Best 21" Ride Cymbals Under $800 2025

Affordable 21" ride cymbals under $800 - 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" 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

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

⭐ 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

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Sabian 21" HHX Complex Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian 21" HHX Complex Medium Ride

by Sabian

Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sabian 21" HHX Complex Medium RideRideSize: 21"B20 BronzeCombination of HH and HHX hammeringHand hammered...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 498162

$659

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Agop Signature Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Agop 21" Agop Signature RideRide CymbalHand.hammeredSize: 21"Material: B20 bronzeProduces a dry...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 435654

$527

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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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK2

by Paiste

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

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

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK2Ride CymbalSignature Line Series21" Dark Energy Ride Mark IIFusion of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 169458

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride

by Zildjian

Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash RideCrash Ride CymbalSize: 21"K seriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B-20 alloyFast...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 344341

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

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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Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride

by Zildjian

Expressive Playing Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell RideRide CymbalZ Custom SeriesDiameter: 21"Problem-free projection with a...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589098

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

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Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

by Meinl

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Byzance SeriesTraditional design with an untreated...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 428666

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride

by Meinl

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang RideRide CymbalByzance SeriesBrilliant finishThomas Lang Signature ModelSize:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606868

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R

by Meinl

Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive 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
• More expensive than standard sizes

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-RCrash Ride CymbalDeveloped in cooperation with Matt HalpernSize:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 564130

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 $800 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK1

Sabian 21" HHX Complex Medium Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Agop Signature Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Traditional Dark Ride

Paiste 21" Signature Dark Energy MK2

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride

Sabian 21" HHX Legacy Ride

Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride

Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic 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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