AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8" Splash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Sabian 10" B8X Splash Cymbal ($103). Meinl 08" HCS Splash gives you the most for the money at $33. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 36 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All 8" Splash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size8"
This is an 8 inch splash cymbal made from B8 bronze, with a hammered bell and stronger hammering. You get a warm and complex sound, and it is a successor to the popular Sabian B8 series. It suits you if you want a small, textured accent cymbal from a well-known series.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, the alloy used in the Sabian B8 series
- Hammered bell gives the cymbal its distinct character
- Stronger hammering adds to its texture
Cons
- Its 8 inch size suits small splash accents rather than full cymbal work
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- Size8"
The Meinl HCS 8' splash is a fantastic entry-level option for drummers needing a quick, bright accent. It's perfect for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone wanting a splash without spending a fortune—just don't expect the depth and complexity of a professional-grade cymbal.
Pros
- Bright, explosive initial attack ideal for quick patterns
- HCS Bronze offers a surprisingly robust feel for the price
- Lightweight construction allows for fast, effortless playing
Cons
- HCS Bronze lacks the complex overtones of higher-end cymbals
- Sustain is very short, limiting its use in more ambient styles
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- Size8"
You get an 8-inch splash cymbal made from B-12 Bronze. It gives an explosive burst of sound for crisp accents. It suits you if your music needs plenty of volume and an assertive sound.
Pros
- Made of B-12 Bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Explosive splash sound for crisp accents
- Built for music styles that need volume and an assertive sound
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- Size8"
This is an 8 inch splash cymbal made of B25 bronze and hand hammered. It is hand sealed and polished, and it is described as having a dynamic sound with a rich overtone structure. If you want a small cymbal for short, quick accents on your kit, this one may suit you.
Pros
- Hand hammered for a textured surface
- Hand sealed and polished for a finished look
- Premium build from Turkish production, part of the CS Series
64AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$84 · Aug 17$82 now$82€73 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
This is an 8-inch splash cymbal from Meinl's Classics Custom series, with a brillant surface. It has a clear, transparent tone with gentle sound reflection and a short decay, so the sound stops quickly. It suits you if you want a splash that places clear accents in your cymbal play rather than one that rings on.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's Classics Custom series
- Brillant surface gives it a bright, polished look
- Clear, transparent tone with gentle sound reflection
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- Size8"
This 8" splash from Meinl's Pure Alloy series has a clear, bright sound and a short, crisp response. If you want a small accent cymbal that speaks quickly, you may find it a good pick. It suits players who want quick, sharp accents more than a long, washy shimmer.
Pros
- Pure Alloy series construction is the base of this splash cymbal
- Mechanical high-tech hammering is used in its making
- Traditional finish gives it a classic cymbal look
Cons
- Its short, crisp response is not suited to long, sustained wash sounds
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size10"
You get a splash cymbal with a crisp attack and a short sustain, so the sound stops fast. Its warm, slightly washed-out tone makes it a good pick if you want a quick accent that does not ring on. It is made in Germany from Pure Alloy and comes in a Smoke Bronze finish, as part of the Custom Series.
Pros
- Part of the Pure Alloy Custom Series from Meinl
- Finished in Smoke Bronze for a distinct look
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Short sustain means the sound fades quickly, which suits some styles better than others
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$154 now$154€138 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
You get a small 8-inch splash cymbal from the Byzance series. It has a traditional finish, a fast attack, and a spreading, washy sound. It is a good pick if you want a quick, traditional accent for your kit.
Pros
- Traditional finish gives it an old-school look and feel
- Fast attack means it responds quickly when you strike it
- Beautifully spreading sound fills out the splash character
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
This is an 8-inch splash cymbal from Meinl's Byzance series. It is hand-hammered from B20 bronze and has a brilliant finish. You get a very fast, dynamic attack and a fine, brilliant treble, so it suits you if you want quick, sharp accents on your kit.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Hand-hammered construction gives each cymbal its own surface
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
You get a small, hand-hammered cymbal made from B20 bronze, with a dark, natural finish. It has a dark, earthy sound and short sustain, so the tone stops quickly after you hit it. It suits you if you want a quick, earthy accent on your kit and do not need a cymbal that rings for a long time.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Hand-hammered, giving it a textured surface
- Dark, natural finish gives it a raw, earthy look
Cons
- At 8 inches, it is small and suits accent work rather than main cymbal duty
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$195 now$195€175 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 36 8" splash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Zultan 08" Aja SplashZultan63Stable$22€20$22€20Check ↗
- 12
Zultan 8" Aja Blaze SplashZultan63Stable$27€24$27€24Check ↗
- 13
Paiste PST5 08" Splash '14Paiste63Stable$47€42$47€42Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 08" Rock Beat SplashZultan63Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 15
Zultan 08" Splash Dark MatterZultan63Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 08" S Series Paper Thin SplashZildjian63Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 17
Zildjian 08" A-Series SplashZildjian63Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 18
Paiste 2002 Classic 08" SplashPaiste63Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 08" A-Custom SplashZildjian63Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 20
Paiste 08" Masters Dark SplashPaiste63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 21
Zildjian 08" K-Series SplashZildjian63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 22
Zildjian 08" K-Custom Dark SplashZildjian63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 23
Paiste 08" Signature SplashPaiste63Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 24
Paiste 08" Signature Dark Energy MK1Paiste63Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 25
Paiste 08" 602 Mod. Essential SplashPaiste63Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 26
Sabian 08" AAX SplashSabian62Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 27
Sabian 08" Paragon SplashSabian62Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 28
Sabian 8" HHX Complex SplashSabian62Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 29
Ufip 08" FX Traditional Spl. MediumUfip61↓ 4.4%$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 30
Masterwork 8" Troy Traditional SplashMasterwork59Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 31
Masterwork 08" Custom SplashMasterwork59Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 32
Istanbul Agop 08" Xist ION Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 33
Istanbul Agop 08" Xist Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 34
Istanbul Mehmet 08" Splash Turk SeriesIstanbul Mehmet59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 35
Istanbul Mehmet 08" Splash Traditional SeriesIstanbul Mehmet59Stable$140€125$140€125Check ↗
- 36
Ufip 08" FX Traditional Spl. LightUfip59Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
8" Splash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 36 models we track, not a sample.
Median $144 — half of all 8" splash cymbals here cost less.
median of 36 models · 8"–8"
How to choose the best 8" splash cymbals
Sound Character
An 8" splash shouldn't be a full-on crash. You're looking for a quick, bright shimmer with a clean articulation - a 'chick' sound, really. Some lean more towards a glassy, almost bell-like tone, while others have a bit more body. It's all about the context of your kit and the music you're playing.
Sustain & Decay
They shouldn't ring forever. A short, controlled decay is what you want - just enough shimmer to add color, not enough to muddy up the mix. Too much sustain and it's just a tiny crash, not a splash.
Thickness & Lathing
Thinner splashes tend to be more responsive and have a quicker attack, but they're also more fragile. Heavier splashes can have a fuller sound, but can feel sluggish. The lathing (the grooves cut into the cymbal) affects the responsiveness and the overall brightness - wider lathing generally means a more open, airy sound.
Stick Feel & Articulation
A good 8" splash responds well to subtle dynamic changes. You should be able to get a quiet 'chick' and a louder, brighter shimmer without it feeling stiff or unresponsive. The stick should feel comfortable and natural - not like you're fighting the cymbal.
Build Quality & Durability
Let's be real, these things take a beating. Look for consistent hammering, clean edges, and a solid bell. Cheap splashes often have uneven lathing or a brittle feel, which means they'll crack quickly under regular gigging conditions.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 8" splashes. They're not the first thing you grab when building a kit, but a well-chosen 8" can add a crucial shimmer, a delicate accent, or a bright little counterpoint to your ride or crash. Too often, they're an afterthought - a cheap, brittle thing that sounds like a tin can. But a good one? It's a secret weapon, especially when you're trying to cut through a dense mix or just want a touch of finesse.
Don't chase the cheapest option; you'll almost always regret it. The corners cut on budget splashes are usually in the hammering and metal quality, resulting in a brittle, unpleasant sound. Spending a little more gets you better metal, more consistent lathing, and a cymbal that'll actually last.
Consider your kit's overall tone - a darker kit needs a brighter splash, and vice versa.
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 36 8" splash 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
Are 8" splashes worth the money?
Absolutely, if you find one that fits your style. They're not a core cymbal like a crash or ride, but they can add a ton of character and nuance.
Can I use an 8" splash as a ride cymbal?
Technically, yes, but it's not ideal. It'll be tiny and high-pitched. It's better suited for delicate accents and shimmering textures.
What's the difference between an 8" splash and a China cymbal?
A China cymbal is usually larger and has a much more exotic, trashy sound. A splash is clean, bright, and shimmering.
How do I protect my 8" splash?
Handle it with care! Store it flat when not in use, and avoid hitting it too hard. A cymbal bag is your friend.
What if I want a brighter sound but don't want to spend a fortune?
Look for splashes made from B20 bronze (the standard alloy) and check the lathing - wider lathing tends to be brighter. Just be prepared for a slight compromise in overall build quality.
