10 Best Hi Hat Cymbals 2025 in the United States

The Avedis Zildjian Company S Series 14 Inch Dark Hi-Hats (SD14HPR) are designed to deliver a darker shading to your sound. They are highly versatile and can be used across various music genres, making them a great addition for drummers who play different styles.

The universal standard 14-inch size ensures compatibility with most drum kits and makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. The cymbals are made of metal, specifically bronze, which contributes to their durability and quality of sound. Weighing just 1 pound, they are relatively lightweight, which can be beneficial for ease of transportation and setup.

The polished finish adds a sleek, professional look. These hi-hats also boast a well-balanced, full-bodied sound that blends excellently with other cymbals, enhancing the performance of your drum set. The Avedis Zildjian S Series 14 Inch Dark Hi-Hats are a reliable choice for drummers seeking a versatile, well-rounded cymbal pair with a dark tonal quality, although they might not perfectly match the needs of specialized genres like jazz or metal.

The SABIAN 15" HHX Complex Medium Hats are a set of hi-hat cymbals designed to offer a rich and dark tonal character, making them suitable for drummers looking for depth and complexity in their sound. At 15 inches, these cymbals are slightly larger than the standard 14", which gives them a fuller presence and allows for a more resonant tone. Made from metal with a brass-colored finish, they weigh about 5.79 pounds, striking a good balance between durability and playability. The HH and HHX hammering techniques used on these cymbals bring out warm lows and intricate tonal layers, offering a versatile sound that fits well across various music styles, from jazz to rock. The solid foot provides a consistent, sizzling, and fat tone that remains stable even under different playing dynamics.

With a moderately heavy weight, they may feel a bit less responsive for players who prefer very light, fast hi-hats. Also, the darker sound may not suit everyone, especially those who want a brighter or more cutting cymbal. These hi-hats excel in delivering a complex, musically rich tone with solid build quality, making them a great choice for versatile drummers who want to add depth to their setup.

The Avedis Zildjian Company K Custom Dark Hi-Hat Cymbals are a popular choice, particularly among drummers who prioritize color and articulation in their music. These cymbals are 14 inches in size and made from bronze, which contributes to their warm, full-bodied tone. Despite their relatively light weight of 1 pound, they deliver a clean stick sound and a fast, bright 'chick' when played, making them suitable for a variety of musical settings.

The crisp texture ensures that the hi-hat sound cuts through the rest of the band clearly, which can be advantageous during performances. However, as these cymbals are designed to add warmth and coloration, they might not be the best fit for someone looking for a purely bright and cutting sound.

Ideal for those who need a reliable hi-hat that can perform well across different genres, but may not be the best choice for absolute beginners due to their premium features and price point.