If you are unsure which cymbals or hi-hats to buy, take a look at our comparison table below. We do our best to keep this information updated and relevant and may change at times. If you have a specific question relating to any of the information contained on this page, please contact us via our enquiry form and we will be more than happy to advise.
| Product | Zones | Size | Best Used As | Choke | Bell | Mounts On | Ideal Buyer | Main Advantage | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual-Zone Splash | 2 | 9″ | Splash |  |  | Standard cymbal arm | Players wanting compact accents | Fast response, compact size, affordable | Too small for primary crash duties |
| Dual-Zone Splash/Crash | 2 | 11″ | Splash or small Crash | | | Standard cymbal arm | Small kits or secondary crash | Very versatile size | Less realistic as a main crash |
| Dual-Zone Splash/Crash | 2 | 13″ | Small Crash | | | Standard cymbal arm | Small kits or secondary crash | Very versatile size | Less realistic as a main crash |
| Dual-Zone Splash/Crash | 2 | 15″ | Primary Crash | | | Standard cymbal arm | Larger kits or primary crash | Very versatile size | Realistic as a main crash |
| Dual-Zone China | 2 | 15″ | China | | | Standard cymbal arm | Players wanting effects cymbals | Excellent china response with edge triggering | Specialist cymbal rather than everyday use |
| Triple-Zone Crash/Ride | 3 | 13″ | Crash or compact Ride | | | Standard cymbal arm | Small e-kit owners | Small footprint with full ride functionality | Ride surface may feel small |
| Triple-Zone Crash/Ride | 3 | 15″ | Crash or Ride | | | Standard cymbal arm | Most versatile all-round cymbal | Great balance of size, portability and playability | Bell area smaller than larger rides |
| Triple-Zone Crash/Ride | 3 | 18″ | Primary Ride | | | Standard cymbal arm | Serious home or gigging drummers | Excellent acoustic-style proportions | Slightly heavier stand recommended |
| Triple-Zone Crash/Ride | 3 | 20″ | Flagship Ride | | | Standard cymbal arm | Players wanting the closest acoustic ride experience | Largest playing surface and most realistic feel | Requires more space and a sturdy stand |
| Product | Design | Sizes | Uses Hi-Hat Stand | Controller Included | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ Single Hi-Hat with Controller | Single cymbal | 12″ | ❌ | ✅ | Budget upgrades and compact kits | Quick installation, no hi-hat stand required |
| 12″ Two-Piece Hi-Hat | Moving top & bottom cymbal | 12″ | ✅ | Optional depending on package | Players wanting realistic feel | Authentic stick response and natural movement |
| 14″ Two-Piece Hi-Hat | Moving top & bottom cymbal | 14″ | ✅ | Optional depending on package | Premium setups | Closest feel to an acoustic hi-hat with larger playing surface |
| Feature | 2-Zone Cymbals | 3-Zone Cymbals | Two-Piece Hi-Hats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow sound | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Edge sound | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bell triggering | ❌ | ✅ | N/A |
| Edge choke | ✅ | ✅ | N/A |
| Crash capable | ✅ | ✅ | No |
| Ride capable | Limited | Excellent | No |
| Most realistic playing experience | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lowest cost | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Value for money | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| If you want… | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| The most affordable crash | 11″ Dual-Zone Splash/Crash |
| A dedicated splash | 9″ Dual-Zone Splash |
| A dedicated china | 15″ Dual-Zone China |
| One cymbal that can crash and ride | 15″ Triple-Zone Crash/Ride |
| A realistic main ride | 18″ Triple-Zone Ride |
| The closest thing to an acoustic ride | 20″ Triple-Zone Ride |
| An inexpensive hi-hat upgrade | 12″ Single Hi-Hat with Controller |
| Real moving hi-hats | 12″ Two-Piece Hi-Hat |
| Premium acoustic-style hi-hats | 14″ Two-Piece Hi-Hat |
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best Value | 15″ Triple-Zone Crash/Ride |
| Most Versatile | 18″ Triple-Zone Crash/Ride |
| Most Realistic Ride | 20″ Triple-Zone Crash/Ride |
| Best Compact Ride | 13″ Triple-Zone Crash/Ride |
| Best Entry-Level Hi-Hat | 12″ Single Hi-Hat |
| Best Premium Hi-Hat | 14″ Two-Piece Hi-Hat |
Please note: the data presented in the tables on this page has been compiled by and is owned by Lemon Cymbals (UK). If you wish to copy or re-produce this data, please contact sales@lemoncymbals.co.uk.
