By Contributing Author Dango
Choosing the best hi-hat stand for your setup is easier than you think–read our comprehensive reviews to find out which is the best fit for your needs.
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Drum hardware has developed an incredible amount over the last twenty years, and the reality is that every major company now makes a great hi hat stand.
The big names that have been the long time leaders in drum hardware are DW, Gibraltar, Pearl, Tama, and Yamaha.
All of these companies offer a wide range of options, from beginner to pro-level stands, including their hi hats. Here’s a look at some of the best options available today.
DW 5000 Series Heavy-Duty Delta Hi-Hat Stand
- Double-braced 2-leg rotating base
- Chain-driven. Feature lateral cymbal seat adjustment, integrated memory locks and 379 locking clutch
- Interlocking memory locks w/ built-in spurs
The DW 5000 series of hardware is a pro level line of heavy duty, double-braced stands, including their hi hat stands. It is available in 2 or 3 leg options, but I always recommend two legs.
This was their highest line of hardware until the 9000 series eventually came out. Due to the popularity of the 5000 among pros and fans, it has remained a top choice for drummers. This stand retails at around $250.
Summary:
- Double-braced, chain-driven stand with integrated memory locks and folding pedal.
- Available in 2-leg or 3-leg configurations.
- Designed to be long-lasting and deliver quality performance over years of hard use.
Pearl Eliminator Redline Dual Leg Hi-Hat Stand
Pearl’s hardware has been popular among rock and country players for decades and this hi hat stand is their top choice currently.
This is the only stand on this list that features an interchangeable cam on it, similar to their kick drum pedals.
It also features feet that pivot to spikes. This may be overkill for most, but is a neat option for the player that might need it for carpet or rubber surfaces.
For being their heaviest model, I find this stand to still be somewhat wobbly when used in a rock setting.
It retails at around $280, and while it isn’t currently available on Amazon, you can find it here on Musician’s Friend.
Summary:
- Features an interchangeable cam for increased customization.
- Feet can pivot to spikes for added stability on different surfaces.
- Traction plate footboard to tailor the amount of grip or slip.
Tama Speed Cobra & Iron Cobra Hi-Hat Stands
Tama offers a couple of options for their top hi hat stand — the Speed Cobra and the Iron Cobra. The main difference between the two really comes down to the footboard.
Each one matches its respective kick pedal of the same name, based on the player’s preference.
The Speed Cobra stand has a sleek, slick footboard, while the Iron Cobra stand has a more rigid-feeling footboard.
They both come in at around $300 and both feel great. I actually prefer the footboard of the Iron Cobra better because my foot doesn’t slip off of it, but both of these are very smooth-feeling pedals.
Summary:
- Quick-Set Clutch allows hi-hat cymbals to be quickly attached or removed..
- Hinge Guard Block on the footboard minimizes stress and maximizes smoothness.
- Both are smooth-feeling pedals, but the Speed Cobra has a longer, more sleek footboard while the Iron Cobra has a more rigid-feeling footboard.
Gibraltar 2 Leg Direct Pull Hi-Hat Stand
- Collapsible pedal board with positioning lock
- Double braced heavy duty base with 2 legs
- Swiveling leg base with sturdy stabilizer plate
Gibraltar is the only company in the bunch that exclusively makes hardware, so they are always in the running favorite pedals and stands. Their hardware is heavy duty and holds up well on the road.
This hi hat stand is probably one of the most sleek in the lineup and folds up to be the most compact.
It’s a little bit simpler than all of the others, which keeps its price down to around $200.
That’s not to say it’s not a great stand, it just doesn’t have quite as many customizable options as all of the others. But if you’re looking for a less expensive option, this Gibraltar stand is certainly a good option for the money.
Summary:
- Sleek stand that folds up to be the most compact.
- Collapsible pedal board for quick set up and break down.
- Quick Release Hi Hat Clutch allows you to add and remove hi hat cymbals with speed and ease.
- Budget-friendly option.
Yamaha 1200D 2 Leg Hi-Hat Stand
- 2 double braced legs
- direct drive
- locking clutch
Yamaha is one of the big 3 Asian-made drum companies, along with Pearl and Tama.
From my experience touring around the world, you will always see DW hardware, along with one or two of these 3 companies’ hardware.
Yamaha has made solid hardware for decades, played primarily by their artists.
As much as they make solid stands and pedals, I’m not a fan of any of their hi hat stands. I’ve had issues with all of them being too light and sliding.
This is their top one currently and is a direct drive model. In my experience, it is super smooth and feels great, and it’s a popular model that some are really happy with, which is why it’s included on this list.
However, I personally prefer my hardware to have more beef behind it and really hold up when I stomp on it.
This one comes in at a higher price point of around $320.
Summary:
- Double-braced, direct drive, with a locking clutch.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Some players, myself included, feel it moves around too much during use.
DW 9000 Hi-hat Stand – 2 Leg
- Double eccentric cam that increases sensitivity, speed, and responsiveness
- Lateral cymbal seat is designed to allow instant access for adjustment of bottom cymbal angle
- Uni-body folding footboard
When it comes to drum hardware, DW continues to be a leader the field. Many players who endorse other drum companies will still use DW hardware.
The 9000 series set a new standard in drum hardware as being super solid and heavy duty.
This stand is what I have toured with for almost 20 years and I’ve never had one break.
Ultra smooth, plenty of adjustable features, and rock solid. The DW9000 stand is easily worth the $350 street price.
Summary:
- Durable hardware that is ideal for heavy touring.
- Double eccentric cam that increases the sensitivity of the footboard in relation to cymbal movement, allowing for an incredibly fast, smooth, and responsive feel.
- Uni-body folding footboard that stays attached to the base casting when secured in the folded position.
- More expensive than some options, but definitely worth it for the longevity and customization.
Things to Consider When Buying a Hi Hat Stand
When you’re buying a hi hat stand you need to consider the player, the music, and the price point.
The Player
If the player is very tall, or very short, this can influence which stand to choose. Some of these models, like the DW 9000, come with a tall and a short rod to adjust the height of the stand.
The players overall size will also matter to the sturdiness needed in the stand, so larger players may need a heavier and more stable stand.
Type of Music
Besides the initial budget, the biggest factor when choosing a hi-hat stand should be the type of music being played.
The style of music is so important because a jazz player hauling gear in NYC won’t want a double braced, ultra heavy stand to carry and then play quietly on.
Similarly a hard rock drummer won’t want a vintage, flat based stand that will slide around when being slammed.
Find something solid for the player, and something that makes sense for them to be able to carry and setup for gigs.
The Price Point
From a practical standpoint, your budget is going to guide your buying options.
Drum hardware can be expensive, so be sure to consider how much you are willing and/or able to spend. We’ve included options in this guide that span a range of prices, so you can choose one that fits your budget.
Choosing Between 2-Legged and 3-Legged Hi-Hat Stands
All the major hi-hat stands, including the models on our list, come in both 2- or 3-leg options.
3-leg stands have really been around since drum hardware was invented. 2-leg stands were designed to accommodate a double kick pedal without swiveling the legs.
The modern 3-leg stands have swiveling legs so they can still work this way. Some players prefer the solid feel of 3-legs plus the footboard, making the stand to really have 4 points of contact with the floor.
For my money, I will always suggest 2-legs because it’s far more versatile. Besides the double pedal, it allows for more room when moving around all the close stands (snare, crash, tom, etc.).
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve flown in to use backline drums and hardware and they had a 3-leg stand that doesn’t quite fit my setup correctly.
Even playing with a single pedal, I far prefer the feel of 2 legs because the footboard acts as the perfect tripod and it’s very balanced. This is especially true with the heavier stands.
What Hi Hat Stand Should I Buy? Our Top Picks
Similar to kick pedals, this choice entirely comes down to the feel of the player.
I usually suggest getting the same brand hi hat stand as your kick pedal because they will feel the closest and most natural together.
If you’re buying for a beginner who will be playing songs in their bedroom, you probably don’t need double braced stands with tons of options. All of these companies usually offer entry level models in a package set with cymbal stands.
If you’re just looking for a great beginner hi hat stand on its own, then check out the PDP Concept model for about $125.
Otherwise, I believe the DW 9000 is the best choice out of these and the most solid. All of them are great options and you couldn’t really go wrong with any of them. Only you can decide what feels the best to you.
Be sure to check out my list of the best hi hat cymbals to round out your setup!
- Double eccentric cam that increases sensitivity, speed, and responsiveness
- Lateral cymbal seat is designed to allow instant access for adjustment of bottom cymbal angle
- Uni-body folding footboard
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