Best 21" Ride Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 21" ride cymbals under $500 - 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

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" 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" A-Series Sweet Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride

by Zildjian

Jazz Fusion Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• May be overpowering in small venues

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet RideSweet ride cymbalSize: 21"Regular finishBeautifully round sounding ride...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 141228

$435

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

Ufip 21" Bionic Series Heavy Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ufip 21" Bionic Series Heavy Ride

by Ufip

Jazz Fusion Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ufip 21" Bionic Series Heavy RideHeavy RideSize: 21"Material: B20 BronzeBright and warm with great...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 424292

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Heritage Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Heritage Ride

by Zultan

Rock Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Zultan 21" Heritage RideRide CymbalHeritage SeriesSize: 21"A 100% handmade cymbalmanufactured according to an...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 422415

$366

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

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

by Paiste

Studio Recording Rock Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalCymbalSize: 21"2002 Black Big Beat SeriesCan be used as a crash or...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 382016

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride Brill. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride Brill.

by Zildjian

Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive Studio Recording

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
• More expensive than standard sizes

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride Brill.Sweet ride cymbalSize: 21"Brilliant finishBeautifully round sounding...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 231671

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Aeon Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Aeon Ride

by Zultan

Rock Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Zultan 21" Aeon RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Material: B25 bronze alloy (75% copper25%...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540952

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 21" Aeon Light Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 21" Aeon Light Ride

by Zultan

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Requires developed technique to control

Zultan 21" Aeon Light RideLight Ride CymbalSize: 21"Material: B25 bronze alloy (75% copper25% tin)Hand...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 540951

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost Ride

by Meinl

Studio Recording Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Brann Dailor's Signature RideB12 BronzeComputer...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 405875

$351

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 $500 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Medium Ride

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Mehmet Legend Ride

Ufip 21" Bionic Series Heavy Ride

Zultan 21" Heritage Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Legend Dark Ride

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride Brill.

Zultan 21" Aeon Ride

Zultan 21" Aeon Light Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Xist Dark ION Ride

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost 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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