Best Cymbals for Metal in 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Discover the best cymbals for metal drumming. Expert recommendations from Zildjian, Paiste, Meinl, and Sabian — covering crash, hi-hat, and ride cymbals used by Lars Ulrich, Mikkey Dee, and Mike Mangini.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cymbals do metal drummers use?
Most professional metal drummers use Zildjian A Custom (Lars Ulrich, Joey Jordison, Gene Hoglan), Paiste 2002 (Mikkey Dee), Meinl Byzance (Mike Mangini, Dirk Verbeuren), or Sabian AAX (Igor Cavalera, Vinnie Paul). Zildjian A Custom is the single most common choice on MetalForge's roster. All are B20 bronze or equivalent high-quality alloy for complex, musical tone.
Are Zildjian or Paiste better for metal?
Both are excellent for metal but with different characters. Zildjian A Custom is brighter and cuts more aggressively through guitar walls — better for modern and extreme metal. Paiste 2002 has more body and weight — better for classic heavy metal and rock where you want cymbal power to define the song's feel. Most drummers try both and choose based on personal preference.
What size crashes should I use for metal?
16" and 18" is the standard metal crash pair — 16" for fast, tight accents and 18" for bigger, longer crashes. Many metal drummers add a 19-20" for dramatic passages. Some extreme metal drummers use three or four crashes of different sizes for tonal variety. Smaller crashes (14-16") are used in technical and fast-tempo styles; larger crashes (18-20") for doom, power metal, and dramatic moments.
What hi-hats are best for metal?
14" medium-heavy hi-hats are the standard for metal. The Zildjian A Custom Mastersound 14" and Paiste 2002 14" are among the most popular. For faster playing, 13" hi-hats provide quicker open/close response. The key is matching your hi-hat weight to your style — heavier tops control wash at loud volumes, lighter tops cut through with more open sound.
Should I use B8 or B20 cymbals for metal?
B20 bronze is strongly recommended for serious metal playing. B20 (80% copper, 20% tin) produces a more complex, musical frequency range that cuts through dense guitar sounds while remaining tonally interesting. B8 (92% copper, 8% tin) is brighter and louder but lacks the complexity. Budget cymbal lines like Zildjian S Series (B12) or Paiste PST 7 (CuSn7) offer a middle ground at accessible prices.
How do I set up cymbals for metal drumming?
Standard metal setup: 14" hi-hats on the left, 16" crash over the hi-hats or rack toms, 18" crash on the right, 20-22" ride on the right. Many metal drummers add a China cymbal for aggressive accent punctuation, positioned across the kit inverted. Angle crashes slightly toward you for easy striking and fast recovery. Keep the ride within comfortable reach so you can switch quickly between crashes and ride patterns.