Best 18" Crash Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 18" crash cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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 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

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Powerful Playing Large Venues Metal

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Requires powerful amplification to balance

Zildjian 18" K-Series Paper Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"K-SeriesExplosivedark crash cymbal from the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572217

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Sea 1623 Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Sea 1623 Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Progressive Heavy Rock Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Maximum projection and volume

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Expensive investment

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Sea 1623 CrashCrash CymbalsBlack Sea 1623 SeriesSize: 18"BS-C18Hand-hammeredB20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 468521

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" A-Custom EFX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" A-Custom EFX

by Zildjian

Powerful Playing Progressive Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Maximum projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Perfect for large venue performance

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 18" A-Custom EFX18" EFX poolA Custom SeriesBrilliant FinishThis Special Effect crash cymbal catches...

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 268667

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" John Robinson Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" John Robinson Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Powerful Playing Stadium Rock Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Expensive investment
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Istanbul Mehmet 18" John Robinson CrashCrash CymbalJohn Robinson Signature seriesSize: 18"Material: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 610524

$347

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 18" AAX Aero Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 18" AAX Aero Crash

by Sabian

Stadium Rock Metal Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and wash

✓ PROS

• Perfect for large venue performance
• Maximum projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Sabian 18" AAX Aero Crash, Crash Cymbal, Brilliant finish, Developed based on an AAX X-Plosion crash and inspired...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 291869

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" K Sweet Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" K Sweet Crash

by Zildjian

Stadium Rock Powerful Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and wash
• Impressive visual and sonic impact

✗ CONS

• Physically demanding to play effectively
• Expensive investment

Zildjian 18" K Sweet CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"K-seriesDark and fast responding cymbal"Random...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 430941

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Medium Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Medium Crash

by Meinl

Powerful Playing Metal Stadium Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for large venue performance

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and wash
• Perfect for large venue performance

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Medium CrashBenny Greb Signature Crash CymbalsWarmsoft crash soundVintage sound...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 288962

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash

by Meinl

Metal Stadium Rock Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Maximum projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Maximum projection and volume
• Perfect for large venue performance

✗ CONS

• Physically demanding to play effectively
• Expensive investment

Meinl 18" Byzance Extra Dry T. CrashThin Crash CymbalByzance seriesSize: 18"Extra dry thin crashExtra dry...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 221821

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Thin Crash Brill. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Thin Crash Brill.

by Meinl

Heavy Rock Metal Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 18" Byzance Thin Crash Brill.Thin Crash CymbalByzance seriesSize: 18"Brilliant finishVery low...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 221559

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Fast Crash Brill. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Fast Crash Brill.

by Zildjian

Progressive Heavy Rock Stadium Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

• May ring too long for fast passages
• Requires powerful amplification to balance

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Fast Crash Brill.Fast Crash CymbalSize: 18"A Custom SeriesBrilliant finishWideyet open...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 161900

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" A-Series Medium Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" A-Series Medium Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Metal Progressive Stadium Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for large venue performance
• Maximum projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 18" A-Series Medium Thin CrashMedium Thin Crash CymbalSize 18"Regular modelBright vivid crash...

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 183901

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash Crash

by Meinl

Stadium Rock Large Venues Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Maximum projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and sonic impact
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"Finish: Dark (Natural)Material: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 510244

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR

by Meinl

Metal Stadium Rock Powerful Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires powerful amplification to balance
• Expensive investment

Meinl 18" Byzance Foundry Reserve CRCrash CymbalSize: 18"Byzance Foundry Reserve SeriesB20 BronzeTraditional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 456940

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Crash

by Zildjian

Stadium Rock Progressive Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Rich, full-bodied crash sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for large venue performance
• Excellent sustain and wash

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark CrashCrash CymbalSize: 18"Series "K" of ZildjianTraditional finishPlayed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 158837

$424

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 Under $500 2025

Istanbul Agop 18" Agop Signature Crash

Zildjian 18" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Sea 1623 Crash

Zildjian 18" A-Custom EFX

Istanbul Mehmet 18" John Robinson Crash

Sabian 18" AAX Aero Crash

Zildjian 18" K Sweet Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Sand Medium Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Thin Crash Brill.

Zildjian 18" A-Custom Fast Crash Brill.

Zildjian 18" A-Series Medium Thin Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash Crash

Meinl 18" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR

Zildjian 18" K-Series Dark Crash

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