AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Zultan 17" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zultan 17" Aja Crash ($95). Zultan 17" Alaris Crash leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size17"
The Zultan Aja is a surprisingly solid crash for the money. It's got a bright, upfront sound with a decent fade, making it a great option for beginner to intermediate drummers or anyone needing a budget-friendly cymbal for a splashy, energetic feel. It’s a real workhorse, perfect for rock, pop, and lighter genres.
Pros
- Bright, responsive stick attack delivers immediate impact and clarity.
- The B20 bronze alloy provides a warm, harmonically rich undertone.
- Harmonically balanced fade offers a surprisingly controlled decay for its price.
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and nuanced wash of higher-end cymbal alloys.
- The thinner profile may not hold up as well to aggressive playing styles.
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- Size17"
This handcrafted cymbal hits hard but fades gently. Made from B20 bronze, it sounds powerful yet controlled. It fits drummers who want a punchy crash without the harsh edge.
Pros
- Handmade from premium B20 bronze alloy
- Delivers explosive attack with soft decay
- Offers a unique blend of power and control
Cons
- No specific weight listed for handling
- Finish type is not described in text
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- Size17"
This Zultan 17 in Raw Crash is a seriously cool cymbal for players seeking a darker, more organic sound. It’s fantastic for jazz, neo-soul, or anyone wanting a less splashy, more controlled crash. The raw finish gives it a unique character and a surprisingly dry, woody feel.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex foundational tone.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced stick definition and responsiveness.
- Raw, unlathed surface minimizes harsh overtones and ringing.
Cons
- Raw finish lacks the polished aesthetic some drummers prefer.
- Limited versatility; excels in darker musical styles, less bright.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This Zultan Rock Beat is a solid crash for players who want a big, impactful sound without spending a fortune. It's got a quick response and a full tone that'll work great for rock, pop, and heavier styles – a real workhorse cymbal for gigging drummers.
Pros
- B-20 bronze delivers a warm, musical foundation for the sound
- Fast response makes it ideal for dynamic, nuanced playing
- Hand-polished finish provides a bright aesthetic and consistent tone
Cons
- Rock Beat series leans toward a heavier sound, less versatile for lighter genres
- Brilliant finish may require more frequent cleaning to maintain shine
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
The Zultan Caz 17in crash is a surprisingly articulate and responsive cymbal. Its B20 bronze construction gives it a lovely warmth, perfect for jazz, fusion, or any style where you want a more nuanced crash than a typical bright, cutting sound. It’s a great option for players seeking a more traditional feel at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Hand hammering creates nuanced overtones and a lively response.
- Lower weight allows for fast, expressive playing and quiet dynamics.
Cons
- The thinner profile might lack sustain for heavier, more aggressive styles.
- B20 bronze, while versatile, won't offer the projection of B8.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This Zultan F5 is a real statement piece – loud, aggressive, and built to cut through. It's perfect for rock, metal, or any genre where you need a crash with serious volume and a defined stick sound. Not the best choice for subtle jazz work, though.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers warm, complex overtones and sustain.
- Hammered finish creates unique wash and interesting visual appeal.
- Aggressive attack provides powerful projection for louder settings.
Cons
- The aggressive nature limits versatility for quieter, more nuanced playing.
- Hammered finish might not appeal to those preferring a pristine, shiny look.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
The Zultan Q Crash is a surprisingly versatile option. The contrasting finishes create a really interesting sonic palette – you get a dark, trashy wash alongside a bright shimmer. It's a solid choice for drummers looking for a unique crash with a lot of character without a premium price tag, especially good for rock, pop, and heavier styles.
Pros
- B20 bronze construction delivers warm, complex overtones
- Unique bi-tonal design offers versatile dynamic response
- Deep hammering creates a powerful, trashy wash
Cons
- Untreated areas may develop patina faster than desired
- The raw bell can be a bit clangy for some tastes
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This Zultan 17 in crash is a surprisingly versatile cymbal, offering a warm, full sound with a quick response. It's a great option for gigging musicians or those looking for a well-balanced crash without spending a fortune – particularly well-suited for rock, pop, and lighter jazz applications.
Pros
- Warm, full tone provides excellent wash and sustain.
- B20 bronze delivers a bright, complex shimmer.
- Hand-hammering adds a unique character and responsiveness.
Cons
- Hammering inconsistencies can lead to slight tonal variations between cymbals.
- Zultan’s budget-friendly construction limits extreme dynamic range.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This 17-inch crash hits bright and full but fades smoothly. It projects clearly with rich overtones thanks to its B20 bronze. The handcrafted build in Turkey gives it a solid feel. It suits anyone needing a crisp, balanced crash for cutting through the mix.
Pros
- Handcrafted in Turkey from B20 bronze
- Bright and full-bodied sound character
- Fast response with smooth decay
Cons
- No specific weight listed for handling
- No stated playability or feel details
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
The Zultan Dune is a fantastic crash if you're after a quick, trashy response – think modern rock, alternative, or even a drier jazz sound. It’s not going to give you those lush, shimmering crashes, but what it *does* do, it does exceptionally well, offering a lot of character for the price point. It’s a great choice for drummers looking for something a little different.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a complex, nuanced sonic character.
- Hand-hammering creates a unique, organic feel and responsiveness.
- Fast decay and controlled overtones are great for busy mixes.
Cons
- Dune series leans heavily into a dry sound; not ideal for wash or shimmer.
- Hammering can lead to slight inconsistencies in playing feel between samples.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 17" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
17" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 100 models we track, not a sample.
Median $200 — half of all 17" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 100 models · 17"–17"
How to choose the best 17" crash cymbals
Sound Character
Zultan's unique alloy-a blend of B20 bronze with a touch of silver-gives these crashes a surprisingly warm, complex tone. It's not a wash; it's got a focused character, a nice, clear stick definition with a rapid decay. You get that musicality without the endless sustain some other brands drown in.
Articulation & Dynamics
These respond incredibly well to subtle changes in stick pressure. You can dial in a whisper-quiet ghost note or really lay into it for a powerful, full-bodied crash. That responsiveness is key for nuanced playing.
Build Quality & Lathing
The hammering is superb - consistently even and precise. The thin lathing contributes to the fast response and bright character, but it doesn't feel fragile. It's a delicate balance, and Zultan nails it.
Cutting Through the Mix
While not aggressively loud, the 17" Zultan crashes have a surprising ability to cut through a dense mix. That focused frequency response makes them audible even with guitars and vocals vying for space. Think controlled energy, not just sheer volume.
Heritage & Craftsmanship
Zultan isn't some factory-churned brand. They're rooted in a tradition of Turkish cymbal making, and you can hear it. The care and attention to detail are evident in every cymbal, which translates to a more musical and nuanced sound.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Zultan 17" crashes. They're not the first cymbal that jumps to mind for most folks, I get it. But if you're chasing a really articulate, musical crash that cuts without being brittle, and you're tired of the same old parade of bright, generic sounds, Zultan deserves a serious listen. These aren't your typical off-the-rack hardware; they're built on a real legacy of Turkish craftsmanship.
Look, Zultan 17" crashes aren't cheap. You're paying for that hand-hammered quality and the unique alloy. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true - chances are they're not genuine Zultan.
If you're primarily a metal player needing a loud, aggressive crash, these might not be your first choice; they're best suited for genres where musicality and articulation are prized. This isn't a cymbal to bash through a wall with, it's a cymbal to play.
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 14 17" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 100 in the category). 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
What's the difference between a Zultan and a Sabian AAX?
The AAX is brighter and more polished, designed to cut through almost anything. Zultan is more complex and musical, leaning towards a warmer, more vintage vibe. The AAX is loud; the Zultan is articulate.
Are they fragile? I gig pretty hard.
They're thinner than some heavier rock cymbals, but the hammering and alloy give them surprising durability. Treat them with respect, of course, but they can handle a good gigging schedule.
I'm recording drums. Will a 17" Zultan be big enough?
Absolutely. The focused sound and quick decay make them perfect for close-miked recordings. You'll get a clear, defined crash without unwanted overtones.
What kind of music are these best for?
Think jazz, funk, R&B, singer-songwriter - anything where you need a sophisticated and musical crash. They're also excellent for quieter rock or indie genres.
Can I use them with mesh heads?
Yeah, they'll be fine with mesh heads, although you'll lose a bit of the sonic nuance. It's a bit of a waste of the cymbal's potential, but it'll work if you need it for quiet practice.
