AudioFu

Best 18" Crash Cymbals Under $300 2025

Affordable 18" crash cymbals under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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
Zildjian 18" Low Volume Crash / Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 18" Low Volume Crash / Ride

by Zildjian
Powerful Playing Progressive Stadium Rock
Key Feature:
• Perfect for large venue performance
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance

Zildjian 18" Low Volume Crash / RideLow Volume Crash / Ride CymbalSize: 18"Cymbal up to 80% quieterIdeal for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 401247
$230
Buy at Thomann View Details
Masterwork 18" Resonant Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Masterwork 18" Resonant Crash

by Masterwork
Metal Progressive Stadium Rock
Key Feature:
• Impressive visual and sonic impact
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Rich, full-bodied crash sound
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance

Masterwork 18" Resonant Crash, 18" CrashThe Resonant series is hand-polished with a high gloss finish, which...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 111707
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Aeon Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zultan 18" Aeon Thin Crash

by Zultan
Large Venues Metal Powerful Playing
Key Feature:
• Perfect for large venue performance
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive investment
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Zultan 18" Aeon Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 18"Material: B25 bronze alloy (75% copper25%...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540990
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Masterwork 18" Custom Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Masterwork 18" Custom Thin Crash

by Masterwork
Powerful Playing Heavy Rock Progressive
Key Feature:
• Impressive visual and sonic impact
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full-bodied crash sound
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • Physically demanding to play effectively
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Masterwork 18" Custom Thin CrashThin CrashCustom seriesSize: 18""Traditional" finishCompletely...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 318697
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Power Crash

by Istanbul Agop
Metal Progressive Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
• Perfect for large venue performance
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
  • • Maximum projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • Physically demanding to play effectively
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Istanbul Agop 18" Crash CymbalXist Seriespower versionBrilliant Finishprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20%...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 621970
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Dune Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Zultan 18" Dune Crash

by Zultan
Large Venues Powerful Playing Stadium Rock
Key Feature:
• Perfect for large venue performance
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive investment
  • • May ring too long for fast passages

Zultan 18" Dune CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"Dune seriesHand-hammeredPremium crash cymbal from traditional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 450104
$230
Buy at Thomann View Details
Masterwork 18" Jazz Master Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Masterwork 18" Jazz Master Crash

by Masterwork
Powerful Playing Large Venues Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
• Impressive visual and sonic impact
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • May ring too long for fast passages
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Masterwork 18" Jazz Master Crash, 18" CrashDespite a full, deep core sound and an extremely wide frequency...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 111677
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 18" Classics Cust. Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Meinl 18" Classics Cust. Trash Crash

by Meinl
Heavy Rock Powerful Playing Metal
Key Feature:
• Maximum projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive investment
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Meinl 18" Classics Cust. Trash Crash, Trash Crash, Brillant finish, B12 bronze, Different sized cutouts help this...

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 278527
$218
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash Crash

by Zultan
Metal Stadium Rock Progressive
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and wash
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • May ring too long for fast passages
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash CrashTrash Chrash CymbalSize: 18"Rock Beat SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407799
$244
Buy at Thomann View Details
Masterwork 18" Custom Rock Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Masterwork 18" Custom Rock Crash

by Masterwork
Powerful Playing Progressive Large Venues
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and wash
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
✗ CONS
  • • May ring too long for fast passages
  • • Expensive investment

Masterwork 18" Custom Rock Crash, 18" Rock CrashThe Allround-Cymbal product range. A remarkable sound...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 111593
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Z-Series Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Zultan 18" Z-Series Crash

by Zultan
Metal Large Venues Powerful Playing
Key Feature:
• Maximum projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum projection and volume
  • • Rich, full-bodied crash sound
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance

Zultan 18" Z-Series CrashCrash CymbalB20 bronzeHand hammeredFull warm sound with fast responseGorgeous sound body...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 278621
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Crash Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Crash Natural

by Istanbul Agop
Large Venues Powerful Playing Stadium Rock
Key Feature:
• Maximum projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full-bodied crash sound
  • • Excellent sustain and wash
✗ CONS
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance
  • • Expensive investment

Istanbul Agop 18" Crash Cymbal, Xist Series, Natural Finish, professional quality in B20 (80% Copper, 20"...

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 621978
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash RED - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash RED

by Paiste
Progressive Stadium Rock Powerful Playing
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and wash
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Rich, full-bodied crash sound
✗ CONS
  • • Physically demanding to play effectively
  • • Expensive investment

Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash REDCrash CymbalSize: 18"900 Colour Sound SeriesMade of B8 (2002) bronzeFull...

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407579
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash PRP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash PRP

by Paiste
Stadium Rock Powerful Playing Metal
Key Feature:
• Impressive visual and sonic impact
✓ PROS
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
  • • Maximum projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance
  • • May ring too long for fast passages

Paiste 18" 900 Color Sound Crash PRPCrash CymbalSize: 18"900 Colour Sound SeriesMade of B8 (2002) bronzeFull...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 407581
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Crash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Crash Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
Heavy Rock Stadium Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Maximum projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for large venue performance
  • • Impressive visual and sonic impact
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming in small spaces
  • • Requires powerful amplification to balance

Istanbul Agop 18" Xist Crash BrilliantCrash CymbalSize: 18"Agop Xist SeriesBrillant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 265119
$263
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.

Related Best Lists

TOP

Best Drum Shell Sets

RELATED

Best Acoustic Drumkits

TOP

Best 14" Wooden Snare Drums

POPULAR

Best 16" Crash Cymbals

RELATED

Best Cymbal Sets

POPULAR

Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more