Sabian XS20 14" Rock Hats

Group: Hi-Hats
Type: Rock Hats
Size: 14 Inch
Series: XS20
Weight: Top: 1150g / Bottom: 1425g

Top: 1198g / Bottom: 1436g

Top: 1236g / Bottom: 1375g

Top: 1312g / Bottom: 1412g

Median Weight: Top: 1217g (n=4) / Bottom: 1424g (n=4)
Years of production: 2003 - 2016
Sound file: XS20 14" Rock Hats
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "We were sent two sets of hi-hats. They performed well—and nearly identically. I played the 14" Rock hats on several different occasions, and they proved versatile enough to perform respectably (neither wimpy nor overpowering) in every situation. These cymbals pumped out a consistent and even “hiss,” and a clear “chick.” The combination of medium-heavy top and heavy bottom cymbals helped give definition to my accents and sticking patterns. And I didn’t really have to push to get that extra punch. These hats were a pleasure to play."

Review written by Will Romano ("Sabian XS20 Series Cymbals - High Sonic Performance At Low-End Prices", Modern Drummer, July 2003, p.30)

Review: (NOTE: This is for the wide blade lathing version) "The 14" Rock hats took things up a notch in weight, power, and volume. And they took things down an equal amount in terms of any remaining subtlety or sonic nuance. These hats are all about projection, with decent sibilance, a strong “chick,” and a terrific half-open “sloshy” sound. And let’s face it: High-volume playing usually doesn’t need hats with layers of undertones. Rockers want a strong, clear hi-hat ride pulse, and the occasional punctuating “bark.” The Xs20 Rock hats would deliver these characteristics in spades."

Review written by Rick Van Horn ("Sabian “New Look” Xs20 Cymbals", Modern Drummer, March 2008, p.37)

Review: "The powerful 14" Rock hats combined a bright, cut- ting top end with a tight low-end "chick" but had a glassiness that kept them from being abrasively loud. These are good, solid hi-hats for rock drummers who want to dig in without being overpowering."

Review written by Michael Dawson ("Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Series Cymbals", Modern Drummer, May 2010, p.24)

Review: "The 14″ Rock hi-hats are heavier in weight than the Medium set. Compared to the Medium hats, these Rock models have more chunk in their foot chick, but when played with sticks they have certain frequencies that sound ever-so-slightly stifled. While these Rock models are very good, the Medium models are even better, and they still seem sturdy enough to handle a rock context. Therefore, given the choice of two models with the exact same price, I’d go with the Medium hi-hats."

Review written by David Libman ("Sabian XS20 Cymbals Reviewed!", drummagazine.com, July 6, 2010)

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