Best 21" Crash Cymbals and Bigger for Special Effects 2025

Perfect 21" crash cymbals and bigger for special-effects - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Orchestral For Symphonic For Film Scoring For Art Music For Special Effects For Professional Recording

BRANDS: Istanbul Agop Zildjian

Zildjian 21" K-Series Paper Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 21" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Art Music Special Effects Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral applications

✓ PROS

• Ultimate crash cymbal experience
• Unique sonic characteristics

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Highly specialized applications only

Zildjian 21" K-Series Paper Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 21"K-SeriesExplosivedark crash cymbal from the...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 572220

$560

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Orchestral Symphonic Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Ultimate crash cymbal experience

✓ PROS

• Unmatched sustain and complexity
• Professional orchestral applications

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Highly specialized applications only

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark CrashDark Crash CymbalSize: 22"Xist Dry Dark SeriesB20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 485628

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Professional Recording Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unmatched sustain and complexity

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and acoustic impact
• Unmatched sustain and complexity

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Highly specialized applications only

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Dark CrashDark Crash CymbalSize: 22"Traditional Dark...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 472201

$545

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Small Bell - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Small Bell

by Zildjian

Art Music Film Scoring Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic characteristics

✓ PROS

• Unique sonic characteristics
• Professional orchestral applications

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Extremely expensive professional instruments

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Small BellEffect Crash CymbalFX Raw Series from the Zildjian Concept ShopSmall Bell VersionSize...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 541431

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 22" HHX Complex Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian 22" HHX Complex Thin Crash

by Sabian

Professional Recording Symphonic Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic characteristics

✓ PROS

• Unique sonic characteristics
• Ultimate crash cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Extremely expensive professional instruments

Sabian 22" HHX Complex Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 22"HHX Complex SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeCombination...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 476040

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Large Bell - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Large Bell

by Zildjian

Art Music Orchestral Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic characteristics

✓ PROS

• Unmatched sustain and complexity
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✗ CONS

• Impractical for general drumming
• Requires expert technique and control

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Large BellEffect Crash CymbalFX Raw Series from the Zildjian Concept ShopLarge Bell VersionSize...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 541428

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 22" Byzance Medium Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 22" Byzance Medium Crash

by Meinl

Special Effects Professional Recording Art Music

Key Feature:

• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and acoustic impact
• Professional orchestral applications

✗ CONS

• Limited availability and selection
• Highly specialized applications only

Meinl 22" Byzance Medium CrashCrash CymbalSize: 22"Byzance seriesMediumTraditional modelByzance cymbals are...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 221573

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Trash Hit - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Trash Hit

by Istanbul Agop

Symphonic Special Effects Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral applications

✓ PROS

• Unmatched sustain and complexity
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Extremely expensive professional instruments

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Trash HitEffect CymbalSize: 22"Traditional Trash Hit SeriesMaterial: B20 bronze...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581951

$545

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Special Effects Professional Recording Symphonic

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic characteristics

✓ PROS

• Unmatched sustain and complexity
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✗ CONS

• Requires expert technique and control
• Highly specialized applications only

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dry Dark Brill. CrashCrash CymbalsXist Dry Dark Brilliant SeriesSize:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 554176

$358

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Film Scoring Symphonic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral applications

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral applications
• Unmatched sustain and complexity

✗ CONS

• Highly specialized applications only
• Requires expert technique and control

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Brill. CrashCrash CymbalsXist Dry Dark Brilliant SeriesSize:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 554180

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Crash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Crash Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Symphonic Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Ultimate crash cymbal experience

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and acoustic impact
• Unmatched sustain and complexity

✗ CONS

• Impractical for general drumming
• Extremely expensive professional instruments

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Crash BrilliantCrash CymbalSize: 22"Xist seriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B20 bronze...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 348670

$404

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 22" K-Series Paper Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 22" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Special Effects Orchestral Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Ultimate crash cymbal experience

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral applications
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive professional instruments
• Limited availability and selection

Zildjian 22" K-Series Paper Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 22"K-SeriesExplosivedark crash cymbal from the...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572221

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Caz Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Caz Crash

by Zultan

Art Music Film Scoring Symphonic

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic characteristics

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral applications
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact

✗ CONS

• Limited availability and selection
• Requires expert technique and control

Zultan 21" Caz CrashCrash CymbalSize: 21"B20 BronzeHand-hammeredPolished surfaceFast responding crashWarmfull...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 475509

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Trash

by Zildjian

Symphonic Professional Recording Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral applications

✓ PROS

• Unmatched sustain and complexity
• Ultimate crash cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Highly specialized applications only
• Extremely expensive professional instruments

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry TrashTrash crash cymbalSize: 21"K Custom Special Dry SeriesNatural...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 407237

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 2002 Classic 22" Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 2002 Classic 22" Crash

by Paiste

Art Music Professional Recording Symphonic

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral applications

✓ PROS

• Impressive visual and acoustic impact
• Professional orchestral applications

✗ CONS

• Highly specialized applications only
• Impractical for general drumming

Paiste 2002 Classic 22" CrashCrash CymbalSize: 22"2002 Classic seriesBrightwarmfullradiant crash soundDefined...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 111301

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 21" Crash Cymbals and Bigger

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 21" crash cymbals and bigger 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 21" Crash Cymbals and Bigger for Special Effects 2025

Zildjian 21" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Crash

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Dark Crash

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Small Bell

Sabian 22" HHX Complex Thin Crash

Zildjian FX Raw Crash Large Bell

Meinl 22" Byzance Medium Crash

Istanbul Agop 22" Traditional Trash Hit

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Crash Brilliant

Zildjian 22" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

Zultan 21" Caz Crash

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Trash

Paiste 2002 Classic 22" Crash

How to Choose the Best 21" Crash Cymbals and Bigger

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 21" crash cymbals and bigger?

How much should I spend on 21" crash cymbals and bigger?

Are expensive 21" crash cymbals and bigger worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 21" crash cymbals and bigger?

Should I buy 21" crash cymbals and bigger online or in-store?

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