AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Crash Cymbals for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash Cymbal ($445). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 115 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash Cymbal
20" A-Custom Crash · Zildjian
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian A-Custom 20-inch crash is a beautifully voiced cymbal, perfect for players seeking a refined, articulate crash that isn't overly loud. It's a great choice for jazz, acoustic, and lighter rock styles where you need a quick response and a musical decay – think studio work or more delicate gigs.
Pros
- Exceptional responsiveness for quick, nuanced playing.
- Brilliant finish enhances projection and visual appeal.
- A-Custom alloy delivers a balanced, musical tone.
Cons
- Lacks the raw power for heavier, more aggressive genres.
- Higher price point compared to entry-level crash cymbals.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash Cymbal
20" Z Custom Crash · Zildjian
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Z Custom crash is a real powerhouse – built for players who need a loud, defined crash without sacrificing too much sensitivity. It’s a modern take on a classic, offering a brighter, more responsive feel than the original Z Customs. Perfect for rock, metal, and heavier genres where you need to cut through the mix.
Pros
- Brilliant finish enhances stage presence and reflects light beautifully.
- The slightly thinner profile provides a quicker response and more immediate attack.
- Original star pattern hammering contributes to a complex, shimmering decay.
Cons
- The bright sound might be overwhelming for players seeking a darker, warmer tone.
- Its explosive nature isn't ideal for very subtle, nuanced musical passages.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
20" A-Series Thin Crash · Zildjian
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian A Series Thin 20in crash is a beautifully voiced cymbal perfect for players seeking a quick, responsive crash with a warm, complex tone. It's an excellent choice for jazz, fusion, and lighter rock styles where subtle dynamics are key – just be mindful of its delicate nature.
Pros
- Brilliant finish provides excellent visual appeal and light reflection
- B20 alloy delivers a warm, complex, and musical tone
- Thin profile yields a quick response and shimmering decay
Cons
- Thinness makes it less durable under heavy, aggressive playing
- The bright sound may clash with darker, more vintage cymbal setups
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$447 now$447€400 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" FX Oriental Crash of Doom Cymbal
20" Oriental Crash of Doom · Zildjian
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Zildjian Oriental Crash of Doom is a serious statement piece. It's built for players wanting a dramatic, almost cinematic crash sound – think film scores, progressive metal, or anyone craving a truly unique accent. Be warned, though, it's a specialized tool; it's not a workhorse crash for all styles.
Pros
- The Oriental hammering creates a complex, dark wash unlike most crashes.
- Its low fundamental pitch provides a unique, impactful accent in a mix.
- The traditional finish enhances its vintage aesthetic and sonic character.
Cons
- Its extremely dark sound limits versatility; not ideal for brighter genres.
- The 'Crash of Doom' moniker might be a bit much for some players’ style.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Series Dark Crash Cymbal
20" Traditional Dark Crash · Istanbul Agop
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Traditional Dark crash from Istanbul Agop is a beautifully crafted cymbal, offering a wonderfully warm and complex tone. It's perfect for players seeking a vintage vibe and subtle expression in genres like jazz, acoustic, and quieter styles. If you want a crash that's more about feel and nuance than sheer volume, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Rich, dark fundamental tone ideal for nuanced dynamics.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex, evolving overtones.
- B-20 bronze alloy delivers warmth and vintage character.
Cons
- Limited cutting power; not suited for aggressively loud genres.
- Darker sound may clash with brighter cymbal setups.
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$490 now$490€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 20" RUDE Ride / Crash Cymbal
20" Rude Crash/Ride · Paiste
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Rude Crash/Ride is a beast – seriously loud and full of character. It’s built for players who want a raw, powerful sound that cuts through anything, perfect for rock, metal, and anything that needs serious impact. It’s not subtle, but it’s a statement piece.
Pros
- Paiste's Signature Rude bronze delivers a uniquely raw, earthy tone.
- Extremely responsive, cuts through dense mixes with explosive power.
- Heavy weight provides sustain and a satisfying, controlled crash.
Cons
- The raw sound isn't for everyone; lacks refined shimmer.
- Relatively heavy, demanding on your arms and legs during extended playing.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This 2002 Black Big Beat is a fantastic cymbal if you’re after a darker, more complex sound than the standard 2002 series. It’s a real workhorse that handles crash duties beautifully and can even be used as a light ride, making it ideal for rock, funk, and heavier genres where you want a bit more body and character.
Pros
- Rich, complex wash with a focused, dark character
- Hammering creates a unique, responsive stick feel
- CuSn8 bronze offers excellent tonal projection and sustain
Cons
- Can be slightly dark for brighter musical styles
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$412 now$412€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
20" A-Series Medium Thin Crash · Zildjian
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This A Series crash is a solid choice for drummers seeking a responsive and musical crash without the premium price tag. It’s beautifully voiced and projects well, making it ideal for players in smaller rooms or those prioritizing finesse over sheer volume – think jazz, fusion, or lighter rock applications.
Pros
- B20 alloy delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Medium-thin profile offers quick response and effortless wash.
- Brilliant finish provides excellent projection and visual appeal.
Cons
- Limited volume potential; struggles with heavier hitters.
- A-Series is a mid-range offering; not a flagship sound.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Sabian Stratus is a really well-voiced crash – it's got a great, controlled explosion and a surprisingly warm fundamental. It’s a solid choice for players in jazz, funk, or indie who want a responsive crash without excessive sustain. It's a premium-priced option that delivers a lot of character.
Pros
- The hammering creates a uniquely responsive wash, avoiding a brittle, metallic sound.
- B-20 bronze provides a warm, complex tone with excellent sustain for a thin crash.
- The traditional finish adds character and a slightly darker, more vintage aesthetic.
Cons
- Thin weight limits its suitability for heavier hitters or louder genres like metal.
- The darker tone might not be ideal for brighter, more modern musical styles.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$446 now$446€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 20" Stratus Crash Cymbal
20" Stratus Dry Crash · Sabian
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This 20-inch crash hits hard with a strong attack but dries out quickly, making it perfect for cutting through a loud band. The warm B20 bronze gives it a nice musical feel without getting too bright. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse that stays tight during fast tempos.
Pros
- Strong attack delivers immediate response
- Controlled decay keeps time tight
- Warm tone adds musical depth
Cons
- Raw top finish may need care
- Traditional bottom finish is standard only
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 115 20" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Paiste 20" RUDE Thin Crash Cymbal20" Rude Thin Crash · Paiste73Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 12
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Crash20" Xist Natural Crash · Istanbul Agop72Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Thin Crash · Meinl72↓ 2.9%$379€339$379€339Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme Crash Cymbal20" 2002 Extreme Crash · Paiste72Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr. · Meinl71Stable$409€366$409€366Check ↗
- 16
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom MH Crash · Meinl71Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl71Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 18
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr. · Meinl71Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 19
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin CrashIstanbul Agop70Stable$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 20
Sabian 20" Stratus Zero Effects Cymbal20" Stratus Zero · Sabian69Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 21
Paiste 20" RUDE Basher Crash Cymbal20" Rude Basher · Paiste60Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 22
Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash Cymbal20" AAX Heavy Crash · Sabian60Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 23
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark CrashMeinl75Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 24
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Brilliant Crash20" Xist ION Crash Brilliant · Istanbul Agop58Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 25
Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium CrashMeinl58↓ 2.8%$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 26
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal20" Classics Custom Dual Crash · Meinl71Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 27
Paiste 20" Giant Beat Thin CrashPaiste57Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 28
Paiste 20" Giant Beat CrashPaiste57Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 29
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Wild CrashPaiste57Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 30
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Power CrashPaiste57Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 31
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Medium CrashPaiste57Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 32
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" CrashPaiste57Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 33
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Brilliant Crash20" Xist Crash Brilliant · Istanbul Agop58Stable$352€315$352€315Check ↗
- 34
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Traditional Series Dark Crash Cymbal20" Dark Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet55↓ 2.6%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 35
Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson CrashIstanbul Mehmet55↓ 2.3%$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 36
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Legend Dry Crash-RideIstanbul Mehmet55↓ 2.3%$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 37
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power CrashIstanbul Agop54Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 38
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Bell CrashIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$464€415$464€415Check ↗
- 39
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Crash Samatya SeriesIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 40
Zultan 20" Heritage CrashZultan55Stable$352€315$352€315Check ↗
- 41
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark CrashIstanbul Agop54Stable$352€315$352€315Check ↗
- 42
Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal20" S Series Thin Crash · Zildjian82↓ 4.6%$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 43
Ufip 20" Bionic Series CrashUfip51Stable$399€357$399€357Check ↗
- 44
Ufip 20" Blast Series CrashUfip51Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 45
Ufip 20" Blast Extra Dry CrashUfip51Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 46
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal20" 900 Series Crash · Paiste77Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 47
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal20" Thin Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet49Stable$464€415$464€415Check ↗
- 48
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Traditional Series Medium Crash Cymbal20" Medium Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet49Stable$464€415$464€415Check ↗
- 49
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal20" 900 Color Sound Crash BK · Paiste77Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 50
Zultan 20" Mellow CrashZultan55Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
20" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 115 models we track, not a sample.
Median $447 — half of all 20" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 115 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" crash cymbals
Sustain & Decay
Too much sustain and you're fighting the mix; too little and you're just tapping a plate. Intermediate players need a crash that hangs long enough to create atmosphere but doesn't drown out the other instruments. It's a balancing act.
Wash & Complexity
A simple 'ping' is fine for a beginner, but you're looking for a crash with some character - a little shimmer, some overtones, a bit of a 'wash' that fills out the sound. This adds depth and musicality.
Playability & Response
How quickly does the cymbal respond to a lighter touch? A crash that's sluggish and unresponsive is frustrating, especially when you're trying to dial in dynamics. Good response is key to expressive playing.
Cut vs. Washed-Out
Does it cut through the mix, or does it disappear under the guitars and vocals? 20" crashes need to be assertive, but not ice-picky harsh. Finding that sweet spot of articulation is crucial.
Build Quality & Latency
Cheap crashes often feel brittle and have a weird, delayed response. The cymbal should feel solid and vibrate evenly, without any weird dead spots or unwanted ringing. This impacts the overall feel and how it interacts with your stick's rebound.
Buying guide
So, you're past the beginner stage and looking to upgrade your crash game? A 20" crash is a sweet spot - big enough to get some real volume and wash, but still manageable to control. It's the workhorse crash for a lot of players, but finding one that really sings takes some digging. Let's break down some solid options for the intermediate drummer.
Don't chase the loudest crash you can find. Focus on response and musicality. Entry-level cymbals often cut corners on hammering and lathing, leading to a dull, lifeless sound.
It's worth spending a little more for a crash that inspires you to play better - a well-made crash can elevate your entire kit's sound, even if the rest of your setup is more budget-friendly.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 115 20" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a crash and a splash?
A splash is smaller and designed for quick, bright accents. A crash is bigger, meant to create a wash of sound and sustain. They serve different purposes.
I'm on a tight budget - what should I prioritize?
Prioritize response and feel over sheer volume. A crash that feels good and responds well will sound better than a loud, dead cymbal.
Should I get a medium, thin, or heavy 20" crash?
Medium is a good starting point. Thin crashes are more responsive but can be fragile. Heavy crashes have more cut and projection, but less sensitivity.
What does 'hammering' have to do with the sound?
Hammering shapes the cymbal's profile and creates the complex overtones. Poor hammering results in a flat, one-dimensional sound.
Can I use a 20" crash as a ride cymbal in a pinch?
Sure, in an emergency, but it won't be ideal. Crashes lack the bell definition and wash of a proper ride, and you'll likely get a lot of unwanted crash sounds. It's a compromise, not a substitute.
