Best 17" Crash Cymbals Under $500 2026

Affordable 17" crash cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Zildjian 17" Z Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 17" Z Custom Crash

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
Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Istanbul Agop 17" Agop Signature Crash

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
Paiste 17" Signature Fast Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Paiste 17" Signature Fast Crash

Metal Progressive Complex Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across heavier genres
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and projection
  • • Versatile across heavier genres
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive compared to standard sizes
  • • Requires strong technique to control

Paiste 17" Line Fast Crash Cymbal, 17" Fast CrashThe Fast Crash from the Signature Line offers a warm, full...

4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Zildjian 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash

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
Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Zildjian 17" K-Custom Hybrid Crash

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
Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sabian 17" AAX AAXplosion Crash

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
Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sabian 17" AAX Thin Crash

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
Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sabian 17" HHX Complex Thin Crash

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
Paiste 17" Masters Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Paiste 17" Masters Dark Crash

Metal Progressive Complex Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across heavier genres
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
  • • Versatile across heavier genres
✗ CONS
  • • Can mask other instruments if overused
  • • Expensive compared to standard sizes

Paiste 17" Masters Dark CrashDark crash cymbalSize: 17"Masters SeriesDarksmoky cymbal soundSoft playing...

5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Sabian 17" Stratus Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sabian 17" Stratus Crash

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
Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sabian 17" HHX HHXtrem Crash

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
Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sabian 17" HHX Legacy Crash

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
Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Cr

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
Zildjian 17" A-Custom Fast Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Fast Crash

Metal Power Playing Complex Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across heavier genres
✓ PROS
  • • Professional sound quality
  • • Excellent sustain and projection
✗ CONS
  • • May be overpowering in small venues
  • • Expensive compared to standard sizes

Zildjian 17" A-Custom Fast CrashCrashSize: 17"A Custom seriesBrilliant finishNaturalbrightnot too thicknot...

4.4/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 17" Byzance Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Meinl 17" Byzance Dark Crash

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

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.

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