Zultan 13" Raw Hi-Hat

Had to buy these based on youtube reviews etc, would have preferred Thomman put up audio samples for like for like on site comparison to other options. Was looking for the particular sound these hats are trying to crib (Turk), but without the price tag.

These aren't distinctively stamped 'made in turkey' in that particular way like the dark matter range which sort of suggests a certain factory which may have a hand in turning those out didn't turn these out.

Nice solid expressive bell. Nice stick articulation. Dry, but not super dry, less dry than expected or compared to the better known ones. Avoids excessive slosh if you like that in your open hats. Quality control seems ok. Medium weight and responsive. Don't think I'd have liked the 14"s as much.

I've got some 14" Zultan Rock Beats and to be honest these kind of feel and remind me of a lighter weight version of those given a different treatment. Nothing wrong with that, I wanted some 13"s with a particular sound in mind and didn't want to break the bank and could not have done better at this price point.

Obviously one always has to consider the quality / price ratio of the product, but I trully believe this guy, althoug good enough could deliver a bit more based on what it costed and how easy it is to get other turkish cymbals for not much more.

Regarding finishing, the hammering is kind of unfinished and very inconsistent on some parts of the cymbal. Also the hole is not totaly filed.
About the sound it matches the style but there is kind of a rubberish/plastic overtone to it.

After this experience, I've actually tried brand cymbals for around the same price and managed to get more love out of them.