Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash Cymbal Review
I've been playing the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash for about seven years now, particularly the 18" model, and it's become one of those go-to cymbals that punches way above its weight class. I’ve used it on dozens of recordings—experimental electronic sessions, rock tracks—and it continues to surprise me with how much character it delivers at such an affordable price.
To describe the sound in a word: explosive. But that doesn't quite do it justice. The B8X Ballistic Crash delivers a dry, trashy tone that’s remarkably similar to the Zildjian S Dark line. It’s not your average shimmering crash—it has grit, punch, and a certain chaos that brings energy into a groove without overwhelming the mix. That dryness is key. It doesn’t hang in the air or wash out like traditional crashes. Instead, it decays quickly and cleanly, making it perfect for recording situations where cymbal bleed can be a real issue.
Tonally, it sits somewhere between an Ozone cymbal and a standard crash—aggressive but not obnoxious, with some controlled sizzle and just enough trashiness to give it edge. The ballistic design gives it a fragmented, almost broken glass shimmer without going full-on China cymbal territory.
In this video above, you can hear it clearly. Notice how it cuts through without being harsh. It’s responsive under stick and mallet alike, and its tone adapts well whether you’re playing fast hi-hat work or big, open choruses.
And honestly, for the price, it’s kind of unbelievable. Sabian’s B8 series has always been considered entry-level, but the B8X Ballistic Crash breaks that mold. It doesn’t sound like a beginner cymbal. It sounds like a boutique model you’d find on someone’s custom stack or hybrid setup. I’ve thrown it into configurations with high-end rides and effects cymbals, and it holds its own beautifully.
If you're looking for a crash with character—a cymbal that brings rawness and musicality without draining your wallet—I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash. It’s been part of my sound for years, and chances are, once you try it, it’ll be part of yours too.
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