SABIAN 18†AAX Suspended Cymbals respond evenly at all dynamic levels. Their tone quality is darker than AA and AA Molto, but brighter than HH, HHX and Artisan. This new design allows for enhanced projection, ideal for a variety of musical settings in junior high, high school, collegiate and professional ensembles. SABIAN 18" AAX Suspended Cymbals are ideal as a general-use model because they sound great at a wide variety of dynamic levels. They can be played at a relatively loud volume while remaining sensitive enough to be played at softer dynamic levels. They are perfect when a mid-bright sound with shimmering sustain is desired. As a series, AAX Suspended Cymbals produce a sound that blossoms quickly after it's played, much like HHX and Artisan though not as dark. The main difference between a suspended cymbal and a crash cymbal is the longer sustain in a suspended cymbal. Therefore, 15" through 18" suspended cymbals are an economical choice because they have the versatility for use as crash cymbals.