Sabian HHX Cymbals | The ultimate guide (2026)

Sabian has always created beautiful and complex cymbals. The Sabian HHX cymbal line is the pinnacle of this. These cymbals are dark in sound, beautiful in appearance but with a powerful sound.

Think the HH line with more power.

We first wrote this guide in 2021. Since then Sabian has added a whole new sub-line, a new ride and plenty of price rises. So what does the HHX family look like in 2026, and which one is right for you? Let’s find out what makes the Sabian HHX line so special.

What has changed since 2021?

If you read the original version of this guide, here is the short version of what is different now.

• HHX Anthology arrived. Designed with Jojo Mayer and Mark Love for Sabian’s 40th anniversary, it went on sale in May 2022. More on it below.
• A new Complex ride. The 22” HHX Complex Big Cup Ride landed in 2025, with a bigger bell for clearer bell-to-bow separation.
• HHX Overture. A set of hybrid hand (orchestral) cymbals has joined the family. Not one for the kit, but it shows how far the HHX name now stretches.
• Some odd models have come and gone. The HHX Compression Hats were a one-off “Vault Drop” in 2023 and are no longer made, and a few of the more niche models below are getting harder to find new. Check what your shop actually has in stock.
• Prices have gone up. A four-piece HHX Performance Set is now around £1,300 in the UK and around $1,570 in the US.

The core of the line (Thin, Medium, Complex, Evolution and Legacy) is all still here.

What style of music are Sabian HHX cymbals for?

The Sabian HHX cymbals are designed to give you the sound of the dry and complex sounds of the HH (hand hammered) line but with more volume and projection.

This makes these cymbals a great option for live performances. Darker cymbals sound great in the studio but can be lost in a live mix. The Sabian HHX line should help overcome this issue.

You are getting the dark complex sound you love with that extra punch.

But they are more than that. These cymbals are also dynamic and articulate. Therefore these cymbals are great for anything from jazz through to rock.

How are Sabian HHX cymbals made?

Sabian HHX cymbals are related to the Sabian HH line. The HHX cymbals are hand-hammered but have more projection than the HH counterparts.

This is achieved through a higher profile on the cymbal and a raw bell. This gives the cymbal more projection whilst maintaining that dirty sound.

The Sabian HHX line is fairly complex and full of many sub-lines.

Below we have simplified this so you can find the cymbals best for you.

HHX Medium

The Sabian HHX medium cymbals are the core of what the HHX line is. These cymbals are dark, complex and have the extra projection. Everything the HHX line aims to achieve.

Cymbals available:

• Hi-hats (natural or brilliant finish): 14”, 15”
• Rides (natural or brilliant finish): 20”
• Crashes (natural or brilliant finish): 16”, 18”, 20”

HHX Thin

This is the same design as the medium range but thinner. This makes them a little bit darker.

Cymbals available:

• Rides (natural or brilliant finish): 21”
• Crashes (natural or brilliant finish): 14”, 16”, 18”, 20”

HHX Complex

When we first wrote this guide, Complex was the newest corner of the HHX line. Five years on it has settled in as one of the core HHX ranges, and it is still where Sabian keeps adding new models.

Overall these cymbals are very similar to the medium line but are a little more complex.

There are also a couple of different weight options depending on the cymbal you are after.

Cymbals available:

• Hi-hats (medium): 14”, 15”
• Rides (medium weight): 20”, 21”, 22”, 23”
• Big Cup Ride (medium weight, new in 2025): 22”
• Rides (thin weight): 21”, 22”
• Crashes (thin weight): 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”
• Splashes: 10”
• O-Zone Crashes: 17”, 19”

The Big Cup Ride is the one to know about. It keeps the dark wash of the 22” Complex Medium Ride but adds a taller, wider bell (not quite Power Bell territory), so the bell really speaks. Expect to pay around $650 in the US.

If you want the Complex sound in one box, the HHX Complex Performance Set gives you 15” Medium Hats, a 19” Thin Crash and a 22” Medium Ride. In the UK it sits at around £1,100–£1,200.

HHX Legacy

The HHX Legacy line was designed with legendary drummer Dave Weckl to help capture his sound. The HHX Legacy cymbals focus on capturing his darker sound.

The cymbals have a classic look and feel.

Cymbals available:

• Hi-hats: 14”, 15”
• Rides: 20”, 21”, 22”
• Crashes: 17”, 18”, 19”

HHX Evolution

The HHX Evolution line has also been designed with Dave Weckl. This time to focus on the higher end of the spectrum. These cymbals are bright with a glass-like cut.

These cymbals feature a brilliant finish making them stand out from others in the HHX line.

Cymbals available:

• Hi-hats: 13”, 14”, 15”
• Rides: 20”, 21”, 22”
• Crashes: 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”
• Splashes: 7”, 10”, 12”
• Chinas: 14”
• O-Zone Crashes: 16”, 18”
• Effeks Crash (hand and finger suitable): 17”

HHX Fierce

The Sabian HHX Fierce is a small line of cymbals designed for the drummer Jojo Mayer.

These cymbals are dry with a very clear stick definition. The cymbals also have very little sustain making them ideal for busy beats and grooves.

The crash cymbal isn’t as dry but has a trashy wash.

Cymbals available:

• Hi-hat: 13”
• Ride: 21”
• Crash: 19”

HHX Omni

The Sabian HHX Omni was developed with Jojo Mayer. This cymbal is designed to be versatile providing a clear distinction between the edge and the bow/ bell. This cymbal allows you to quickly change gears between crashing and more intricate parts.

If you are looking for a brighter version of this cymbal, it is also available in the Sabian AAX line.

Sizes available: 19”, 22”

HHX Anthology

This is the big addition since we first wrote this guide. HHX Anthology was created by Jojo Mayer and Sabian’s Mark Love to celebrate Sabian’s 40th anniversary, and it has been on sale since May 2022.

The idea is simple: there is no “crash” or “ride” on the label. Each cymbal is designed to do both, and you decide what it is by how you play it. If you liked the thinking behind the Omni, this is that idea taken further.

Every model comes in two flavours:

• Low Bell: more control. Traditional, sensitive and elegant.
• High Bell: more volume. Contemporary, bold and projecting, with a slightly brighter wash.

Cymbals available include:

• Hi-hats (Low Bell or High Bell): 14”
• Crash/rides (Low Bell or High Bell): 18”, 22”

There is one thing to mention. Because each cymbal is a crash and a ride at once, they suit drummers who like a small, versatile setup more than players who want a specialist for every job. Try before you buy if you can.

HHX Splash

There aren’t many splashes available in the HHX range. They aren’t available in different weights so this is the only option in the core HHX line.

These are nice fast and dark splashes.

Sizes available: 10”, 12”

HHX Chinese

The HHX Chinese cymbals are heavily hammered and have a dark and aggressive tone.

Sizes available: 18”, 20”

HHX Zen China

The Sabian HHX Zen China is similar in sound to that of the other HHX chinas but the bell is inverted. This makes it easier to mount the cymbal flat.

Sizes available: 20”

More ride cymbals

21” Dave Weckl Serenity Ride

This is another cymbal developed with Dave Weckl. This time it is a flat ride. This cymbal is very musical for a flat ride.

It has a clear stick definition like you want from a flat ride with a fast crash.

The cymbal is made using a blend of legacy and artisan technology.

21” HHX Groove Ride

This ride has a high cutting pitch whilst maintaining those dark undertones.

HHX 3-Point Ride

The HHX 3-Point Ride was designed with drummer Jack DeJohnette. This ride has a distinctive look with the raw ring that goes around the body of the cymbal.

This is a dark yet diverse ride cymbal with a nice dark sound that is very crashable.

HHX 21” Raw Bell Dry Ride

The Raw Bell Dry Ride is a medium to heavyweight cymbal. The cymbal has a very clear ping reminiscent of heavy ride cymbals.

Due to its weight, this ride isn’t great for crashing.

More hi-hat cymbals

HHX 15” Groove Hats

These hi-hats give you a retro tone with a crisp definition. The 15” size gives you more depth and click like classic hi-hats produce.

HHX 14” X-Celerator Hats

The X-Celerator hi-hats feature an “air wave” bottom. These crinkles allow air to escape making the sound extra crisp.

HHX 14” Click Hats

The HHX CliCk Hats are made using a combination of Sabian techniques. They feature the high profile of the AA line with the hammering of the HH and HHX line.

These hi-hats are designed to produce enhanced click that emulates an electronic sound.

More crash cymbals

HHX X-Plosion Crashes

The HHX X-Plosion crashes provide you with what you would expect. Even more shimmer and bright tones cut through.

Cymbals available:

• Crashes: 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

HHX X-Treme

The HHX X-Treme crashes are thin and explosive. They have the attack of a china cymbal with a hint of trash.

Cymbals available:

• Crashes: 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”

Cymbal packs

If you are wanting to get the best bang for your buck when purchasing Sabian HHX cymbals you will want to look at the cymbals packs on offer.

The packs available do change over time. In 2026 the two to look for are:

• HHX Performance Set: 14” Medium Hats, 16” and 18” Thin Crashes and a 21” Thin Ride. Around £1,300 in the UK and around $1,570 in the US.
• HHX Complex Performance Set: 15” Complex Medium Hats, a 19” Complex Thin Crash and a 22” Complex Medium Ride. Around £1,100–£1,200 in the UK.

Bought separately, the same cymbals cost noticeably more, so if one of these sets matches what you want, it is the way to go.

Where can I buy Sabian HHX cymbals?

The right shop depends on where you are: Guitar Center in the Americas, Gear4music in the UK, or Thomann for Europe and the rest of the world.

Every hand-hammered cymbal sounds a little different, so if you can, play the actual cymbal before you buy it. And HHX has been around long enough that the used market is full of them, including models that are now hard to find new. Have a look at used Sabian HHX cymbals on Reverb and the Reverb price guide before you pay full price.

Final thoughts

The Sabian HHX cymbals are incredible professional line cymbals. They are dark and complex with all the projection you expect from a modern cymbal, and in 2026 that is still true.

The only confusing thing is how many ranges there are within the HHX line, and Anthology has added one more. Sabian sure has given you plenty of choices. If you are starting from scratch, the Complex range is the safest place to begin. Hopefully, this guide has helped to clear things up for you.

Not sure whether you want dark or bright? Read our Sabian AAX vs HHX head-to-head, or ask our Gear Guru and it will talk you through it.