Some easier than others, absolutely. You have to play with marching sticks to get that K Custom Dry Heavy Ride to really open up.

In the modern sense of the term, YES these cymbals are multi-functional. Sometimes, when you get a crash-ride, it doesn't sound good as either, or more one than the other, but these cymbals actually work well as both.

As a 'drummer' you learn to play the zones on a cymbal. Most guys can get at least four different useable sounds out of a cymbal. Sometimes more, depending on the cymbal. The only real difference between a crash and a ride is thickness/heaviness, but they are both just cymbals that can be used in any way it is possible to use a cymbal. The exception would be maybe a really big, heavy ride. Hard to get much of a crash out of them - the 'wash' will go on till next Tuesday... but not much crash. Other than that, what you can do with one, you can pretty much do with any another.

John

I use giant beats, mainly the 24". It crashes great, has a beautiful bell sound, very dynamic and stick articulation throughout the cymbal. Very musical sounding cymbals that sound great on a pretty wide range of styles, and they also record very well and sound great live. My style of playing calls for very multipurpose cymbals (ride especially), and I will definitely stand by them. Then again, it really depends on the style of music you are using them for and what cymbal is comfortable for you. Even a great cymbal for a lot of other people may not necessarily be the one for you. But in my opinion, the giant beats are special cymbals :)

The 602 series, also great cymbals. As you might expect, they are on the brighter side of the sound spectrum than the giant beats due to the size difference. But also versatile.

Here is a cool video of the paiste lineup comparison. Now I can tell you that there has definitely been some eq and compression tweaks on this video, but it will still give you an idea of how they can sound in a studio environment...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LIV1OwEPRo[/ame]

You can crash or ride any cymbal, especially when it comes to using different sized sticks. I use a signature Bright Ride as a ride/crash, and it's a BEAUTY!!! I want one made with Colorsound coating!!!

I love Paistes, and I have a soft spot for anything 602!!! I am not familiar with Giant Beats, but I have a feeling I would love them equally to any other Paiste. It is no secret that I just have a hard time with anything Zildjian or Sabian!!!

Minor correction: the difference is how they're tapered.