10 Best Cymbal Sets 2025 in the United States

The Meinl Super Set Box Pack offers a solid 6-piece cymbal set designed for beginner to intermediate drummers who want better sound and durability than the typical starter cymbals. Made from MS63 brass alloy, these cymbals produce a clean, bright tone with crispness that avoids harsh, piercing overtones. The set includes all essential cymbals for a full kit—14" hihats, 20" ride, 16" and 18" crashes—plus effect cymbals like a 16" china and 10" splash, giving you flexibility in your sound. Each cymbal has a lacquered finish that not only protects them but also gives a shiny look when light hits the surface.

Weighing around 15 pounds total, the set has a sturdy feel and can handle regular playing without easily denting or bending, which is common with cheaper options. Because these are made in Germany by a reputable brand with decades of experience, they offer a longer lifespan and sound quality closer to higher-end cymbals. On the downside, brass cymbals generally don’t have the warmth or complex tones of professional bronze models, so as your skill and needs grow, you might find them limiting.

Also, while the 6-piece setup covers a lot, some drummers might want more variety or different sizes. This set is a great step up from basic starter packs, especially for players wanting reliable, bright-sounding cymbals that look good and hold up well during practice and gigs.

The Meinl Cymbals HCS Ultimate Cymbal Set is a comprehensive package for beginner and intermediate drummers, featuring nine pieces made from durable MS63 brass alloy. This set includes 14" hihats, a 20" ride, multiple crashes (14", 16", and 18"), a 14" china, an 8" bell, a 10" splash, and a free 16" trash crash. The brass alloy construction ensures a clean, bright, and crisp tone, which is ideal for various musical styles.

The cymbals are also designed to withstand heavy playing without easily denting or bending, providing a long lifespan. Additionally, the traditional finish gives the cymbals a shimmering appearance that enhances the look of any drum kit, and the professional logo treatment adds to their aesthetic appeal. Being made in Germany, these cymbals benefit from Meinl's extensive experience in cymbal crafting since 1951, promising reliable quality and performance.

While the set offers a wide range of sounds and creative possibilities, it may not fully satisfy advanced drummers seeking the nuanced tones and dynamic response of high-end cymbals. Moreover, at 18 pounds, the set is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for portability. Nevertheless, with a 2-year warranty, these cymbals provide a trustworthy option for those looking to upgrade from basic starter cymbals.

The SABIAN HHX Complex Promotional Set is designed for drummers seeking a rich, dark, and complex sound. The set includes 16” and 18” Complex Thin Crashes, a 20” Complex Medium Ride, and 14” Complex Medium Hats, all made from metal and finished with a lacquered coating. The crashes are known for their rich and sweet tones, while the ride cymbal provides a big, low, and complex sound thanks to its over-hammered design. The hi-hats offer a solid foot pedal action with a sizzling, fat tone.

These qualities make the set particularly appealing for genres that benefit from darker, more nuanced cymbals, such as jazz, blues, and certain rock styles. However, with the cymbals being on the smaller side and lightweight (each item weighing around 1 pound), they may not provide the durability and volume needed for more aggressive playing styles like heavy metal.

The set's premium quality and specific sound characteristics may not be suitable for beginners or those on a budget. This set is ideal for intermediate to advanced drummers who are looking for high-quality, complex sound in their cymbals.