Dark Matter are heavy and totally un-lathed. While not at all gongy, they certainly can ring a bit more than a traditional lighter cymbal. Stick response is fantastic. They currently come in two flavors, the Dark Matter Energy Rides and the Dark Matter Flat Earth Rides. The grand-daddy of the Dark Matter family will be available shortly, the Dark Matter Moon Rides: these are quite heavy, very dry and cutting. Not for the faint of heart.