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The Best Ride Cymbals

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the ideal ride cymbal is crucial for any drummer seeking to refine their sound. The right ride cymbal can provide a rich, sustained wash, a clear ping, or a complex blend of both, significantly impacting your overall musical expression. Understanding the key characteristics will help you find the perfect match for your drumming style and musical genre.

No. 1
Meinl 20" Ride Cymbal - HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set, Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (HCS20R)
  • 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
  • 20" RIDE: strong "ping" sound with a clear bell for distinct accents—the underlying wash (sustained shimmer) adds depth without overpowering the cymbal
  • MADE IN GERMANY: German brass delivers a bright, clean sound without harsh ringing
  • WHY CHOOSE HCS: built by the same team behind Meinl's professional cymbals, so you get reliable quality from the same craftsmanship trusted by professionals worldwide
  • ZOOM IN: precision lathe grooves and hammer marks create a polished look and help shape a more musical sound
  • ROOM TO EXPAND: from hihats, crashes, and rides to effects cymbals and stacks in multiple sizes, Meinl HCS lets you build a setup that grows with your skills and style
  • BOTTOM LINE: German-made entry-level cymbals with musical sound, lasting durability, premium feel, and all-style versatility
No. 2
SABIAN 20" SBR Ride Cymbal
  • A versatile model for beginners
  • Smartly priced, SBr Brass is in a class of its own
  • SBr makes your first step into cymbals an easy one
  • Protected by SABIAN One-Year Warranty
No. 3
Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Ride Cymbal (ZP20R)
  • Redesigned for 2020 the NEW Planet Z range of cymbals are a great introduction for beginners and intermediate players to the Zildjian world of cymbals
  • Proudly made in the USA crafted from Brass the NEW Planet Z cymabls offer bright cutting tones with more control and a focussed sound
  • The Planet Z range offers a superior sound qualiy at an entry level price
  • The ZP20R 20 Inch Ride cymbal is a bright cutting ride cymbal capable of really cutting through the mix
  • The cymbal's heavy weight delivers great stick definition and a focused sound
No. 4
ULUOBO Ride Cymbal, 20 inches Ride Cymbal (Gold)
  • 🎶Designed for Beginners — New type 20 inch practice cymbal is designed for beginner and student, unique to this price range, you are definitely worth to try!
  • 🎶Great Quality — Cymbal is well built, musicians using a durable stainless steel alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks.
  • 🎶Thicken Durability — The stainless steel material is thickened to ensure durability, making it less likely to break.
  • 🎶Can Be Used for — East cymbals are made for new players who are learning their way around the drum set, you can find these to be an outstanding affordable solution to outfit their lesson sets with in a classroom.
  • 🎶Pack Includes — This cymbal pack includes a 20" ride cymbal.
No. 5
Meinl Cymbals Big Bell Ride Cymbal for Drums, 18" HCS — MADE IN GERMANY
  • 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
  • 18" BIG BELL RIDE: oversized bell delivers loud, deep, in-your-face sounds for rock and metal—perfect for heavy hitters and blast beats
  • MADE IN GERMANY: German brass delivers a bright, clean sound without harsh ringing
  • WHY CHOOSE HCS: built by the same team behind Meinl's professional cymbals, so you get reliable quality from the same craftsmanship trusted by professionals worldwide
  • ZOOM IN: precision lathe grooves and hammer marks create a polished look and help shape a more musical sound
  • ROOM TO EXPAND: from hihats, crashes, and rides to effects cymbals and stacks in multiple sizes, Meinl HCS lets you build a setup that grows with your skills and style
  • BOTTOM LINE: German-made entry-level cymbals with musical sound, lasting durability, premium feel, and all-style versatility
No. 6
Meinl Cymbals Ride Cymbal for Drums, 22" HCS — MADE IN GERMANY
  • 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
  • 22" RIDE: strong "ping" sound with a clear bell for distinct accents—the underlying wash (sustained shimmer) adds depth without overpowering the cymbal
  • MADE IN GERMANY: German brass delivers a bright, clean sound without harsh ringing
  • WHY CHOOSE HCS: built by the same team behind Meinl's professional cymbals, so you get reliable quality from the same craftsmanship trusted by professionals worldwide
  • ZOOM IN: precision lathe grooves and hammer marks create a polished look and help shape a more musical sound
  • ROOM TO EXPAND: from hihats, crashes, and rides to effects cymbals and stacks in multiple sizes, Meinl HCS lets you build a setup that grows with your skills and style
  • BOTTOM LINE: German-made entry-level cymbals with musical sound, lasting durability, premium feel, and all-style versatility
No. 7
SOUNDACTURE 20" Ride Cymbal for Drum Set – Traditional Ride Cymbals with Clear Bell and Ping. Durable Drum...
  • INSTANTLY UPGRADE YOUR DRUM SOUND-This 20 inch ride cymbal delivers a bright, clean ping that cuts through the mix. Unlike flimsy stock cymbals, this brass beauty offers clear stick definition and a warm wash that elevates your entire drum set.
  • BUILT TO ENDURE HEAVY HITTING-Crafted for extreme durability, this ride cymbal is heavy built to withstand hours of intense practice. You will not worry about cracks or edge bends, making it a reliable cymbal for your daily drum sessions.
  • VERSATILE TONE FOR ANY GENRE-Whether playing soft jazz or hard rock, this cymbal adapts perfectly. The articulate bell provides rhythmic clarity while the balanced sustain complements other cymbals in your drum set, ensuring you sound professional.
  • PROFESSIONAL SOUND ON A BUDGET-Experience high-end audio without the high price tag. This ride rivals cymbals costing five times as much, offering rich resonance and a professional look that makes it the smartest investment for your drum kit.
  • STUNNING VISUALS AND FEEL-The traditional brass finish shines under stage lights, adding a premium look to your setup. The response feels great under the stick, motivating you to play longer and master your rhythm on this essential drum set upgrade.
No. 8
Zildjian ILH20R 20" I Ride Cymbal
  • Taking its name from Ilham – the Turkish word for inspiration
  • Crafted from B8 alloy
  • thinner weights that deliver washier and more emotive sounds
  • Country of origin is United States
No. 9
ULUOBO 22 inch Ride Cymbal (Gold)
  • 🎶Designed for Beginners — New type 22 inch pracitce cymbal is designed for beginner and student, unique to this price range, you are definitely worth to try!
  • 🎶Great Quality — Cymbal is well built, musicians using a durable stainless steel alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks.
  • 🎶Thicken Durability — The stainless steel material is thickened to ensure durability, making it less likely to break.
  • 🎶Can Be Used for — East cymbals are made for new players who are learning their way around the drum set, you can find these to be an outstanding affordable solution to outfit their lesson sets with in a classroom.
  • 🎶Pack Includes — This cymbal pack includes a 22" cymbal.
No. 10
Zildjian 22" S Medium Ride
  • Excellent all-purpose ride
  • Suitable for many styles of music
  • Exceptionally clean stick response
  • Defined bell
  • Choose 20" for blend or 22" - 24" for explosive power and more stick

Last update on 2026-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Ride Cymbals

Playing Technique and Sound

Your playing style will influence the sound you get from a ride cymbal. Playing on the shoulder of the cymbal produces a louder, more cutting sound (the ping), while playing on the bow creates a broader, sustained wash. Some rides also feature a bell, which provides a distinct, loud, and dry accent. If you primarily use the bell for accents, look for a ride with a well-defined and prominent bell. For drummers who favor a shimmering wash, a thinner cymbal with a larger bow might be ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a jazz ride and a rock ride?
A jazz ride is typically thinner and darker, providing a complex, shimmering wash with subtle stick definition. A rock ride is heavier and louder, designed to cut through a band's mix with a clear, pronounced ping.
How does cymbal size affect its sound?
Larger ride cymbals (20-24 inches) generally produce a fuller, more sustained wash with a deeper tone. Smaller ride cymbals (18-20 inches) tend to have a more focused sound with a quicker decay.
What is the significance of the bell on a ride cymbal?
The bell is the raised dome in the center of the cymbal. It produces a loud, clear, and often dry accent sound that is useful for rhythmic patterns and cutting through loud music.
Is B20 bronze better than B8 bronze?
Neither alloy is inherently 'better'; they offer different tonal characteristics. B20 is known for its complex warmth and is often found in professional cymbals, while B8 provides a brighter, more focused sound and is typically more affordable.
How does cymbal weight impact performance?
Thin cymbals are more responsive and wash-heavy, ideal for intricate playing and lighter genres. Medium cymbals offer a balance of ping and wash, suitable for versatility. Heavy cymbals provide a loud, cutting ping with minimal wash, perfect for louder musical styles.