Best Metal Ride Cymbals of 2026
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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
Top 10 Metal Ride Cymbals
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal
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.
Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Ride Cymbal
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.
Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20 inch Ride Cymbal
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.
Meinl HCS 20 Inch Ride Cymbal for Beginners
The Meinl HCS Ride Cymbal offers traditional ride sounds with a defined ping, making it suitable for various genres, from rock to jazz. Designed specifically for beginners and students, this cymbal is made from durable brass alloy, ensuring it withstands the demands of drumming while maintaining its tone. Additionally, it is produced in Germany using green energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. With a full range of sounds available, you can explore different options usually found in professional setups, making this cymbal a versatile choice for any aspiring drummer.
Zildjian 20" Z Custom Ride Cymbal
Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride Cymbal
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.
Meinl HCS 18 Inch Crash-Ride Cymbal
The Meinl HCS Crash-Ride is the ideal choice for beginner and student drummers. It offers a unique blend of crash and ride capabilities, allowing you to achieve a clean ping sound or crash effects with ease. Made from a durable brass alloy, it withstands the impact of drumsticks while maintaining its tone. Additionally, this cymbal is manufactured in Germany using green energy, ensuring an environmentally friendly production process. With a full range of sounds available, you can explore various musical styles effortlessly.
Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" Crash Ride Cymbal
The Zildjian Planet Z Crash Ride is part of the redesigned 2020 Planet Z range, ideal for beginners and intermediate drummers looking to enter the world of Zildjian cymbals. Made proudly in the USA from brass, this cymbal delivers bright, cutting tones that make it easier for you to achieve a clear, focused sound. The Planet Z series offers excellent sound quality at an affordable price, giving you great value. This 18-inch Crash Ride is extremely versatile, perfect for ride patterns and providing an impressive crash sound when needed.
Sabian 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.
Sabian HHX 22" Dark Complex Thin Ride
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.
During our metal ride cymbal research, we found 47 metal ride cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,067 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 £207.27.
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, Meinl Percussion, Zildjian, Sabian.
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.