Meinl X-Hat Cymbal Stand Arm for Auxiliary Hihats - Versatile Mounting

In this review the Meinl X-Hat Cymbal Stand Arm is presented as a simple, durable way to add stationary auxiliary hihats or stacks to an existing kit; the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of solid chrome plated steel construction and the spring-loaded infinite tension dial that lets drummers dial in everything from a loose sizzle to a tight, crisp chick. Setup is straightforward and quick, and the arm is designed to find space on crowded kits, making it a practical accessory for players who want to expand their palette without a full extra stand.

Key Features

• Easy auxiliary hihat setup: mounts stationary hihats almost anywhere on a kit with a minimal, quick installation process for fast configuration during rehearsals or gigs.
• Adjustable spring-loaded tension: the large winged dial gives infinite tension settings so you can select a completely open sound, a loose sizzle, or a tightly closed chick to match musical context.
• Heavy-duty chrome plated steel: solid construction keeps cymbals stable and resists movement while playing, which matters when you rely on consistent response for grooves.
• Wide cymbal compatibility: the arm accommodates most cymbal sizes, from a 6' mini hihat pair to larger 18' stacks, providing flexibility for creative setups.
• Multiple angle adjustments: two 360-degree adjustment points plus a cymbal tilter let you find precise placement and weave through crowded kit spaces.
• Complete accessory package: includes a knurled boom arm, clamp, mini hihat rod, padded felt seat, standard hihat clutch, and felts so you have everything needed to mount hihats (cymbals not included).

Who It's For

The Meinl X-Hat Arm is ideal for drummers who want to add a secondary pair of hihats or an effects stack without committing to a full second stand; session players, gigging drummers, and fusion or experimental players who value compact, adjustable options will find it especially useful. Its easy clamp-mount and multiple pivots make it a good choice for kits with limited floor space or for setting up auxiliary hats near toms or a ride.

Players who need integrated pedal control or a traditional full-length hihat stand for foot-operated use should look elsewhere, since this unit is primarily for stationary auxiliary mounting rather than replacing a primary foot hihat. Also, if you require electronic integration or proprietary mounting systems, check compatibility before buying.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy chrome plated steel construction offers reliable durability and stability.
• The infinite control tension dial provides a broad range of hihat sounds from open to tight.
• Flexible mounting with two 360-degree pivots and cymbal tilter allows precise placement in tight spaces.
• Includes necessary hardware and felts so you can mount quickly out of the box.

Cons

• Not a replacement for a foot-operated hihat stand if you need pedal control.
• Does not include cymbals, so additional cost is required to complete a playable pair.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Meinl X-Hat Arm is a practical, well-made accessory for drummers who want to expand their sonic options without a full extra stand; its adjustable spring-loaded tension and solid chrome plated build deliver useful tonal control and reliability, making it a good value for players seeking compact auxiliary hihats or stacks on stage or in the studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this mount different cymbal sizes?
Yes, the arm is designed to work with most cymbal sizes from small 6 in mini hats up to large 18 in stacks.

Does it include a clutch and felts?
Yes, a standard hihat clutch and cymbal felts are included, along with a padded felt seat for the bottom cymbal.

Is this a foot-operated hihat stand?
No, this unit is for stationary auxiliary hihats and stacks and does not provide pedal-operated control.