Best 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger Under $500 2026
Affordable 24" ride cymbals and bigger under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Masterwork 24" Resonant Ride
by
Masterwork
Art Music
Extreme Applications
Cinematic
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic characteristics
✓ PROS
- • Unique sonic characteristics
- • Professional orchestral applications
✗ CONS
- • Extremely expensive professional instruments
- • Requires expert technique and control
Masterwork 24" Resonant Ride, 24" RideThe resonant series is hand-polished, giving it a glossy surface and...
⭐
4.5/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 111712
$329
#2
⭐
4.8/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste 24" 900 Series Mega Ride
by
Paiste
Art Music
Special Effects
Cinematic
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic characteristics
✓ PROS
- • Ultimate ride cymbal experience
- • Unique sonic characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Requires expert technique and control
- • Limited availability and selection
Paiste 24" 900 Series Mega RideMega Ride CymbalSize: 24"900 seriesMade from B8 (2002) bronzeFull sound with a...
⭐
4.8/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 407511
$351
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride
by
Meinl
Extreme Applications
Special Effects
Art Music
Key Feature:
• Impressive acoustic and visual impact
✓ PROS
- • Professional orchestral applications
- • Unmatched sustain and complexity
✗ CONS
- • Extremely expensive professional instruments
- • Limited availability and selection
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark RideRide CymbalSize: 24"Classic seriesB12 bronze alloyDark...
⭐
4.5/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606876
$362
#4
⭐
4.5/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Meinl Pure Alloy 24" Medium Ride
by
Meinl
Special Effects
Art Music
Cinematic
Key Feature:
• Ultimate ride cymbal experience
✓ PROS
- • Unmatched sustain and complexity
- • Unique sonic characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Extremely expensive professional instruments
- • Highly specialized applications only
Meinl Pure Alloy 24" Medium RideRide CymbalSize: 24"Finish: TraditionalHigh-tech mechanical...
⭐
4.5/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 483042
$450
#5
⭐
5.0/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Zultan 24" Caz Ride
by
Zultan
Professional Recording
Extreme Applications
Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Ultimate ride cymbal experience
✓ PROS
- • Ultimate ride cymbal experience
- • Unique sonic characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Highly specialized applications only
- • Limited availability and selection
Zultan 24" Caz RideRide CymbalSize: 24"Material: B20 bronzeHand hammeredPolished surfaceFull sounding topRide...
⭐
5.0/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 475510
$362
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Zultan 24" Heritage Ride
by
Zultan
Orchestral
Cinematic
Art Music
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic characteristics
✓ PROS
- • Professional orchestral applications
- • Unique sonic characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Limited availability and selection
- • Impractical for general drumming
Zultan 24" Heritage RideRide CymbalHeritage SeriesSize: 24"100% Handmade cymbalmade according to old...
⭐
4.5/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 422418
$461
How to Choose the Best 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger
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 24" ride cymbals and bigger 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.
