Best 20 Inch Crash Cymbals for Drums: Clear Picks for Every Style
Answering a drummer’s search for a solid 20-inch crash cymbal, these selections balance tone, durability, and value for beginners to intermediate players. The top choices cover bright crashes, versatile crash-rides, and dark, punchy cuts. The best fits include those who want quick response, strong projection, or a more musical wash without harsh overtone. The buyers profiled here range from new players building a first set to intermediate players seeking a cymbal that can carry sessions and rehearsals alike.
Summary table of selected products
| Product | Type | Best For | Why Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meinl HCS 20” Crash/Ride | Crash/Ride | All-rounders | Balanced ping and wash; upgrade from stock set |
| Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20” Crash | Dark Crash | Rock players | Dark tone with punchy attack |
| Zildjian ILH20CR 20” I Crash Ride | Crash Ride | Versatile language | Thin weight for washier, emotive sounds |
| Zildjian S20TC 20” S Thin Crash | Thin Crash | Bright, fast accents | Shimmering sustain and quick response |
| SABIAN 20” Stratus Crash | Crash | Budget-friendly beginners | Explosive attack with reliable SBr class |
Meinl 20″ Ride Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass
Best for: Beginners who want a dependable, inexpensive upgrade from stock cymbals. Why: These HCS brass cymbals offer a clear, loud bell and articulate ping, making drum parts easier to hear in practice. The durable construction reduces denting and bending common with lower-quality beginner sets. Limitation: May not provide the same tonal complexity as higher-end B20 or B12 lines.
HCS 20” Crash/Ride Cymbal
Best for: Players who need a versatile cymbal that can serve as both crash and light ride. Why: This model bridges the gap between a crash and ride with a balance of bright ping on top and a broader wash when crashed. Limitation: Not designed to emulate high-end bronze cymbals, but excels as an affordable option.
Meinl 20″ Crash Cymbal – Classics Custom Dark
Best for: Players seeking a darker, more controlled crash with a strong, musical attack. Why: Classics Custom Dark cymbals are German-engineered for consistent tone with a punchy initial attack and a drier decay, making them sound more “pro” in a variety of settings. Limitation: The darker tone may be less suitable for bright pop or punk mixes where a glassier crash is preferred.
Zildjian ILH20CR 20″ I Crash Ride
Best for: Players who want a cymbal that can act as both a crash and ride with emotive wash. Why: Launched from Ilham (“inspiration”), this 20″ crash-ride uses B8 alloy with thinner weights to deliver a softer wash and expressive crashes, enabling dynamic playing. Limitation: May not project as aggressively as thicker, specialized crash models in loud venues.
Zildjian S20TC 20″ S Thin Crash
Best for: Drummers who want a bright, fast, attack-focused crash with shimmering sustain. Why: This S Thin crash employs lighter weight for quick response and a bright tone with a clear, musical wash. Limitation: Thinner construction may be more sensitive to stick hits or harsh handling, and could show wear sooner than heavier models.
SABIAN 20″ Stratus Crash Cymbal
Best for: Beginners seeking a budget-friendly, versatile crash. Why: The SBr brass in the Stratus line offers reliable explosive attack and quick decay, helping new players learn dynamics without overextending their budget. Limitation: May lack the tonal complexity and sustain of higher-tier bronze models.
Buying Guide: Key Purchasing Considerations
- Budget vs. tone: If budget is the primary constraint, consider HCS or SABIAN Stratus options. For a more nuanced tone, look at Classics Custom Dark or Zildjian I Crash Ride lines.
- Weight and responsiveness: Thinner crashes respond faster with more wash; heavier crashes provide more projection and a punchier attack. Choose based on your playing style and venue.
- Intended use: If you need a single cymbal to cover both crash accents and light rides, a crash-ride (like the Zildjian ILH20CR) can be advantageous.
- Tonal character: Dark finishes and models (Meinl Classics Custom Dark) emphasize warmth and complexity; bright models (S20TC, SBR Stratus) cut through a mix with shimmer and quick decay.
- Durability and care: Affordable bronze and brass cymbals can be resilient, but proper storage and careful playing prevent dents and cracks.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a crash cymbal and a crash-ride? A crash often provides a bright, sharp attack with quick decay, while a crash-ride can function as a crash and a light ride, offering a more sustained wash overall.
- Is a 20-inch cymbal better than smaller sizes? Larger cymbals generally offer more projection and sustain, but the fit depends on the kit, room acoustics, and playing style.
- What should beginners look for in a 20″ crash? A balanced attack, durable construction, and a tone that fits their music style without being overly piercing or dull.
- Can I mix brands for cymbals? Yes, many players mix brands to achieve a desired tonal palette across crashes, rides, and hi-hats; ensure a cohesive overall sound in the mix.
- How important is the bell on a crash cymbal? A strong bell aids rhythmic clarity and articulation, especially for accents and rides in groove-based playing.
- Do 20″ crashes require special stands or mounting? They fit standard stands; ensure your hardware can accommodate larger cymbals and adjust their tilt for comfortable response.