In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: October 19, 2024
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Did you know that with the best hi-hat stands, you could enhance your sound exponentially? It can also be an incredibly satisfying and smooth drumming accessory to use. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 8 best hi-hat stands on the market today. We’ll discuss what’s great about them, and we’ll also dive more in-depth about the individual features of hi-hat stands.
In our review, there are several important features we’ll specifically focus on. We’ll take a look at the height range, a number of legs, drive mechanism, dimensions, and weight. All of these features play an important role in the overall functioning of the hi-hat stand. In the buying guide section of this article, we’ll speak to more about these important aspects and also answer some of the most frequently asked questions. We’ll close things out with our verdict, where we’ll let you know of our three favorite hi-hat stands.
"This is a marvelous well-balanced model with excellent foot pedal support. It boasts three sturdy double-braced legs with rubberized feet and a terrific range of height adjustment."
"An exceptional product with heavy-gauge tubing and instant access for adjusting the bottom cymbal angle. The Double Eccentric Cam increases the pedal sensitivity."
"With this sleek-looking hi-hat stand with chrome/black plated design, you will impress all your listeners. It is smooth and responsive and offers a good height range."
"The long footboard of this entry-level hi-hat stand provides more comfort, while double-braced legs give it more stability. Moreover, this model can accommodate double pedals."
"As a great versatile model, you can try this single-braced hi-hat stand that is covered with a 5-year warranty. Its 11-step adjustable tension makes it very easy to use."
"For those searching for a two-legged hi-hat stand, it’s hard to look past this one. It has a small stabilizer and offers easy portability and quick setup."
As our Editor’s Choice, we gave the Pacific Drums by DW 700 Series Hi-Hat Cymbal Stand. This is an overall fantastic hi-hat stand because of its superb quality and excellent price. It comes with three medium-gauge tubed legs that are all double-braced giving it more stability and security to go along with its rubberized feet to prevent it from slipping while you’re playing it.
One thing that is important to note about this hi-hat stand is that it combines strength, reliability, and adjustability for all drummers. It has an excellent height range of up to 44 inches and utilizes a chain drive mechanism to achieve more control. This well-balanced hi-hat stand only weighs 6.4 pounds, which means that it is easy to transport. Many drummers rave about its excellent foot pedal support that is also highly responsive. It’s really hard to find many or hardly any faults with this hi-hat stand, but a small number of beginner drummers did say that it did not come with any setup instructions and that they had to turn to YouTube to help put it together.
For those that are more price-conscious hi-hat stand shoppers and do want to get the Best Value buy, they need to consider the Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand seriously. The Gibraltar 5705 uses a chain drive mechanism and introduces a smooth and fast-touch G-branded pedal. It has three legs that are all double-braced, and all include the addition of rubber feet. The legs are also quite flexible as well, and they can swivel a full 360-degrees, allowing them to be able to add extra pedal if you want to. It has a very low mass design, as evidenced by its 5.28-pound frame.
A unique aspect of this hi-hat stand is its hinged height adjustment that comes with a nylon collar insert. You’ll get great height with this one as well since it starts off at 25 inches and can expand to 36 inches. Owners of this Gibraltar 5707 love it, but they say that this really should only be used in a practice setting, and a more sturdy and durable model should be used for touring.
More features: instant access for adjusting the bottom cymbal angle, SM379 locking clutch, infinitely adjustable locking spring tension, heavy-gauge tubing
For those looking for the highest-quality hi-hat stand and have no problem paying for top quality, the Drum Workshop 9500D Hi-Hat Cymbal Stand is our Premium Pick. One thing that will stand out for you when using this hi-hat stand is just how impressive it is in terms of quality. It has an excellent build that is both incredibly sturdy and is reflected in its weight of just over 12 pounds.
Within these 12 pounds, you’ll get three double-braced legs that come with the standard rubberized feet. It has a chain drive mechanism that is a bit different than others in that it utilizes a double eccentric cam to increase the footboard sensitivity as it relates to the movement of your cymbals. The result is a much more responsive and faster feel. Also, it has an excellent height range of 28 to 43 inches and uses an adjustable locking spring tension and a locking clutch. Despite the immense quality this hi-hat stand comes with, many people commented that this one was quite heavy.
What are our favorite features?
Supreme quality
Amazing, durable, and sturdy build
Double Eccentric Cam increases the pedal sensitivity
One thing that really stands out about the Mapex H800EB Hi-Hat Stand is how incredibly modern and hip it looks with its chrome and all black-plated design. It really stands above the rest, among other hi-hat stands on our list when it comes to style.
First off, the fact that it’s decked out in an all-black, chrome plating is more than enough to differentiate it from the others. On top of that, it has tons of great features as well. Its tru-direct pull drive system has a 10-position tension adjustment that produces a very smooth and responsive feel. Moreover, it comes with three double-braced legs with rubberized feet. Another good feature is that it is a quick-release stand, which makes it easier to assemble and disassemble. It has a good height range as well, as it starts at 26 inches and goes as high as 38. As great as this hi-hat stand is, a few people did mention that the pedal is a bit more on the stiffer side.
What are its best features?
All black, chrome-plated design
Tru-direct pull drive system gives a more responsive feel
Another candidate to be named as the best hi-hat stand is the Pearl H830 Hi-Hat Stand. It’s great for a number of different reasons, but we’re going with this hi-hat stand thanks to its long footboard. This hi-hat stand’s footboard is a tad longer than you can see with other hi-hat stands. Therefore, it gives you more room for your foot, and it really provided more comfort.
Furthermore, this hi-hat stand comes with three, double-braces legs that are able to swivel and accommodate an extra pedal or cowbell pedal. Like all the other hi-hat stands on this list, it also is a chain drive mechanism. Its height can range from 24 to 36 inches, and this hi-hat stand weighs just shy of six pounds, which makes it very easy to transport. A few owners of this Pearl H830 model say that the pedal can be a bit on the stiffer side.
We don’t feature too many hi-hat stands that have single-braced legs. However, if you do plan on getting a hi-hat stand that features just the solo brace, your best bet is to explore the Yamaha HS-740A Hi-Hat Stand. Despite only being single-braced, these legs are very rigid and sturdy and are considered to be medium weight. The legs are also able to rotate, and this will help any drummer find the correct and most comfortable position to play. This model has 11-step adjustable tension, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find the right one for you. Like the other hi-hat stands, this one is also a chain-driven.
According to a few drummers, one of the shortcomings of this hi-hat stand is its height range (27.5-35.5 inches), and many of these drummers say that the rod is way too short. It is slightly heavier than other models, weighing in at nearly 8 pounds, but that’s because this model is very durable and versatile.
More features: 6-way tension adjustment, easy portability, quick setup, perfect for limited spaces, small stabilizer under the footboard, adjustable spring tension
There aren’t too many two-legged hi-hat stands in our list, but if you’re looking for that, you should check out the Tama Speed Cobra 310 Hi-Hat Stand. This dual-legged, hi-hat stand has a 6-way adjustment tension that gives drummers more flexibility in terms of setting this up. With a dual-legged setup, this hi-hat stand also has enough room and space for another pedal to be added.
Something that is left to be desired is the height range of this hi-hat stand, as it can go from a low of 30 inches to a high of just 36.6 inches. While many drummers did say that it was very simple to assemble and disassemble, many of them did say that this hi-hat stand was a bit on the heavier side, as it weighs slightly over 8.5 pounds. Still, we shouldn’t forget that it is quite durable. Also, this is a perfect choice for limited spaces.
When it comes to the build of a hi-hat stand, you’re going to want one that is obviously durable, strong, and that will last you a while. One of the most common compliments of the ddrum RXHH2L PRO RX Pro Series 2-Legged Hi Hat Cymbal Stand by drummers is how robust and sturdy it is.
It is advertised by the company as one that has rock-solid stability, and many drummers would agree with this assessment. This double-legged, double-braced hi-hat stand is really built like a truck, and it weighs a very solid 10 pounds.
With this 10-pound frame, this hi-hat stand has a 4-chain direct pulley system drive mechanism that ensures a smooth feel. Drummers were really impressed by how well their cymbals sounded with this hi-hat stand, but many of them also said they would have liked to have seen a bit more of a height range, as this one only goes from 29 to 35 inches.
What makes it stand out?
Very sturdy, durable, and strong
Double-braced legs for more stability
4-chain drive for smoother feel
Compact double-legged design
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Very short height range
Things to Consider
Now that you have an understanding of what to expect from the top-rated hi-hat stands from our list, it’s time to now learn a bit more about them in general. In this buying guide section, we’ll speak more about how you can pick the best hi-hat stand for you while also exploring more in-depth about the individual features of what makes hi-hat stands a must-have for any drummer. After, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions, and then we’ll wrap things up with our verdict, where we’ll offer you our top three picks.
How to pick the best hi-hat stands?
Picking the best hi-hat stand requires considering your personal preferences and the quality of the hi-hat stand itself. Since the hi-hat stands we’ve recommended are all top-quality, it can then come down to your needs. Your choice of the right hi-hat stand can come down to a number of features you might value more than others. Some of the features we’ll review in-depth in this section so that you can better determine which product is optimal for you. The aspects that we’ll compare include height adjustments, legs, drive mechanism, dimensions, weight, balance and smooth action, versatility, and price.
Height and pedal adjustments
When it comes to setting up your hi-hat stand, the most important thing you’ll need to adjust is the height of the hi-hat. This is crucial because it can vastly affect the sound you produce, and it can be very uncomfortable if the height is not adjusted.
The ideal way to set up the height of your hi-hat stand is to position your cymbals roughly 6-8 inches above your snare drum.
Next, you’ll want to adjust your hi-hat pedal, so that your leg is bent at a 90-degree angle. In terms of keeping your height settings after you’ve established them, the best hi-hat stands should have a very durable tubing with memory locks so that you won’t have to constantly keep re-adjusting your hi-hat stand every time you start a jamming session. For example, the Pacific Drums by DW 700 Series Hi-Hat Cymbal Stand allow you to put your cymbals up to 44 inches high to make it convenient to play.
Legs
The number of legs on a hi-hat stand is either two or three, and it really is up to you which one you prefer among these options. Hi-hat stands that come with 2 legs obviously take up less space and allows you for more room to fit other drum hardware, including double bass drum pedal, for example. However, the 3-legged hi-hat stand is more common among drummers, and that’s because it affords drummers much more stability and doesn’t need any extra support.
The legs are also unique because they can come in either single or double-braced. A single-braced leg just means that the leg consists of one piece, like with the Yamaha HS-740A, whereas a double-braced leg has two separate pieces that make up the leg giving it a bit more stability and strength, such as seen with the Pearl H830.
Lastly, it’s pretty much commonplace now that all of the best hi-hat stands have legs that come with rubber feet. The rubber on the feet of the legs ensures that the hi-hat stand stays in place and does not move or slip around when it’s being used.
Drive mechanism
The drive mechanism refers to how the power is transferred within the hi-hat stand. Pretty much all of the hi-hat stands use a chain drive mechanism. What this means is that the pedal in the footboard is attached directly to the pull rod using some sort of connecting piece. For hi-hat stands, this connecting piece is often a chain.
Chain drives are often considered to be the classic choice because it is the most reliable way to connect the footboard and the rod.
Also, you can find the Double Eccentric Cam with the Drum Workshop 9500D that uses a unique approach for more control.
Dimensions
The size of the hi-hat stand you choose is an important factor because it can be easier to transport smaller product around from different places. On the other hand, you might want to have more adjustability to add a larger pedal or make it a tad higher.
Drum kits tend to take up quite a lot of space. If the place where you’re playing is limited, there’s a decent chance your hi-hat stand may not be able to fit, or it might be too uncomfortable to adjust or play.
In our list of the best hi-hat stands, the tallest hi-hat stand we see is the Drum Workshop 9500D, which is nearly 33 inches tall and can be extended to a maximum of 43 inches, whereas, on the shorter side, the Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand is only 22 inches tall and can go up to a height of 36 inches.
Weight
The weight of the hi-hat stand can be a factor for some drummers, but it will generally come down to the style of music you play. For instance, if you’re a drummer that plays a hard rock style of music, you’ll definitely want to look into purchasing a hi-hat stand that is much more sturdy and has more stability, such as the ddrum RXHH2L PRO RX Pro Series. Oftentimes, these ones will be heavier.
However, if you play a less aggressive type of music, you’ll likely be able to settle for a lighter hi-hat stand. On that note, if you plan on bringing your hi-hat stand to different places and gigs and have to assemble and disassemble it, you’ll probably want to find a lighter one and one that is easier to set up and take apart.
Balance and smooth action
The best hi-hat stands all offer drummers balance and smooth action. This is often related to footboard sensitivity as the more sensitive the footboard is, the more responsive it will feel. The resistance produced by a hi-hat stand is also very important for drummers because it can greatly affect the way you play. Drummers need to find the right balance in tension, and this can differ from person to person. Too much resistance means drummers are likely to become fatigued more easily, whereas too little resistance means that you might not achieve that control. That’s why drummers need to pay close attention to the adjustments of the tension to ensure they have the right settings for a more smooth and balanced feel. For example, the Yamaha HS-740A is a well-balanced model that gives plenty of control.
Prices
Despite the level you have, any drummer should get the proper equipment to achieve better results. Having one of the best hi-hat stands will help you sound like a professional. Thankfully, you don’t need to splash the cash to get a decent option. There is a fairly wide range in price of the hi-hat stands we’ve selected, and it really is up to you how much you’re willing to spend.
If the price of a hi-hat stand is of the utmost importance to you and is often a key factor in any purchasing decision you make, you might want to consider our Best Value selection, the Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand, which costs only $70. On the other hand, if price really isn’t of any concern to you, and you want to enjoy the highest-quality product, you should really take a look at our Premium Pick, the Drum Workshop 9500D. This hi-hat stand will set you back some $350. You can also find amazing options in between of these two numbers.
Assembling your hi-hat stand is quite simple and involves a few clear steps. First of all, loosen the T-bolt and fold out the legs. Secondly, screw in the rod. Thirdly, screw the bottom cymbal washer and felt. Slide the bottom cymbal onto the seat. Next, attach the top cymbal to the clutch and then slide the clutch (with cymbal) onto the rod. After that, adjust the upper tube to find the right height for you. Lastly, move the stand to a comfortable orientation with your snare and other drums.
You should adjust your hi-hat stand to a level or orientation that is comfortable for you. You’ll want to ensure that all the cymbals are in the proper place and in a way that you can easily reach them. Once you’ve adjusted everything to the height you want it to be, go ahead and use the memory lock system to maintain its consistency for every time you set it up. You can use hose clamps if the hi-hat stand you have doesn’t have a memory lock.
One of the most common problems with hi-hats is when the nut in between the two hi-hats comes loose or even unscrewed. When this happens, the hi-hat stand will stop opening. To fix this, what you want to do is screw the adjustment rings as much as you can and then put it on the top felt. Follow that with the cymbal, and then the bottom felt and screw the button nut on as much as you can. Sometimes all it takes is a small screw you can use to really fix the nut in its place. Once that is secure, you can then put the stand on and adjust the tightness of the felts with the adjustment rings.
Our Verdict
First, our Editor’s Choice, the Pacific Drums by DW 700 Series Hi-Hat Cymbal Stand is an overall fantastic choice. It combines excellent features, quality, and price to make it the most attractive hi-hat stand from our list. We love how stable and well-balanced this model is and also its great height range.
Next up is our Best Value choice, the Gibraltar 5707 Hi-Hat Stand. This product is ideal for those who are shopping for a hi-hat stand on a budget. If this is your first purchase, this one is great to practice with and to really get comfortable and familiar with it before you end purchasing one that is more expensive.
When you’re comfortable with getting a model that is more pricy, you might want to go for our Premium Pick, the Drum Workshop 9500D. This one is known as the best hi-hat stand for its supreme quality and its overall sturdy build, as evidenced by the 12 pounds of weight. You’ll get some excellent heavy-gauge tubing to go along with fantastic footboard sensitivity, thanks to its unique Double Eccentric Cam chain drive mechanism.
