AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 17" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal ($445). Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $140. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 98 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 17" Crash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 17" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal
17" K Sweet Crash · Zildjian
58 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This is a 17 inch crash cymbal from Zildjian's K series. It is described as dark and fast responding, with a warm and round sound. If you want a crash that speaks quickly and has a soft, rounded tone, this one could suit you.
Pros
- Dark and fast responding, so it speaks quickly when struck
- Part of Zildjian's K series, known for a dark, fast-responding character
- Random hammering finish gives it a hand-hammered look
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 17" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal
17" 900 Color Sound Crash Blue · Paiste
18 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size17"
This is a 17-inch crash cymbal from Paiste's 900 Colour Sound Series, made of B8 bronze and finished in blue. Paiste describes it as having a full sound with a strong, warm tone, and as universally applicable. If you want a crash cymbal that the maker says works across many styles, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made of B8 (2002) bronze, as stated for this cymbal
- Full sound with a strong, warm tone, as the maker describes it
- Universally applicable, so it fits many playing styles
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash Cymbal
17" A-Custom Crash · Zildjian
38 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This is a 17-inch crash from Zildjian's A Custom series with a brillant finish. It has a fast attack and a soft release, so it speaks quickly and fades gently. It suits you if you want a crash that is not too thick or too loud.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A Custom series.
- 17-inch size suits crash accents in many kit setups.
- Brillant finish gives it a bright, polished look.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash Cymbal
17" Z Custom Crash · Zildjian
38 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17" crash is made for drummers who hit hard. You get a bright sound with an explosive crash and cut, so it stands out when you want a strong accent. It is described as extremely versatile and powerful, which makes it a good pick if you want one crash that can handle a lot of different playing.
Pros
- Developed for heavy hitters who play with force
- Bright sound with an explosive crash and cut
- Slightly lighter weight than the original Z Custom Crashes
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$412 now$412€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This is a 17-inch crash cymbal from Paiste's PST7 series, made in Switzerland from CuSn8 bronze. You get a traditional look and sound, and the maker says it suits all styles of playing. It is a good pick if you want a classic crash that can fit many kinds of music.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Made in Switzerland
- Traditional sound and look, as the maker describes it
Cons
- At 17 inches, it is a smaller crash, so it is not the choice for a very big wash of sound
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$140 now$140€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal
17" A-Custom Fast Crash · Zildjian
33 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This is a 17-inch crash from Zildjian's A Custom series. It has a fast attack, so it responds quickly when you hit it, and a soft release, so the sound fades out gently. If you want a crash that is not too thick and not too loud, this one could suit you well.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A Custom series, a named line in their cymbal range
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look on your kit
- Fast attack, so it responds quickly when you strike it
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal
17" A-Custom Projection Crash · Zildjian
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This is a 17-inch crash from Zildjian's A Custom series, with a shiny brilliant finish. If you want a crash that has more power and lasts longer after each hit than most others its size, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A Custom series
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
- Stated to have more power and energy than comparable crash cymbals
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash Cymbal
17" FRX Crash · Sabian
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
If you want a crash that stays even from the first hit to the end of the sound, this 17" FRX could suit you. It is made of B20 bronze and is built to lower the harsh, cutting frequencies and keep the peak volume down. It fits players who want a controlled, compressed crash rather than a loud, open one.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a standard cymbal alloy
- Frequency Reduced design lowers cutting and unpleasant frequencies
- Very compressed, frequency optimized sound for a controlled crash
Cons
- Compressed, frequency-optimized sound may not suit players wanting an open, wide-ranging crash
76AudioFu
Index↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$468 · Aug 17$434 now$434€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" K Series Dark Thin Crash Cymbal
17" K-Series Dark Crash Thin · Zildjian
29 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17-inch K-Series crash has a dark, deep response and a short sustain, so each hit fades quickly. Zildjian says it suits all music styles and calls it very musical. If you want a crash that stays out of the way and does not ring on, you should give it a look.
Pros
- Dark, warm and deep response suits a cymbal that sits low in the mix
- Short sustain lets each hit die away quickly, keeping busy parts clean
- Suitable for all music styles, so it fits a wide range of playing
Cons
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long passages
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$434 now$434€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 17" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
17" K-Custom Dark Crash · Zildjian
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17-inch crash is for you if you want dry, trashy overtones instead of a long, washy ring. It speaks fast and stops quickly, so it works well as a sharp accent that gets out of the way. If you like that short, gritty style, this cymbal does the job.
Pros
- Part of the K Custom series, a line known for its dark, trashy character
- Unique crash with dry, trashy overtones
- Fast attack that speaks quickly when struck
Cons
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long passages
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$444 now$444€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 98 17" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Paiste 17" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal17" 900 Series Crash · Paiste74Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 12
Paiste 17" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal17" 900 Color Crash PRP · Paiste74Stable$195€175$195€175Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 17" Signature Full Crash Cymbal17" Signature Full Crash · Paiste74↓ 2.3%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 14
Sabian 17" AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal17" HHX Plosion Crash · Sabian74Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 15
Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash Cymbal17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash · Sabian74↓ 2.2%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 17" K Custom Hybrid Crash Cymbal17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash · Zildjian73Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 17
Sabian 17" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal17" XSR Fast Crash · Sabian72Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
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Zildjian 17" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal17" A-Series Medium Thin Crash · Zildjian72Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 19
Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash Cymbal17" AAX Thin Crash · Sabian72Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 20
Sabian 17" HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal17" HHX Evolution Crash · Sabian72Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 21
Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal17" HHX Complex Thin Crash · Sabian72Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 22
Sabian 17" B8X Thin Crash Cymbal17" B8X Thin Crash · Sabian71Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 23
Paiste 17" Signature Fast Crash Cymbal17" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste71Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 24
Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash Cymbal17" K Custom Special Dry Trash · Zildjian71Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
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Zildjian 17" I Family Trash Crash Cymbal17" I Family Trash Crash · Zildjian70Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
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Meinl 17" Classics Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 201917" Classics Custom Dark Crash · Meinl70Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 27
Meinl 17" Classics Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 201917" Classics Custom Med. Crash · Meinl70Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Paiste 17" RUDE Thin Crash Cymbal17" Rude Thin Crash · Paiste70Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 29
Paiste 17" RUDE Crash / Ride Cymbal17" Rude Crash/Ride · Paiste70Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 30
Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal17" HHX Legacy Crash · Sabian70Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
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Sabian 17" Stratus Crash Cymbal17" Stratus Crash · Sabian69Stable$352€315$352€315Check ↗
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Paiste 17" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Crash Cymbal17" 900 Color Heavy Crash BK · Paiste68Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
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Paiste 17" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Crash Cymbal17" 900 Series Heavy Crash · Paiste68Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
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Paiste 17" PST 8 Reflector Rock Crash Cymbal17" PST8 Reflector Rock Crash · Paiste67Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 35
Paiste 17" Signature Power Crash Cymbal17" Signature Power Crash · Paiste67Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 36
Paiste 17" Masters Dark Crash Cymbal17" Masters Dark Crash · Paiste67Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 37
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash17" Byzance Thin Crash · Meinl66Stable$421€377$421€377Check ↗
- 38
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash17" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl66Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 39
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash17" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. · Meinl66Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 40
Meinl 17" Byzance Dark CrashMeinl65Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 41
Meinl 17" Byzance Traditional Medium Thin Crash Cymbal17"Byzance J.Medium Thin Crash · Meinl65↓ 2.6%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 42
Paiste 17" Signature Mellow Crash Cymbal17" Signature Mellow Crash · Paiste64Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 43
Meinl 17" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Crash Cymbal17" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl63Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 44
Meinl 17" Byzance Traditional Medium Thin Crash Cymbal17" Byzance Medium Thin Crash · Meinl63Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 45
Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crash17" Byzance Jazz Thin Crash · Meinl62Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 46
Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crash17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr · Meinl62Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 47
Paiste 17" RUDE Wild Crash Cymbal17" Rude Wild Crash · Paiste61Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 48
Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Brilliant Crash17" Xist Crash Brilliant · Istanbul Agop60Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 49
Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal17" Traditional Thin Crash · Istanbul Agop59Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 50
Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 SeriesPaiste58↓ 2.3%$468€419$468€419Check ↗
17" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 100 models we track, not a sample.
Median $323 — half of all 17" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 100 models · 17"–17"
How to choose the best 17" crash cymbals
Weight
Heavier 17" crashes tend to have more sustain and a fuller, more complex wash, good for rock or heavier styles. Lighter ones will be quicker and more responsive, ideal for jazz or more delicate playing. Too heavy, and you're fighting the cymbal; too light, and it'll just fizz.
Bell Size & Profile
A larger bell generally means more volume and a more prominent "ping." The bell profile (how sharply it tapers) affects the initial attack - a more aggressive profile will give a quicker, brighter response. Think about what kind of initial articulation you need.
Hammering & Lathing
Less hammering results in a brighter, more washy sound. More hammering creates a darker, more trashy tone. Lathing (the grooves cut into the cymbal) affects the cymbal's responsiveness and sustain - wider lathing generally means more sustain, but can also introduce unwanted overtones if not done well.
Metal Alloy
B20 bronze is the standard for a reason-it offers a good balance of warmth and brightness. B8 bronze is cheaper and generally brighter and more brittle. Be wary of anything claiming to be 'special alloy' without clear details - it's often a marketing gimmick.
Overtone Management
A good 17" crash will have controlled overtones, not a chaotic mess of ringing frequencies. Cheap cymbals often have poorly managed overtones that make them sound muddy and indistinct in a band setting. This is where the skill of the cymbal maker really shines.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're hunting for a 17" crash? Smart move. They're the sweet spot - big enough to get a decent wash and sustain, but small enough to articulate clearly and not completely bury your kit. It's the go-to size for a lot of players needing a versatile crash without the overwhelming volume of a 18" or bigger. Let's break down what to look for so you don't end up with a clangy mess.
Seventeen-inch crashes are a popular size, so you'll find a wide range of prices. The cheap ones? They'll cut corners on hammering and lathing, leading to a thin, brittle sound with uncontrolled overtones.
Spending a bit more gets you better alloy and more attention to detail - that's where you start to hear the difference. Don't chase the loudest crash; chase the one that articulates clearly and complements your kit's overall sound.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 100 17" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 17" crashes good for beginners?
Absolutely. They're manageable in terms of volume and response, making them easier to control than larger crashes. Just avoid the absolute cheapest options - they'll be frustrating to play.
Can I use a 17" crash as my primary crash?
Sure, especially if you're playing in a smaller band or need a more versatile crash. However, a larger crash (18" or 19") will give you that big, explosive sound for those really impactful moments.
What's the difference between a 17" crash and a 17" thin crash?
'Thin' just means the cymbal is thinner overall, resulting in a lighter action, quicker response, and generally more volume. It'll have less sustain and a less complex wash than a medium or heavy 17" crash.
I'm playing in a loud rock band - should I avoid 17" crashes?
Not necessarily! A heavier 17" crash can handle the volume. Just make sure it's well-made to avoid unwanted overtones that will muddy the mix. Consider a darker-sounding model to cut through the guitars.
Are used 17" crashes a good deal?
Often, yes! You can find some serious deals on used cymbals, especially if you're willing to accept a few minor blemishes. Just listen to them carefully before you buy - cracks and keyholing are deal-breakers.
