Best Zultan 22" Ride Cymbals 2026
Let's be honest, finding a 22" ride that cuts through a gig without sounding brittle or thin is a real challenge. Most are either dark and wash over everything, or scream with an ice-picky high-end that'll make the engineer cringe. Zultan's 22" rides have quietly become my go-to for a reason - they've got a unique character and a surprisingly versatile voice that's worth a serious look, especially if you're tired of chasing that elusive sweet spot.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
Zultan 22" Alaris Ride
- • Handmade B20 bronze for rich sound
- • Clear articulate ride tone
- • Excellent stick definition
- • Warm wash with assertive bell
- • Heavy weight not specified
- • No hardware included
- • Limited color options
Zultan 22" Aja Blaze Ride
- • Handmade using premium B20 bronze alloy
- • Delivers an explosive attack with soft sustain
- • Crafted in the Aja Blaze Series
- • Offers a unique blend of power and control
- • No specific weight information provided
- • Bell size is not listed in details
- • Finish type is not described
Zultan 22" Alaris light Ride
- • Delivers exceptional stick definition with a light touch
- • Provides a soft, airy wash perfect for expressive playing
- • Handmade in Turkey with B20 bronze for consistent quality
- • Maintains a clear, defined bell while keeping tone balanced
- • Limited to softer music styles requiring nuanced dynamics
- • Lacks specification on actual weight or density details
- • No stated finish type like polished or brushed surface
Zultan 22" Mellow Ride
- • The B-20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, musical wash with excellent sustain.
- • Significant volume reduction (up to 30%) makes it ideal for quieter environments.
- • Hand-hammered construction ensures realistic rebound and a nuanced, complex tone.
- • Natural finish preserves the bronze's character and provides a pleasing aesthetic.
- • The 'mellow' sound may lack the bright, cutting edge for louder, more aggressive styles.
- • While versatile, it's not a 'do-it-all' ride; specialist roles are its strength.
- • The natural finish is prone to fingerprints and requires more diligent cleaning.
Zultan 22" Aeon Light Ride
- • B25 bronze offers a unique, shimmering tonal quality.
- • Hand-hammering creates complex overtones and responsiveness.
- • Light weight provides effortless stick control and feel.
- • Versatile sound suitable for modern, fusion, and lighter genres.
- • B25 bronze can be slightly more brittle than B12 alloys.
- • The untreated bell lacks the focused projection of a lathed bell.
- • Lighter weight might feel 'washy' for drummers needing a heavier ride.
Zultan 22" Aeon Ride
- • B25 bronze offers a unique, complex tonal character.
- • Hammering creates a responsive, musical wash and stick definition.
- • Longer decay provides a beautiful, shimmering sustain.
- • Untreated bell delivers a clean, focused, and articulate strike.
- • B25 bronze can be slightly darker than typical B20, limiting brightness needs.
- • Hammering may introduce slight inconsistencies in playing feel.
- • Price point places it in a competitive mid-range bracket.
Zultan 22" F5 Metal Ride
- • Exceptional stick definition for a heavy ride, cuts through easily
- • B-20 bronze provides a warm, complex core tone
- • Hammered finish adds unique overtones and visual appeal
- • Solid construction ensures durability for gigging and studio work
- • The heavy weight might be fatiguing for extended playing
- • Sound is relatively focused; lacks broader wash appeal
- • Hammered finish may require more frequent cleaning to maintain shine
Zultan 22" Dune Ride
- • Hand-hammered B20 bronze delivers unique tonal complexity.
- • Dry, trashy character cuts through dense mixes effectively.
- • Polished bell provides a clear, articulate wash.
- • Turkish production ensures quality craftsmanship and a distinctive sound.
- • Limited versatility; not ideal for clean, shimmering styles.
- • The 'trashy' sound might be too aggressive for some players.
- • Hammering marks are visible, potentially impacting resale value.
Zultan 22" Heritage Ride
- • Exceptional B20 bronze tone, warm and musical with complex overtones
- • Hand-hammered basin delivers nuanced stick definition and projection
- • Heritage series construction provides a vintage-inspired feel and response
- • Well-balanced weight offers comfortable playability across various dynamics
- • The 'assertive' nature might be too bright for very subtle, quiet playing styles
- • Lacks the shimmering wash of some modern, thinner ride cymbals
- • Heritage finish can be more susceptible to scratches and patina than lacquered finishes
Zultan 22" Q Ride
- • Bright, complex wash with a focused, articulate stick sound
- • Deep, resonant bell delivers a powerful, cutting projection
- • Unique raw/polished design offers tonal versatility
- • B-20 bronze construction provides a warm, musical foundation
- • Raw bell area may develop patina quickly requiring maintenance
- • The bright character may not suit all genres or players
- • Lacks the sustain of some higher-end, thinner ride cymbals
Zultan 22" Raw Jazz Ride
- • Hand-hammering creates complex, nuanced wash and stick definition
- • B20 bronze delivers a warm, full tone characteristic of vintage jazz rides
- • Raw, unlathed surface minimizes unwanted overtones for a dryer sound
- • Excellent crash response provides versatility beyond typical jazz riding
- • The raw finish is prone to fingerprints and requires careful maintenance
- • Limited sustain might not suit players needing a shimmering, long decay
- • Dryness might be too subtle for drummers seeking a very bright, cutting ride
Zultan 22" Raw Ride
- • Exceptional hand-hammering creates complex, nuanced wash.
- • B20 bronze delivers a warm, musical, and full-bodied tone.
- • Raw, unlathed surface minimizes unwanted overtones and provides dryness.
- • Excellent stick definition for clear, articulate patterns.
- • The raw finish is prone to finger smudging and requires careful handling.
- • Limited versatility; excels in darker genres, less suited for bright styles.
- • The smaller bell offers less projection compared to more traditional rides.
Zultan 22" Ride Dark Matter
- • Exceptional hand-hammering creates complex, evolving wash.
- • Dark Matter alloy delivers a warm, controlled fundamental.
- • Defined stick attack provides clear articulation and responsiveness.
- • Pronounced bell offers a cutting, musical projection.
- • Darker sound may lack brilliance for brighter genres.
- • Hand-hammered nature means slight variations in appearance.
- • May require more careful setup to fully realize its potential.
Zultan 22" Caz Ride
- • B20 bronze delivers warm, complex overtones and sustain.
- • Hand hammering creates a nuanced, darker timbre than machine-lathed.
- • Versatile for jazz and fusion, also surprisingly effective as a crash.
- • Lighter weight construction allows for effortless stick control and responsiveness.
- • The thinner profile might not hold up to aggressive, heavy hitters.
- • Polished finish is susceptible to finger smudges and oxidation.
- • While versatile, it might not be the *perfect* choice for heavier rock or metal.
Zultan 22" Z-Series Ride
- • Hand-hammered B20 bronze delivers complex, evolving overtones.
- • Dark, earthy tone provides a unique alternative to brighter rides.
- • Wide tonal variation suits diverse genres from jazz to rock.
- • The unusual visual aesthetic adds a distinct stage presence.
- • The dark sound might be too subdued for players seeking a bright, cutting shimmer.
- • Hand-hammering can introduce slight inconsistencies in response across the cymbal surface.
- • Zultan is a less-established brand, potentially impacting resale value.
Every 22" ride cymbals that matches
19 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Zultan 22" F5 Ride | Size 22" | $301 |
| 17 | Zultan 22" Rock Beat Heavy Ride | Size 22" | $313 |
| 18 | Zultan 22" Ride 25 | Size 22" | $324 |
| 19 | Zultan 22" Rock Beat Medium Ride | Size 22" | $313 |
22" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best 22" Ride Cymbals
Turkish Heritage & Alloy
Zultan uses a unique B20 bronze alloy - a bit heavier on the tin - which contributes to their characteristic warm wash and complex overtones. It's not just marketing; you can hear it in the sustain and the decay.
Harmonic Complexity
These aren't your one-note wonders. The Zultan 22" rides have a real depth of harmonic content - that fat midrange honk that really pushes through the mix without being harsh. It's a complex sound that reacts beautifully to different stick types.
Wash & Stick Definition Balance
Zultan has nailed the tricky balance of a full, musical wash and clear stick definition. You get that lovely shimmering sustain, but you can still articulate individual strokes cleanly, which is vital for nuanced playing.
Feel & Action
The hammering and lathing patterns are beautifully executed, resulting in a responsive and lively feel. The action isn't stiff or sticky; it wants to be played. It's got a nice, comfortable weight too - not too heavy, not too light.
Durability
These are built to gig. The B20 bronze is thick, and the hammering is solid - they'll hold up to serious abuse without cracking or warping easily. You're not buying a fragile studio piece here.
Buying Guide
If you're looking for a bright, glassy ride, this isn't it. The Zultan 22" rides shine in rock, blues, funk, and even jazz where you need a full, warm wash that still has articulation. Be prepared to spend a bit more - you're paying for the Turkish craftsmanship and that unique alloy. Don't expect a super dry, controlled sound; these have a natural sustain that needs a good drummer to manage.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 19 of 146 22" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
