Best 21" Ride Cymbals Under $300 2025

Affordable 21" 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 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

Zultan 21" Caz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 21" Caz Ride

by Zultan

Progressive Rock Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Caz RideRide CymbalB20 bronzeHand hammeredFull-sounding bellRide cymbal with a unique blend of broad...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278669

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Ride Dark Matter - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Ride Dark Matter

by Zultan

Rock Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Ride Dark MatterRide CymbalSize: 21"Dark Matter Line100% Hand hammeredDarkwarm-sounding sound...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 528387

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Caz Ride Sizzle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 21" Caz Ride Sizzle

by Zultan

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Caz Ride SizzleSizzle Ride CymbalSize: 21"Material: B20 BronzeHand hammeredFull sounding bellRide...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 278670

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Raw Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Raw Jazz Ride

by Zultan

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Raw Jazz RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Raw SeriesMade of B20 bronzeDarkwarm and full sound100%...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 383417

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork 21" Resonant Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Masterwork 21" Resonant Ride

by Masterwork

Rock Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Requires developed technique to control

Masterwork 21" Resonant Ride, 21" RideThe Resonant Series cymbals are hand-polished, lending them their high...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 111710

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Q Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 21" Q Ride

by Zultan

Expressive Playing Rock Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Q RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Q SeriesGreat bell soundMore powerfuldefined and loud stick attack with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 415086

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Raw Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Raw Ride

by Zultan

Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Raw RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Raw SeriesMade of B20 bronzeDarkwarm and full sound100%...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 383185

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork 21" Troy Traditional Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Masterwork 21" Troy Traditional Ride

by Masterwork

Studio Recording Jazz Fusion Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Masterwork 21" Troy Traditional RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Material: B25 BronzeFinish:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 611376

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Dune Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 21" Dune Ride

by Zultan

Medium-Heavy Playing Rock Jazz Fusion

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

Zultan 21" Dune RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Dune seriesHand hammeredPremium ride cymbal from traditional Turkish...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 450111

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" F5 Metal Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 21" F5 Metal Ride

by Zultan

Jazz Fusion Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Zultan 21" F5 Metal RideRide cymbalSize: 21"F5 Series100% handmadeMade of B-20 bronzeHeavy ride cymbal with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 475513

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Z-Series Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 21" Z-Series Ride

by Zultan

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Z-Series RideRide CymbalB20 bronzeHand hammeredDarkearthy sound with an extremely wide tonal...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278625

$274

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 Under $300 2025

Zultan 21" Caz Ride

Zultan 21" Ride Dark Matter

Zultan 21" Caz Ride Sizzle

Zultan 21" Raw Jazz Ride

Masterwork 21" Resonant Ride

Zultan 21" Q Ride

Zultan 21" Raw Ride

Masterwork 21" Troy Traditional Ride

Zultan 21" Dune Ride

Zultan 21" F5 Metal Ride

Zultan 21" Z-Series 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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