Cymbal stacks have become an essential tool for adding tight, trashy, and expressive accents to modern drumming setups.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable way to expand your sound or a premium stack used by top professionals, there are great options at every price point. 

In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best cymbal stacks available today—from budget-friendly picks to high-end models—so you can find the right fit for your style and setup.

If you’ve been chasing new sounds behind the kit, there’s one trick that instantly adds texture and character to your playing — cymbal stacks. Whether you’re crafting snappy electronic-style accents, gritty trash hits, or explosive breakdowns, a great stack can completely change your vocabulary on the drums.

Here at Drum Center of Portsmouth, we dug through our collection and handpicked nearly twenty of our favorite stacks — ranging from budget-friendly to boutique-level brilliance. These are the exact cymbal stacks featured in our Best Cymbal Stacks Comparison Video, so you can hear each one in action before you buy.

Let’s get into it.

Before diving into the cymbal stacks, let’s talk gear. The kit featured in the video is a Noble & Cooley Walnut 3-Piece Drum Set in Natural Oil, paired with a Noble & Cooley Solid Shell Ambrosia Maple Snare (14x5") — a combo that delivers pure tone and articulation.

👉 Noble & Cooley Walnut 3-Piece Drum Set – Natural Oil
👉 Noble & Cooley Solid Shell Ambrosia Maple Snare – 14x5"

We also had some fun with the hi-hats — a 15" Paiste Modern Essentials bottom on top, and a Paiste 900 Series bottom on bottom. It sounds weird, but it worked really well.

Beyond the price point, the WackStack Series really shines in its versatility. These cymbal stacks respond quickly and sit comfortably in a mix, making them great for everything from funk and pop to heavier styles that need sharp accents without overwhelming volume.

They’re an excellent entry point for drummers exploring cymbal stacks for the first time, while still being musical enough for seasoned players. 

These are some of the most affordable cymbal stacks that still deliver pro-level creativity.

• Avenir WackStack Alloy Clap Stack (6/8/10") – tight, metallic, and quick.
• Avenir WackStack Gold Clap Stack (9/11/13") – bright, cutting, and controlled.
• Avenir WackStack Raw B20 Stack (11/13/15") – darker and trashier with that classic B20 warmth.
  
  

Each one has its own flavor, and all three are incredible bang-for-buck options for drummers experimenting with new textures.

What truly sets this stack apart is its handcrafted nature, giving each cymbal a unique feel and response. The nuanced decay and complex overtones make it especially appealing to players who value touch sensitivity and dynamic control. It’s a refined option that rewards expressive playing and careful articulation.

Istanbul Agop Clap Stack (11/13/15" CSFX)

Warm, organic, and full of personality — everything you’d expect from Istanbul Agop. This one sits beautifully in acoustic settings but still cuts through amplified mixes.

Each of these cymbal stacks reflects the specific musical demands of the artist behind it, making them purpose-built rather than generic effects. Whether you’re chasing modern prog precision, aggressive rock accents, or experimental textures, these cymbal stacks offer immediate musical direction.

They’re ideal for drummers who want inspiring sounds without needing to experiment endlessly with cymbal combinations. Meinl’s Artist Concept Series continues to set the standard for versatility and innovation.

• Luke Holland Baby Stack (10/12") – fast, high-pitched, and modern.
• Luke Holland Bullet Stack (12/16") – sharp and aggressive, perfect for breakdowns.
• Matt Garstka Temporal 2 Stack (10/10") – short and tight for intricate grooves.
• Matt Garstka Fat Stack (16/18") – huge, dark, and explosive.
  
  

If you want plug-and-play inspiration, these cymbal stacks are ready to go right out of the box.

This group covers an impressive tonal spectrum, from dark and complex to bright and cutting. Whether you prefer the character-rich warmth of Byzance or the clarity and consistency of Pure Alloy, there’s a stack here that can complement virtually any setup.

These options also work well as modular pieces if you enjoy building custom cymbal stacks of your own.

• Byzance Vintage Smack Stack (10/12/14") – one of the most popular cymbal stacks ever, and for good reason.
• Classics Custom Dark Trash Stack (16") – bright yet smoky, with a killer attack.
• HCS Trash Stack (12") – perfect for beginners or secondary stacks.
• Pure Alloy Custom Trash Stack (12") – clean, balanced, and great for all-around use.

The PST X cymbal stacks are all about fast response and controlled chaos. Their perforated designs help deliver explosive attack with an ultra-quick decay, making them perfect for tight grooves and accent-heavy playing.

They’re especially effective in live settings where you want impact without excessive sustain. Paiste’s PST X line is designed for maximum versatility with a signature “Swiss cheese” look.

• PST X Splash Stack (10/12")
• PST X Swiss Flanger Stack (14")
  
  

Both of these deliver a quick, trashy response that cuts through any mix without overpowering.

Sabian’s stack offerings strike a balance between musicality and aggression. Each model delivers a distinct voice while remaining easy to integrate into a wide range of genres. Whether you need subtle texture or bold, punchy accents, these cymbal stacks provide reliable performance with a familiar Sabian feel.

• Sabian Mini Monster Stack (10/12") – tight and energetic.
• Sabian Stratus Cirro Stax (12") – airy, crisp, and controlled.
• Sabian XSR Effeks Clap Stack – punchy and musical with a quick decay.

This cymbal stack appeals to drummers who gravitate toward natural, unrefined tones. The raw finish enhances dryness and articulation, making every hit feel intentional and expressive.

It’s a great choice for jazz, fusion, or experimental players looking for a cymbal stack with personality and depth.

• Turkish Clap 3 Cymbal Stack (RAW)
  
  

Hand-crafted with raw finishes for an earthy, organic response — ideal for drummers who love character in every hit.

The Zildjian FX Stack has earned its reputation through consistency and adaptability. Its adjustable design allows players to fine-tune sustain and response, making it suitable for both studio and live applications. It’s a dependable go-to for drummers who want a versatile cymbal stack that works across multiple styles.

• Zildjian FX Stack (12")

Quick, bright, and endlessly adjustable thanks to its proprietary mounting system. It’s one of the most flexible and best-selling cymbal stacks for a reason.

Every drummer has their own sonic fingerprint — and these cymbal stacks are like color palettes for your sound. Some deliver sharp, metallic bite; others lean dark and complex. The fun part is experimenting and finding the one that fits your playing style.

You can watch the full comparison video on our YouTube channel to hear all 20 cymbal stacks back-to-back and decide for yourself.

Let us know in the comments which one hit you hardest — and if you’re ready to add one to your setup, you’ll find them all right here at Drum Center of Portsmouth.

Thanks for watching, thanks for reading, and as always — thanks for supporting an independent drum shop that loves this stuff as much as you do.