Best 20" Crash Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 20" crash cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Orchestral For Cinematic For Progressive Rock For Special Effects For Recording For Art Music

BRANDS: Paiste Meinl Zildjian Zultan Istanbul Agop Istanbul Mehmet Sabian

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Recording Progressive Rock Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash TraditionalCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional seriesFast responding crash with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542704

$413

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Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Special Effects Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Very limited musical applications

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional Dark SeriesMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 580603

$461

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Zildjian 20" K-Series Dark Crash Thin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 20" K-Series Dark Crash Thin

by Zildjian

Orchestral Cinematic Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Requires professional technique

Zildjian 20" K-Series Dark Crash ThinThin Dark Crash CymbalSize: 20"K seriesRegular modelDarkwarmdeep...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 337166

$505

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Istanbul Mehmet 20" Legend Dry Crash-Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Legend Dry Crash-Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Cinematic Progressive Rock Art Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Can overpower any musical context

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Legend Dry Crash-RideCrash-Ride CymbalSize: 20"Legend Dry SeriesB20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 463267

$428

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Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Trash Crash

by Meinl

Cinematic Recording Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Very limited musical applications

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Trash CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Byzance seriesTrash crashSandblasted surfaceThe...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 308281

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Orchestral Art Music Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Impractical for most drummers

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"K-SeriesExplosivedark crash cymbal from the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 572219

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 20" Rude Crash/Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 20" Rude Crash/Ride

by Paiste

Special Effects Progressive Rock Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Requires professional technique

Paiste 20" Rude Crash/RideCrash / Ride CymbalRude seriesSize: 20"Extra heavy crashFrom loud to very...

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 191284

$406

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Paiste 20" Traditional Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Paiste 20" Traditional Thin Crash

by Paiste

Cinematic Progressive Rock Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Impractical for most drummers

Paiste 20" Traditional Thin CrashThin crash cymbalsSize: 20"Traditional CollectionDarktransparentwarm crash...

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 442529

$681

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Paiste 20" 602 Mod. Essentials Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 20" 602 Mod. Essentials Crash

by Paiste

Cinematic Recording Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Impractical for most drummers

Paiste 20" 602 Mod. Essentials Crash20" Crash CymbalModern Essentials seriesRegular modelCuSn20 bronze...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 312895

$681

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Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash

by Meinl

Orchestral Special Effects Recording

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Very limited musical applications

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Finish: Smoke BronzeWarm tone with short sustainWide...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 483021

$395

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Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Crash

by Meinl

Art Music Orchestral Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Crash, Vintage Crash, Sandblasted surface, Large beaten surface on a thin material...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 278578

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Thin Crash

by Meinl

Art Music Orchestral Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Impractical for most drummers

Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Thin CrashCrash CymbalByzance series20 "Extra thin hammered crashTraditional...

⭐ 4.7/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 264366

$517

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

by Sabian

Cinematic Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Requires professional technique

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Strength: HeavyMaterial: B20 bronzeFinish: BrilliantSlightly...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489483

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 20" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 20" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

by Paiste

Cinematic Special Effects Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Requires professional technique

Paiste 20" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalCymbalSize: 20"2002 Black Big Beat SeriesCan be used as a crash or...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 382015

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist ION Crash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist ION Crash Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop

Orchestral Art Music Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Requires professional technique

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist ION Crash BrilliantCrash CymbalsSize: 20"Xist ION seriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 382948

$340

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 20" 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 20" 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 20" Crash Cymbals 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash

Zildjian 20" K-Series Dark Crash Thin

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Legend Dry Crash-Ride

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Trash Crash

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

Paiste 20" Rude Crash/Ride

Paiste 20" Traditional Thin Crash

Paiste 20" 602 Mod. Essentials Crash

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Thin Crash

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

Paiste 20" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist ION Crash Brilliant

How to Choose the Best 20" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 20" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 20" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 20" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 20" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 20" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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