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Description

Elevate your rhythm with the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals, a powerhouse pairing that seamlessly blends bold, explosive sound with nuanced control. These hi-hats draw inspiration from the award-winning X-Plosion Crash design, ensuring an aggressive response and vibrant sound that will leave its mark on any performance. Whether you're laying down a tight groove or letting loose with open, resonant notes, these cymbals deliver with precision.

Crafted from musical and durable B20 bronze, the AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hats feature a medium top paired with a medium-heavy bottom, offering a beautifully balanced combination of bright tones and robust durability. The high-profile bell and sustain-enhancing process allow for a dynamic range of expression, making them suitable for various playing styles and genres. With their brilliant finish, these hi-hats are as visually striking as they are sonically impressive.

Join the ranks of iconic drummers who trust Sabian to top their kits, and let the AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hats bring a professional edge to your sound. Perfect for both studio sessions and live performances, these cymbals are designed to cut through the mix with clarity and power.

Key Features:

  • Made from B20 bronze for exceptional musicality and durability
  • Medium top and medium-heavy bottom for balanced sound
  • High-profile bell for enhanced projection
  • Brilliant finish for a striking appearance
  • Designed for modern playing styles with a bright, articulate sound

Product specs

Brand Sabian
Model 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Canada
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 16"

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals?

The Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals deliver a bright, explosive sound with a wide dynamic range. They are known for their powerful projection and crisp, cutting definition, making them suitable for various musical styles, especially rock and metal.

Are the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals are excellent for live performances due to their loud, cutting sound that projects well in a mix. Their explosive character ensures they stand out on stage.

How do the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals compare to smaller hi-hats in terms of sound?

Compared to smaller hi-hats, the 16" AAX X-Plosion hi-hats offer a fuller, more resonant sound with increased volume and sustain. They provide a broader, more open sound that is ideal for genres requiring powerful cymbal presence.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals?

The Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals are crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and superior tonal qualities, providing a bright and powerful sound.

Are the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals suitable for recording in a studio setting?

Yes, these hi-hat cymbals are suitable for studio recording, offering a bright and defined sound that cuts through mixes. Their dynamic range and clarity make them a versatile choice for various recording projects.

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Tomas Haake Reviews the 14" & 16" AAX X-Posion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Tomas Haake Reviews the 14" & 16" AAX X-Posion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Moritz Müller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Moritz Müller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Tony Royster Jr Demo's the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Tony Royster Jr Demo's the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Troy Miller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Troy Miller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair).

Features and functionality

  • The AAX Fusion 13" hi-hat features a super thick bottom, a thin top, and two venting holes, creating a strong, defined "chick" with a sizzling sound.

    Source
  • AAX X-Plosion hats are noted for their bright sound, comparable to Zildjian A Customs, while HHX Evolutions align more with Zildjian K Customs' darker character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • AAX X-Celerator hi-hats provide an articulate yet somewhat dirty chick and are highly recommended for rock, metal, and progressive genres due to their cutting sound.

    Source
  • It's noted that while HHX Groove hats were considered, they may be too dark for setups predominantly featuring AAX X-Plosion and Stage cymbals.

    Source
  • HHX Evolution hats are preferred by some for their versatility and sophisticated tone, offering a middle ground between bright AAX and darker cymbals like Byzance.

    Source
  • AAX X-Plosion hats are seen as less versatile than HHX Evolutions, which are favored for their ability to accurately represent the player's intentions in various settings.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner describes the AAX Fusion hi-hats as the only original cymbals left in their setup, preferring them over other tried models like X-Celerator and Byzance.

    Source
  • X-Plosion hats are described as "big sounding" and harder to control, favored in larger venues for their projection but considered rambunctious by some players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest AAX hats for rock genres due to their brightness and cutting power, whereas HHX Evolutions are recommended for more varied musical styles.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Mike Portnoy uses Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)

Mike Portnoy

Drummer

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown using 14" AAX X-Plosion Hi Hats on the left of side of his current tour kit, "Dream Monster" as seen in this Drumeo video.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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