A ride cymbal is a standard when it comes to all drumkits. Similar to a hi-hat cymbal, drummers utilize a ride cymbal for timekeeping. In addition, ride cymbals provide drummers with enough options and accentuations when maintaining rhythm.
Furthermore, jazz musicians oftentimes incorporate ride cymbals during rhythmic patterns, providing more “swing” to a song. On the other hand, rock musicians for steady patterns for cymbal variations.
In this light, a ride cymbal is a must-have cymbal that transcends the boundaries of musical genres. Therefore, I collected 10 of the best ride cymbals, allowing your drumkit to exceed its maximum potential.
What to Look for When Buying Ride Cymbals?— A Buyer’s Guide
One of the few common misconceptions is that a ride is similar to a crash cymbal. In addition, the former is identical to the latter physically. As a result, buyers might get confused when buying a ride cymbal. Therefore, I crafted this buyer’s guide, helping buyers find the perfect ride cymbal for them.
Cymbal Size
As stated, it is easy to interchange ride cymbals to crash cymbals. However, ride cymbals are larger and thicker than crash cymbals. Manufacturers usually design a ride cymbal with a larger size of 20”-22”. Conversely, crash cymbals oftentimes utilize a smaller sizing of around 14”-18”.
Hybrid Construction Style
A ride cymbal has many uses depending on its construction. Aside from standard ride cymbals, manufacturers produce hybrid construction styles. Consequently, providing drummers with a cymbal that has a 2-in-1 function.
Here are some of the Hybrid Construction styles you should look for:
- Crash/Ride- typically sized around 18-20”, these cymbals provide a huge crash and decent ride tones.
- Flat Ride- utilizes a bell-less design that produces a dry tone and clear stick definition.
- Swish and Pang- ride cymbals that produce a sound comparable with a China cymbal.
- Sizzle Ride- incorporates rivet or chain clusters that produce a rattling sound.
Sound Profile
Buyers, especially beginners, are left in the dark when it comes to the sound of ride cymbals. For example, some buyers may buy a crash cymbal with the hopes of lightly hitting it for a ride sound. The general rule of thumb when it comes to a ride cymbal is that it should deliver a long sustain. In addition, ride cymbals should also boast a sparkling sound that lasts longer than a crash.
4 of the Best Ride Cymbals for Beginners and Buyers on a Budget
Zildjian Planet Z 18″ Crash Ride Cymbal
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Budget-friendly Crash and Ride Cymbal
When you say the word “Zildjian”, the first thing that comes to mind is an expensive cymbal. However, with the Planet Z Series, enjoy a ride that offers the Zildjian quality within a budget-friendly price point.
The Zildjian Planet Z 18” Ride utilizes a nickel-silver alloy that produces a bright and focused sound. In addition, the Planet Z Ride offers incredible and cutting crash sound. Therefore, if you’re looking for a versatile crash/ride cymbal on a budget, you should check the Zildjian Planet Z!
Specification:
- 18” cymbal size
- Dual-purpose design
- Bright and focused sound
- Nickel-silver alloy
- Regular-sized bell
Pros:
- Boasts the cheapest price on this list.
- Delivers a bright, focused, and cutting tone.
- Provides a responsive and lively performance in every hit.
- Excellent for beginners and drummers who want a beater cymbal for practice.
Cons:
- It still doesn’t beat bronze ride cymbals in terms of sound.
Sabian SBR1811 SBR Series 18” Cymbal
Brand: Sabian
Type: Budget-friendly Crash and Ride Cymbal
The Sabian SBR Ride is an excellent brass cymbal that delivers a clear punch within a controlled dynamic range. In addition, similar to the SBR Sabian Hi-hat, this ride cymbal produces a tight sound with powerful accents.
Furthermore, Sabian crafted the SBR Ride using their signature large-peen hammering, increasing its sound complexity. Moreover, the combination of pinpoint lathing to its hammering style provides a fast decay. Thus, resulting in a satisfying overall tone considering how much you’re paying for the SBR.
Specification:
- 18” cymbal size
- Brass material
- Large-peen hammering
- Pinpoint lathing
- Bright-sounding bell
Pros:
- Perfect affordable ride cymbal within a soft soundstage.
- The construction of the SBR Ride delivers a tightly-focused sound.
- Offers a full-sounding ride and heavy crashes.
- Boasts a premium finish and look.
Cons:
- I strictly recommend this cymbal for practicing and not for live performances or recordings.
Meinl 20″ Ride Cymbal – HCS
Brand: Meinl
Type: Budget-friendly Ride Cymbal
The Meinl HCS Ride is the perfect cymbal for drummers who loves a traditional sound. Firstly, the HCS Ride utilizes MS63 Brass, providing the cymbal with a bright sound. In addition, this specific construction allows the HCS Ride to cut through the mix like butter!
Secondly, Meinl designed this ride to deliver a harmonic and warm sound perfect for rock, jazz, and pop music. Finally, the HCS Ride produces a bright tone that doesn’t lack in terms of clarity. Therefore, making it an excellent bang-for-the-buck for beginners, students, and instructors alike.
Specification:
- 20” cymbal size
- MS63 Brass material
- Traditional finish
- Medium bell size
- 100% sustainable manufacturing process
Pros:
- One of the most versatile ride cymbals in its price point.
- Delivers a bright sound perfect for jazz, pop, and rock.
- Suitable for beginners, students, and instructors.
- Doesn’t lose its sound quality in high-volume settings.
Cons:
- In my opinion, this is a decent-sounding cymbal; however, I don’t think it will do well in live performances.
Meinl Cymbals 18″ Big Bell Ride Cymbal
Brand: Meinl
Type: Budget-friendly Ride Cymbal
The Meinl 18” Big Bell is an affordable ride that cuts through loud guitars. In addition, the utilization of an oversized bell provides a punching tone that is loud and intense. The oversized bell also produces a chunky cowbell that easily cuts through the mix. Thus, making the cymbal excellent for heavy and aggressive-sounding music.
Moreover, Meinl utilized MS63 brass as the cymbal’s primary material. Consequently, allowing the HCS Ride Cymbal to withstand hard and intense hits. Therefore, if you’re looking for affordable cymbals for heavy music, then the HCS Big Bell is perfect for you!
Specification:
- 18” cymbal size
- Big bell construction
- MS63 Brass material
- Traditional cymbal finish
- Crisp and clean bright tone
Pros:
- Specifically designed for heavy music such as metal and rock.
- Packs an explosive projection in every hit.
- Easily cuts within a dense mix dominated by high-gain guitars.
- Boasts an easily-accessible brass bell.
Cons:
- Not suitable for players looking for a low-profile cymbal.
2 of the Best Mid-Tier Ride Cymbals
Zildjian ZBT 22″ Ride Cymbal
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Mid-level Ride Cymbal
The Zildjian ZBT Ride utilizes a B8 bronze material, allowing the ZBT line to produce a bright and strong sound. As a result, allowing the ZBT Series to cut through mixes easily. In addition, the ZBT’s precision lathing and traditional finish give it a shine like no other cymbal in the market.
Furthermore, the ZBT Ride boasts a consistent high pitch sound that goes well within performances. In conclusion, the Zildjian ZBT series is an extremely versatile ride cymbal that cuts within live performances. As a result, making them perfect for beginners and intermediate drummers looking for a bronze cymbal on a budget.
Specification:
- 22” cymbal size
- B8 Bronze material
- Bright and high-pitched sound
- Traditional finish
- Precision lathing
Pros:
- Delivers a consistent high-pitch sound that cuts through mixes easily.
- Excellent for various music genres such as, but not limited to, pop, jazz, and rock.
- Cheapest cast bronze cymbal on this list.
- Ideal for both students and intermediate drummers.
Cons:
- The ride’s size might be too big for drummers with a compact or portable drumkit.
Sabian B8X 20″ Ride Cymbal
Brand: Sabian
Type: Mid-level Ride Cymbal
The Sabian B8X 20” is a B8 bronze cymbal specifically designed for all hard-rocking drummers out there! Firstly, Sabian ensured that the B8X undergoes an extensive hammering process for the best projection possible. Thus, allowing it to cut through mixes riddled with loud basses and guitars.
Secondly, this hammering process provides the B8X Ride with a cutting, punchy, and aggressive tone. Lastly, the heavyweight construction of the Sabian B8X provides the cymbal with better sustain and projection.
Specification:
- 20” cymbal size
- B8 Bronze material
- Heavyweight construction
- Pinpoint lathing
- Bright and focused sound
Pros:
- Delivers a bright tone and crisp stick definition.
- Produces tonally tight sounds that easily punches through the mix.
- The cymbal’s heavyweight construction allows it to have an incredible projection.
- Suitable for both practice and live performances.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the Zildjian ZBT Ride Cymbal.
4 Incredible High-end Ride Cymbals for Recording and Live Performance
Paiste 18 Inches 2002 Giga Bell Ride Cymbal
Brand: Paiste
Type: High-end Ride Cymbal for Heavy Music
Designed by Aquiles Priester, the 2002 Giga Bell Ride delivers a dry and articulate tone perfect for heavy metal. In addition, this ride cymbal produces a throaty bell tone, providing drummers with flavorful options when maintaining rhythm.
Furthermore, the Paiste 2002 Giga Bell Ride utilizes the CuSn20 Bronze— a high-end bronze material. As a result, users benefit from a cymbal that offers a bright and full sound that comes within an explosive projection. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best metal ride cymbal, then the Paiste 2002 Giga Bell Ride won’t disappoint.
Specification:
- 18” cymbal size
- Ink-black finish
- Proprietary signature alloy material (CuSn20 Bronze)
- Long sustain
- Medium-heavy cymbal weight
Pros:
- Perfect for heavy metal drummers.
- Delivers a bright and full tone with a glassy stick sound.
- Offers an explosive projection perfect for live performances.
- Considering that it’s utilizing the CuSn20 bronze, this cymbal is a steal for its price point.
Cons:
- Although it’s an excellent ride cymbal, it’s not versatile enough for other genres.
Zildjian 20″ K Custom Dark Ride
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Versatile High-end Ride Cymbal
One of the things I look for when buying a cymbal is its versatility. Thus, I was in awe when I found out about the K Custom Dark Ride. Firstly, this ride cymbal utilizes cast B20 bronze, providing users with an extremely capable performance for all genres.
Secondly, the Zildjian K Custom Dark Ride provides users with a dark and warm sound ideal for modern world music. Lastly, the utilization of complex23 hammering and lathing delivers a dry and full-bodied stick sound with dark undertones.
Specification:
- Cast B20 Bronze
- 20” cymbal size
- Medium thin weight
- Traditional finish
- Classic sound
Pros:
- Ideal for professionals looking for a classic-sounding ride.
- Delivers a powerfully dark sound with warm undertones.
- Features premium-quality feel and performance.
- Also comes with trashy crash qualities.
Cons:
- It produces an excellent dark sound; however, I don’t recommend this for heavy metal drummers.
Meinl Cymbals Byzance 20″ Dual Crash-Ride
Brand: Meinl
Type: High-end Crash and Ride Cymbal
Meinl constructed the Byzance 20” Ride with a hand-hammered B20 bronze alloy. As a result, the 20” Byzance Crash-Ride provides users with a clear definition without any signs of wash. On the other hand, this ride also delivers a dark and trashy crash with a swollen response.
Moreover, Meinl designed this ride with dual playing zones. The unlathed ride surface produces a raw sound and its crash surface offers a brilliant sound. Finally, this ride features a smooth feel paired with an earthy definition, making it excellent for any music style.
Specification:
- 20” cymbal size
- Thin cymbal profile
- B20 Bronze Material
- Silky feel with an earthy definition
- Dual playing surface
Pros:
- Allows drummers to pick between articulate ride tones and dark trashy crashes.
- Rewards users with an unparalleled crash and ride performance for its price.
- Excellent for both performances and live recording.
- The cymbal’s effortless sound makes it versatile within all musical genres.
Cons:
- Not suitable for hard-hitters due to the cymbal’s thin construction.
Zildjian 24″ K Light Ride
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Large Profile High-end Ride Cymbal
The Zildjian 24” K Light Ride is the ultimate ride cymbal for jazz drummers! Firstly, the K Light Ride produces a dry and shimmering sound perfect for jazz music. Consequently, allowing itself to be picked up by legendary drummers such as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones.
Secondly, Zildjian designed the K Light Ride with an excellent thin profile. Thus, providing it with enough projection to cut within a trio band. However, the K Light Ride’s performance isn’t confined to jazz as it can handle rock rides too! Lastly, this ride features the K Zildjian lathing combined with K hammering marks, resulting in an unparalleled sound and performance.
Specification:
- 24” cymbal size
- B20 Bronze material
- Smooth K Zildjian Lathing
- K style hammer marks
- Thin cymbal profile
Pros:
- Excellent for jazz and rock music thanks to its cutting projection.
- Delivers an all-around performance for multiple genres.
- Features an articulate sound perfect for recordings.
- Despite its ride construction, this cymbal is 100% crashable.
Cons:
- The most expensive ride cymbal on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ride Cymbals
What is a ride cymbal?
A ride is a standard cymbal within a drumkit. Firstly, it allows drummers to “ride the rhythm”, helping them maintain a song’s bpm along the way. Secondly, it also delivers a slight crash which can pass as a crash cymbal. Thus, making ride cymbals excellent tools in providing a beat some color.
What is the difference between a ride and crash cymbal?
Ride cymbals oftentimes feature a large 20”-22” size in comparison with the smaller 14”-18” of crash cymbals. In terms of tone, the former produces a sharp and short sound which helps users maintain a song’s rhythm.
On the other hand, a crash cymbal produces a short crash perfect for accentuating the end of a bar. Sometimes, drummers also utilize crash cymbals to provide more dynamics to a beat.
What are the best sounding ride cymbals?
Here are 10 of the best ride cymbals sorted from cheapest to the most expensive:
- Zildjian Planet Z 18” Ride
- Sabian SBR Series 18” Crash/Ride
- Meinl 20” HCS Brass Ride
- Big Bell HCS 18” Ride
- Zildjian ZBT 22” Ride
- Sabian B8X 20” Ride
- Zildjian 20” K Custom Dark Ride
- Meinl Cymbals Byzance 20” Crash/Ride
- Zildjian 24” K Light Ride
Why is it called a ride cymbal?
As stated, drummers utilize ride cymbals as a tool to maintain a song’s rhythm and bpm. Consequently, drummers coined the name “ride cymbal” since they use it to “ride” a rhythm pattern to maintain its speed.
Do you need a ride cymbal?
A kit would still function the same even without a ride cymbal. However, this may affect your overall sound since a ride cymbal is a crucial part in terms of maintaining rhythm. In this light, we recommend drummers utilize at least one ride cymbal within their drumkit.