Construction
These cymbals are crafted from a specially designed alloy and feature Zildjian’s signature perforated surface, hundreds of small holes drilled throughout each cymbal. This unique construction is what brings the volume down by up to 80% while preserving a natural feel. The matte finish not only looks modern and understated, but it also helps reduce harsh overtones.
The standard sizes included in the pack, 14″ hi-hats, 16″ crash, and 18″ crash/ride—mirror common cymbal dimensions, so setting up feels exactly like playing a normal kit. They also mount easily to standard hardware, making integration seamless with any acoustic or practice setup.
The durability is impressive too. The holes don’t weaken the cymbals as much as you might expect; instead, they distribute impact evenly, allowing them to handle extended use without cracking easily. For drummers practicing daily, that reliability matters.
Performance
When it comes to playing, the L80s shine in their purpose, quiet practice that still feels real. The stick definition is crisp, allowing you to practice everything from gentle ride patterns to more aggressive crashes without losing nuance. The hi-hats close and respond naturally, the crash opens up enough for accents, and the ride has a clear definition that’s rare in practice cymbals.
The reduced volume makes them ideal for apartments, dorms, or any situation where noise is an issue. You can practice dynamics, articulation, and phrasing without sacrificing feel, and without disturbing everyone around you. The trade-off is tone: these cymbals won’t give you the full, complex sound of a standard bronze set. They’re thinner, drier, and lack projection, but that’s by design. They’re not meant for gigs or recording sessions, but for quiet, authentic practice, they excel.
If you’re working on timing or phrasing, combining these cymbals with our metronome exercises makes for a powerful practice routine that develops consistency without disturbing anyone around you.