Best Hi-Hats for Thrash Metal 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What hi-hats does Lars Ulrich use?

Lars Ulrich of Metallica uses 14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats from the Zildjian A Custom Series, part of his full A Custom cymbal setup since Metallica's 1996 "Load" sessions. The brilliant finish B20 bronze delivers a tight, cutting chick that cuts through Metallica's dense wall of guitars.

What hi-hats does Dave Lombardo use?

Dave Lombardo of Slayer uses 14" hi-hats from Paiste's RUDE Series, paired with the related 2002 Series for tighter, more controlled hi-hat work. The raw, unlathed CuSn8 bronze delivers explosive, aggressive projection suited to Slayer's most violent thrash compositions.

What hi-hats does Charlie Benante use?

Charlie Benante of Anthrax uses the same Paiste RUDE and 2002 hi-hat setup as Dave Lombardo — 14" pairs delivering full-bodied CuSn8 bronze projection through Anthrax's thrash riffing.

What size hi-hats for thrash metal?

14" is the standard thrash metal hi-hat size, used by Lars Ulrich, Dave Lombardo, and Charlie Benante alike. It balances projection with the fast response needed for the genre's rapid-fire 16th-note riffing.

Are Zildjian or Paiste hi-hats better for thrash metal?

Both are proven at the highest level — Lars Ulrich (Zildjian A Custom) and Dave Lombardo/Charlie Benante (Paiste RUDE & 2002) prove this. Zildjian A Custom offers brighter, more articulate cutting power. Paiste RUDE & 2002 delivers raw, explosive aggression with maximum projection. Choose Zildjian for versatile clarity; choose Paiste for maximum violence and stage presence.