Best 21" Crash Cymbals and Bigger Under $500 2026
Affordable 21" crash cymbals and bigger under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash
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
#2
⭐
5.0/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Zultan 22" Heritage Crash
by
Zultan
Professional Recording
Orchestral
Symphonic
Key Feature:
• Ultimate crash cymbal experience
✓ PROS
- • Unique sonic characteristics
- • Unmatched sustain and complexity
✗ CONS
- • Requires expert technique and control
- • Limited availability and selection
Zultan 22" Heritage CrashCrash CymbalHeritage SeriesSize: 22"100% handmade in accordance with traditional...
⭐
5.0/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 422433
$406
#3
⭐
4.6/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Crash Brilliant
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
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dry Dark Brill. Crash
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
#5
⭐
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
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Dry Dark Crash
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
#7
⭐
5.0/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl Pure Alloy 22" Medium Crash
by
Meinl
Film Scoring
Orchestral
Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Impressive visual and acoustic impact
✓ PROS
- • Professional orchestral applications
- • Impressive visual and acoustic impact
✗ CONS
- • Highly specialized applications only
- • Limited availability and selection
Meinl Pure Alloy 22" Medium CrashMedium Crash CymbalSize: 22"Pure Alloy SeriesFinish: TraditionalHigh-tech...
⭐
5.0/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 428620
$417
#8
⭐
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
#9
⭐
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
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.
