The 6 Best Crash Ride Cymbals (2026)
Crash ride cymbals are unique in the sense that you get the explosion of a crash and the sweetness of a ride in one cymbal. They can be a great way to minimize your drum kit size and still retain its sound.
For touring drummers, one of the biggest headaches comes in the form of packing and setting up their gear. Crash-ride cymbals can help ease things.
My main recommended crash ride is the Zildjian 20” K Crash Ride cymbal. It is a professional-quality cymbal that is good for many applications.
My second recommended crash ride is the Sabian SBR1811 SBR Series Pure Brass 18 cymbal. A good choice for those on a budget.
Contents
- The 6 Best Crash Ride Cymbals (2026)
- 1. Zildjian 20” K Crash/Ride
- 2. Sabian SBR1811 SBR Series Pure Brass 18
- 3. Meinl Cymbals 18 inch HCS Crash/Ride
- 4. Meinl Cymbals Byzance 20" Dual Crash/Ride
- 5. Zildjian 18" L80 Low Volume Crash/Ride
- 6. Paiste 16" Rude Crash/Ride
- What is a Crash/Ride cymbal?
- Differences between a crash and a ride cymbal?
- What to look out for when buying?
- Is a crash/ride essential in the set?
- Verdict
The 6 Best Crash Ride Cymbals (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Zildjian 20” K Crash/Ride
The Zildjian 20” K Crash Ride is my top pick. It has a dark crash and a clear ride sound, so it can cover a lot of ground on a smaller kit.
Pros
- Has versatile applications
- Dry crash, sweet ride
- Good attack and stick definition
Cons
- May get lost in very loud music
- Pricey
The Zildjian 20” K Crash Ride responds quickly and keeps the stick pattern clear when you ride it.
It opens into a dry crash while keeping a defined ride sound. At 20”, it gives the ride pattern more room than the old 18” model.
| Dimensions | 20” |
| Weight | Medium Thin |
| Tone | Dark |
| Material | B20 Bronze |
This is a professional crash/ride cymbal with a traditional finish. The medium-thin build gives it useful crash response while keeping a clear ride voice. It is a premium choice for a gigging drummer.
2. Sabian SBR1811 SBR Series Pure Brass 18
For those of you who are not looking to spend a whole lot but still want a good crash-ride cymbal, the 18” Sabian SBR1811 Pure Brass is a very nice option to consider. That’s because it’s easy on the pocket, and, if you know Sabian, built well.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Full-bodied ride and loud crash
- Well-built
Cons
- Doesn’t sound as rich as the higher-end option on this list
The SBR1811 crash ride is Sabian’s way of giving beginner drummers decent-sounding cymbals to get going on their musical journey. This cymbal has a full-bodied ride sound, with a loud, bright crash.
This medium-weight brass cymbal is built for a full ride sound and a bright crash. It is a practical beginner choice with a traditional look.
| Dimensions | 18” |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Tone | Bright |
| Material | Brass |
If you’re a newbie and/or are on a budget, the Sabian SBR1811 18” Pure Brass is a good way to get into the cymbal game while having some fun.
3. Meinl Cymbals 18 inch HCS Crash/Ride
Another beginner crash ride on this list, the Meinl 18” HCS Crash Ride is an excellent budget cymbal. The HCS series is well-known to be one of the better entry-level cymbals and this one is no different.
Pros
- Versatile sound
- The ride is sweet while the crash is washy
- Is very durable
Cons
- Not the best for recording purposes
With a complete crash sound, a full-bodied ride, and a raw bell, this cymbal is well-suited for many musical styles. You can accent or groove with it really well.
It is made from a special MS63 Brass alloy. This makes the cymbal quite durable. And given its sound quality, you can make good use of the cymbal for a long time.
| Dimensions | 18” |
| Weight | 3.35 lbs |
| Tone | Mid-Bright |
| Material | MS63 Brass |
A total value for money, the Meinl 18” HCS Crash Ride is a well-made cymbal. Even though it is deemed a beginner cymbal, it is useful for intermediate drummers as well.
4. Meinl Cymbals Byzance 20" Dual Crash/Ride
The Meinl Byzance Dual Crash-Ride is a premium option with a distinctive sound. If you like a darker, drier cymbal, it is worth considering.
Pros
- Truly professional sound quality
- Hammering and lathing combination
- Jack-of-all-trades
Cons
- Pricey
It takes the dark trashiness of great crashes and the pingy sweetness of great rides and gives you a unique-sounding cymbal. It has a great response and stick definition that exhibits the exceptional quality of this cymbal in every hit.
The Byzance Dual works especially well for jazz, funk, fusion and pop. Its darker, lower-volume voice may need more help in a very loud band.
| Dimensions | 20” |
| Weight | 4.05 lbs |
| Tone | Dark, sweet |
| Material | B20 Bronze |
Made of B20 bronze, its center has a rustic look while the outer part is lathed, and more polished. It looks as nice as it sounds.
5. Zildjian 18" L80 Low Volume Crash/Ride
Not all drummers have a quiet place to hone their skills without causing a ruckus with the neighbors. For such cases, it doesn’t get better than the Zildjian 18” L80 Low Volume Crash Ride. With over 80% volume reduction from traditional cymbals, this cymbal is ideal for long practice sessions. It can also make long practice sessions easier on your ears.
Pros
- Does a great job of reducing noise levels
- Replicates real-feel well
- Good for a variety of settings
Cons
- Isn’t made for recording and live gigs
By the looks of it, the Zildjian L80 low-volume crash ride might look like an unconventional cymbal that won’t replicate the real deal. Although this is true for its sound to an extent, it has a very nice responsiveness that can be compared to a traditional cymbal.
It gives a nice feel off sticks, brushes, and mallets, so you won’t be compromising on anything. This also makes it great for drum schools and low-volume gigs.
| Dimensions | 18” |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs |
| Tone | Quiet |
| Material | Brass |
It rides well, crashes well, and reduces noise even better. The Zildjian 18” L80 low-volume crash ride is a brilliant choice for drummers of all levels.
6. Paiste 16" Rude Crash/Ride
Rude by name, and rude by nature, the Paiste 16” Rude Crash Ride is a good cymbal for the rock/pop drummer. Because it’s an extra heavy cymbal, it is quite loud and has an explosive crash.
Pros
- Extra heavy sound
- Very durable
- Explosive crash
Cons
- Quite a lot of sustain
- Not as suitable for quieter genres
A 16” crash ride, while it does have great crashing abilities, it also has a decent ride sound with a very raw bell. It also has a good stick definition and a long sustain.
It is made from B8 bronze and has a raw, energetic voice. The Paiste RUDE 16” Crash/Ride is a good fit if you primarily play loud music.
| Dimensions | 16” |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs |
| Tone | Bright |
| Material | B8 Bronze |
What is a Crash/Ride cymbal?
A crash-ride cymbal is an amalgamated cymbal that serves the purpose of both a crash and ride cymbal. Its weight and shape vary by model, but it can work for both accents and timekeeping.
It is less common than crash-and-ride cymbals. While a crash ride is generally included in beginner cymbal packs, you can find many professional-quality ones as well.
Differences between a crash and a ride cymbal?
Crash and ride cymbals are essential components of any drum kit, regardless of the genre you’re playing. They both come into play at different times.
A ride is a heavier, larger cymbal. It is used greatly to maintain a groove and also has a bolder bell. A crash, on the other hand, is generally a smaller, lighter cymbal that is used for accents. Even though crash cymbals have a bell, it is not as commonly used.
What to look out for when buying?
Before buying a crash ride, it’s important to figure out the sound you want from it. Do you want a bright cymbal or a dark cymbal? Do you prefer the sweetness of the ride or the explosion of the crash?
Crash ride cymbals generally come in sizes 16”-22”. The smaller the cymbal, the better its crashing abilities, and the larger the cymbal, the better its riding abilities. 18”-20” are considered the best of both worlds.
As far as the material is concerned, B20 bronze cymbals are the gold standard. Although, many beginner cymbals are made of brass and are much cheaper.
Is a crash/ride essential in the set?
Depending on your situation, a crash/ride may or may not be considered essential. If you’re on a budget or you tour frequently, then yes, it’s a must-have. If you’re an intermediate to pro drummer who mostly records music, then no.
That said, it’s a highly versatile cymbal that gives you the sound of two cymbals in one. So, it’s a good addition to have in your arsenal.
Verdict
A crash-ride cymbal is a really neat way to save some money, space, and headaches. You get to crash and ride on one cymbal, which makes it a very handy cymbal to have. I have also included a helpful buyer’s guide so that you have an easier time finding your perfect crash ride.
My top pick is the Zildjian 20” K Crash Ride, a professional-quality cymbal that is good for many applications and settings.
My budget pick is the Sabian SBR1811 Pure Brass Crash Ride, a good-quality beginner cymbal at an affordable price.
