AudioFu

Best 18" Ride Cymbals Under $300 2025

Affordable 18" ride cymbals under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Fusion For Light Rock For Studio Recording For Controlled Dynamics For Intimate Settings
BRANDS: Istanbul Mehmet
Zultan 18" Raw Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zultan 18" Raw Jazz Ride

by Zultan
Fusion Intimate Settings Light Rock
Key Feature:
• Easy to control dynamics
✓ PROS
  • • Great stick definition and clarity
  • • Perfect for smaller venues and recording
✗ CONS
  • • Shorter sustain than standard rides
  • • Limited volume for large venues

Zultan 18" Raw Jazz RideZultan 18" Raw Jazz RideRaw SeriesDarkwarm and full-bodied sound100% Hand-hammered...

⭐ 4.7/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 398422
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Mellow Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Zultan 18" Mellow Ride

by Zultan
Jazz Studio Recording Controlled Dynamics
Key Feature:
• Easy to control dynamics
✓ PROS
  • • Great stick definition and clarity
  • • Good for intricate ride patterns
✗ CONS
  • • May lack fullness of larger rides
  • • May get lost in heavy musical contexts

Zultan 18" Mellow RideRide CymbalSize: 18"100% authentic feel and realsitc rebound feelingMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 561631
$296
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" F5 Mega Bell Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zultan 18" F5 Mega Bell Ride

by Zultan
Studio Recording Jazz Light Rock
Key Feature:
• Easy to control dynamics
✓ PROS
  • • Great stick definition and clarity
  • • Perfect for smaller venues and recording
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May get lost in heavy musical contexts

Zultan 18" F5 Mega Bell RideRide CymbalSize: 18"F5 Series: stands for extremely clearly definedcompact stock...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 571370
$218
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 18" Extreme Metal Big Bell Ri. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Meinl 18" Extreme Metal Big Bell Ri.

by Meinl
Light Rock Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Easy to control dynamics
✓ PROS
  • • Great stick definition and clarity
  • • Easy to control dynamics
✗ CONS
  • • Shorter sustain than standard rides
  • • Less bell presence than bigger sizes

Meinl 18" Extreme Metal Big Bell Ri.Big Bell Ride CymbalSize: 18"Classics Custom Extreme Metal...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 428641
$230
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sabian 18" B8X Crash Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sabian 18" B8X Crash Ride

by Sabian
Jazz Light Rock Fusion
Key Feature:
• Great stick definition and clarity
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for smaller venues and recording
  • • Good for intricate ride patterns
✗ CONS
  • • Shorter sustain than standard rides
  • • May lack fullness of larger rides

Sabian 18" B8X Crash RideCrash/Ride CymbalSize: 18"Thickness: MediumB8X SeriesAlloy: B8 bronzeNatural...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 363278
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 18" Class Cust. Big Bell Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Meinl 18" Class Cust. Big Bell Ride

by Meinl
Light Rock Fusion Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Perfect for smaller venues and recording
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for smaller venues and recording
  • • Great stick definition and clarity
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May get lost in heavy musical contexts

Meinl 18" Class Cust. Big Bell RideRide CymbalSize: 18"Classics Custom Dark SeriesThickness: HeavyFinish:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 510232
$230
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 18" Ride Cymbals

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 18" ride cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

TOP

Best Drum Shell Sets

RELATED

Best Acoustic Drumkits

TOP

Best 14" Wooden Snare Drums

TOP

Best 18" Crash Cymbals

POPULAR

Best 16" Crash Cymbals

RELATED

Best Cymbal Sets

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more