17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash, Natural,11700XCN
The SABIAN 17" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash, catalog ID 11700XCN, is part of the SABIAN HHX series and sits within the Drumset Cymbals and Crashes categories on SABIAN's site. It represents the newest chapter of the HHX Complex line, a family of cymbals built around exquisitely dark tonal character. According to SABIAN, this model is "a perfect blend of old and new world craftsmanship," continuing the Complex Series' evolution by introducing an O-Zone variant designed to deliver a trashy, dark, and explosive cut. The cymbal is offered in two sizes, 17" and 19", giving players a choice depending on the footprint and pitch they want on their kit. As a crash, its role is to punctuate musical phrases with an accent that's both aggressive and tonally rich, and SABIAN positions the Complex O-Zone as a way to add that character with added texture layered on top of the traditional HHX sound.

Craftsmanship and Construction
At the core of this cymbal's sound is a combination of HH and HHX hammering techniques, which SABIAN notes are used specifically to bring out lows and add complexity to the overall tone. The cymbal is built from B20 bronze, the alloy SABIAN uses across its higher-tier HHX line, known for supporting a wide dynamic range and nuanced overtone content. This hammering approach is what separates the HHX Complex line from standard HHX models — rather than a single hammering pattern, the blended technique is intended to build in extra tonal layers before the cymbal is even shaped by its finish or perforation.
The O-Zone Design
The defining physical feature of this model is its 2" O-Zone hole, a design element unique to the O-Zone variant within the Complex line. This perforation is directly tied to the cymbal's response character: SABIAN describes the result as a dark, trashy response. Rather than producing a clean, uniform crash tone, the O-Zone hole introduces controlled turbulence into the cymbal's vibration, giving it a rawer, more textured edge on attack. This is the feature that most distinguishes the O-Zone model from other cymbals within the same HHX Complex family.
Tonal Character
SABIAN describes the sound of this cymbal as having complex overtones that keep the attack aggressively smooth, even with the dark and trashy elements built into its response. In practice, this means the cymbal is designed to strike a balance — delivering an explosive, cutting accent without becoming harsh or one-dimensional. Combined with its dark timbre rating and B20 construction, the overall sound profile leans toward richness and depth rather than brightness, making it suited to players who want a crash with more sonic complexity than a standard thin or medium-weight model typically offers.
Why We Love This
Musicians gravitate toward this cymbal for its layered tonal complexity — the blended HH and HHX hammering brings out lows other crashes can't reach, while the O-Zone hole adds a raw, trashy edge that stands out in a mix. It offers something beyond a standard crash: a dark, aggressive character balanced by smooth, complex overtones on attack. For drummers seeking expressive texture and a distinctive voice within their cymbal setup, the HHX Complex O-Zone delivers a sound that feels both crafted and untamed.
Features:
- HHX Complex is a new line of exquisitely dark cymbals
- HH and HHX hammering brings out lows and complexity of tone
- Features a 2" O-Zone Hole
- Dark, trashy response
- Complex overtones keep attack aggressively smooth
- Part of the established HHX series
- Classified within SABIAN's Crashes / Drumset Cymbals category
- Built from B20 bronze
- Rated with a dark timbre
- Available in two sizes: 17" and 19"