Best 18" Crash Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 18" crash cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Heavy Rock For Metal For Progressive For Stadium Rock For Powerful Playing For Large Venues

BRANDS: Meinl Paiste Zildjian Sabian Zultan Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop Masterwork Millenium

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Tony Williams Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Tony Williams Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Heavy Rock Large Venues Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Expensive investment

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Tony Williams CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"Tony Williams tribute modelB20 bronzeHand...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 410417

$537

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 18" Custom Series SE Jazz Cr. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 18" Custom Series SE Jazz Cr.

by Istanbul Agop

Heavy Rock Progressive Stadium Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and wash

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and wash
• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✗ CONS

• Physically demanding to play effectively
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Istanbul Agop 18" Custom Series SE Jazz Cr.Crash CymbalSize: 18"Custom Series Special Edition JazzTraditional...

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 480239

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" Classic Orch. Sel. Susp. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 18" Classic Orch. Sel. Susp.

by Zildjian

Metal Stadium Rock Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

• Can be overwhelming in small spaces
• Requires powerful amplification to balance

Zildjian 18" Classic Orch. Sel. Susp.Orchestra crash cymbalSize: 18"Medium ThinAllows more projection for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 237597

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Powerful Playing Heavy Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✓ PROS

• Maximum projection and volume
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

• Expensive investment
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Thin CrashCrash CymbalSeries "K" of ZildjianTraditional finishSize:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 158833

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Metal Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Metal Power Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Heavy Rock Stadium Rock Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound
• Maximum projection and volume

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Expensive investment

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Metal Power Crash, Power Crash Cymbal, Size: 18", XMM-CP18, Loud and energetic crash...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 326684

$372

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople Crash

by Zildjian

Heavy Rock Metal Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for large venue performance
• Maximum projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Expensive investment
• May ring too long for fast passages

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople Crash18" Crash CymbalSize: 18"K Constantinople SeriesTraditional finishA...

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 213116

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" K-Custom Fast Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 18" K-Custom Fast Crash

by Zildjian

Stadium Rock Metal Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Zildjian 18" K-Custom Fast Crash, 18" Fast Crash Cymbals, K-Custom Series, Brilliant finish, K Custom Crash...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 188707

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray Series Multi Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray Series Multi Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Progressive Stadium Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and wash
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Physically demanding to play effectively

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray Series Multi CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"X-Ray SeriesB20 bronzeBrilliant finishIs...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 395558

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 18" Agop Signature Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 18" Agop Signature Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Stadium Rock Metal Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Expensive investment

Istanbul Agop 18" Agop Signature CrashCrashHand hammeredSize: 18"Material: B20 bronzeVery thin crash with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 435672

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Paper Thin Crash Tradit. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.

by Istanbul Mehmet

Powerful Playing Metal Stadium Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and wash
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.18" Paper Thin Crash CymbalTraditional seriesRegular...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311606

$314

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 18" HHX Complex Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 18" HHX Complex Thin Crash

by Sabian

Heavy Rock Stadium Rock Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Expensive investment

Sabian 18" HHX Complex Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 18"HHX Complex SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeCombination...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 476037

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 18" AAX AAXplosion Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 18" AAX AAXplosion Crash

by Sabian

Metal Progressive Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Maximum projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Physically demanding to play effectively
• Requires powerful amplification to balance

Sabian 18" AAX AAXplosion CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"AAX seriesBrilliant finishClearcleandefined cymbal...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 165770

$457

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Projection Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Projection Crash

by Zildjian

Metal Heavy Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for large venue performance
• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Projection Crash, Projection Crash, Size: 18", A Custom series, Brillant finish, More...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 124284

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray 6 Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray 6 Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Stadium Rock Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and wash

✓ PROS

• Maximum projection and volume
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

• Can be overwhelming in small spaces
• Expensive investment

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray 6 CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"X-Ray 6 SeriesB20 bronzeBrilliant finishWith 6...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 411610

$314

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Vintage Trash Cras - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Vintage Trash Cras

by Meinl

Metal Progressive Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Physically demanding to play effectively

Meinl 18" Byzance Vintage Trash Crash, Trash crash, Sandblasted surface, The different sized holes of this crash...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 278581

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 18" 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 18" 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 18" Crash Cymbals 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Tony Williams Crash

Istanbul Agop 18" Custom Series SE Jazz Cr.

Zildjian 18" Classic Orch. Sel. Susp.

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Thin Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Metal Power Crash

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople Crash

Zildjian 18" K-Custom Fast Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray Series Multi Crash

Istanbul Agop 18" Agop Signature Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Paper Thin Crash Tradit.

Sabian 18" HHX Complex Thin Crash

Sabian 18" AAX AAXplosion Crash

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Projection Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 18" X-Ray 6 Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Vintage Trash Cras

How to Choose the Best 18" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 18" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 18" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 18" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 18" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 18" crash cymbals online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Drum Shell Sets

Best Acoustic Drumkits

Best 14" Wooden Snare Drums

Best 16" Crash Cymbals

Best Cymbal Sets

Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies