceTraditional modelSize: 17"Thin CrashByzance cymbals are...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 168708

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Crash

by Zildjian

Fusion Complex Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

• Heavy weight for extended playing
• Requires strong technique to control

Zildjian 17" A-Custom CrashCrashSize: 17"A Custom seriesBrillant finishNaturalbright soundNot too thick - not...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 100718

$338

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 2026

Zildjian 17" K-Series Dark Crash Thin

Meinl 17" Byzance Medium Thin Crash

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Projection Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 17" Thin Crash Traditional

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Crash

Sabian 17" FRX Crash

Paiste 17" Signature Power Crash

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin Crash

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad.

Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash

Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash

Meinl 17" Byzance Thin Crash

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Crash

How to Choose the Best 17" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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