Best Zildjian 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Premium Zildjian 21" ride cymbals - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

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

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

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 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

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

Zildjian 21" K Sweet Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K Sweet Ride

by Zildjian

Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording Progressive

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Sweet RideRide CymbalSize: 21"K SeriesA dark and fast responding cymbalFeatures random...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 430944

$560

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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" 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 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

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

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 Zildjian 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic Ride

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride

Zildjian 21" K Sweet Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Custom Hybrid Ride

Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride

Zildjian 21" A-Series Sweet Ride Brill.

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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