Cymbal boom stands may not be the most exciting part of a drum set, but they can be essential to a drummer’s performance. The extra reach a boom arm provides can position cymbals in places a straight stand often can’t. If you want to play comfortably, you probably need a boom stand or two in your setup.
Of course, there are many varieties of boom stands, and some are better buys than others. That’s why we made this list. We picked the 5 models that will give you the most for your money, under $100. These aren’t simply the best overall stands under $100, but the best options around their price points.
These boom stands represent a variety of brands, specs, and features. There’s a fairly big price range, too. You’ll get more as you spend more, but with prices from under $40 to over $90, there’s probably something here that fits your budget.
On with the list! These are the best cymbal boom stand values under $100.
*This post includes affiliate product links. We may receive a small commission from purchases made through those links, but your price does not increase at all. We take pride in only recommending the products that will help drummers most. Thank you for the support!
Mapex Rebel
Boom Stand
The Mapex Rebel boom stand is the least expensive option on this list. It’s not a stand designed to be high-quality, to have many features, or to be taken out to live shows. This is a stand designed with price in mind. For many buyers, that’s all they need. This boom stand can work well for students in a practice space or for people looking to hold a lighter cymbal under moderate aggressiveness.
Due to its low price, this stand is a common add-on to student drum sets. Many student kits come with one cymbal stand. If you upgrade to better cymbals, an extra cymbal stand is usually required. This Rebel can fit right in, matching the quality of the hardware that often comes with budget drums.
While this stand has double-braced legs, it’s very lightweight. It works best for light cymbals and lower height settings. Heavier cymbals can be mounted on a Rebel with proper leg positioning, but it may not be very stable. This stand’s other specs are very straightforward. There are only 2 sections, which limits height range, no memory locks, and a basic felt/wing nut design.
As long as you know what the Mapex Rebel boom stand is designed for, the value is solid. This stand would be a good choice for students looking to add a stand to a budget drum set or for drummers who want to hold a lightweight cymbal, while keeping costs as low as possible. Every other stand on this list is heavier and has more features, but if you just need bare necessities, the Rebel would be a good choice.
Yamaha CS-665A
Boom Stand
The Yamaha CS-665A has been a popular lightweight boom stand for many years. Like all Yamaha hardware, this version is well-built. It’s Yamaha’s least expensive boom stand, but it has the same refined feel as the more expensive options. The CS-665A has smooth adjustments and a wide height range. Overall, it’s a good option for drummers who want a good portable boom stand and who typically play at moderate volumes.
Compared to cheaper generic boom stands, the CS-665A is improved in most aspects. It not only uses better component parts, but it has more of the features most drummers expect on a cymbal stand. For example, the 3-tier design allows you to position a cymbal both higher and lower than most 2-tier stands. That height range is common with most modern cymbal stands, but many student-level models cut the middle section out to save on cost.
The tilter on the Yamaha CS-665A isn’t gearless, but it’s a step up from most budget stands. The cymbal seat and sleeve are combined in the single-piece PTS-3A, rather than the traditional washer and sleeve design. One common problem with traditional sleeves is it getting worn down or pushed aside, causing the cymbal to grind on the stand’s threading. With the combined piece, that’s not a concern.
Stands further down on this list include several features that the CS-665A doesn’t, albeit at higher cost. Those pricier options will give you a gearless tilter, heavier weight, and some models include memory locks. That being said, the Yamaha is a great option for drummers who don’t need those things. If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight, but well-made, boom stand, there’s great value in the Yamaha CS-665A.
PDP 800 Series
Boom Stand
The PDP 800 Series boom stand is a model that can work for just about any drummer. It’s the first medium-weight stand on list, making it capable of handling all but the hardest of hitters. The adjustments are ergonomic and smooth. This stand also includes some features of convenience, like memory locks, a gearless tilter, and a quick-release wing nut. The whole package strikes a good balance between features and price.
PDP updated several of these features from previous versions of the stand. The tilter is a newer style, called the ‘Glide-Tilter’. It’s a simple design that makes micro-adjustments easy. The quick-release wing nut can save you some time and make it less likely to lose a part during setup and tear-down. That piece, along with the included memory locks, are made of a black composite material.
The 800 Series stand is more capable of utilizing the extended range of its 3-tier design, compared to the Yamaha CS-665A we discussed above. While they both have a good height range, medium-weight stands are more stable than lightweight stands, particularly when cymbals are set up high. The PDP 800 isn’t heavy enough for every extreme drumming situation, but it will provide more support than the CS-665A.
With a solid mix of features, medium weight, and a reasonable price, the PDP 800 Series is a very good boom stand option. It has higher quality than the stands previously mentioned, and includes several features that make setting up and tearing down more convenient for drummers. Some of those components are not metal, but the stand’s overall value is still strong.
Ludwig Atlas Standard
Boom Stand
The Ludwig Atlas Standard boom stand is a solid value with some higher-end features. It’s technically medium-weight, but on the heavier side of that range. This stand could work in almost any playing situation. It also has plenty of adjustability, in both height and angles, making it very user-friendly. In total, from the top wing nut down to its large rubber feet, this Ludwig Atlas model gives buyers a lot for their money.
This Atlas Standard comes with the gearless Aero Tilter. It’s a smart and robust design, allowing you to tilt your cymbal easily to any angle, then having it secured strongly in place. Its parts are durable, so you shouldn’t have to worry about something stripping out or breaking when storing the stand in a hardware bag. All of this stand’s wing nuts are also thick, ergonomic, and stylized with Ludwig emblems.
The Atlas has a 3-section design for a maximum range of height settings. Extra weight in the base makes it more stable than most medium-weight boom stands at higher positions. The Atlas feet are also larger than most, helping the stand stay in place under heavier drumming. Those feet even have a nice cosmetic touch of Ludwig logos.
This stand doesn’t include memory locks. With a stand at the quality level of the Atlas, memory locks aren’t typically there for support, but more for setting up your gear quickly and accurately. If you prefer them on your cymbal stands, other options on this list may be better for you. For everyone else, the Ludwig Atlas Standard is a very good stand for its price. The well-designed tilter, super-solid construction, and nice cosmetic detail all make it a great overall value.
Mapex Armory
Boom Stand
The Mapex Armory series was one of our picks for Best Values: Hardware Packs. One of the reasons was the inclusion of the B800 Armory boom stand. This model is another solid medium-weight stand with nice adjustment features. It’s the only stand on this list that includes both a gearless tilter and memory locks. Along with its good overall build quality and the option of a black plated finish, it’s a great option for all types of drummers.
Like the Ludwig Atlas above, the Mapex Armory has a professional tilter design, which Mapex calls the ‘Super-Glide’. It’s gearless, with a spring-loaded adjustment handle that allows you to position it after tightening the angle in place. Drummers may know of a similar composite design from DW, but the Mapex version is metal. That can give you some peace of mind when storing the stand in a hardware case.
This stand also has a quick-release wing nut with a built-in locking mechanism. You squeeze a button to slide it onto the stand threading, then push a switch to the side to lock it in place. The design adds a little convenience to your setup and tear-down times. Metal memory locks are also included on the Armory boom stand.
Overall, the Mapex Armory boom stand is a solid stand with some higher-end features. It includes a 3-tier height adjustment, has a locking quick-release nut, its memory locks are made of metal, and the tilter is one of the better versions in the industry. That mix of specs under $100 makes the Armory boom stand a very good value.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for best cymbal boom stand values under $100. There’s a wide variety of options among them, but they all serve a good purpose for different drummers. Whether you’re looking for the absolute basics or something with more professional features, one of these stands should do the job. Plus, you can be sure you’re getting a lot for your money.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
Need a new hi-hat stand? Here’s our picks for Best Values: Hi-Hat Stands Under $200!