Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand Review: The Reliable Workhorse for Gigging Drummers
If you have been playing drums for any length of time, you know the specific, mounting frustration of a hi-hat stand that simply won’t stay put. I remember a gig about five years ago at a dive bar with a notoriously uneven stage. Every time I stepped into a heavy groove, my hi-hat stand would slowly “walk” away from me, pivoting on its legs until my left foot was stretched out at an awkward angle. It wasn’t just a nuisance; it killed my focus and compromised my technique. You cannot play with finesse if you are constantly chasing your hardware around the rug. This is exactly why we search for something like the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand—we need a piece of gear that acts as an anchor, not a moving target.
The problem is that many budget stands sacrifice mass for price, resulting in a wobbly, unreliable mess. Conversely, top-tier “professional” stands can be so heavy they require a gym membership just to load into your car. Finding that “Goldilocks” zone—where the stand is heavy enough to be rock-solid but light enough for the working drummer to carry—is a difficult task. Failing to find this balance leads to stripped bolts, rattling metal, and a pedal feel that is anything but “musical.” We took a deep dive into the 5707 model to see if it truly bridges that gap for the intermediate player.
- UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL: This hi-hat stand is a game-changer for gigging drummers who want to take their performance to the next level.
- PRECISION AND SPEED: The smooth and fast touch pedal board and chain drive system allow for seamless transitions and precision, so you can focus on your playing without any distractions.
What to Consider Before Buying a Cymbal Hi-Hat Stand
A Cymbal Hi-Hat Stand is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for the most dynamic part of your drum kit. While your snare provides the backbeat, your hi-hats provide the pulse, the subdivision, and the texture. A stand that feels sluggish or lacks tension adjustment can stifle your creativity. When we evaluate hardware, we aren’t just looking at how it holds cymbals; we are looking at how it translates the movement of your foot into sound. If the mechanical linkage is poor, your “chick” sound will be mushy, and your open-close splashes will lack timing.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of “entry-level” hardware that came with a starter kit, while it might not be suitable for those who are looking for ultra-lightweight “flat-base” vintage-style stands for jazz gigs or those who require the extreme heavy-duty builds of a DW 9000 series for stadium tours. This is a mid-weight solution designed for the weekend warrior, the studio session player, and the serious student who needs professional features without the professional price tag.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the footprint of the tripod. If you use a double bass drum pedal, you absolutely need a stand with a rotating base. The Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand offers this, allowing you to tuck the legs out of the way of your slave pedal. Always check if the height range (25″ to 36″) accommodates your throne height.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the drive system. Chain drives, like the one found here, offer a more direct and durable feel compared to older pull-strap designs. You should also check for adjustable spring tension, which allows you to customize how much “push back” the pedal gives your foot.
- Materials & Durability: Double-braced legs are the industry standard for stability. They offer twice the support of single-braced legs but add weight. For most drummers, the added stability of a metal alloy cast frame and double bracing is well worth the extra few pounds in the hardware bag.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the small details like nylon collar inserts. These prevent metal-on-metal contact, which reduces the chance of the stand developing “squeaks” over time. Maintenance usually involves a simple drop of lubricant on the chain and ensuring the clutch doesn’t strip the pull rod.
Once you understand these requirements, you can better appreciate where the Gibraltar 5707 fits into the market landscape. It’s a balance of price, performance, and portability.
While the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【 Heavy Duty Hi-Hat Stand 】- KINGDO hit hat stand are made of sturdy and stable alloy. The hi-hat pedal is responsive,not a tad heavy feeling. The adjustment is simple,locking in place well once...
- UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL: This hi-hat stand is a game-changer for gigging drummers who want to take their performance to the next level.
- Quick-Release Hi-Hat Clutch
First Impressions: The Gibraltar 5707 Out of the Box
When we first got our hands on the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand, the immediate takeaway was the weight-to-sturdiness ratio. It feels “dense” in a way that inspires confidence. The chrome finish is bright and evenly applied, and the cast frame feels substantial. Assembly was straightforward—the stand comes mostly assembled, and setting up the pull rod and clutch takes less than a minute. Before you even put a cymbal on it, you should see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the engineering behind the rotating base.
The pedal board has a sleek “G” branded design that provides a good grip without being overly abrasive to your shoes. One thing we noticed immediately was the “liquid” feel of the action. Even without cymbals attached, the pedal returns quickly and quietly. It doesn’t have the clunky, mechanical “clack” that often plagues mid-tier hardware. Compared to the more expensive boutique brands, it lacks a few bells and whistles like a folding pedal plate or a specialized locking clutch, but for the price point, the initial build quality is remarkably high. It feels like a piece of gear that can survive a summer tour of 60+ shows, a sentiment echoed by several long-term users we’ve spoken with.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional Stability: The double-braced tripod and exclusive round rubber feet keep the stand anchored even on slippery surfaces.
- Swivel Base: The legs rotate independently of the pedal, which is an absolute necessity for double-pedal players.
- “Liquid” Pedal Action: The chain drive and spring tension adjustment provide a smooth, responsive feel that rivals much more expensive stands.
- High Value: Offers pro-level features like nylon collar inserts and a cast frame at a fraction of the cost of “name-brand” competitors.
Limitations
- Standard Clutch Issues: The included clutch uses a screw-into-rod design that can mar or “chew up” the pull rod over time.
- Tension Limits: While adjustable, the maximum spring tension might struggle with exceptionally heavy (15″+) hi-hat cymbals.
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand
To truly understand why this stand has become a staple for so many drummers, we have to look past the specs and talk about how it performs in the wild. We’ve spent significant time testing the 5707 in both practice and live environments, and we’ve found three specific areas where it truly excels.
Rock-Solid Stability and Build Quality
The foundation of any good hi-hat stand is its tripod. The Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand uses a low-mass, double-braced design. This is a bit of a marketing contradiction, but in practice, it means they’ve used thinner-profile metal for the double bracing to keep the weight down to 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs) while maintaining the structural rigidity of a much heavier stand. During our tests, we found that even with aggressive “heel-up” playing, the stand did not wobble or tilt. This is largely due to the “round rubber feet” which have a larger surface area than standard pointed feet, gripping the drum rug effectively.
We also analyzed the longevity of the joints. The hinged height adjustment is a standout feature. Most stands in this price range use a simple bolt that presses directly against the inner tube, which eventually leads to denting and “slipping.” Gibraltar uses a nylon collar insert. When you tighten the wing nut, the collar grips the entire circumference of the tube. This not only prevents slipping but also eliminates any metal-on-metal rattling that could be picked up by sensitive studio microphones. It’s one of the reasons we suggest you check the latest price and availability for this specific model, as these small engineering choices make a huge difference over years of use.
The “Liquid” Action and Pedal Response
The term “liquid” kept coming up in our evaluation and in the feedback from other users. This refers to the seamless, frictionless feel of the pedal stroke. The 5707 uses a chain drive system, which provides a more consistent pull than a strap drive. What we found particularly impressive was the spring tension adjustment. By turning the textured dial, you can dial in exactly how much resistance you want. For drummers who do a lot of fast “finesse” work with their left foot, being able to lighten the tension is crucial. Conversely, if you’re a heavy hitter who needs the top cymbal to snap back instantly, you can crank the tension up.
We found that the “push back” or “toe lift” response on this stand is exceptionally crisp. It allows for effortless “sloshy” hi-hat play where you are just barely cracking the cymbals open. As one user noted, “a little toe lift will get you easy finesse.” This responsiveness is usually reserved for stands costing twice as much, making the 5707 a feature that really sets it apart from the generic hardware often bundled with mid-range kits. We did notice that if you are using extremely heavy, vintage 15-inch hats, you might reach the limit of the spring’s recovery speed, but for standard 13 or 14-inch hats, it is flawless.
Versatility and Ergonomics for Modern Setups
Modern drumming often requires complex hardware configurations. Whether you are running a double bass pedal, a percussion cowbell pedal, or a secondary snare, space around the left foot is a premium. The Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand features a rotating base (swivel legs). By loosening a single drum key bolt, you can spin the tripod legs to any angle without moving the pedal itself. We found this incredibly helpful when trying to wedge the stand between a snare leg and a double-pedal drive shaft.
The height range is also quite versatile. With a range of 25″ to 36″, it can go low enough for a younger student or high enough for a drummer who likes their hats positioned well above the snare. The 7/8″ to 1″ diameter tubes are standard, meaning they will fit most memory locks and accessory clamps. You can explore the technical specifications here to see if it matches your existing hardware diameter. The only minor ergonomic gripe we have is the lack of a plastic cymbal guard on the bottom cup. While it comes with a felt, we recommend adding a small plastic sleeve to prevent the cymbal from ever touching the bare metal threads of the stand.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among the drumming community is that the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand is the “best bang for your buck” hardware on the market. Most users give it a 4.5 to 5-star rating, praising its durability and “no-nonsense” performance. One intermediate player shared, “I needed the swivel base and wanted a sturdier stand… a brand name stand of similar features would cost almost twice as much.” This sentiment is common; Gibraltar is often seen as the “insider’s choice” for those who want DW-level quality without paying for the logo.
However, the reviews aren’t without their critiques. The most consistent complaint involves the hi-hat clutch. One reviewer pointed out, “The issue I had… is the clutch does eat into its 7mm rod and chew it up really fast.” This happens because the wing bolt on the standard clutch makes direct contact with the rod. Another user mentioned the lack of a plastic cymbal guard for the bottom hat, noting that the cymbal “rocks against bare threads if used straight out of the box.” While these are minor issues that can be fixed with a $10 aftermarket clutch or a $1 plastic sleeve, they are worth noting for the perfectionist. Despite these nitpicks, the overwhelming feedback is that this stand “just works and looks cool.”
Comparing the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand to Its Top 3 Alternatives
While the 5707 is a fantastic primary stand, you might be looking for something slightly different—perhaps a way to add a second set of hats or a way to upgrade the few weak points of the Gibraltar stand. Here is how it compares to three other popular options.
1. Meinl Percussion Cymbal Stand Arm
- EASY AUXILIARY HIHAT SETUP: mounts stationary hihats anywhere on your kit with minimal, quick setup; solid chrome plated steel holds everything in place
- WHY IT MATTERS: you can play grooves open handed instead of cross hand; or place an auxiliary hihat/stack next to your main hats to open up your sound—the options are endless
The Meinl X-Hat Arm is not a replacement for the 5707, but rather a specialized alternative for drummers who already have a full kit and want to add “auxiliary” hi-hats (usually kept in a closed or semi-open position) to the right side of their kit. While the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand is a floor-standing unit with a pedal, this Meinl arm clamps onto an existing cymbal stand. If you are tight on floor space and don’t need to actively open and close your hats with your foot, this arm is a much more compact and affordable solution. However, for your primary hi-hats, the Gibraltar stand is non-negotiable.
2. Meinl Percussion 12′ Trash Stack Cymbal Pair
- UPGRADE FROM STOCK CYMBALS: replaces the flimsy cymbals most entry-level kits include—Meinl HCS sounds real and feels solid
- WHY IT MATTERS: better sound makes practice more fun—and durable brass stands up to regular playing
Sometimes drummers search for a hi-hat stand when what they actually want is a new sound. The Meinl HCS Trash Stack is an alternative in terms of “sonic hardware.” While the 5707 provides the mechanical support, these cymbals provide a short, trashy “chick” sound that is very popular in modern hip-hop and electronic music. If your current stand is “fine” but your sound is “boring,” you might find more value in upgrading your cymbals. However, keep in mind that these 12-inch cymbals are very light, so they would feel incredibly responsive and “fast” on the Gibraltar 5707’s chain drive system.
3. Tama Quick-Set Hi-Hat Clutch
This is the most relevant “alternative” for someone considering the Gibraltar stand. As we mentioned in our performance deep dive, the one weak point of the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand is the included clutch. The Tama Quick-Set Clutch is a pro-level upgrade that solves the “chewed rod” problem. It uses a smooth-sided clamping mechanism rather than a screw that digs into the metal. Many pros actually buy the Gibraltar 5707 stand for its excellent tripod and pedal action, but immediately swap the clutch for this Tama version. It’s a “hybrid” approach that gives you the best hardware setup possible while still saving money compared to buying a $200+ boutique stand.
Final Verdict: Is the Gibraltar 5707 the Right Choice for You?
After putting the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand through its paces, it’s clear why this stand is a perennial bestseller. It is a masterclass in utility. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it perfects the essential elements: stability, smooth action, and adjustability. The “liquid” feel of the pedal is genuinely impressive for a mid-weight stand, and the swivel base makes it a mandatory consideration for any drummer using a double bass pedal. While the included clutch is a bit of a “budget” inclusion that could be improved, the core of the stand—the tripod, the frame, and the drive system—is built to last a lifetime.
In summary, if you are a beginner looking for your first “real” stand, or a professional who needs a reliable, medium-weight touring companion that won’t break your back (or your bank account), this is arguably the best value on the market today. It solves the “walking” stand problem once and for all. If you are ready to upgrade your kit’s foundation and experience that smooth, responsive pedal feel for yourself, it’s worth looking at how to secure this hardware for your kit. We highly recommend you pick up the Gibraltar Double Braced Hi-Hat Stand today and stop worrying about your hardware so you can start focusing on your groove.
Last update on 2026-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API