Best 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 21" ride cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Progressive For Jazz Fusion For Medium-Heavy Playing For Studio Recording For Expressive Playing

BRANDS: Zultan Meinl Zildjian Sabian Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Studio Recording Rock Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overplayed
• May be overpowering in small venues

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature RideRide cymbalMel Lewis Signature ModelGood stick definitionClassic warm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 313982

$545

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Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Rock Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride, 21" Ride Cymbal with Rivets, Natural finish, Especially...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 311708

$457

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dark ION Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dark ION Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dark ION RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Xist Dark ION SeriesMaterial: B20 bronzeProduces a...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 432125

$373

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Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Requires developed technique to control

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Traditional Medium SeriesWide scope of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558936

$483

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Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Rock Progressive Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride, 21" Ride Cymbal, LD-R21, Natural finish, Specially designed for jazz,...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311442

$457

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Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride

by Meinl

Studio Recording Expressive Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• May be overpowering in small venues

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark RideDark Ride CymbalSize: 21"Byzance SeriesDark (natural) designDark and earthy with a...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 221813

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride

by Sabian

Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Sabian 21" AAX Medium RideRide CymbalSize: 21"AAX SeriesStrength: MediumBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 465195

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Dark Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Dark Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Jazz Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Dark Ride, Ride Cymbal, Size: 21", Traditional Dark Series, Warm stick attack...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 523102

$501

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Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride

by Sabian

Rock Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• More expensive than standard sizes

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy RideRide cymbalSize: 21"HHX seriesDave Weckl SignatureLegacy ride cymbal with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 193439

$659

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Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride

by Paiste

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• More expensive than standard sizes

Paiste 21" Medium MastersMedium Ride CymbalSize: 21"Twenty Masters Collection SeriesSatisfyingopenrich in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 319740

$637

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Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride

by Meinl

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• May be overpowering in small venues

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride21" Serpents RideBrilliant finishThe perfect blend of sound diversity and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 223471

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" K-Custom Hybrid Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 21" K-Custom Hybrid Ride

by Zildjian

Expressive Playing Studio Recording Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K-Custom Hybrid Ride21" Hybrid Ride CymbalRegular outsideBrillant insideManufactured according...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 253789

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Jazz Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry RideRide CymbalSize: 21"K Custom Special Dry SeriesNatural finishDarkearthy...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 407258

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride

by Ufip

Studio Recording Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• More expensive than standard sizes

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Blast Extra Dry SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeDouble...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 485836

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Requires developed technique to control

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Custom Series Special Edition JazzTraditional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 480233

$546

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 21" 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 21" 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.

Best 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dark ION Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Dark Ride

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride

Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Custom Hybrid Ride

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

How to Choose the Best 21" Ride Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 21" ride cymbals?

How much should I spend on 21" ride cymbals?

Are expensive 21" ride cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 21" ride cymbals?

Should I buy 21" ride cymbals online or in-store?

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