The hats that I bring with me to recording sessions:

1. 14" Sabian HHX Evolutions

2. 15" Zildjian 1950s hats

The Evolutions seem to have it all...they are heavier, so they are a bit more articulate and have a really good "chick", but they open up easy and are soft to the touch. They are fairly dry, they don't "clang" like rock hats (can't stand that sound), but they have a really nice sizzle as well.

The 15" 50s As are pretty thin, and have more of the "clomp" sound to them, but they're so thin that they articulate well, even with brushes.

Paiste 15" Soundedge 602's For Me, Please!!!!

That whole line is phenomenal with the exception of the ride, which I thought was too washy.

That's what I thought, too! Glad to see I'm not the only one.

It was the only time I bought a whole set of cymbals new...I needed a set for college. I got HHX Evolutions: the 14" hats, a 16" crash, a 12" splash, and also a 20" HHX Stage Ride (which sounded LOADS better than that Evolution ride...)

Sounds like the recipe for a really sweet set of hats! And a nice problem to have...a little expensive, but there are worse problems to have. Enjoy!

I bought all mine used, I have never bought a new cymbal yet. I have the 14" hats, 16,17, and 18 crash. I bought the ride but I resold it and replaced it with a Phil Collins signature RBDR. That ride is real heavy so it doesnt blend real well but I really like it. I may get a Sabian or Zildjian medium in the future. I just bought a whole set of Paiste Signatures and a vintage set of New Beats, so I have used up of my spending tokens from the wife. Not to mention the Ludwigs two weeks ago. If the UPS guy shows up in the near future, I am toast :)

I am a cymbal junkie.... I need to stop but this is definitely the wrong place to be if I need a cure D' Drummer

"I've got a fevuh, and it can only be cured by...MORE CYMBALS!!!" LoLoLoLo

I love Cymbals too, but the baestards have completely phukked up my ears over the years!

Can you repeat that? I couldn't hear it for the ringing in my ears. band3

On a serious note: I have been using Hear-Os flanged filters for the last many years and it REALLY has helped. I don't lay in bed for 30 minutes after gigs only hearing the screaming in my ears anymore. I used to have a headache after every gig, but not any more. It took a little getting used to them, but I don't play without them (or in-ear monitors) anymore. I still have tinitus, but I don't think it's getting any worse. They cost about $8-10 and you can get them at nearly any music store. I highly recommend them, brothers and sisters, they will save your ears!