AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Ride Cymbals for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Meinl 20" HCS Ride ($117). Millenium 20" Still Series Ride Blue gives you the most for the money at $66. Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 141 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size20"
This Meinl 20" HCS ride comes from the HCS beginner series, so it is a good choice if you want solid value for your money. It has a defined stick attack and a clear bell sound, which helps when you play steady ride patterns. It suits you if you are starting out on drums and want a dependable ride without spending a lot.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's HCS beginner series, built to balance quality with a good price
- MS63 Mixture cymbal material gives this ride its character
- Defined stick attack helps your rhythm playing stand out
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash / Ride
20" HCS Crash-Ride · Meinl
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl HCS Crash-Ride is a solid choice for beginner drummers or those needing a versatile, budget-friendly cymbal. It's surprisingly capable for both crashes and rides, though don't expect the depth of a high-end ride – it’s a great workhorse for practice and casual gigs.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering crash response with a surprisingly usable ride tone
- MS63 brass offers a warmer sound than higher bronze alloys
- The HCS series provides excellent durability for frequent use
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end cymbals
- The wash is somewhat thin and less defined than premium rides
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Paiste 101 Ride is a great entry-level ride, offering a good balance of warmth and clarity. It's ideal for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone needing a reliable, all-purpose ride without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for a wide range of musical styles.
Pros
- Bright stick attack offers immediate, clear definition.
- Balanced wash provides a warm, musical sustain.
- Solid brass construction ensures durability and longevity.
Cons
- The 101 series is relatively thin, lacking some projection.
- The bell isn't particularly powerful or cutting.
-
- Size20"
This Millenium Still Series Ride is a solid budget-friendly option for drummers needing serious volume control. It won't replace your main ride, but it's fantastic for quiet practice, low-volume gigs, or rehearsals where you don’t want to annoy the neighbors. If you're a student or just need a practice cymbal, this is a surprisingly capable choice.
Pros
- Nickel construction provides a darker, more muted tone than bronze alternatives.
- The blue finish, while cosmetic, offers a distinctive aesthetic appeal.
- Significant volume reduction makes it ideal for quiet practice and rehearsals.
Cons
- Nickel alloy lacks the complex overtones of traditional bronze rides.
- The 'still' design limits dynamic range and expressive possibilities.
-
- Size20"
The Paiste PST3 20' ride is a great entry-level option for drummers needing a reliable, clear sound. It's a solid all-rounder, perfect for gigging musicians or students wanting a workhorse ride without the premium price tag—just don't expect it to replace a boutique cymbal.
Pros
- Bright, clear fundamental tone with a defined stick attack
- Offers a surprisingly controllable wash for its price point
- Solid brass construction provides good durability and resonance
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and shimmering overtones of higher-end rides
- The 'sizzling ping' can be a little harsh for some tastes
-
- Size20"
This Millenium Still Series Ride is a solid budget-friendly option if you're primarily focused on quiet practice or unplugged gigs. The nickel construction delivers a noticeably darker, more controlled sound, and it's surprisingly lightweight for easy transport. It’s not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s a high-end bronze ride, but it gets the job done for low-volume needs.
Pros
- Nickel construction provides a darker, more muted tone than bronze.
- Regular finish reduces unwanted brightness, ideal for quiet practice.
- Still Series design effectively dampens sound for low-volume playing.
Cons
- Nickel cymbals lack the sustain and complexity of bronze alternatives.
- Regular finish can appear visually unremarkable compared to brighter finishes.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 12.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$88 · Aug 17$77 now$77€69 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Sabian SBR 20 ride is a solid, dependable option for drummers needing a bright, articulate ride without the premium price tag. It's great for rock, pop, and funk where you need a clear stick definition and a usable bell. A good starting point or reliable workhorse for gigging musicians.
Pros
- Bright, clean stick articulation allows for precise patterns.
- Solid brass construction offers durability and a warm core tone.
- Versatile bell provides accents and a wider range of sounds.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end, more expensive rides.
- The 'natural' finish can be prone to tarnishing requiring regular cleaning.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride
20" HCS Dark Ride · Meinl
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
If you are just starting out with drums, this 20-inch ride is a good pick. It is part of Meinl's Beginner series, so it is made to offer good value. You get a powerful ping from the bell and a controlled wash, which helps you keep a steady beat.
Pros
- Made from Meinl's MS63 blend, a bronze alloy that shapes the sound.
- The dark finish gives the cymbal a distinctive look.
- It delivers a powerful ping with a clear bell.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 24Oct 24$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 20" Light Ride · Paiste
12 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a traditional 20-inch light ride made from CuSn8 bronze and built in Switzerland. Its bell sound stays unobtrusive, so it fits well in purely acoustic music. It can also work as a crash/ride, which makes it a good pick if you want one cymbal that does a few jobs.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Traditional sound and look
- Easy to use for purely acoustic styles
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" S Series Medium Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20-inch ride cymbal from Zildjian's S Series, made from B12 Bronze alloy with a brilliant finish. It has a bright, open sound and is turned on both sides, so it may suit you if you want an open-sounding ride cymbal.
Pros
- Made from B12 Bronze alloy, which is 88% copper and 12% tin
- Brilliant finish gives the cymbal a shiny look
- Turned on both sides for a worked cymbal surface
All 141 20" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Paiste 20" PST 8 Reflector Medium Ride Cymbal20" PST8 Reflector Rock Ride · Paiste · 2 finishes69Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 12
Paiste PST5 20" Rock Ride '14Paiste · 2 finishes60Stable$173€155$173€155Check ↗
- 13
Millenium 20" B20 RideMillenium49Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Ride Cymbal20" 900 Series Ride · Paiste70Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 20" HCS Practice Ride Cymbal20" Practice HCS Ride · Meinl60Stable$207€185$207€185Check ↗
- 16
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Pow. Ride · Meinl72Stable$260€233$260€233Check ↗
- 17
Zultan 20" Aja Blaze RideZultan53Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 18
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Ride Cymbal20" 900 Series Heavy Ride · Paiste63Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 20" L80 Low Volume Ride Cymbal20" Low Volume Ride · Zildjian66Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 20
Zultan 20" Aja RideZultan51↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 21
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Ride Cymbal20" 900 Color Heavy Ride BK · Paiste63Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 22
Zildjian 20" I Family Ride MediumZildjian52Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 23
Masterwork 20" Custom Rock RideMasterwork52↓ 6.7%$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 24
Evans 20" dB One RideEvans46Stable$195€175$195€175Check ↗
- 25
Zultan 20" Alaris RideZultan57↓ 8.0%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 26
Masterwork 20" Troy Traditional RideMasterwork49Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 27
Paiste 20"900ColorSound HeavyRide PRPPaiste54Stable$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 28
Zultan 20" Raw Jazz RideZultan53Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 29
Zultan 20" Raw RideZultan53Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 30
Zultan 20" Raw Flat RideZultan53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 31
Zultan 20" Rock Beat Heavy RideZultan53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 32
Zultan 20" F5 RideZultan53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 33
Zultan 20" Rock Beat Medium RideZultan53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 34
Zultan 20" Ride Dark MatterZultan49↑ 10.1%$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 35
Masterwork 20" Custom RideMasterwork49Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 36
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal20" K-Custom Medium Ride · Zildjian82↓ 4.2%$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 37
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal20" A-Series Medium Ride · Zildjian80Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 38
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal20" K-Series Ride · Zildjian80Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 39
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal20" K-Custom Custom Ride · Zildjian80Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 40
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal20" A-Custom Ride · Zildjian77↑ 7.2%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 41
Paiste 20" Signature Full Ride Cymbal20" Signature Full Ride · Paiste74Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 42
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark RideMeinl72Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 43
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Med. Ride · Meinl72Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 44
Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal20" K-Custom Dark Ride · Zildjian72Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 45
Sabian 20" HHX Evolution Ride Cymbal20" HHX Evolution Ride · Sabian72Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 46
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash/RideMeinl72Stable$597€535$597€535Check ↗
- 47
Sabian 20" XSR Ride Cymbal20" FRX Ride · Sabian72Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 48
Sabian 20" B8X Medium Ride Cymbal20" B8X Ride · Sabian71Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 49
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride · Istanbul Agop71Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 50
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary RideIstanbul Agop71Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 147 models we track, not a sample.
Median $423 — half of all 20" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 147 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" ride cymbals
Wash
A beginner needs a ride that can create a full, supportive wash - it's what makes the groove feel good and fills out the sonic space. Too much wash and it'll get muddy; too little and it'll sound thin and brittle.
Stick Definition/Articulation
You need to be able to hear what you're playing! Good stick definition means the bell and bow respond clearly without getting lost in the wash. This is vital for learning different patterns and dynamics.
Playability/Action
A ride that's stiff and resistant to movement is a nightmare for a beginner. Look for something that responds easily to lighter touches and allows for a smooth, flowing action. You want to feel the cymbal, not fight it.
Overall Tone
A balanced tone is key. Too much bright, ice-picky high-end can be fatiguing and harsh. Look for a ride with a warm core and a controllable high-end - something that can cut through a band without being painful.
Durability
Let's be honest, you're probably not being super careful. A ride that's prone to cracking or denting after a few gigs isn't worth the money. Solid construction and a reasonable alloy are important for longevity.
Buying guide
So, you're starting out on the drums? Awesome! A good ride cymbal is more than just a 'ting' - it's the pulse, the wash, the feel of a groove. A 20" ride is a sweet spot for beginners, offering enough size for a decent wash without being unwieldy. Let's look at some solid options that won't leave you frustrated and will actually inspire you to practice.
Don't chase the 'big name' hype right away. Entry-level cymbals from reputable brands often offer the best value. Be wary of super-cheap, unbranded rides - they often cut corners on alloy and hammering, resulting in a lifeless, brittle sound.
A slightly more expensive, well-made ride will feel better, sound better, and last longer, ultimately saving you money in the long run. Listen for a good balance - you want something that responds, doesn't sound like a trashcan lid, and can handle a decent stick attack.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 147 20" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is a common alloy for entry-level cymbals - it's more affordable but generally has a darker, less complex sound. B20 bronze is the standard for higher-end cymbals, offering more overtones and a brighter, more shimmering tone, but it comes at a higher price.
Should I get a heavier or lighter ride?
As a beginner, a medium weight is generally best. It offers a good balance of responsiveness and sustain without being too heavy to control. Lighter rides can feel flimsy, while heavier rides require more force to get a good sound.
What about different bell types?
The bell is the 'ping' you hear when you hit the center. A smaller bell will give a more focused, defined ping, while a larger bell will create a more voluminous, resonant sound. For beginners, a medium-sized bell is a safe bet.
I play in a loud rock band - will a 20" ride be loud enough?
A 20" ride can cut through a rock band, but you might need to adjust your technique and possibly consider a slightly heavier weight or a ride with a more defined bell. It's a trade-off - you'll likely need to be more precise with your playing.
Are used cymbals a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find great deals on used cymbals, but inspect them carefully for cracks or excessive keyholing. A little bit of wear and tear is fine, but avoid anything that looks structurally compromised.
