Sabian has just added a new cymbal to its HHX Complex lineup: the 22-inch HHX Complex Big Cup Ride. This model builds on the success of the original 22” Complex Ride but tweaks the design in key areas, aiming to give drummers a little more edge when it comes to articulation and tonal contrast.
The standout feature here is the oversized bell, wider and taller than what you’ll find on the standard model. It’s not just for looks. This “Big Cup” bell gives the cymbal a noticeable split between bell and bow tones, so whether you’re digging into the bell for tight rhythmic accents or riding across the bow for a smoky wash, you’re getting more separation between the two than before.
Like the rest of the HHX Complex series, the Sabian Big Cup Ride is fully hand-hammered and carries that signature dark, rich tone that Sabian’s known for. Extra HHX hammering on the bow adds more complexity to the sound, keeping the stick attack crisp while still delivering that warm spread when you open up into a crash.
Made from B20 bronze and sporting a medium weight and profile, this cymbal is built for versatility. It handles delicate phrasing just as well as heavier grooves, and feels equally at home in a studio session or on a louder live stage. Whether you’re working through intricate jazz patterns or locking in on a rock pocket, it keeps up, without washing out or getting buried.
The added bell mass really stands out for drummers who like clear, musical accents that don’t overpower the rest of the kit. It cuts clean, but not sharp, and still blends nicely when needed. It’s the kind of ride that doesn’t fight with your other cymbals, which is especially important if you’re playing in a dense mix or miking everything up for a session.
What’s cool about this release is that it doesn’t reinvent the Sabian HHX Complex vibe; it just pushes a few key elements further. Sabian’s clearly listening to what modern players want: clarity, control, and a tonal range that works across styles without sounding sterile or one-dimensional.
The Sabian 22” Big Cup Ride fits right into that ethos. It’s expressive without being fussy, and offers enough nuance for players who care about touch, without losing the strength and body that make a ride feel substantial.
Whether you’re blending acoustic and electronic elements or playing straight-ahead on an acoustic kit, this cymbal offers something new without abandoning what made the HHX series a favorite in the first place.