Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set vs Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set: Spec Comparison
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This comparison looks at the sabian aax cymbal set vs stratus cymbal set 14 16 18 20. Both options provide a complete four-piece configuration with hi-hats, crashes, and a ride. The primary difference lies in the ride size and material finish. The AAX model includes a larger 21-inch ride with a natural finish, while the Stratus set features a 20-inch ride in a bronze finish. You will also notice a significant difference in included accessories.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set | Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Cymbal Size | 21 inches | 20 inches |
| Finish Color | Natural | Bronze |
| Included Accessories | 90-Day Drumeo Trial | Not listed |
| Weight | 1 pounds | 14.6 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set if
- You prefer a larger 21-inch ride cymbal for a broader sound.
- You want access to a 90-day Drumeo trial included with the purchase.
- You are looking for a natural finish on your cymbals.
Choose Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set if
- You prefer a standard 20-inch ride cymbal size.
- You want a bronze finish for the cymbals.
- You are interested in cymbals described with a quick decay and deep tone.
Verdict: Choose the AAX set if you need a larger ride and value the included digital trial. Pick the Stratus set if you prefer a standard 20-inch ride and a bronze finish. Both sets offer a functional four-piece layout for your electronic drum kit.
AAX vs Stratus Spec Comparison
Included cymbals
The Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set includes a 14-inch hi-hat, a 16-inch crash, a 21-inch medium ride, and an additional 18-inch thin crash. This configuration offers a larger 21-inch ride option. The Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set features a 14-inch hi-hat, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. The Stratus ride is one inch smaller than the AAX ride. Both sets provide four distinct cymbals for a standard kit setup. The AAX includes an extra crash cymbal in the package, while the Stratus sticks to a single crash size.
Material and finish
The Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set is explicitly listed as made from bronze with a bronze color finish. This indicates a traditional alloy construction. The Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set is described with a natural color finish. The data does not specify the exact alloy composition for the AAX set, though Sabian AAX lines typically use specific bronze alloys. The Stratus data highlights the material directly. The AAX data focuses on the visual natural finish. Without explicit alloy data for the AAX, we cannot confirm if the metal composition differs materially from the Stratus bronze specification.
Included accessories
The Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set comes with a 90-Day Drumeo Trial included with the cymbal pack. This is a digital learning resource tied to the purchase. The Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set data does not list any digital trials or software bonuses. The AAX set provides an educational component alongside the physical hardware. The Stratus set appears to be hardware only based on the available specifications. If you value online drum instruction access, the AAX offers this benefit. The Stratus does not mention this type of accessory.
Product weight
The specifications list the weight of the Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set at 14.6 pounds. The Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set is listed at 1 pound. This 1-pound figure for the AAX is likely a data error for the shipping weight or a single component, as a four-piece cymbal set cannot physically weigh only one pound. The Stratus weight of 14.6 pounds is consistent with the mass of four metal cymbals. Comparing these numbers directly is difficult due to the probable error in the AAX data. The Stratus weight provides a reliable indicator of the hardware mass.
Cymbal features
The Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set data describes specific tonal characteristics. The 14-inch hi-hats offer a crisp, clear attack. The thin weight crashes produce a quick decay with a deep tone. The ride delivers a balanced combination of stick definition and crashable undertone. The Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set data does not provide these descriptive feature notes in the provided text. The AAX is identified by its model number and size configuration only. The Stratus data gives you more insight into the intended sound profile through these feature descriptions.
Which Sabian Cymbal Set Suits You
Drummer wanting a larger 21-inch ride
The AAX set includes a 21-inch medium ride, offering a larger surface area for soloing and tonal depth. This configuration pairs the ride with a 16-inch thin crash and an extra 18-inch thin crash. You get a versatile four-piece layout that emphasizes a bigger, more expressive ride cymbal compared to standard sizes.
Player preferring a balanced 20-inch ride
The Stratus set features a 20-inch ride with a balanced combination of stick definition and crashable undertone. This size provides a quicker response suitable for modern music styles. The set includes 14-inch hats with crisp attack and thin weight crashes for quick decay, delivering a cohesive sound profile across all included pieces.
Musician seeking specific tonal characteristics
The Stratus cymbals are designed to sit perfectly in today’s music. The 14-inch hats offer a crisp, clear attack, while the thin weight crashes produce a quick decay with a deep tone. This set prioritizes specific tonal qualities and responsiveness, making it ideal for players who need defined articulation and balanced crash sounds.
The products compared
Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set
Best for: drummers wanting a large ride and practice trial
- Included Cymbals
- 14" hats, 16" crash, 21" ride, 18" crash
- Included Accessories
- 90-Day Drumeo Trial
- Color
- Natural
- Cymbal Configuration
- 16" Crash, 14" Hi-Hats
- Dimensions
- 22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set Affiliate link
This Sabian AAX set includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, a 21-inch medium ride, and a free 18-inch crash. The configuration offers a versatile range for various playing styles. You get a 90-day Drumeo trial included with the pack. The natural finish and compact packaging make it easy to store. It is suitable for drummers who want a complete, high-quality set right away.
Pros
- Includes 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash, 21-inch ride, and 18-inch crash
- Features a 21-inch medium ride cymbal for versatile tonal options
- Comes with a 90-day Drumeo trial for practice support
- Natural finish provides a classic aesthetic
Cons
- Ride cymbal is 21 inches, which is larger than the 20-inch option in the comparison set
- Includes only one crash cymbal size (16-inch) in the core set, with the 18-inch as a free add-on
- Packaging dimensions are 22.3 x 22.3 x 3 inches, requiring specific storage space
Good fit if
- You want a complete set with a large 21-inch ride cymbal
- You value the included 90-day Drumeo trial for practice
- You prefer a natural finish on your cymbals
Skip if
- You prefer a smaller 20-inch ride cymbal over a 21-inch one
- You need two crash cymbals of the same size included by default
- You want a set without the Drumeo trial component
Verdict: Sabian AAX Cymbal Set 14-21 inch is ideal for drummers who prefer a larger 21-inch ride and want a complete package with practice resources. It suits those who value the versatility of mixed crash sizes and a natural aesthetic.
Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set
Best for: drummers needing a complete bronze practice set
- Included Cymbals
- 14" Hats, 16" Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride
- Material
- Bronze
- Dimensions
- 22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches
- Weight
- 14.6 pounds
View on Amazon: Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set Affiliate link
The Sabian Stratus set includes 14-inch hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. Made from bronze, this kit weighs 14.6 pounds. The thin crashes offer quick decay, while the ride provides a balanced crashable undertone. It fits modern music styles. You get a complete bronze set in a compact package.
Pros
- Bronze material construction
- Includes 14-inch hats, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and 20-inch ride
- Thin weight crashes for quick decay
- Balanced ride with crashable undertone
Cons
- Heavier at 14.6 pounds compared to lighter alloy sets
- Limited to standard bronze finish without special coatings
- No included mounting hardware or carrying case mentioned
Good fit if
- You need a complete bronze set for practice
- You prefer quick-decay crashes for modern sounds
- You want a balanced ride for versatility
Skip if
- You require ultra-lightweight cymbals under 10 pounds
- You need specialized finishes or coatings
- You only want a single cymbal rather than a full set
Verdict: Sabian Stratus Bronze Cymbal Set is a solid choice for drummers who want a complete bronze set with quick-decay crashes. It suits players seeking a balanced ride for modern music styles without the bulk of heavier professional sets.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sabian AAX Natural Cymbal Set | Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set |
|---|---|---|
| Included Cymbals | 14" hats, 16" crash, 21" ride, 18" crash | 14" Hats, 16" Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride |
| Material | not stated | Bronze |
| Included Accessories | 90-Day Drumeo Trial | not stated |
| Color | Natural | Bronze |
| Cymbal Configuration | 16" Crash, 14" Hi-Hats | not stated |
| Dimensions | 22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches | 22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches |
| Weight | 1 pounds | 14.6 pounds |
| Size | (14" hats, 16" Crash, 21" Ride, & Free 18" Crash) | 14/16/18/20 |
| Model | 25005XCPB | S5005G |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference in ride size between these two sets?
The AAX set features a 21-inch medium ride, while the Stratus set includes a 20-inch ride. The larger 21-inch diameter on the AAX provides more surface area for accents and solos. The Stratus ride is slightly smaller, which may suit players preferring a tighter response.
Which set is heavier and why does it matter?
The Stratus set weighs 14.6 pounds, whereas the AAX set weighs only 1 pound. The significant weight difference suggests the Stratus cymbals are made of thicker or denser bronze material. Heavier cymbals often offer more durability and a fuller tone, while lighter options may be easier to transport.
Does the AAX set come with an extra crash cymbal?
Yes, the AAX configuration includes an additional 18-inch thin crash cymbal. This gives you five cymbals total, including the 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash, and 21-inch ride. The Stratus set is a four-piece configuration with 14-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch cymbals, offering a balanced standard layout.
What finish options are available for these Sabian cymbal sets?
The AAX set comes in a Natural finish. The Stratus set is available in a Bronze finish. These finishes affect the visual appearance and potentially the initial tone. Natural finishes often highlight the raw metal look, while Bronze finishes provide a classic, traditional aesthetic for your drum kit.
Which set is better for drummers who want a complete practice package?
The Stratus set is described as a complete bronze practice set. It offers a balanced ride suitable for modern music styles without the bulk of heavier professional sets. The AAX set is ideal for those wanting a larger ride and practice trial resources, focusing on versatility with mixed crash sizes.
How do the crash sizes compare between the AAX and Stratus sets?
The AAX set includes a 16-inch crash and an extra 18-inch thin crash. The Stratus set features an 18-inch crash as part of its standard four-piece layout. Both sets provide versatile crash options, but the AAX offers an additional thin crash for varied dynamic responses and tonal colors.