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The ride cymbal is an essential part of a drummer’s gear arsenal. A great ride cymbal adds tonal variety and expressiveness to performances.
Ride cymbals have a number of distinct playing zones, and it’s crucial to invest in a ride cymbal that delivers good tonal responsiveness across each of these areas.
A ride cymbal can be played in three main ways: on the bow with the tip, on the bell with the shoulder of the drumstick, and crashed on the edge.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best ride cymbals for all different budgets. I’ve compared performance, sound, quality, and cost to give you my top recommendations.
What are the Best Ride Cymbals?
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Best Professional Ride
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Best Multi-Purpose Ride
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Best Versatile Ride
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Best Value Ride
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Best Bright Ride
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Best Beginner Ride
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Best Intermediate Ride
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Ride Cymbals
These ride cymbals were chosen after personally assessing their capabilities. I based my decisions on their tonal characteristics, responsiveness, versatility, durability, and price.
My goal was to pinpoint ride cymbals that excel at delivering superior sounds across each playing zone: including the bow, the edge, and the bell.
I evaluated their tonal complexity, stick response, and bell clarity, focusing on their adaptability to diverse musical genres and playing styles.
My selections aim to balance affordability, craftsmanship, and sound quality, to ensure that each ride cymbal complements the unique needs and preferences of drummers across the musical spectrum.
Best Ride Cymbals Reviews
Zildjian 21" K Sweet Ride Cymbal
Zildjian 21" K Sweet Ride Cymbal Review
The Zildjian 21″ K Sweet Ride is the ultimate versatile performer and is simply one of the best-sounding rides available today.
This cymbal has a phenomenal tone with exceptional clarity, and a beautiful dark character too.
Ideal for all styles of music and manners of performances, this cymbal’s beautiful tone has the perfect balance of complexity, decay, and pitch.
This cymbal has everything I look for in a ride cymbal, without any compromises. With a thin profile, it delivers a fantastic crash sound and the large bell produces an incredibly satisfying ping.
No matter whether you are gently playing the bow, or loudly crashing the edge, the Zildjian K Sweet ride responds beautifully to all different playing dynamics.
While maintaining the iconic Zildjian K darkness and complexity, this ride cymbal brings in some added sweetness that balances and smoothes the tones out nicely, making it work for a wider range of musical situations.
I can’t speak highly enough of this ride cymbal; I would recommend it to any drummer seeking a beautiful, responsive cymbal that can do it all!
Features:
- B20 bronze alloy
- Traditional finish
- Ultimate all-round ride cymbal
Pros
- Exceptionally versatile and can adapt to any musical style with ease
- Perfect balance of Zildjian K dark complexity and modern sweetness
- Outstanding stick definition and clarity when played on the bow and bell
Cons
- Expensive cymbal model
Meinl 21" Byzance Double Down Crash Ride
Meinl 21" Byzance Double Down Crash Ride Review
The Meinl 21″ Byzance Double Down Crash Ride has been designed in collaboration with Matt Halpern from Periphery to function exceptionally well; both as a ride and as a crash cymbal.
In my eyes, this cymbal is a game-changer. I need a ride cymbal to deliver excellent sonics across all playing zones of the cymbal, and this cymbal certainly does that.
It has great stick definition on the bow, a strong bell sound, and of course, an excellent crash tone. It’s able to crash through the sound waves with explosive energy; the next, ride a smooth groove with a clear, defined stick response.
When you ride on it, it provides a warm and dark stick response that is perfectly defined without a lot of wash, allowing for some precise articulation.
When taking it for a crash, the explosion of sound is just fantastic. It has this unexpected burst of energy, and cuts through the mix beautifully, whether you’re in the studio or on stage.
This cymbal also doesn’t lock you into one style. Whether I’m playing rock, jazz, or something more experimental, it adapts like a champ.
What gives it a good stick definition is the combination of a dark, unlathed top with some light sandblasting as well as hand-hammering that gives it a more complex sound with reduced overtones.
It also has a completely lathed bottom underneath the cymbal, which combined with its thin weight, allows it to produce such a fantastic crash sound.
Matt Halpern also designed this cymbal to perform well across all different styles, and in differently sized recording studios and venues. He worked closely with Meinl to ensure that this cymbal would be extremely dynamic and versatile.
Overall, this is one of my top recommended rides for drummers who want their music to speak volumes across genres and styles.
Key Features:
- B20 bronze alloy
- Unlathed top and lathed bottom
- Exceptionally dynamic and versatile
Pros
- Adapts seamlessly to diverse musical styles with its warm, dark stick response.
- Precise articulation with a clear stick response on the bow and bell.
- Explosive crash sound makes it ideal for impactful performances both in the studio and on stage.
Cons
- The bell lacks some ‘cut’ compared to other ride cymbals, but this can be forgiven considering how well it performs in other areas.
Zildjian 21” A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
Zildjian 21” A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal Review
The legendary Zildjian A Sweet Ride is by far one of the most popular ride cymbal models in the world, and this cymbal bursts with a classic voice that is pure, bright, and expressive.
I’ve used the Zildjian A Sweet Ride for several album recordings and countless live shows, and it always sounds fantastic.
The Zildjian A series cymbals are forged with a B20 bronze alloy that gives them their expensive, mellow, and smooth sound. The machine hammering and lathing provide the cymbals with a smooth character.
This traditional-finish ride cymbal is highly articulate and has a defined stick response that makes it perfect for jazz, rock, and blues music. But I’ve used it for heavy metal, pop, and rock too!
Its medium weight lends itself well to being crashed on and it has a fairly controlled amount of wash. It does possess a really great crash sound.
The bell is also a stand-out feature of this cymbal. It has a well-defined ping and it projects really well. This cymbal has a classic sound that is bright yet also mellow enough that it simply sounds so ‘sweet’!
This cymbal is an excellent workhorse because it delivers across every area, and it’s simply so versatile that it can suit such a diverse range of musical styles.
This is one of my favorite ride cymbals on the market, and it truly delivers a wonderful sound.
Features:
- B20 bronze alloy
- Versatile all-purpose ride cymbal
- Popular ride cymbal model
Pros
- Legendary tone and versatility for numerous musical styles
- Delivers exceptionally well across all fronts- particularly with its distinctive bell sound
- Smooth character and rich sonics
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Longer sustain is not necessarily to everyones personal taste
Meinl 20” Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal
Meinl 20” Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal Review
The unique-looking Meinl Classics Custom Dark Ride offers professional quality, complex sounds at a very reasonable price.
This ride cymbal is a versatile all-round performer with premium sounds that fit well with all musical genres.
This ride cymbal has plenty of stick definition that cuts through with a full-bodied tone. It has a wide dynamic range and is medium-weight, allowing it to be played effectively as both a ride and a crash cymbal.
The bell on the cymbal provides a bright attack and a clear tonal definition. It is very pronounced which means you can achieve a clean and defined tone each time you strike it.
The premium B10 bronze alloy and unique finish provide this cymbal with a dry tone and beautiful dark sounds.
I’ve found this Meinl ride outperforms each other ride cymbal within this price range. It is so versatile and a joy to play.
This ride offers such premium sounds at an affordable price. It’s easily one of the best ride cymbals for the money, period.
Features:
- B10 bronze alloy
- Premium, dry tone
- Excellent crash-playing ability
Pros
- Versatile performer with a great crash sound
- Excellent quality to price ratio
- It fits right in with all popular musical genres with its unique dark sounds and cutting stick definition
Cons
- Not as warm sounding as cast B20 bronze cymbals such as the Zildjian K line
Paiste 20” PST7 Light Ride Cymbal
Paiste 20” PST7 Light Ride Cymbal Review
The Paiste PST7 Light Ride Cymbal is constructed of a unique CuSn8 bronze alloy, which is the same alloy as the legendary 2002 series used by many professional drummers.
I find this ride cymbal has a precise, clear, and defined sound that responds brilliantly to being played either on the bow, bell, or when being crashed. It’s one of the best affordable ride cymbals that performs well across each area.
The sound of this cymbal is reminiscent of a premium set of cymbals, like the Zildjian A series or Sabian AAX range. But these cymbals carry a much more affordable price tag.
This lightweight ride cymbal has a well-defined sound on both the bell and bow when played with the drumstick tip.
But where this ride cymbal model truly excels is its ‘crashability’ – when struck on the edge it explodes to life just like a 20-inch crash cymbal, and it sounds fantastic.
It has a really clean sound and a bold character that will fit right in with most modern styles of music, and it will serve you well both in the studio and on stage.
It is a strong contender for the best ride cymbal for the money.
Features:
- CuSn8 bronze alloy
- Premium quality sounds
- Highly affordable price
Pros
- Precise and clear stick definition
- Fantastic crash sound as well as its clearly defined bell
- Superb value for money
Cons
- It has quite a bright character overall that won't suit fans of darker, vintage cymbals
Meinl 20” HCS Ride Cymbal
Meinl 20” HCS Ride Cymbal Review
Here we have Meinl’s entry-level ride cymbal offering which is a practical and affordable ride cymbal. It’s a budget ride cymbal that is perfect for students finding their feet behind a drum set.
Much like all Meinl Cymbals, this Meinl HCS Ride Cymbal is made in Germany and carries a full 2-Year guarantee.
It’s made of brass, but unlike most other cheap brass cymbals, this ride cymbal is responsive and has a musical sound that works well with lots of different genres.
It is rare to find a budget ride cymbal that has such a clean stick definition and musical tone, but this Meinl HCS ride has a complete sound that will enable a student to discover and learn more from playing the drums.
This is the best ride cymbal on a budget because it delivers consistently across each area. It has a clean, pronounced bell that has a great ping to it, and a bright playing response on the bow of the cymbal.
There is a good level of wash and bright musical overtones. It also has a good crash sound and a lot of volume that allows it to excel for rock and heavier styles of music too.
Features:
- Durable brass alloy
- Best ride cymbal for beginners
- Bright, musical sounds
Pros
- The best ride cymbal for beginners thanks to its affordability and sonics
- Delivers across each area in terms of bow, bell, and crashing on the edge
- Responsive and musical sounds make it ideal for learning to play a wide range of musical styles
Cons
- Cheaper brass construction offers inferior sounds to bronze
- Will require upgrading eventually
Zildjian 20” I Series Ride Cymbal
Zildjian 20” I Series Ride Cymbal Review
Lastly on this list, we have the newly introduced Zildjian I Family Ride Cymbal, which has a really great stick definition and an overall bright sound.
It’s produced from B8 bronze which means it has a great response compared to other varieties of budget ride cymbals, and it features pioneering Zildjian hammering techniques for optimal performance.
This cymbal is a great choice for students and beginners, looking for achieving the Zildjian brand quality on a budget. It will allow you to explore a wide range of musical styles with its clean, defined sound.
This cymbal is a medium-heavy weight and has a pronounced stick definition. It cuts through really well and the bell on this cymbal is a delight.
It has a loud ping that works great for lots of musical styles including rock and funk.
For beginners looking to equip themselves with a good quality ride cymbal from a trusted brand, this is one of the most popular choices to go for!
Features:
- B8 bronze alloy
- Clean, defined sounds
- Good beginner ride cymbal
Pros
- Very popular amongst beginners thanks to Zildjian's quality construction methods
- Will fit right in amongst a wide range of musical styles
- Great stick definition and bell
Cons
- Expensive beginner ride cymbal
- Meinl HCS Ride offers much better value
- Will require upgrading eventually
Ride Cymbal Buyer’s Guide
The ride cymbal is staple part of any drum set. It’s the largest cymbal within the set, and as it’s name suggests its role is to provide a steady, riding pattern in a drumbeat.
Unlike crash cymbals and other effects cymbals that are intended to enunciate the end of phrases and fills, the ride cymbal is most often designed to be played within a groove.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Ride Cymbal
A good ride cymbal will provide a clean ping sound with a clear stick definition when played on the bow or bell to translate well within musical styles such as blues, jazz, or funk.
These types of popular ride patterns are eighth notes, triplets, and swung rhythms.
You’ll want a clean stick definition and smooth tone when played with the tip of the drumstick, and an excellent ping sound from the bell when played with the shoulder of the drumstick.
The bell of a ride cymbal will vary in size, but it’s important to note that the larger the bell is the heavier the ride cymbal will typically be, and therefore less ‘crashability’ it will have.
The larger the bell means it can be struck more easily and it will also have an increasingly pronounced sound.
Ride cymbals have the most ‘complex’ sound of all cymbals, and they offer a wide range of sounds. Some ride cymbals are dryer and more articulate, whilst others offer a more washy sound.
The cymbal alloy, weight, lathing, hammering, and bell size all together form the individual cymbal’s sound.
Because you can’t improve a cymbal’s sound in the same way you can with a drum, it’s important to invest in a ride cymbal that you feel will translate well sonically with your drum set and the styles of music you intend to play.
The Playing Zones Of a Ride Cymbal
The Bow
The bow is the main playing zone of a ride cymbal. This is the most conventional method of playing a ride cymbal.
Intricate ride patterns are played on the bow within musical genres including jazz, funk, blues, pop, rock, and metal.
The cymbal will need to be the right balance of stick definition and washy overtones to have a musical sound.
The Bell
The next playing zone of a ride cymbal is the bell. The bell can vary in size and also in finish, with some ride cymbals featuring an un-lathed bell for a darker tone.
The size of the bell will define its pitch and the level of volume produced. Ride cymbals used for heavier styles of music such as rock and metal will typically feature a larger bell, which produces greater volume and is also easier for the drummer to strike.
The Edge
The final playing zone of the ride cymbal is the edge, which is used for the ride cymbal to be played like a crash cymbal.
The lighter the ride cymbal is, the greater ‘crashability’ it will have.
Modern ride cymbals need to be versatile enough to have the ability to be played as a crash to save touring drummers from needing two different cymbals to perform one job.
Lots of rock drummers will use ride cymbals as a functioning crash cymbal for a large proportion of his or her playing.
Different Cymbal Alloys
Top-quality ride cymbals are constructed from cast B20 bronze and are forged, hammered, and lathed by veteran cymbal smiths. B20 is a formula that is comprised of 80% copper and 20% tin, with traces of silver.
They have either a brilliant finish that offers a brighter tone or a rawer-looking traditional finish for a mellower, darker vibe.
Adding more tin to a bronze alloy is known to darken the tone, and lead to a sonically richer-sounding cymbal. Nearly all professional cymbals available are comprised of B20 bronze.
But manufacturers like Meinl and Paiste have been experimenting with various types of bronze alloys with varying tin content to alter a cymbals sound.
These two manufacturers have developed mid-priced point cymbals that are an enormous step up from typical affordable cymbals in terms of quality, tone, sound, versatility, playing response, and stick definition.
The B10 bronze Meinl Classics Custom Dark cymbals possess a dark, sonically rich sound that is much alike to those found in B20 bronze cymbals like the Zildjian K Custom range.
And the Paiste PST7 cymbals are produced with a unique CuSn8 bronze alloy that stems from the professional 2002 series.
B20 bronze cymbals still dominate the premium cymbal market and are still the professional’s choice. But it’s important to use your ears over your eyes when it comes to choosing a ride cymbal.
How To Choose The Best Ride Cymbal
Choosing the best ride cymbal for you might seem tricky. First of all, the most important piece of advice I can give is to use your ears! Sound is subjective, so decide what you like by listening.
Before you make a purchase, use your ears and listen to how the ride cymbal sounds:
- Will the cymbal sound good with your existing drum kit setup?
- Will the cymbal complement the styles of music you play?
- Does the cymbal sound good when played across each of the main playing zones?
- Does it have the right amount of sustain for your liking?
- Does it have a good stick definition? This is an important sonic quality I look for in ride cymbals.
