Do nu-metal drummers actually use splash cymbals?

As an occasional color rather than a defining voice. No core nu-metal drummer has a widely documented signature splash rig — but a bright splash naturally extends the same quick-decaying, controlled accent philosophy behind John Otto's Zildjian A Custom Crash and Ray Luzier's Paiste 2002 Power Crash setups during groove-first, syncopated verses.

What size splash cymbal is best for nu-metal?

8"-10" suits nu-metal's syncopated, groove-pocket accents best, since a smaller splash decays fast enough to punctuate a hit without smothering the groove underneath it.

Bright or raw splash cymbal — which is better for nu-metal?

It depends which side of nu-metal's groove-versus-chaos divide your crash setup already sits on. A bright, clean splash (Zildjian A Custom, Paiste 2002 Classic) fits groove-first playing in the style of John Otto and Ray Luzier, while a raw, unlathed splash (Paiste Rude) fits a fully chaos-first rig in the style of Joey Jordison's RUDE-based Slipknot setup.

Why isn't splash a bigger part of nu-metal cymbal setups?

Nu-metal's identity splits between tight, syncopated groove and raw breakdown aggression, and a splash's bright, quick decay only really serves the first half. In breakdown-heavy passages, a crash or china already delivers the chaos the material calls for, leaving less room for a splash accent.

What's the best budget splash cymbal for nu-metal?

The Zildjian Planet Z Splash (€35-50) and Sabian SBR Splash (€30-45) both use budget B8 bronze but deliver a genuinely usable, bright accent voice for developing drummers, while the Meinl HCS Splash (€25-40) is the most affordable brass-alloy option for a first full beginner cymbal setup.