Cymbal cases are essential for any gigging drummer. Not only do these cases provide protection for expensive cymbals, they also make loading drum gear a whole lot easier. They even work great for storing extra cymbals that are lying around. Of course, that doesn’t mean all cymbal cases are good for the money, and that’s why we made this list. These are the best cymbal bag and case values you can buy right now.
We chose 7 cases – some soft, some hard. They represent a big range in qualities, brands, and prices, from under $40 to over $200. Some will be good for drummers with lower budgets or who only move their cymbals occasionally. Others are better for players who play lots of live shows. Whatever your budget and design needs are, one of these models could be a very wise investment.
On with the list! These are the best values: cymbal bags and cases.
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Protec HR230
22″ Cymbal Bag
The Protec HR230 Heavy Ready cymbal bag is the least expensive option on this list. It sits in a price range with plenty of competition. Like all bags at this price, the HR230 is straightforward overall. However, with decent construction quality and a couple of added design features, the HR230 is a stronger value than similarly-priced alternatives. It could be a good option for storing unused cymbals or for the occasional gig.
This bag has moderate padding. While not extremely protective, there’s more padding here than with most bags under $50. This Protec doesn’t have cymbal dividers. While some bags in this price range do, those options lack overall quality. Given the choices, we’d rather have a better-made bag without dividers than a poorer-made bag with dividers.
Along with the basic features, we like the fact that this bag has a shoulder strap. It’s how most drummers prefer to carry their cymbal bags, rather than using either backpack straps or a handle. The shoulder strap isn’t padded, but it’s wide enough to not be terribly uncomfortable. This bag’s front pocket is also handy. It doesn’t fit most hi-hat cymbals, but it’s certainly useful for carrying other drum accessories.
Hola Music
22″ Cymbal Bag
The Hola Music 22” cymbal bag is another budget model that gives you a lot for your money. It shares some similarities with the Protec bag we discuss above – they both lay in the same price range and fit 22” cymbals. However, there are some design differences between these two bags. Some specs give the edge to the Protec, others to this Hola, and some just depend on personal preferences.
Hola Music’s cymbal bag has a bit less overall protection than the Protec HR230. Although there’s some reinforcement on the bottom of the Hola, the outer material of the case is somewhat thinner. That being said, the Hola includes cymbal dividers, unlike the Protec. There are 2 dividers, so you can separate 3 cymbals inside the main compartment.
This bag also includes a front cymbal pocket, typically used for hi-hats. That’s a nice feature that many drummers like. The straps are a backpack style, and no shoulder strap is included. All in all, this Hola 22” cymbal bag would be a good choice for drummers who want to store cymbals, might gig occasionally, and can be pretty careful when carrying their gear.
Meinl Classic Woven
22″ Cymbal Bag
The Meinl Classic Woven cymbal bag is the first on this list we’d consider professional-grade. It’s also the newest model on this list, so you may not be familiar with it. We really like what Meinl did with this bag, from the the construction quality to the color options. It’s protective, well-made, and has some style.
The overall build quality of the Meinl Classic is impressive for the price. It has plenty of cushion around the edge, where cymbals are most prone to damage. The bottom is rubberized, so the fabric won’t tear where it takes the most abuse. The zippers aren’t heavy-duty, but they’re better than what’s included with budget bags. The outer fabric is stylish and thick, accented by stitching for a retro look.
This Meinl bag comes with 3 dividers in the main compartment, allowing you to store up to 4 cymbals without contacting each other. It has a front pocket, typically used for hi-hats. The pocket even has a divider, which is something not seen in most bags. There’s a carrying handle and two backpack straps for. We’d prefer a shoulder strap, but the backpack straps are at least nicely padded. Finally, this bag comes in 3 colors: black, mocha, and gray.
In total, the Meinl Classic Woven cymbal bag would be a great choice for almost any drummer. If your cases are going to take a ton of abuse, you’d probably want a hard case. However, most gigging drummers will get plenty of protection using this Meinl, and look pretty stylish, too.
Paiste Professional
22″ Cymbal Bag
The Paiste Pro cymbal bag is a model made with working drummers in mind. It’s easy to use, whether that’s carrying, storing, removing, or replacing cymbals. With high-quality materials, multiple carrying straps, and looser fits, it’s a bag you won’t be struggling with at gigs. It’s also well-priced for what you get. We know multiple gigging drummers who’ve used this bag for many years and it’s still going strong.
Like all of the listings here, the Paiste Pro will fit 22” diameter cymbals. We find that our 22” rides fit a little easier in this Paiste than most bags though, which can make zipping the bag up easier. Speaking of which, the included zippers on this bag are more substantive than the previously-mentioned bags on this list. They zip up smooth and reliably.
The front pocket doesn’t even have a zipper. It’s a feature we actually like a lot. Instead of a zipper, the pocket uses a strong Velcro, making it very easy to open and close. The pocket fits 16” diameters fairly easily, although most drummers use it for smaller hi-hats. The main compartment includes five vinyl dividers. Those are thinner than the Meinl Classic dividers we mentioned above, but they still keep cymbals from rubbing against each other.
In terms of padding, the Paiste has a standard amount for a professional bag. It’s certainly protective enough for most working drummers, and it has extra padding on the bottom. Finally, this bag gives you a lot of carrying options. It has a padded carrying handle, two backpack straps, and a shoulder strap. Whichever way you prefer to carry your cymbal bag, this Paiste Pro will have you covered.
Tama Powerpad
22″ Cymbal Bag
Tama’s Powerpad bag series has become very popular among drummers over the past few years. Besides its stick, snare, and hardware bags, the cymbal bags are a great value. The design has just about everything we like in a soft cymbal bag. You’ll get quality construction, good protection, easy usability, and even stylish color options.
This bag has a semi-rigged design and a lot of padding. Meinl’s Classic Woven bag has slightly more protection around the edge, simply due to bag shape, but the padding provided by the Tama Powerpad is more than adequate for most situations. The Tama also has a reinforced bottom and includes more dividers than any of the other bags on this list. You’ll get 3 dividers in the main compartment and 3 in the 15″ front pocket.
Tama includes a padded handle and shoulder strap with the Powerpad cymbal bag, but no backpack straps. As we mentioned before, we prefer shoulder straps, but if you’re dead set on backpack straps, this bag may not be for you. Another convenient feature we really like is the back pocket. It works great for carrying accessories like sticks, drum keys, and dampeners. It’s a feature not seen on any other bag on this list.
Finally, multiple color offerings are always nice to see. Red, blue, and black are Tama’s most popular colors, but the beige and green also look great. The design incorporates secondary colors that compliment the main surface look, as well. It’s those details, along with the solid foundation and reasonable price, that make the Tama Powerpad cymbal bags a great value.
Gator Classic
22″ Cymbal Case
Soft cymbal cases aren’t for everyone. Some drummers move their gear in a band truck or even on an airplane, where gear can shift around. Other drummers simply want the ultimate protection for their cymbals, even if it means a bit less convenience. Those players are best off with a hard cymbal case. There are lots of standard, no-wheel, hard-shelled cymbal cases out there, but our favorite value is the Gator Classic.
There’s not a whole lot to this Gator case. It has a straightforward design with very few parts. Of course, that’s part of the appeal. There isn’t much that can go wrong. There are no straps or stitching, so nothing can tear. Players often go decades using a quality hard cymbal case, with only scuffs and scratches to show as a result. Gator even has a limited lifetime warranty for even more peace of mind.
So why doesn’t everyone use a hard cymbal case? It’s usually convenience. This Gator case, for example, protects very well and is extremely durable. It’s even easy to remove and replace cymbals with. However, it’s more difficult to carry around than soft bags, it doesn’t have extra pockets, and it may not store as many cymbals as a professional bag. Most standard cymbal sets will fit into the Gator, but that mainly depends on cymbal diameters and shapes.
With those pros and cons in mind, it’s nice to have a quality hard case option available at this price. The Gator Classic cymbal case will take just about anything thrown at it, protecting your cymbals better than any soft case could. If you’re concerned about cymbal damage during transport and can put up with less convenience, the Gator Classic case could be a very good investment.
Gator Elite
Cymbal Case w/ Wheels
The Gator Elite cymbal case gives you all of the benefits of the Classic model above, such as ultimate cymbal protection and case durability. However, the Gator Elite has one major advantage over the Classic. With built-in wheels and a fold-up handle, the Elite is much easier to move over long distances. If you park your car a block away from a venue, across a big parking lot, or have to move your cymbals through an airport terminal, you’ll be glad your hard cymbal case has wheels.
The Elite’s wheels and handle are well thought-out. Like the overall design, there isn’t much to go wrong. The wheels fit snuggly into the bottom corner, so it’s hard to hit them from the side. The handle is very smart, as well. Some cases have elaborate retractable handles, using springs, slide buttons, and other internal mechanisms. The Gator Elite uses simple parts – just a squeezable handle that swings open and closed. It’s reliable because it’s basic.
Of course, like most hard cymbal cases, there are some downsides to factor in. This case will fit most standard setups of 5-7 cymbals, but that all depends on cymbal diameters and shapes. China cymbals take up more space than crashes, for example. The Gator Elite also doesn’t include accessory pockets or dividers. That being said, this case is about cymbal protection and the incorporated wheels. If those are your priorities in looking for a cymbal case, the Gator Elite is definitely worth considering.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for the best cymbal bag and case values. With so many case options out there, it can be hard to find the right balance of protection, convenience, and cost. However, one of these models should do the trick, no matter what your budget and gear requirement may be. We’re confident that whichever one you decide is best for you, your money will go a long way.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
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