AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger Under $800 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride ($792). Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $345. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 26 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride
24" Agop Signature Ride · Istanbul Agop
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal made from B20 bronze and hand hammered. It has a dry stick response, a warm fundamental tone and musical overtones, and it can also work as a crash ride. You might like it if you want a dark, complex sound with depth rather than a sharp, bright attack.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common material for cymbals
- Hand hammered, so each cymbal has a textured surface
- Dry stick response gives a clear, focused stick sound
Cons
- Dark, dry sound may not suit players wanting a bright, cutting ride
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$792 now$792€709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal
24" 900 Series Mega Ride · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal from the Paiste 900 Series, made from B8 bronze. It has a full sound with a warm tone, and it is built to cut through when you play loud. The darker finish is meant to make your stick hits stand out, so it suits you if you play hard and want a ride that projects.
Pros
- Made from B8 (2002) bronze, a bronze alloy used in the cymbal
- Full sound with a warm tone, described by the manufacturer
- Built as a penetrating ride cymbal for loud play
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal
24" 900 Color Mega Ride BK · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24 inch ride cymbal made from B8 bronze, with a black ColorSound finish. The maker says it has a full, strong warm tone and cuts through loud playing. It suits you if you play loud, driving music and want a ride cymbal that stands out.
Pros
- Made from B8 (2002) bronze, a bronze alloy used for cymbals
- Part of the 900 ColorSound series with a black finish
- Built as a penetrating ride cymbal for loud play
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal
24" Giant Beat Multi Ride · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal made of CuSn8 bronze, also called 2002 bronze, from the Giant Beat Series. You get a complex, dark and glassy shimmer that works from quiet playing up to loud. It suits you if you play live shows or record in the studio and want a big, shimmering ride.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, also called 2002 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Giant Beat Series build designed for quiet to loud playing
- Suits both live stage and studio recording use
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
This is a 24 inch cymbal from Paiste's 2002 Black Big Beat series, made in the USA from CuSn8 bronze. You can use it as a crash or a ride, and it has a stronger hammering pattern and a slightly darkened finish. It suits you if you want a big cymbal with that darker look and you play a larger kit.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a standard cymbal alloy
- Part of the 2002 series with a stronger hammering pattern
- Finish is slightly darkened for a distinct look
Cons
- At 24 inches, it is a large cymbal that suits bigger kits
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal
24" Classics Custom Dark Ride · Meinl
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal from Meinl's Classic series, made of B12 bronze alloy with a dark finish. It is mechanically hammered and shaped in Germany, and it has a flexible design. If you want a large ride with a dark look and a German-made build, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made of B12 bronze alloy, a common material for cymbals
- Dark finish gives the cymbal a subdued, uniform look
- Mechanically hammered and shaped for a consistent build
Cons
- At 24 inches, it is a large ride that may not suit small kits
75AudioFu
Index↓ 3.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$367 · Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" RUDE John Dolmayan Eclipse Mega Power Ride Cymbal
24" Rude Mega Power Ride · Paiste
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This 24-inch ride has a deep, dark, dry voice and a loud, heavy answer. You get a sharp stick attack over a wide, full tone, so it stands out well in a loud band. It suits you if you play hard and want a big, deep bell sound.
Pros
- Clear, penetrating stick attack over a full, wide-spreading fundamental tone
- Extremely loud, powerful ride built for heavy playing
- Enormous, loud, deep-singing bell
Cons
- Its extremely loud, heavy character is not suited for quiet playing
75AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 24" K Series Light Ride Cymbal
24" K-Series Light Ride · Zildjian
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch K-Series ride, so you get a dark to medium sound with clear stick definition. It's made for rock, jazz and country, so it suits you if you play in any of those styles. If you want each stick hit to stand out while the cymbal stays mellow, this one fits the bill.
Pros
- Dark to medium sound with clear stick definition for ride patterns
- K-Series cymbal built for rock, jazz and country playing
- Traditional finish gives a classic look and feel
Cons
- Its dark to medium sound is not suited to bright, cutting ride tones
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride
24" Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride · Meinl
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch dark ride cymbal from the Byzance series, made by hand in Turkey. It has a small bell and a large curve, which gives it an earthy sound with a fairly short ring. If you play traditional jazz, this one is built for that style, so it is a good fit for you.
Pros
- Handmade in Turkey as part of the Byzance series
- Refined and revised by Meinl
- Small bell paired with a large cymbal curvature for an earthy sound
Cons
- Relatively short sustain, so it will not ring for long
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$769 now$769€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" 2002 John JR Robinson Swish Ride Cymbal
2002 24" Swish Ride · Paiste
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
The 2002 Swish Ride is a quirky, characterful cymbal, born from a collaboration with John JR Robinson. It’s fantastic for drummers seeking a unique, atmospheric ride sound – think world music, experimental jazz, or anyone wanting a splash of something different in their groove. It’s a premium-priced option that’s a true conversation starter.
Pros
- Unique Swish profile delivers a distinctive, earthy shimmer.
- Paiste’s 2002 bronze offers a warm, responsive feel.
- Reversed bell provides a surprising, complex wash tone.
Cons
- The 'swish' effect can be polarizing; not universally appealing.
- Limited versatility compared to a traditional ride cymbal.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 26 24" ride cymbals and bigger
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Meinl 24" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Ride Cymbal24" Byzance Extra Ham. Ride · Meinl68Stable$765€685$765€685Check ↗
- 12
Meinl Pure Alloy 24" Medium RideMeinl57Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" Reverend Al'sPaiste57Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" RidePaiste57Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 24" Byzance Chris Adler RideMeinl57Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 16
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Traditional Series Original Ride Cymbal24" Traditional Original Ride · Istanbul Mehmet56Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 17
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal24" Jazz Ride Siz. Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet56Stable$608€545$608€545Check ↗
- 18
Istanbul Agop 24" Traditional Dark RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$661€592$661€592Check ↗
- 19
Istanbul Agop 26" Traditional Dark RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$792€709$792€709Check ↗
- 20
Istanbul Agop 24" Custom Series SE Jazz RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$792€709$792€709Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Mehmet Legend Sizzle RideIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Mehmet 24" John Robinson Swish SizzleIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 23
Zultan 24" Caz RideZultan52Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 24
Zultan 24" Heritage RideZultan52Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 25
Sabian 24" Stratus Dry RideSabian52↓ 3.8%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 26
Masterwork 24" Resonant RideMasterwork50Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger by the numbers
Measured across all 26 models we track, not a sample.
Median $579 — half of all 24" ride cymbals and bigger here cost less.
median of 26 models · 24"–24"
How to choose the best 24" ride cymbals and bigger
Sustain
Big rides need sustain, obviously, but it's about usable sustain. Too much wash can muddy a mix; you want enough to create a sense of space without losing articulation. Expect a shorter, more controlled sustain compared to higher-end options.
Articulation
This is crucial for cutting through. A good ride should clearly define the stick attack, even with a drummer playing aggressively. Cheaper rides often have a 'woofy' or undefined stick sound - something we're actively avoiding.
Bell Tone
The bell is where you get your 'ping' - that bright, cutting tone for accents and patterns. Bell tone quality tends to be the first thing to suffer in budget cymbals, often sounding brittle or thin. Look for a bell that's responsive without being harsh.
Overall Volume
A 24" ride should be loud enough to be heard in a band setting. Lower-priced cymbals can sometimes be surprisingly quiet, making them useless in a loud environment. Check videos of the cymbal being played with a band before committing.
Trash Factor
Let's be honest, budget cymbals can sound... rough. We're evaluating how much unwanted overtones, ringing, or generally unpleasant sounds the cymbal produces. Some inherent 'trash' is inevitable, but we're looking for the least offensive.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want a big ride - 24" or bigger - without emptying your bank account? It's doable, but you gotta be realistic. Forget about the shimmering, wash-y complexity of a Zildjian K Custom or a Sabian HHX Complex Ride in this price range. We're talking about getting a ride that cuts through a band mix, has usable stick definition, and doesn't sound like you're hitting a trash can lid. Let's find some good value.
At this price point, expect some compromises. You won't get a perfectly balanced cymbal with complex overtones. Most likely, you'll be trading off some wash for articulation, or some bell clarity for overall volume.
Don't chase shimmer; chase cut. Look for cymbals described as 'medium-thin' or 'medium' - they'll generally offer the best balance of response and volume. Also, consider B-stocks - you can often snag a factory-blemished cymbal for a significant discount.
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 26 24" ride cymbals and bigger from the Thomann catalogue. 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
Are B-stock cymbals worth it?
Absolutely. B-stocks are factory seconds - minor cosmetic flaws that don't affect the sound. You can save 20-40% easily. Just make sure you can live with the blemish.
What about alloy? Bronze vs. brass?
Most cymbals under $800 are brass. Bronze (B8 or B20) sounds better, but the difference is less noticeable on budget cymbals. You're better off spending the money elsewhere.
Can I realistically expect a 'dark' or 'vintage' sound?
Not really. Budget cymbals tend to be brighter and more direct. You can dampen them to simulate a darker sound, but it's not the same as a cymbal designed that way.
What's the deal with hammering and lathing?
Hammering adds complexity and character. Lathing (the groove pattern) affects sustain and stick definition. Don't expect intricate hammering or perfectly consistent lathing on budget models - it's a trade-off.
Is it better to buy one really good 24" ride or two smaller, higher-quality rides?
It depends. One big ride is great for a powerful, driving feel. Two smaller rides give you more versatility. Think about your style and what you need for your gigging situation.





