The 10 Best Hi Hat Stands Of 2023 – Love Music Your Way Reviews

The best hi hat stands of 2023 offer the perfect blend of stability and versatility. Awesome contemporary features, such as wide ranging tension adjustment and reinforced legs allow them to provide a flexible playing experience without sacrificing the support every drummer needs. The ten hi hat stands examined below are the perfect example of modern drumming engineering and will help you expand your kit and skillsket.

Quick Comparison Table: Top 10 Best Hi Hat Stands

The 10 Best Hi Hat Stands Detail Reviews

1. Yamaha HS-850 Hi Hat Stand (Best Heavyweight Hi Hat Stand)

Product Review

Yamaha is one of the most prolific and reputable manufacturers of musical instruments and accessories in the world. It has been behind some of the best drum kits, guitars, and keyboards ever produced. If you play mainstream music of any kind, the chances are you have owned a Yamaha instrument at some point. Considering Yamaha’s reputation and experience, it should come as no surprise that this first hi hat stand has become a favorite of drummers the world over.

The Yamaha HS-850 Hi Hat Stand is a heavyweight hi hat stand. This makes it a popular choice among rock drummers, who often find themselves blasting their hi hats at full force in the heat of a performance. Additional stability is provided by the stand’s double-braced tripod base and rubber feet. Spring tension is important in any hi hat. Generally, the faster you play the more spring tension you will need, which means heavy metal drummers often max out their spring tension settings and still don’t feel like they have enough. Thankfully, that won’t be an issue with the HS-850 Hi Hat Stand. Yamaha has equipped this stand with a total of 11 spring tension settings, so you won’t have any trouble finding the right tension for your style of play. Meanwhile, the manufacturer also packages this hi hat stand with a drum key and cleaning cloth. This makes the stand markedly easier to maintain than many others on the market right now. 

Complaints relating to the Yamaha HS-850 Hi Hat Stand are hard to come by. However, those who have found fault with it have often bemoaned the stand’s rod. According to a number of independent online reviews, the rod with which this hi hat comes fitted is a bit on the short side. This limits the height to which it can be adjusted, which may be a problem if you like to mount hi hats above the average level. Others have taken issue with the stand’s plastic spring tension adjuster. While nobody has reported their spring tension adjuster actually breaking, a few drummers have cited a lack of confidence in its durability.

2. Yamaha HS-740A Hi Hat Stand (Best Medium-Weight Hi Hat Stand)

Product Review

Another offering from Yamaha, this hi hat stand serves as a reminder of the manufacturer’s versatility within not just the world of music, but within the world of hi hats specifically. While it boasts many of the same features of the previously examined model, the Yamaha HS-740A Hi Hat Stand has plenty of unique attributes that make it stand out from the crowd. Among them is its medium-weight design. A medium-weight body is beneficial as it allows players to strike the stand with relative force. However, it is still light enough that it will not weigh you down in transportation. Many rock drummers prefer medium-weight hi hat stands while touring as they can be easily moved from one venue to another.

Despite its sturdy base, the Yamaha HS-740A Hi Hat Stand features rotating legs. This enhances its versatility while also making for easy assembly and positioning. Similarly, each leg comes fitted with a rubber foot to prevent sliding during playing. This ensures the legs will only rotate when you want them to. Meanwhile, multiple spring tension settings allow you to adjust the tension exactly to your liking. As we mentioned above, the faster you play, the more tension you need. Most drummers who play a medium-weight hi hat tend to keep the tension hovering around the middle, but the HS-740A does have some higher tension settings should you desire them.

In the HS-740A, Yamaha has tried to produce as compact a hi hat stand as is possible without sacrificing stability. However, some drummers have taken issue with its tripod design. This is because three legs can be difficult to navigate on stage, especially in the middle of a performance. If you are playing on a small stage and aren’t constantly mindful of the stand’s three legs, you may find yourself colliding with them. It should also be pointed out that this hi hat stand can be pretty pricey. This arises out of a combination of its high quality and the reputation of its manufacturer. While you will certainly get a reliable product for your money.

3. Yamaha HS-650A Hi Hat Stand (Best Lightweight Hi Hat Stand)

Product Review

The Yamaha HS-650A Hi Hat Stand veers a little on the simple side, especially when compared to the other Yamaha offerings on this list. However, that simplicity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you have a large kit, you probably don’t have a whole lot of time to dedicate to setting up individual pieces. Because of its no-frills design, the HS-650A Hi Hat Stand can be erected in less than a minute. An included drum key streamlines the set-up process. Meanwhile, the free cleaning cloth Yamaha includes with each purchase of this hi hat stand makes maintaining it a breeze.

Perhaps the best lightweight hi hat stand, the Yamaha HS-650A boasts an almost feathery body. This, combined with its height range of 25 to 35 inches, makes for a compact hi hat stand that can be easily transported from show to show. To ensure the stand remains steady throughout performances, Yamaha equipped it with a tripod base. Each of its three legs is topped by a rubber foot to minimize sliding and prevent wear and tear.

While the lightweight design of the Yamaha HS-650A is advantageous when it comes to traveling, it presents a major problem for more energetic drummers. If you play a genre or genres of music which require you to strike your hi hat with force, this stand is not the one you’re looking for. The tripod base and rubber feet with which this stand comes fitted cannot resist the kind of punishment required to effectively play hard rock, heavy metal, and similar styles of music. Additionally, the legs of this stand are single-braced instead of double-braced. As a result, you may find them beginning to give over time. This can be prevented through proper care and maintenance of the stand, but it is something to be mindful of nonetheless.

4. DW 6500 Hi Hat Stand

Product Review

This offering from DW is the first non-Yamaha entry to appear in this article and it is more than deserving of its place. Much like Yamaha, DW has been responsible for some of the finest pieces of musical equipment ever produced. Along with its hi hat stands, it has given the world some of the very best drum thrones, pedals, and even kits. Today, however, we are concerned only with its 6500 Hi Hat Stand.

Much like the previous offering from Yamaha, the DW 6500 Hi Hat Stand is a lightweight hi hat stand. As such, it is best suited to drummers who are more relaxed in their music and stage presence. DW took great care to ensure a lightweight design in virtually all aspects of this hi hat stand. This it did through the inclusion of its patented Ultralight technology. DW’s Ultralight technology is ideal for vintage drummers and touring musicians. It gives this hi hat stand a smaller diameter, a low mass tube joiner, and an aluminum flush-base for maximum portability. Meanwhile, an integrated memory locking system greatly simplifies switching between heights. Speaking of heights, this hi hat stand can be set to anywhere between 28 and 35 inches. 

DW is one of the most popular manufacturers in the drum equipment game. As a result of its reputation and history of excellence, it tends to charge quite a bit for its products. The DW 6500 Hi Hat Stand is no exception. While this stand’s classic aluminum flush base provides additional support and a nice feeling of nostalgia, it may take up quite a bit of space on a smaller stage. This won’t be an issue for reserved players who keep their legs largely stationary while playing, but more energetic drummers may find their feet colliding with the hi hat stand while they play.

5. Griffin Remote Hi Hat Stand (Best Remote Hi Hat Stand)

Product Review

A couple of times throughout this article we’ve discussed hi hat stands with tripod bases. As you likely remember, such bases offer great stability, but can take up a great deal of space. They can be particularly annoying when playing on a small stage. If you need a hi hat stand that doesn’t take up too much space but also won’t sacrifice stability, you’re going to want to pay careful attention to this offering from Griffin.

As its name suggests, the Griffin Remote Hi Hat Stand boasts a remote design, meaning you don’t have to position the foot pedal next to the stand itself. Instead, you have the freedom to place it wherever is most convenient and comfortable for you. This eliminates the need for awkward positioning of the rest of your kit in an attempt to accommodate the hi hat stand. One of the best remote hi hat stands on the market, this model from Griffin features a lead that is a full six feet in length, making for a rapid response. Meanwhile, five tension settings allow you to adjust the tension to a level that complements your style of playing. This is a heavy-duty hi hat stand. It can endure the strain of marathon playing, so you should definitely consider it if you’re a professional player. Despite its high-quality, Griffin backs each purchase of its remote hi hat stand with a one-year full factory warranty, so you won’t have any trouble obtaining a repair or replacement should complications arise within the first year of purchase.

Before you purchase this stand, you should be aware that some drummers who have tried it have complained about its lack of sensitivity. This won’t be an issue if you’re a hard rock or heavy metal drummer, as both genres generally require players to push hard on their pedals. Drummers who mainly play jazz and similar genres, however, may find this stand’s pedal is not sensitive enough for their style. It should also be pointed out that more than a few drummers have run into trouble assembling this hi hat stand. Griffin does not package it with comprehensive assembly instructions, so you’ll have to go it alone. 

6. PDP Concept 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand

Product Review

If you weren’t exactly sold on the Griffin Remote Hi Hat Stand but would still like a stand that requires minimum space, there is this offering from PDP. PDP is a division of DW. It focuses on producing gear that is both affordable and of a high quality. Its Concept 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand is both of those things. It is also quite compact and can fit comfortably on virtually any stage. 

Although some may assume the double-leg base of this hi hat stand would result in instability, this is one of the more secure budget hi hat stands on the market. Each leg is topped with a rubber foot, which minimizes – and possibly even eradicates – sliding during playing. Additional stability is provided by the stand’s oversized pedal, which acts as a sort of third leg without taking up extra space. Speaking of this stand’s foot pedal, its above-average size improves sensitivity and response. Meanwhile, multiple tension settings allow this hi hat stand to be utilized in a variety of genres. As with all PDP products, the obvious allure of this hi hat stand is its low price. The PDP Concept 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand is perfect for beginners and intermediates who don’t have the budget or experience necessary for a more expensive model.

Some who have played this hi hat stand have complained about the noises it makes when in use. Along with the actual sound of the hi hats, you may hear a slight “springy” noise when you press down on the pedal. This won’t be a problem if you play in a rock band, but will almost definitely be noticeable in jazz and other more subdued genres. It should also be pointed out that the legs of this hi hat stand do not rotate. This may complicate positioning the stand, but won’t be a deal-breaker for most drummers.

7. DW 5500TD Delta II Hi Hat Stand (Best 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand)

Product Overview

If you want a dual-leg hi hat stand but don’t want to go with the budget model from PDP, you should consider this offering from PDP’s parent company. The DW 5500TD Delta II 2-Leg Hi Hat Stand boasts the high quality drummers have come to expect from DW. It is arguably the best two-leg hi hat stand on the market. 

Among this hi hat stand’s most alluring features is its Techlock tension adjustment. Through this unique feature, drummers can adjust the tension of the stand across a large number of settings, resulting in a smooth feel regardless of genre and playing style. Meanwhile, its lateral cymbal seat adjustment allows for easy triggering, which is complemented by the stand’s patented DW folding footboard. This folding feature is ideal for playing in tight spaces and greatly simplifies transportation of the stand. Adding to the versatility of the DW 5500TD Delta II Hi Hat Stand is the dual-leg base from which it takes its name. Designed for professional drummers, this hi hat stand can hold up under regular heavy-duty use. 

If you want to add this hi hat stand to your kit, you should be prepared to drop some serious cash. As a result of DW’s reputation and the expert craftsmanship that has gone into this hi hat stand. While you will undoubtedly get a quality product for that price, it should be noted that a few drummers who have purchased this hi hat stand have had some issues with it. Perhaps the most common cause of frustration has been the stand’s weight. Coming in at almost 10 pounds, this can be a difficult hi hat stand to carry from gig to gig. While its foldable footboard does simplify transportation, actually carrying the stand from your vehicle to the stage may place significant strain on your arms and back.

8. Gibraltar 5707 Hi Hat Stand (Budget Pick)

Product Overview

For drummers looking to expand their kit without spending a lot of money, there is this offering from Gibraltar. This makes it a great choice for novices who don’t have the experience necessary to justify a more expensive hi hat stand. 

Despite the low price of this hi hat stand, those who purchase it can be sure of a quality – though admittedly basic – performance. Its tripod base provides stability, even in intense drumming sessions. Further support comes from its double-braced legs, which can handle the wear and tear of regular practice and performing. Adjusting a hi hat stand can be a little complicated if you’ve never done it before. With the Gibraltar 5707 Hi Hat Stand, however, even a total newbie will be able to switch between heights with ease. This is done through the stand’s cast-higned height adjustment system, which ensures multiple height settings without sacrificing the stand’s low profile. A lightweight stand, the Gibraltar 5707 comes in at less than 6 pounds. This makes transporting and carrying it virtually effortless.

Although the low price tag of this hi hat stand does not indicate inferior quality, those who purchase it should be prepared for a few minor complications which would not arise with a more expensive alternative. Some who have purchased this stand have reported the hi hat clutch colliding with the middle post when playing. While this does not affect the sound of the stand, it will likely result in scratches and blemishes on the stand. Those who value aesthetics should be mindful of this. Additionally, California residents should note that the Gibraltar 5707 Hi Hat Stand is in violation of the state’s Proposition 65. 

9. DW 9500D Hi Hat Stand (Best Pick)

Product Review

If you aren’t at the mercy of your budget and are willing to spend more to get the best quality hi hat stand on the market, you should seriously consider this model from DW. Another offering from perhaps the top brand in the industry, the DW 9500D Hi Hat Stand boasts the most popular features of DW’s hi hat stands, as well as a few that are unique to itself.

One of the most impressive features of the DW 9500D Hi Hat Stands is its Infinitely Adjustable Locking Spring Tension system. As its name suggests, this feature allows drummers to finetune the stand’s tension settings for a customized playing experience. This feeling of personalized play is furthered by the stand’s Double Eccentric Cam. This feature markedly increases the sensitivity of the stand’s footboard, which makes for a more rapid response. Much like the last DW hi hat stand we looked at, the 9500D features the brand’s unique lateral cymbal seat adjustment. This makes for a more versatile playing experience and will help you create a sound that is uniquely yours. Speaking of versatility, the DW 9500D Hi Hat Stand can be set at a wide range of heights. It features a minimum height of 28 inches, but can be extended all the way to 43 inches if necessary. From a stability standpoint, this hi hat stand boasts a tripod base complemented by rubber feet and heavy gauge tubing. These features, combined with the stand’s SM379 locking clutch, makes it one of the finest hi hat stands for high-energy drummers on the market.

Even the best hi hat stands have their faults. As impressive as the DW 9500D Hi Hat Stand is, it is not without one or two weak points. At this stage, you’re probably well aware of the issues associated with a tripod base. Nonetheless, they must be mentioned again when discussing the DW9500D. A tripod base requires a whole lot more space than a dual-leg base, which makes this hi hat stand less than ideal on tight stages. Like most DW products, this hi hat stand comes with a high price tag.

10. Tama Iron Cobra 200 Hi Hat Stand

Product Review

The Tama Iron Cobra 200 Hi Hat Stand looks a little basic, there’s no disputing that. However, basic isn’t always a bad thing. If you’re a novice or intermediate drummer searching for a hi hat stand that will allow you to develop your skills without draining your wallet, basic is exactly what you want. 

Despite its admittedly minimal features, the Tama Iron Cobra 200 is a robust hi hat stand which is virtually guaranteed to hold up under frequent practice sessions. Meanwhile, its 5-way tension adjustment system grants newbie drummers the freedom they need to tackle a number of genres and discover their style. The tri-leg design of this hi hat stand is an obvious potential problem. However, complications stemming from its sprawling legs are soothed somewhat by the stand’s swivel base. This design allows drummers to rotate the base of the stand in order to position its legs in a manner that is less likely to take up space or interfere with the drummer’s movement on stage. We would also be remiss not to praise this hi hat stand for its stability. Along with its tripod base, it boasts rubber feet and double-braced legs for an exceedingly sturdy frame. While it may not be strong enough to survive the challenges of professional drumming, it far exceeds the durability of most rival beginner’s hi hat stands.

We touched on this hi hat stand’s tripod base a moment ago, so we won’t go into any further detail as there are, unfortunately, other issues with the Tama Iron Cobra 200 Hi Hat Stand which warrant attention. Perhaps the most notable of these issues is the stand’s weight. Coming in at 8.5 pounds, it is quite a bit heavier than many alternative novice stands. This, of course, makes transporting the stand from gig to gig a challenge. That being said, this stand was designed for practice and not gigging, so you probably wouldn’t be moving it around too much anyway.

Things To Consider When Buying A Hi Hat Stand

There are a number of things you should keep in mind when searching for the best hi hat stand for you. You’ll find the most important of them outlined below.

Manufacturer

You should never purchase a piece of musical equipment from an unknown brand. It doesn’t matter if it’s an electric guitar or, indeed, a hi hat stand. The only way you can be certain you’re getting a quality product is to purchase it from an established manufacturer. The brands examined in this article have all proven their worth by crafting not just some of the finest hi hat stands in recent memory, but some of the best bass drum pedals, thrones, and kits as well.

Budget

If you have a lot of money to spend on a hi hat stand, that’s great. However, doing so isn’t always necessary. We advise all drummers to give careful attention to their budget when shopping for a hi hat stand. Dropping a large amount of cash on a stand may leave you without money for additional gear, including drumming essentials such as sticks or a quality throne. Cash-conscious drummers will find a number of affordable hi hat stands in the list above. Each will perform to a high standard while leaving you with money to expand your kit even further.

Playing Style

The style of music you play should heavily influence the type of hi hat you buy. There’s no sense in dropping hundreds on the best lightweight hi hat stand you can find if you primarily play hard rock or heavy metal. Such genres require heavy beating on each part of the drum kit and a lightweight hi hat stand is extremely unlikely to hold up under that level of punishment.

Skill Level

When you’re shopping for a hi hat stand, you should never purchase a model that is out of your skill level. Hi hat stands designed for more advanced drummers often boast additional features which may overwhelm a novice player. If you have never owned a hi hat stand before, go with as straightforward a model as you can find without sacrificing quality or convenience. In a way, this ties back to our earlier point about being mindful of your budget. If you purchase a hi hat stand intended for novices, you’ll likely save some money, which will leave you with some extra cash to dedicate to finding the best drum practice pad you can. A quality drum practice pad will work in conjunction with your beginner’s hi hat stand and additional pieces of novice equipment to help widen your skill set.

Frequently Asked Questions

For first-time hi hat stand buyers, there are some questions which come up again and again and again. It can be difficult to find concise and useful answers to these questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We have gathered some of the most commonly asked hi hat stand questions and included them in this article. You’ll find brief but comprehensive answers to each in the section below.

What Is A Hi Hat Stand?

Before we can discuss the purpose of a hi hat stand, it is necessary to examine hi hats themselves. A hi hat is a vital component of the traditional drum kit and has applications across a wide variety of genres. Virtually any kind of music which requires drums requires a hi hat by association. The average hi hat system is made of two cymbals, with the bottom cymbal being fixed in position. The top cymbal is connected to a foot pedal, usually located at the base of the stand. When this pedal is pressed, the top cymbal is moved downwards until it collides with the bottom cymbal to produce the desired noise. It is common for drummers to also use drumsticks to play their hi hats, particularly in rock and jazz. Of course, it is the foot pedal which is the primary method of making music through a hi hat. This is why it’s important to choose a quality stand. Both top and bottom hi hats will be mounted on your stand of choice. The footboard is a component of the stand and not the hi hats, so an inferior-quality footboard will make it virtually impossible for you to get any significant sound from your hi hats.

Should I Buy My Hi Hat Stand New Or Used?

A lot of drummers purchase their equipment second-hand, including hi hat stands. While this is certainly a means of obtaining professional-quality gear for a low price, we generally advise against doing so. This is because a hi hat stand, like any piece of musical equipment, will be worn away over the passage of time. This is particularly true if it is owned by somebody who plays regularly and with gusto. The footboard of the typical hi hat stand is particularly delicate and may become prone to sticking after several years of use. To make matters worse, if you purchase a used hi hat stand and later discover it does not perform to the standard you expected, you’ll likely have a hard time getting a refund. An unofficial seller is under no obligation to give repairs, refunds, or replacements, especially with second-hand items. The only way you can be absolutely certain your hi hat stand will perform to a high standard is by purchasing it new from a reputable brand and respected seller. This also has the benefit of providing a clear path to a repair or replacement should one be necessary. We know you may not have the budget to drop hundreds of dollars on a brand-new hi hat stand, but doing so isn’t necessary anyway. As shown in our above list of the top ten hi hat stands of 2023, there are a number of quality hi hat stands that can be purchased for just a little over $100. In fact, there are some that can be purchased for even less than that. We will always suggest a brand-new intermediate-quality hi hat stand over a used professional-quality alternative.

How Do I Set Up A Hi Hat Stand?

If you have never set up a hi hat stand before, you may be a little confused the first time you take yours out of the box. This is understandable. Thankfully, you have nothing to fear. The typical hi hat stand can be erected in a timely manner providing, of course, you know what you’re doing. The following video from YouTuber Rob Brown provides a handy step-by-step tutorial on how to set up a hi hat stand. Give this video one diligent watch and you’ll come out the other side with a skill you will use in studios and on stages for the rest of your drumming life.

Conclusion

The typical hi hat stand is fairly unassuming. When viewed as part of a full drum kit, it looks pretty inconsequential. Shadowed by the bass drum, the snare, and even the hi hats which it holds, it is often an afterthought even for drummers. Remove the hi hat stand from the kit, however, and you will understand the magnitude of its contribution. With no stand, your hi hats will be totally useless. This, in turn, makes it virtually impossible to keep a steady rhythm. This means your bandmates won’t have anybody to keep them in time, so the whole band will fall apart. The hi hat stand is the unappreciated glue which holds so many musical performances together. That’s why it’s so important to choose a model from a brand you can trust.

The best hi hat stands of 2023 boast all the features of their predecessors, while rectifying their shortcomings. Through a number of unique attributes made possible through modern engineering, they promise support, stability, and a level of versatility that is just not possible with lesser-quality hi hat stands. Whether you decide to go with our best pick (the DW 9500D Hi Hat Stand), our budget pick (the Gibraltar 5707 Hi Hat Stand ), or another model featured in our list, we hope this article has helped guide you towards the hi hat stand that will help you reach your full potential as a drummer.