NEW Zildjian Z Customs | The Best Cymbals for Metal?

The newly revamped line of Zildjian Z Customs live up to their loud legacy, but are they the ultimate cymbals for cutting through the mix? You tell us! Buy them using the links below.
Chapters:
00:00 - Orrr ewwwe Radday
01:06 - New Z Custom Stuff
02:41 - Z Custom Demo #1
04:41 - Z Custom Demo #2 w/Mega Bell
06:40 - Paiste Rude Demo
08:26 - The Drums
09:03 - Head to Head Comparison
Buy the new Zildjian Z Customs here:
drumcenternh.com/collections/...
Buy Paiste Rudes here:
Paiste Rude Sound Edge Hi Hat Cymbals 14"
drumcenternh.com/products/pai...
Paiste Rude Thin Crash Cymbal 17"
drumcenternh.com/products/pai...
Paiste Rude Thin Crash Cymbal 19"
drumcenternh.com/products/pai...
Paiste Rude Wild China Cymbal 20"
drumcenternh.com/products/pai...
Paiste Rude Power Ride Cymbal 20"
drumcenternh.com/products/pai...
Buy the sickest drums here:
Sonor SQ2 Maple 3pc Drum Set Black Green W/Black Hardware
drumcenternh.com/products/son...
Sonor SQ2 Heavy Maple Snare Drum 14x6 Black Green W/Black Hardware
drumcenternh.com/products/son...
Microphones used to capture the drums:
Bass Drum:
Earthworks Audio DM6 SeisMic Kick Drum Microphone - drumcenternh.com/products/ear...
MAY TurboKick Low End Booster - drumcenternh.com/products/may...
Snare Drum:
Earthworks SR117
Earthworks DM20 Small-diaphragm Condenser Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Toms:
Earthworks DM20 Small-diaphragm Condenser Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Overheads:
Earthworks SR25 Small-diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Room Mics:
Earthworks QTC30 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
www.drumcenternh.com
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[@adamfrost3722]

There’s also a 20” Z Custom Crash and 20” Ride we didn’t feature. They sound remarkably similar to the Z Customs we did feature.

[@anotheryoutube4635]

You don't say!

[@haydendraycott7897]

15" hats too. All the new re-introduced models sound great here but those are the cream of the crop for me!

[@ben1ben]

Holy shit... no way they actually listened to the people and brought them back New

[@1dudecrush]

That’s exactly what I said too. I’m by no means in the market for these types of cymbals, but my first reaction was “holy shit, they actually did what the people want for once?”

[@ben1ben]

@@1dudecrush yeah same

[@simonr9870]

I guess nobody got into the A heavy line. They sound really good too.

[@6789drummerdude]

I’m just glad they brought back the star hammering, it made for such a good looking cymbal, and good sounding too.

[@ben1ben]

@@simonr9870 The A Heavy 15" hi hats are my most dreamed about hi hats, i want them more than any other hi hat. But they are discontinued for a long time now...

[@nope3015]

I know it’s meant to pump the new Z’s but those Rudes are just chefs kiss

[@Bangyourbirdnumb]

Always preferred Zildjian's myself. The new Z's sound really good.

[@preferred_trash]

It's true, the 21" mega bell ride is heavenly

[@officialedge6163]

The Rude's still remain the King.

[@tobecomezero]

Don’t forget your hearing protection with Rudes

[@jondrummer1989]

Don't forget your hearing protection with drums full stop!

[@lrizo3841]

Zildjian always finds a way to keep me playing their cymbals

[@fl00d69]

There's only one game in town for sheer volume - Paiste Rudes.

[@CarlosAnglada]

Never tried Xist Power?

[@lorenzosgariglia7256]

I prefer paiste

[@BlastBe4st]

But no one really needs the volume.. Nowadays we have microphones and sound engineers will love you if your cymbals aren't too loud!

[@BadgerBoy59]

@@CarlosAnglada I tried the Xist Power cymbals. Paiste RUDEs are definitely way way louder

[@tylerbailey9329]

It troo! Finally, there's legit been such a vacuum for heavier cymbals in recent years

[@uglypineapple03]

Can only recommend the T-Cymbals Metalshop Series. Imo the best "Hey, this is for Metal" - line of Cymbals out there (before you ask. Yes, i've played Rude, yes, i've played the Meinl CC Extreme Metal, which are a total joke, etc.)

[@masdrums2643]

I switched back to Rudes from Zs 12 years ago. So much better sounding and I haven’t broken one yet. I put 2 sets together, all used. Some date back to ‘83. I would break new Z Custom crashes every 14 months or so. That went on for a decade. The Rude Power rides are great. My favorite crashes are the Bashers and Wild Crashes. The Wild Crash cuts a little more and the Bashers are little smoother, so I use those to record and the Wilds live. Loud cymbals are great in all size venues because in smaller venues, there’s usually no overhead mics. This all pertains to loud, aggressive music styles of course.

[@johngiummarra8983]

The Rudes all day long. Paiste got it right in 1980.

[@lrizo3841]

Nah.. your opinion sounds biased

[@nickruggiero7204]

@@lrizo3841 well if zildjian didn't change the formula, to make them thinner, then we might have had something to compare and debate

[@ulisseslopez3738]

@@lrizo3841 Paiste didn't have to change things up from start. Zildjian goes through trail and error; All in all, great sounding cymbals from both companies, I personally favor the Rudes.

[@BlastBe4st]

Nah.. the rudes look cool but they don't sound good in my opinion.

[@apsestasis]

Rudes sound so much better it's not even close. Z tired to outrude rudes with the original z's and failed then aswell

[@TedDiabetes]

Really happy to see the relaunch of Z Customs. I used quite a few last gen era models from 2001 when I saw still in high school until the end of that decade. I feel like these new models have directed all the best parts of the previous incarnations into a single stream. Tight, glassy, and powerful. That being said, the RUDE series still wins out for me. I prefer the thin crashes over the other models, but they just have so much more body and depth while still maintaining a bright, shimmering attack that isn't clangy. I wanted to make the jump to Paiste for years, and I finally did so back in 2017. Regardless, these new Zs sound fantastic, and im really glad Zildjian listened and brought back a key line in their history.

[@drummaman1]

The first cymbal combo (15h, 17,19c, 22r, 20ch) sound very good and extremely musical! Was not expecting it. Z really did their research, and nailed down a crash sound with good weight and projection, without offering med-thins and heavy that generally won’t sell. You won’t need to have all the extra if you design it right the first time. And those Sonors…❤

[@SamSpencer-cf7fx]

Agreed; can’t believe how musical they sound. Had a set of old Zs and always thought they just sounded like very loud beginner cymbals! Though I still prefer the Rudes

[@daynnethedrummer684]

These are the best any of the Z's have ever sounded by miles.

[@demonicsweaters]

The interesting thing about the Z hats and crashes, is they actually seem to sound quite mellow. Not sure that's what they're going for, but they sound really nice to my ears. Low pitch, almost dark sounding. The rides and chinas definitely cut and would work great for metal, but I think the others would be great for anything! I really like them!

[@jamesdennett196]

Agreed. Especially thought that about the 20 Z ride. Lovely sound, but not necessarily 'metal'

[@bennorrell6411]

New and creative ways of getting around that copyright infringement.😂 Good thing that “Blind” intro is instantly recognizable.👍

[@designercaolho]

Good god, these new Zs sound AMAZING. I was expecting the crashes to be a lot harsher, but I was in for a good surprise.

[@peteluce]

Love the Z Mega Bell and the Crashes. Love the Rude Hi Hats, China and Ride! Mix and match for me!

[@hiptoalieu]

YO, I gotta hand it to Zildjian...these sound actually KILLIN! Definitely more musical than I was expecting, the crashes are pitched nicely, and OH MY GOSH that china is SICK!

[@cyanhobbit]

Man, the nostalgia! When I started playing drums in 2000 I always wanted Z Customs, saw them in every cool music video. Then tried them later on, and went straight to Paiste, never looked back. These look cool and all, but sadly it's not even close when comparing these to Rudes, they are still way more musical than Zs in my opinion.

[@meddandrummer]

pAisTe rude by far, really amazing cymbals for rock and metal

[@kenkamman7536]

please keep the guy with the long hair behind the kit! he’s always fun to watch and has awesome groove 🤘🤘

[@RTEllis]

Barrett sounds great! Drums sound great! Paiste Rudes sound great!

[@Lumerdrums]

Although I am playing thin cymbals (even in metal) I have to admit the new Z's sound quite awesome. It seems like you don't have to bash the sh.. out of them in order for them to open up. And they are not too bright for metal cymbals. That's why I prefer them against the Rude line. With paiste rude I always had to hit really hard to get rid of the "gong" type tone character. They are just really thick :D I like to play with different dynamics but I guess for a hard hitting metal only player both would fit prefectly. great video and insane mix as always.

[@AF99499]

I wasn't overly a fan of the Z Customs, but those 15" hats are easily the best 15" hats I've ever heard. I've never really liked how 15s sounded personally but those Zs sound incredible.

[@thatdudekyle5690]

I know. I’m getting a pair for sure

[@chriswood5763]

These new Z customs are more musical than I expected! Really nice. Well done!

[@scottnickerson2]

Rudes rule, but the 15 Z Custom hats really got my attention!

[@nickdenardo6479]

that mega bell ride sounds awesome for metal. drums sounded great too. no surprise, since they're sq2s

[@massimoazimonti7673]

I had some rude in the past...outstanding volume and cutting through the band...not versatile cymbals because you have to hit them heavy...happy to listen that these new Z ones now are a true alternative!

[@thatdudekyle5690]

I absolutely love those 15 inch Z custom hi hats..I think I just found my next pair! Thanks for the content fellas!

[@drumfanatik316]

I love the Z Custom line and still have a few! Glad they brought them back!!!

[@rglickdrums]

Glad that the Z custom is back! Been waiting for a long time for Cymbals to come back

[@joemetaldrummer]

So happy that these are back. Side note... That kit sounds phenomenal!

[@Maggotaf]

Damn the z China sounds perfect!

[@danielsisk2963]

Really digging the new z custom sounds😮

[@mountainofsound]

The cymbals perfectly fill out that kit and it sound so fullllllll LOVE IT!

[@JPDrums1990]

They’re back!!!!!

[@nathanwilkerson4382]

I remember selling a lot of these back in the day. A comment i got a lot was, "I dont love them but theyre loud"...I know theyre designed for a specific purpose, but im curious if these are made much differently and also sound better in person? When they were re-done, that definitely helped. I understand with being heavy in weight, certain characteristics are likely. But yes, these should definitely sell well again...the comments about not crashing the mega bell made me think of the prototype Craig Reynolds was working on.

[@d.r.971]

The bassdrum sound is killer

[@danyheld9952]

It's great that the Z series is back. They sound great 👍🏼

[@demonicsweaters]

Damn, Z Customs are back! They sound sweet!

[@davedronski7749]

Man when I first started drumming z customs with that brilliant finish and cool hammer pattern were my favorite cymbals before I ever even heard them! Obviously I was even more in love with them once I heard and played them.

[@luvmedrums4057]

Forget the cymbals,that kit is just freaking a beast!

[@CodyOsburn]

Can we get a comprehensive video of the Zildjian brand like how you did with Paiste? That'd be awesome!

[@user-vw7cw7gp4g]

Love the colour of this kit

[@flapjack413]

Sick they brought back Z Customs. I have a 2001 mega bell ride with the circle shaped hammering, and it's been my favorite cymbal for years. It is an absolute beast. Freaking thing weighs 8.75 lbs! It's the only cymbal I've ever owned that I am 100% confident I will never crack, haha. Kinda funny, considering how notorious most Z Customs were for breakage. Those new crashes sound a lot better than I remember the old ones sounding. Much less clangy than what I recall from the old ones.

[@JeffMisa]

I wish they would have compared the two mega bell rides.

[@Tygard_93]

About time !!! Not all of us want dry and dark

[@bacongl]

I have the 21 inch Z Custom Mega Bell Ride from the early 90s and it is still one of my favorite rides. Its a beast. Also pairs great with a 9 inch Zil bel.

[@kevinlane7555]

I've had a Rude 18" crash/ride for 30+ years....favorite cymbal of all time...loud, durable and sounds great

[@paulmora2480]

All the Rudes sounded awesome. For my preference Z wise 15 17 19 21 mega 20 china were also fire 🔥

[@chrishemming9976]

The big bell ride!! Iconic

[@scottmacwilliams8308]

The Z crashes sound nice, but when he laid into it with the hats open, the crashes got lost. I switched to Paiste when I first heard 2002’s in the 70’s. Paiste’s are so much crisper and really cut through. Love the sound edge hats, so crispy and clean. Love the Rude crashes and have two in my setup with a 2002 Power Ride. Those drums sound really great, the tone on the Tom’s is awesome. Great comparison video!

[@Martin-kn6vc]

Wowee! That Rude china sounds great!

[@pfunnk14]

I know this is about the cymbals but that kit and snare are so freaking amazing. Gotta love those sq2s

[@borispopovic2570]

With the Crashes I like the Rudes a lot more. The China is way better from Zildjian, the Rides are both genius, also totally different Sounds and with the Hihats I like the Zildjians more. Great Video again, thx!

[@VicktorCorrea]

Finally they are back!!!!

[@DrumRoody]

Yeah even got the change in tempo😊

[@robertriecker7867]

Love them all

[@allenmitchell09]

I have an original mega bell ride, bought new in about '98, and it feels like a pallet of bricks when you're riding on the bow. It's so satisfying.

[@bassplate]

Those thick-shell toms sound awesome!

[@ManuelAdGomez]

Cool!! I have the 21" Z3 Megabell ride

[@JeffMisa]

It would be really nice to have a comparison on the two Zildjian mega bell rides, the A and Z. 🙏😊

[@ll7868]

I'm a creature of habit and have preferred Paiste since my first kit in 1984, 2002s to be specific but I really like the Rude series, nice deep ambiance and shimmer. They also look badass, designed for a heavy beating.

[@Freogeteknet]

the whole lineup sound really buttery to me! I really like that in the crashes and the 20" china!! sooo good!! But the hi-hats remind me of like meinl medium classics custom or something...

[@the_terrorizer]

I think this actually sold me on the Paiste's more than the new Z's lmao. I came here expecting to be wowed by the Z Customs! Still, amazing demo, and I may be picking up some Paiste's now

[@courtkennyindependen]

Great video! Z Custom clear winner

[@jerryweston4097]

What a kit..and the colour is 🔥 prefer the paiste..great vid..

[@daltonidaho]

I was expecting clangy sounds, but these are nice! Star hammering is interesting 😅 P.S. that Sonor is wild! 🥵

[@jjcdrumplay]

That older spiral hammering is nice looking too. They still use it in the.Zildjian K Constantinople. How does the star hammering hold up and is it more for appearance. S family is pretty loud too!

[@jessiebeveridge742]

The Z’s bring back great memories!

[@danteague9748]

I'd love to see a z custom vs aax xplosion crash comparison. Especially 16" and 17". Love the videos and purchasing from your team. Thanks guys.

[@CornerStoreDrums]

Oh WOW the Z Custom reminds me of my childhood!!

[@funnyminky]

Both sets sounded great - for me the RUDES had the sound I am used to, I have to say I prefered the lower pitched hats of the Z hats - 15" sound edge RUDES would be a good choice.

[@l337drums9]

Awesome Korn intro 👍

[@speedyg5842]

i used to play Paiste but i switched over to Zildjian after hearing A Customs but man i think these Z's sound even better then those!

[@sullysullster8217]

Normally a Paiste 2002 guy but the 2000 2nd generation era Z Customs were a great line. I used a 18" and sometimes a 20"medium crash for everything from blues to punk and they were musical without sounding clangy like the first generation. They have since devolved but this new lineup sounds good.

[@donalddekay788]

Did that Charlie Benante spotlight video on Drumeo spark this? Love it guys! TY

[@rickjones507]

WOW! for big heavy metal cymbals, this old new Z customs sound great and pretty musical. Actually much preferred them to the RUDEs

[@kornchansuwan99]

Z custom Mega Bell make me in love soo muchh with sound so loud omggg where i got that cymbal?

[@chrislongo221]

I love the original Zs and I'm hoping they'll bring back Platinums!

[@krysvalkyrion8252]

I have a 22" Paiste Twenty Custom Metal Ride, but the New Z Custom seems like fun too.

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

Ultimate ride for metal is the 24 Rude imo...always loved thebsuper defined high pitched ping.

[@moondrums]

I just watched this before work today. I DO NOT NEED ANY MORE CYMBALS.......but I think I want a pair of the these Z customs.

[@kyleboggs1966]

Z customs all day for me. I’m switching back now but it would be cool if you did a demo as they were intended. Metal

[@mrc8086]

Wow! Those Z Customs mic up nice! The Z Customs have more body and gush than the Paiste Rude's. You can hear that on the head to head vid's.

[@joeakaradej8666]

Before watching this video, I am interested the Z custom. After watching, I want RUDE 😂😂. Those thin RUDE cymbal project volume much batter than Z custom 👍👍

[@rossrondinelli1602]

Paiste for decades, very impressive with the z's.

[@alancarver2511]

Nice collection but the original unlathed Z Mega Bell ('89-'93) will always be my favorite.

[@a.proctopus]

oh yes! these are so great for you! 😬

[@C0zyDunt]

i did have a 20" Z custom ride back when they first came out and loved it. However good try Zildjian, but Paiste are still the big boy cymbals.

[@sandythedrummer]

Zildjian Z Custom All the way!!

[@breakingcymbalsstudios6738]

They need to bring the platinum series to the Z line up!!!! The sound was pretty cool but they looked awesome!!!! If Zildjian did that I would scrap all my Meinls and go with them.

[@neverzackdown]

That’s what I’m waiting for

[@ChaosPootato]

I like them both

[@Druhmher]

They all Sounded great! I’m still waiting paiste to come back out with those master chinas

[@mgdrummer77]

There are some things about the Z’s that I liked but the crashes sounded dull compared to the Rudes. The Paiste’s overall were cleaner & crisper than the Zildjians but that’s to be expected. Would have been nice to compare the Rude 22” power ride (Reign) and the 24” mega bell (Eclipse) to be a little more apples to apples in the ride department.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Liked the Zildjians better than the Paistes overall, but I was paying more attention to the Sonor kit. It looked great and sounded incredible. And I've never seen anyone happier behind a drum kit than Barrett.

[@pdromero09]

Like the first setup of Zs, but the Rude cymbals... undisputed.

[@FunkyDrumm3r]

Glad they brought them back, because their previous Z3 line had some flaws. But IMO they pale in comparison with Paiste Rudes. I think B8 bronze its just better for heavy music.

[@adamwebster9784]

19 Z custom crash sounds great

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Since I was a kid I've always loved anything bright and shiny! I like Paiste ansd Zildjian cymbals for different reasons but in this instance the Z's win. They sizzle and cut more plus they look spectacular! BTW I'm 53 but still a kid...

[@chrisphillips554]

I think the Zs sound incredible. I still own an 80s Z 22’ heavy power ride but my musical tastes have mellowed too much for it to get any real use. The Rude crashes have more attack for sure but that is down to their weight I would guess. I think the Zs are more musical overall. That mega bell rings just like my old Z. You need ear defenders to play these!