"B8 Pro" is an oxymoron. Keep looking...

Most cymbals made out of B8 bronze should be avoided, in my opinion. That goes particularly for Sabian B8's and Zildjian Z_T's. Paiste manages to make some pretty decent cymbals out of that alloy, though.

If you're patient enough, and maybe willing to spend just a few more dollars, you can find some really good cymbals. You can find Zildjian A's under hundred bucks now and then. I bought a pair of 14" Sabian HH Regulars for just over $100 on eBay.

Looking around at the usual online sources for used gear, I spotted a pair of A. Zildjian New Beats (pretty much the standard hi-hats) for $79.99 at Guitar Center's store in Totowa NJ and a pair of unidentified Zildjians that look like they might be A's for $29.99 at the Tallahassee FL store. Seems worth calling about... almost can't go wrong for 30 bucks. One of the nice things about used items from Guitar Center is that you can take 'em back to any GC store within 30 days if you're not happy. They'll refund everything but the shipping cost.

The Sabian B-8 and B-8 pro cymbals are pretty decent for what you pay for.The crashes are a bit stiff and not real respnsive and are a little harsh sounding near feild and I like them the least,the rides can be decent,not a lot of complexity but bright and work well when that sound is needed,the hats are the best of the lot,most pairs I have played have been pretty decent,and I have played a few that were darn good.50 dollars sounds reasonable,especially if you have no hats right now or are trying to upgrade from starter cymbals,and they can be useful for an alternative sound from b-20 cymbals,and cut well live,especially if you are un miced.

The B8 Pro 18 China is an excellent cymbal ... as is the 20. If you're looking for a great rock china, that's one of the first stops right there.

Most all of the other B8 Pro cymbals are targets to hit and really not musical IMO.

You *might* find a B8 cymbal that sounds good to you up close, but go elsewhere if you're planning to use it for performance or recording.

I lent a friend's son some high-end Zildjians and Sabians to replace his B8s, and even his mother could tell the difference from behind a closed door 50 feet away.

b8 pros and there ilk are sometimes unfairly judged by label snobs that havent even played them,when i think of the horrors i played on years ago i would have loved a set of b8's back then!

thanks - really good info to help me learn & sort out my plans. My hats are pretty trashed, but, the other kit I'm using has a decent set of hats while I shop, so, no hurry. I know I can get by with these B8 Pro's (& their an upgrade over what I've got) but I'm looking more long haul for just good stuff that will sound good & last. For about double the money I'm into some vintage Zil. A's, so that seems the wiser path to follow (at least at this point.)

really appriate the thoughts & comments here - great help.Jake

...and other times, they're fairly judged and panned by those of us who've had to put up with them on occasion. ;)

got my kit back together last night - and after I get some hats I will probably upgrade from the two Sabian B8 spashes that I have. Found the sound as described here - so - they will do for now, but will upgrade when I can.