Best Metal Ride Cymbals of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2025

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Metal ride cymbals are an excellent addition to any drummer's kit. These cymbals are typically made from a high-quality metal alloy, producing a bright and cutting sound that can easily cut through the mix. They are perfect for creating a crisp and clear ride pattern, as well as for accenting other parts of a song. With their durable construction, metal ride cymbals are built to last, making them a great investment for any serious drummer. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, metal ride cymbals are a must-have for any drummer looking to take their sound to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal Cover #TOP 1
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal Cover #TOP 2
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20 inch Ride Cymbal Cover #TOP 3
Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20 inch Ride Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Metal Ride Cymbals

#TOP 1

Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal

CC20EMR-B
Brilliant Finish
20 inch
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal 20 inch (Video) for Drum Set (50,80cm) B12 Bronze, Brilliant Finish, Made in Germany (CC20EMR-B)

The Meinl Extreme Metal Ride is designed for powerful performances, making it ideal for drummers who play in loud environments. Its heavyweight construction, large bell, and extra thickness allow you to cut through dense mixes with ease. The brilliant finish enhances the cymbal's shimmering sound, providing a clear and vibrant tone. Additionally, the extra deep hammering darkens the sound, balancing the brightness and giving you a versatile option for various musical styles.

What We Like
Powerful sound projection
Brilliant finish enhances aesthetics
Deep hammering for balanced tone
Durable B12 bronze alloy
#TOP 2

Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal

CC18EMBBR-B
Brilliant Finish
18 inch
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Extreme Metal Big Bell Ride Cymbal 18 inch (Video) for Drum Set (45,72cm) B12 Bronze, Brilliant Finish, Made in Germany (CC18EMBBR-B)

The Meinl Extreme Metal Ride offers an impressive sound tailored for intense drumming. Its large bell ensures clarity, making it perfect for blast beats and powerful performances. The brilliant finish and fully lathed surfaces enhance the cymbal's shimmering cut, allowing you to stand out in any mix. Additionally, the extra deep hammering darkens the tonality, balancing the brightness and providing a rich sound experience. This cymbal is designed for those who want to make a statement while playing.

What We Like
Powerful, in-your-face sound
Stunning, mirror-like finish
Great for intense drumming
Durable, long-lasting quality
#TOP 3

Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20 inch Ride Cymbal

CC20DAR
Dark Finish
20 inch
Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20 inch Ride Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal 20 inch (Video) for Drum Set (50,80cm) B12 Bronze, Dark Finish, Made in Germany (CC20DAR)

The Meinl Dark Ride Cymbal is designed for rock and heavy metal enthusiasts. It features a rich ping and excellent definition, ensuring your sound cuts through the mix. The dark finish and extra hammering provide a unique tonal complexity that enhances your playing. Additionally, the B12 Bronze Alloy construction delivers a powerful and consistent sound, perfect for those loud performances. You’ll find that this cymbal offers the drive needed for high-energy styles, making it an excellent choice for any drummer.

What We Like
Excellent sound definition
Unique dark finish
Powerful and consistent sound
Designed for heavy styles
#TOP 4

Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride Cymbal

Z40121
Traditional
21" Mega Bell
Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride Cymbal Cover
Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride Cymbal - Z40121

The Zildjian Mega Bell Ride Cymbal is designed for the hard-hitting metal and hard rock drummer. Its large ride cymbal bell is the biggest in the Zildjian catalog, ensuring you'll stand out in any performance. With the ‘Mega bell’ feature, you can cut through even the loudest on-stage mixes, providing clarity and power to your sound. This cymbal is loud and expressive, allowing you to convey emotion and intensity in your playing. Its heavy-weight design adds durability, making it perfect for those vigorous drumming sessions.

What We Like
Powerful sound projection
Durable heavy-weight design
Ideal for metal and rock
Large bell for clarity
Cuts through loud mixes
#TOP 5

Ufip TS-22R Tiger Series 22 Inch Ride Cymbal

TS-22R
22 Inch
Ufip TS-22R Tiger Series 22 Inch Ride Cymbal Cover
Ufip TS-22R Tiger Series 22 Inch Ride Cymbal l Hand Hammered B8 Bronze Alloy l Explosive Sound with Powerful Quick Response & Lasting Sustain l Designed for Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk & Rock

The Ufip Tiger Series Ride Cymbal is expertly crafted in Italy from hand-hammered B8 bronze alloy, ensuring an explosive sound that enhances your performance. With its powerful quick response, you can expect immediate feedback, making it perfect for hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and rock genres. The lasting sustain allows for extended sound, giving you more freedom in your playing style. This cymbal is designed to meet the needs of dynamic drummers, providing the versatility and reliability you desire.

What We Like
Hand-hammered B8 bronze alloy
Explosive sound quality
Powerful quick response
Lasting sustain
Ideal for heavy music genres
#TOP 6

Meinl Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal 22 inch

CC22DAR
Dark Finish
22 inch
Meinl Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal 22 inch Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal 22 inch (Video) for Drum Set (55,88cm) B12 Bronze, Dark Finish, Made in Germany (CC22DAR)

The Meinl Dark Ride Cymbal offers a rich sound with plenty of ping and definition, making it ideal for rock and heavy metal styles. Its dark finish and extra hammering enhance its complexity, giving you a unique character that stands out. Designed for power players, it delivers explosive energy at high volumes, perfect for those intense performances. Made from B12 bronze alloy, this cymbal ensures a consistent sound that cuts through even the densest mixes, providing you with the clarity you need in any musical setting.

What We Like
Powerful and explosive sound
Dark finish adds complexity
Consistent sound quality
Ideal for rock and metal
#TOP 7

Meinl 20 Inch Classics Custom Ride Cymbal

CC20MR-B
Brilliant Finish
20 inch
Meinl 20 Inch Classics Custom Ride Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Brilliant Ride Medium Cymbal 20 inch (Video) for Drum Set (50,80cm) B12 Bronze, Brilliant Finish, Made in Germany (CC20MR-B)

The Meinl Classics Custom Ride is designed to enhance your drumming experience. With its diamond-like clear sound, it elevates your playing, ensuring you stand out even in dense mixes. The brilliant finish and fully lathed surfaces provide a shimmering cut, perfect for delivering crisp accents. If you are a power player, this cymbal opens up to deliver energetic drive at loud dynamics, making it ideal for high-energy genres like rock and metal. Made from B12 bronze alloy, it offers a uniform sound that cuts through effortlessly, catering to heavier hitters.

What We Like
Clear, diamond-like sound
Brilliant finish for shimmer
Powerful for loud dynamics
Durable B12 bronze alloy
#TOP 8

Sabian 22-Inch Paragon Ride Cymbal - Brilliant Finish

NP2214B
Bronze
-inch
Sabian 22-Inch Paragon Ride Cymbal - Brilliant Finish Cover
Sabian NP2214B 22-Inch Paragon Ride Cymbal - Brilliant Finish

The Sabian Paragon Ride Cymbal is a 22-inch model with a brilliant finish, designed for musicians seeking a robust sound. Its extra-heavy weight of over 8 lbs. ensures solid stick definition, making it ideal for clear, cutting tones. Crafted from B20 metal, this cymbal produces a bright sound that enhances your performance. The solid hand-hammered bell adds a balanced blend of tone, giving you versatility across various musical styles.

What We Like
Robust sound quality
Clear stick definition
Bright sound
Extra heavy for stability
Hand hammered for balance
#TOP 9

Sabian HHX 22" Dark Complex Thin Ride

12210XCN
Brass
Sabian HHX 22" Dark Complex Thin Ride Cover
Sabian HHX 22" Complex Thin Ride Cymbal (12210XCN)

The Sabian HHX Thin Ride is a modern ride cymbal designed for musicians seeking a dark sound. Crafted from B20 metal, it offers excellent durability and tonal quality. Its thin weight allows for quick response and versatility, making it ideal for various playing styles. Whether you're performing in a band or practising at home, this cymbal can enhance your sound with its rich character and responsiveness, elevating your overall musical experience.

What We Like
Dark sound quality
Thin for quick response
Durable B20 metal
Modern style
#TOP 10

Paiste 2002 Ride 20" - Versatile Ride Cymbal

Paiste
1061620
Bronze
Paiste 2002 Ride 20" - Versatile Ride Cymbal Cover
Paiste 2002 Ride 20" - Ride Cymbal

The Paiste 2002 Ride is crafted from CuSn8 Bronze, known for its exceptional quality since 1971. This ride cymbal excels in various musical settings, from classic rock to modern metal and beyond. You'll find it particularly useful for live performances and recordings, providing a medium soft to very loud sound that fits various genres. Its versatility allows you to explore styles like blues, funk, and gospel, making it a perfect addition to your kit for any performance or jam session.

What We Like
High-quality CuSn8 Bronze material
Suitable for multiple music genres
Great for live and studio settings
Medium soft to very loud range
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our metal ride cymbal research, we found 41 metal ride cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,457 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal ride cymbals list. We found that most customers choose metal ride cymbals with an average price of £252.29.

The metal ride cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal ride cymbals, including Meinl Cymbals, Zildjian, UFIP, Sabian, Paiste.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.