Best 17" Crash Cymbals for Intermediate 2025

Perfect 17" crash cymbals for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

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

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

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Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Metal Complex Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and projection

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature CrashCrashHand hammeredSize: 17"Material: B20 bronzeVery thin crash with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 435808

$356

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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

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" Stratus Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 17" Stratus Crash

by Sabian

Power Playing Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and projection
• Versatile across heavier genres

✗ CONS

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

Sabian 17" Stratus CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"Material: B20 BronzeHigh impact hammeredTraditional finishThin...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 603693

$347

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

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Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dark ION Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dark ION Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Power Playing Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dark ION Crash, Crash Cymbal, Size: 17", Xist Dark ION series, Material: B20 bronze,...

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 432114

$230

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

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Zildjian 17" K Sweet Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 17" K Sweet Crash

by Zildjian

Progressive Fusion Power Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and projection

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 17" K Sweet CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"K-seriesDark and fast responding cymbal"Random...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 430940

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 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

Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash

by Meinl

Complex Music Power Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile across heavier genres

✓ PROS

• Versatile across heavier genres
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

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

Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"Pure Alloy SeriesThickness: MediumMechanical high-tech...

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 533368

$292

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 17" 602 Medium Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 17" 602 Medium Crash

by Paiste

Progressive Power Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Excellent sustain and projection

✗ CONS

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

Paiste 17" 602 Medium CrashCrash CymbalSize: 17"Strength: mediumSilvery transparent response with wide...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483862

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 for Intermediate 2025

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash

Paiste 17" Thin Crash 602 Series

Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature Crash

Sabian 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash trad.

Sabian 17" Stratus Crash

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash

Istanbul Agop 17" Xist Dark ION Crash

Sabian 17" FRX Crash

Zildjian 17" K Sweet Crash

Sabian 17" AAX Crystal Thin Crash

Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash

Paiste 17" 602 Medium Crash

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash

Istanbul Agop 17" Traditional Dark Crash

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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