Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Ride Cymbals

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Ride
Meinl
Byzance Vintage Pure Ride
Check Price

More stores

Amazon Go

Check Price at Amazon
Check Price at Walmart
Bottom Line

A high-end ride cymbal with an interesting sound that you won't find on cheaper models. Ideal for experienced drummers.

Pros

The high-density hammering results in strong stick response and a rich, deep tone. The hammering gives this cymbal a striking raw appearance. With its dark, dry sound and minimal sustain, this pure ride cymbal is perfect for studio use.

Cons

Comes with a high price tag.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sabian SBR2012 SBR Series Pure Brass 20-Inch Ride Cymbal
Sabian
SBR2012 SBR Series Pure Brass 20-Inch Ride Cymbal
Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

Despite its affordable price, this pure brass ride doesn't sacrifice on quality. Perfect for beginners.

Pros

The large-peen hammering and pinpoint lathing gives you a fast decay. Made from a special formula of brass that's inexpensive but durable and produces a great full sound.

Cons

Some users say the sound's not good enough for recording.

Stagg DH-RM20B DH Series 20" Brilliant Regular Medium Ride Cymbal
Stagg
DH-RM20B DH Series 20" Brilliant Regular Medium Ride Cymbal
Check Price

More stores

Amazon Go

Check Price at Amazon
Check Price at Walmart
Bottom Line

This versatile, brilliant ride cymbal is sturdy and well-made, from a respected manufacturer.

Pros

Stands out for its dual-hammered construction, which gives excellent projection and character. Though it's not too expensive for inexperienced players to splash out on, it sound good enough for advanced drummers to enjoy.

Cons

Its bright sound isn't for everyone or for every song.

Soultone Cymbals VNT-CRR23 23 in. Vintage Crash & Ride
Soultone Cymbals
VNT-CRR23 23 in. Vintage Crash & Ride
Check Price
Check Price at Other
Bottom Line

Since it acts as both a ride and a crash, this versatile cymbal helps keep your drum kit smaller.

Pros

Due to its thin and wide lathes and hand hammering, this cymbal gives you a vintage sound not often found in new rides. Produces a darker sound, ideal for those who don't want the bright sound many rides offer.

Cons

At the higher end of the price spectrum.

Zildjian ZBT 20" Ride Cymbal
Zildjian
ZBT 20" Ride Cymbal
Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

From the budget ZBT line, this ride gives you an intro to Zildjian cymbals without the high price tag.

Pros

We love how precise this ride is. Clean stick definition. The medium high-pitched tone suits most styles of playing. A great beginner cymbal that offers excellent value for money.

Cons

Not as durable as more expensive models.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
18
Hours
Researched
Category cover
The team that worked on this review
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More