Best 18" China Cymbals Under $200 2025

Affordable 18" china cymbals under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Zildjian 18" S Series China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 18" S Series China

Power Metal Stadium
Key Feature:
• Ultimate china cymbal experience
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum sustain and character
  • • Professional touring quality
✗ CONS
  • • Requires professional setup and handling
  • • Very heavy and difficult to transport

Zildjian 18" S Series Chinese ThinThin China cymbalSize: 18"S SeriesMaterial: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper12%...

4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Paiste 18" 900 Series China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Paiste 18" 900 Series China

Metal Large Concert Extreme
Key Feature:
• Maximum sustain and character
✓ PROS
  • • Professional touring quality
  • • Concert hall and stadium projection
✗ CONS
  • • May be too extreme for most applications
  • • Very heavy and difficult to transport

Paiste 18" 900 Series ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18""900" SeriesMade of B8 (2002) bronzeExplosive crash...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Zultan 18" Q China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zultan 18" Q China

Extreme Metal Large Concert
Key Feature:
• Ultimate china cymbal experience
✓ PROS
  • • Ultimate china cymbal experience
  • • Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
✗ CONS
  • • Extremely expensive professional tool
  • • Requires professional setup and handling

Zultan 18" Q ChinaChina cymbalSize: 18"Dark and deepfull sounding China cymbal with incredible dynamic...

4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste PST7 18" China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Paiste PST7 18" China

Large Concert Metal Stadium
Key Feature:
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum sustain and character
  • • Concert hall and stadium projection
✗ CONS
  • • Very heavy and difficult to transport
  • • May be too extreme for most applications

Paiste PST7 18" ChinaChinaSize: 18"PST7 SeriesTraditional sound and lookMaterial: CuSn8 BronzePowerful China...

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Zultan 18" Rock Beat China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Zultan 18" Rock Beat China

Stadium Metal Large Concert
Key Feature:
• Professional touring quality
✓ PROS
  • • Concert hall and stadium projection
  • • Maximum sustain and character
✗ CONS
  • • Very heavy and difficult to transport
  • • May be too extreme for most applications

Zultan 18" Rock Beat ChinaChinaRock Beat SeriesSize: 18"China cymbal with short and fast response and...

4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Paiste 18" PST8 Reflector Rock China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Paiste 18" PST8 Reflector Rock China

Power Large Concert Extreme
Key Feature:
• Professional touring quality
✓ PROS
  • • Ultimate china cymbal experience
  • • Concert hall and stadium projection
✗ CONS
  • • May be too extreme for most applications
  • • Requires professional setup and handling

Paiste 18" PST8 Reflector Rock ChinaChina CymbalReflector Rock ChinaSize: 18"PST8 seriesFlatfullearthy...

4.4/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 18" HCS Trash China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Meinl 18" HCS Trash China

Extreme Large Concert Professional
Key Feature:
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
✓ PROS
  • • Ultimate china cymbal experience
  • • Professional touring quality
✗ CONS
  • • Requires professional setup and handling
  • • Extremely expensive professional tool

Meinl 18" HCS Trash China, Trash China cymbal, Size: 18", Beginner cymbal series, MS63 brass alloy, Explosive...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Zultan 18" Raw China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Zultan 18" Raw China

Professional Stadium Extreme
Key Feature:
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
✓ PROS
  • • Concert hall and stadium projection
  • • Maximum sustain and character
✗ CONS
  • • Very heavy and difficult to transport
  • • May be too extreme for most applications

Zultan 18" Raw ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"Raw Series100% Hand-hammeredMaterial: B20 BronzeDarkwarm and full...

4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste PST5 18" China '14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Paiste PST5 18" China '14

Metal Professional Stadium
Key Feature:
• Maximum sustain and character
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum sustain and character
  • • Ultimate china cymbal experience
✗ CONS
  • • May be too extreme for most applications
  • • Potential hearing damage without protection

Paiste PST5 18" China '14ChinaSize: 18"From the new PST5 seriesMaterial: CuSn8 bronze (also known as...

4.6/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

How to Choose the Best 18" China 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 18" china 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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