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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$297.28
Guitar Center
5.0 (40)
$309.99
Amazon
4.7 (156)
$297.28
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$225.14 New
$165.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (114)
$309.99 $297.28 $12.71 · All time low
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$309.99
Thomann
4.9 (38)
$339.00 $338.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£299.00

Average Price: $280

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the unparalleled sonic brilliance with the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16". Crafted for drummers who demand versatility and dynamic range, this cymbal stands out in any setup. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or driving the beat live on stage, the AAX X-Plosion Crash delivers with clarity and impact. It's not just about volume; it's about articulate, clear, and bright tones that cut through any mix, ensuring your performance is heard exactly as intended.

The Auto-Focus Response technology is a game-changer, offering a cymbal that responds accurately to your playing dynamics. From the softest touch to the most aggressive strike, this cymbal maintains its tonal integrity, providing a balanced blend of high and low tones without any muddiness. The brilliant finish is not just for looks; it contributes to the cymbal's vibrant, explosive sound, making it a visual and sonic addition to your kit.

From jazz to rock and everything in between, the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" adapts to your style, offering the perfect combination of responsiveness and sonic purity. It's not just a cymbal; it's a statement of your commitment to quality and musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Auto-Focus Response for unparalleled sensitivity and clarity
  • Brilliant finish for vibrant, explosive sound
  • Crafted from musical and durable B20 bronze
  • Hand-tested in Sabian's legendary Vault for quality assurance
  • Offers amazing definition and punchy accents at all volume levels
  • Suitable for a wide range of music genres, ensuring versatility
  • Medium-thin weight for a balanced sound

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 16"
Weight Medium/Thin
Material B20
Finish Brilliant
Sound Bright
Balance Attack
Bell Size Medium

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" cymbal?

The Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" offers a bright sound with a strong attack, making it ideal for cutting through in live performances. Its medium/thin weight provides a quick response and explosive projection.

Is the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" is well-suited for rock music due to its bright and powerful sound, which can effectively cut through a band mix.

What material is the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" made from?

The Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy composed of copper, tin, and a small amount of silver, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound of the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"?

The brilliant finish on the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" enhances its bright sound and gives it a more pronounced attack, making it visually striking and sonically vibrant.

What is the weight classification of the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" and what does it mean?

The Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" is classified as medium/thin, which means it offers a balance between quick response and sustain, providing versatility for various playing styles.

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash

Video thumbnail for SABIAN 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash by SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Crash Cymbal (21687XB-1011315KK) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Crash Cymbal (21687XB-1011315KK)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal - 966g (21687XB-1020720M) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal - 966g (21687XB-1020720M)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal Comparison: 16", 17", 18", 19" by Zack Zweifel

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal Comparison: 16", 17", 18", 19"

Zack Zweifel

Zack Zweifel

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Crash

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16'' - The Drum Shop North Shore by Nate Morrison Drums

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16'' - The Drum Shop North Shore

Nate Morrison Drums

Nate Morrison Drums

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Crash Cymbal - 1112g -  (21687XB-1011315JJ) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Crash Cymbal - 1112g - (21687XB-1011315JJ)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a powerful, explosive sound ideal for rock and metal settings

  • Versatile across genres, from jazz to metal, without losing character

  • Features a raw, unlathed bell for a distinct and clear tone

  • Quick response with bright initial explosion, followed by a darker decay

  • Durable, withstands heavy use without wear or tonal change

  • Great dynamic range, from soft taps to commanding crashes

  • Seamlessly integrates with other AAX X-plosion models for a cohesive setup

  • Excellent value for high-quality, professional-grade sound

  • Smooth, scratch-resistant finish adds visual appeal

  • Popular for its ability to cut through mixes without being overbearing

CONS

  • May not be ideal for those seeking higher-pitched crash sounds

  • Scratchy lathing can wear down wooden drumsticks over time

  • Some overtones can get lost in a dense band mix

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16".

User experience

  • Owners have noted that the 16" AAX X-Plosion crash opens up quickly and provides a bright, explosive sound ideal for dynamic playing styles.

    Source
  • Players find a 1” size difference between crash cymbals provides distinct tonal variations, though some prefer more significant size differences for greater contrast.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The AAX X-Plosion series is often compared to the Sabian HHX series, with some owners finding them similarly dark and expressive, especially in older models.

    Source
  • Owners compare the 19” AAX Heavy Crash for louder applications with the 18” Medium for crash-riding, noting a preference for the X-Plosion series for a balanced sound.

    Source
  • While some prefer the Sabian AAX X-Plosion for its brightness, others find the Zildjian K Custom Dark Ride excels in crash-riding with a darker tone.

    Source
  • The AAX Thin 18" is perceived as heavier than its description suggests, offering a robust volume similar to the AA Raw Bell crash 18", which is slightly brighter.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 16" model fits well in setups with other sizes like 19" and 20", offering versatility across different musical genres.

    Source
  • The 16” AAX X-Plosion is considered ideal for quick, small "splash" sounds due to its size, contrasting with larger, louder crashes for dynamic setups.

    Source
  • The AAX X-Plosion series, particularly the 18” and 19” models, is recommended for crash-riding in rock/punk genres, offering a balance of volume and tonal warmth.

    Source
  • The Sabian SR2 line, often refurbished AAX models, is suggested for those seeking thinner, more crashable cymbals with unique tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The AAX X-Plosion crash is noted for its great attack and balanced tone between dark and bright, making it suitable as a main crash for rock and metal.

    Source
  • In metal settings, the 18" AAX X-Plosion crash is favored for both main crashing and crash riding due to its thin feel and explosive sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Long-term owners, some with over 20 years of experience with the AAX series, emphasize its consistent sound quality and value over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AAX Freq crash offers a thin feel with a brighter tone than the X-Plosion, suitable as a main riding crash.

    Source
  • The AAX Ozone 16" is mentioned as an alternative option within the series, potentially offering a distinctive sound profile.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbals 15″ & 16″ | Masters of Music

masters-of-music.com

The Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash cymbals present a mixed bag. The 15-inch model is a standout with its explosive sound and quick decay, making it a fantastic addition that shines among other cymbals. Unfortunately, the 16-inch version falls short, lacking the bright and dynamic qualities expected, blending too much with other gear. While the 16-inch does have a nicer bell sound, its overall impact is less impressive. Potential buyers should test the 16-inch in person to ensure it meets their expectations.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
C

How a crash should sound

I love this crash! I have this 16 inch one and will never go back. I also have an 18 version and it is a bit loud for riding on, so I am going to get a second right-side crash that is darker, and just use this for crashing.

Artist usage

Add artist
L

Longineu W. Parsons III

Drummer

Yellowcard

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:44 you can briefly see Longineu using an X Plosion crash - by the size it must be a 16".

See how Nick Augusto uses Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"

Nick Augusto

Drummer

Trivium

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Nick can be seen using a pair of aax xplosian crashs

See how Tyson Dang uses Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"

Tyson Dang

Drummer

Red Handed Denial

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Tyson is playing his sabian aax crashes

See how Meghan Herrings uses Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"

Meghan Herrings

Drummer

Doll Skin

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Meghan can be seen using a sabian aax xplosin crash as part of her cymbal setup

See how Jason Costa uses Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"

Jason Costa

Drummer

All That Remains

...
Verified via Photo

Drummer Jason Costa is shown using a Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" cymbal in a photo shared on Instagram by user jasonatr, taken at a Chicago Open Air event.

See how GODRi uses Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16"

GODRi

Drummer

SiM

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "KiLLiNG ME" music video by SiM, at 0:21, GODRi is seen using the Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16", as provided by the YouTube video uploaded by gil soundworks.

Album Usage

The Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16" has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash 16", it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jcskittlesdrummer14

jcskittlesdrummer14

Gear IQ 81

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