AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Sabian 22" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Sabian 22" Stratus Ride Cymbal ($517). Sabian 22" HH Remastered Todd Sucherman Signature Sessions Ride Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size22"
The Stratus is a really solid all-around ride – it’s got a warm, musical tone that works well across a bunch of genres. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians who need a reliable ride that can also handle a crash or two without sounding brittle. A good balance of affordability and quality.
Pros
- Warm, complex fundamental avoids harshness common in thinner rides.
- Hammering provides nuanced stick definition and shimmering wash.
- B-20 bronze offers a balanced, musical tone – not too dark, not too bright.
Cons
- The medium-light weight might not satisfy players seeking a heavier, more trashy ride.
- While versatile, it’s not a dedicated crash; prolonged crashing will degrade the cymbal’s character.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$517 now$517€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This light 22-inch ride hits hard with a dry stick sound but opens up fast for crashes. The B20 bronze gives it a warm, dark tone thanks to the hammered bell. It's a solid choice for players who want clear articulation without a heavy profile.
Pros
- Lightweight profile opens easily for crashing
- B20 bronze offers warm dark tone
- Hammered bell provides clear articulation
Cons
- No bell size measurement provided in text
- Lack of specific weight in grams or ounces
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$573 now$573€509 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal
22" HHX Complex Medium Ride · Sabian
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
This HHX Complex Medium Ride is a real beauty – a warm, responsive ride with a gorgeous wash and a shimmering bell. It’s perfect for players seeking a sophisticated, expressive ride for genres like jazz, fusion, and modern rock where you need that nuanced character and a full, balanced tone.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash provides a sophisticated, musical foundation.
- Hand-hammered bell delivers a clear, articulate, and cutting shimmer.
- B20 bronze construction ensures excellent tonal projection and responsiveness.
Cons
- The medium weight might feel a bit heavy for players preferring lighter rides.
- Complex voicing may not suit extremely dry, minimalist playing styles.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$742 now$742€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HH Remastered Todd Sucherman Signature Sessions Ride Cymbal
22" HH Sessions Ride · Sabian
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
This Sessions Ride from Sabian is a seriously refined instrument. Todd Sucherman’s signature really shines through – it's got a beautiful, responsive stick sound, a lovely wash, and a bell that really projects. Ideal for players seeking a modern, articulate ride with a touch of vintage warmth, especially in rock, progressive, and fusion settings.
Pros
- Exceptional stick definition thanks to hand-hammering and lathing.
- Todd Sucherman's signature voicing offers a modern, versatile wash.
- B20 bronze provides a warm, complex, and musical tone.
Cons
- The brilliant finish is prone to finger smudging and requires frequent cleaning.
- The crash ability, while present, might be limiting for players needing heavy crashes.
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HHX Legacy Heavy Ride Cymbal
22" HHX Legacy Ride · Sabian
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
This Legacy Ride from Dave Weckl's signature series is a real beauty – it’s got that warm, vintage vibe with a really gorgeous wash that isn't overpowering. It's perfect for players who want a sophisticated, darker ride for jazz, fusion, or any style where subtlety and nuance are key.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, complex wash provides nuanced musicality.
- Hammered bell delivers a focused, articulate ping.
- B20 bronze alloy offers a warm, vintage-inspired tone.
Cons
- The darker sound isn’t ideal for brighter, more contemporary styles.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$674 now$674€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" Brian Fraiser Moore Signature BFM World Ride Cymbal
22" HHX BFM World Ride Cymbal · Sabian
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
Brian Frasier-Moore really knocked it out of the park with this one. The BFM World Ride is a beautifully voiced cymbal – it’s got a deep, warm core with a fantastic wash and a surprisingly responsive crash. It’s perfect for players needing a versatile, professional-grade ride for a wide range of genres, from jazz and fusion to rock and beyond.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and sustain thanks to complex hammering patterns.
- The 'Sound Control Edge' delivers a surprisingly musical crash response.
- HHX BFM signature provides a unique, nuanced sonic character.
Cons
- The medium weight might feel a little heavy for some players.
- Price point positions it as a premium-priced investment.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$742 now$742€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HHX Complex Thin Ride Cymbal
22" HHX Complex Thin Ride · Sabian
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
The Sabian HHX Complex Thin Ride is a beautifully voiced cymbal, offering a warm, complex wash and a clear, articulate bell. It's perfect for players seeking a versatile ride for jazz, fusion, or modern worship, where a nuanced and expressive sound is key. This is a serious cymbal for the discerning musician.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash provides a uniquely musical foundation.
- Hand-hammered bell delivers a focused, articulate chime.
- Thin profile facilitates effortless stick control and nuanced playing.
Cons
- Complex wash might be too dark for brighter musical styles.
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many drummers.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$708 now$708€629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a solid ride for drummers who want a big, bright sound that cuts through a mix. The extra weight gives you a very clear attack, while the bigger bell adds power. It is a good choice if you play in loud venues where you need that modern edge.
Pros
- Clear attack from the heavier weight design
- Modern sound due to a slightly larger bell
- B20 Bronze material for consistent tone
Cons
- Heavy weight may be hard for smaller players
- No specific durability rating provided in text
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$625 now$625€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HHX Mike Portnoy Max Ride Cymbal
22" HHX MAX Ride · Sabian
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
Mike Portnoy's signature HHX MAX Ride is a serious instrument—a beautifully voiced ride with incredible sustain and a dark, warm character. It's built for players seeking a sophisticated, musical ride that cuts through a dense mix, perfect for progressive rock, metal, and even jazz where a darker, more enveloping wash is desired.
Pros
- Exceptional sustain and wash thanks to complex hammering patterns.
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex tonal palette.
- Unlathed bell produces a darker, more controlled, musical chime.
Cons
- The weight makes it less ideal for players with weaker wrists or smaller setups.
- The full, warm sound might be too dark for brighter musical styles.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$742 now$742€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 22" HHX Complex Big Cup Ride Cymbal
22" HHX Complex Big Cup Ride · Sabian
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
This Complex Big Cup Ride is a serious player's cymbal. It’s got a gorgeous, full sound with a really defined bell that cuts through – perfect for players who need both warmth and clarity, especially in modern worship, rock, or even some jazz settings. It's a substantial investment, but the sonic payoff is significant.
Pros
- Exceptional bell definition provides clear, articulate accents.
- Big cup design offers a warm, complex wash with surprising stick definition.
- B20 bronze construction delivers a rich, resonant, and musical tone.
Cons
- Premium-priced, placing it out of reach for many drummers.
- The complex wash might not suit all musical genres; less ideal for very dry styles.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$764 now$764€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 22" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
22" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models we track, not a sample.
Median $742 — half of all 22" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 146 models · 22"–22"
How to choose the best 22" ride cymbals
Sound Character
Sabian's signature is often a brighter, more articulate sound than some of their competitors (like Zildjian, which leans more towards a darker, washier tone). They've got models ranging from glassy and shimmering to darker and more complex, but generally, you get a crispness that works well in modern music-though it can be a bit much for vintage tones.
Stick Definition & Articulation
Sabian excels at providing clear stick definition. You hear the attack, and you hear the decay. This is crucial for recording, where a muddy ride can swallow everything else. Some models have a really tight, focused articulation - almost too precise for some styles.
Sustain & Wash
The amount of sustain and wash varies wildly across the Sabian 22" line. Some are short and controlled, ideal for funk or tighter genres. Others have a sprawling, shimmering wash that's perfect for cinematic scoring or ambient textures. It's a balancing act - too much wash and it's a blurry mess; too little and it's stiff.
Build Quality & Lathing
Sabian generally uses consistent hammering and lathing patterns. This isn't a 'budget' brand cutting corners. The lathing (the grooves cut into the cymbal surface) is key to the sound-deeper lathing typically means more wash and a brighter tone. Pay attention to the weight; heavier cymbals tend to have more sustain.
Versatility
A good 22" Sabian ride should be versatile enough to handle a range of styles, from rock and pop to jazz and even some heavier genres. The key is finding one that complements your playing style and the overall sound of your band. A bright, dry ride might get lost in a metal band, while a darker, more complex one could be swallowed by a busy pop mix.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 22" Sabian rides. They're a sweet spot - big enough to have some meat to them, but still manageable for most players. You're looking for something that can handle a gig, record well, and not completely destroy your ears in a rehearsal space? A 22" ride is often the answer, and Sabian's been making 'em for a long time, consistently delivering solid options. Finding the right one is about nailing that balance between wash, stick definition, and overall vibe.
Don't get caught up in the marketing hype. Listen to sound samples online, but ideally, try them out in person. 22" rides are often a bit more expensive than smaller sizes, so be prepared to spend a bit more for a quality instrument. The budget models will often have a thinner profile and a less complex sound - they'll be fine for a beginner, but won't offer the same nuance as the higher-end options.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 13 22" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 146 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Sabian AAX and an HHX 22" ride?
AAX is generally brighter, more polished, and more consistent in sound. HHX is designed to be more 'organic' - expect more variation, more character, and a darker, more complex tone. HHX can be more prone to inconsistencies between cymbals, though.
Are Sabian 22" rides good for beginners?
Absolutely. They're a great size for developing technique and getting a feel for ride cymbal dynamics. Just be aware that the brighter sound of some Sabian models might be a bit harsh if you're not used to it.
Can I use a Sabian 22" ride in a metal band?
It depends. A darker, heavier model with good articulation can work, but a bright, thin ride will likely get buried. Consider the overall drum kit tuning and the band's overall sound.
What does 'fully lathed' mean?
It means the entire surface of the cymbal has grooves cut into it. This generally leads to a brighter, more washy sound with increased sustain. Less lathing results in a drier, more focused sound.
How do I care for my Sabian 22" ride?
Regular cleaning is key. Use a cymbal cleaner designed for metal cymbals. Avoid abrasive cleaners and don't let them sit wet. Proper storage - ideally in a cymbal bag - will help prevent unwanted markings and maintain the sound.
