Best 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

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

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's RideRide cymbalSize: 21"Dark stick definitionVery reminiscent of the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 326295

$501

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR

by Meinl

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FRFlat RideSize: 21"Byzance Foundry Reserve SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581833

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride

by Meinl

Rock Jazz Fusion Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Signature Ride Mike JohnstonExtra dry...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 329761

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Rock Medium-Heavy Playing Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 311459

$457

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 21" HHX Evolution Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian 21" HHX Evolution Ride

by Sabian

Expressive Playing Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Heavier physical weight

Sabian 21" HHX Evolution RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Brilliant finishClearclean stick articulation combined with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 410885

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection RideRide CymbalSize: 21"K SeriesDual traditional brilliant finishWeight:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 613515

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK1

by Paiste

Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK1Ride CymbalSignature Line Series21" Dark Energy Ride Mark IFusion of...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 169455

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic Ride

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic RideRide cymbalK Custom SeriesSize: 21"Dry yet open and articulate toneRide...

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 360870

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 21" HH Vintage Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 21" HH Vintage Ride

by Sabian

Jazz Fusion Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overplayed
• Requires developed technique to control

Sabian 21" HH Vintage RideRide CymbalSize: 21"HH Vintage seriesHand-hammeredMaterial: B20 bronzeThe size of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618847

$735

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 Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium Ride

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Ride

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride

Sabian 21" HHX Evolution Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK1

Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic Ride

Sabian 21" HH Vintage 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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