Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a powerful drum solo, ready to unleash a thunderous crash that commands attention. But instead of a glorious explosion of sound, you get a dull thud. Frustrating, right? Finding the perfect crash cymbal for your drum kit can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many different sizes, weights, and sounds, it’s easy to get lost.
This confusion leads to many drummers settling for cymbals that don’t quite fit their style or budget. You want that bright, cutting sound for rock, or maybe a darker, more complex tone for jazz. But how do you know which one will deliver? We’ve all been there, staring at a wall of shiny metal, wondering which one will truly make your drumming sing.
In this post, we’re going to cut through the noise. We’ll explore what makes a crash ride cymbal special and help you understand the key features that matter. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently pick a crash ride that not only sounds amazing but also complements your unique drumming voice. Let’s dive in and find that perfect sonic punctuation!
Our Top 5 Crash Ride Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Crash Ride Detailed Reviews
1. Meinl 18″ Crash/Ride Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to take your drumming to the next level? The Meinl 18″ Crash/Ride Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass is a fantastic upgrade for any drummer looking for better sound and durability. It’s made in Germany and comes with a 2-year warranty, so you know it’s built to last.
What We Like:
- Major Upgrade: This cymbal sounds much better than the cheap ones that often come with beginner drum sets.
- Sounds Like the Pros: It gives you a sound closer to what you hear in real songs, making drumming more fun.
- Built to Last: It’s sturdy and won’t easily dent or bend like starter cymbals.
- Versatile Sound: It works well as both a crash cymbal and a ride cymbal, giving you a bright ping and a full wash.
- Great Tone: Made with MS63 brass, it has a clean, bright, and crisp sound with nice grooves and hammer marks.
- Looks Good: The surface shines and looks beautiful, adding a nice touch to your drum kit.
- Wide Selection: Meinl offers many different cymbal types in the HCS line to fit any musical style.
- Long Lifespan: Even if you hit hard, this cymbal is made to last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners and intermediates, serious professional drummers might prefer cast bronze cymbals for even more complex tones.
This German-made cymbal is a top-quality choice for any drummer who wants a better sound and a cymbal that won’t break the bank. It’s a solid investment for any musical journey.
2. Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Crash Ride Cymbal (ZP18CR)
Rating: 9.5/10
The Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Crash Ride Cymbal (ZP18CR) is a fantastic addition for any drummer looking to expand their sound. This cymbal brings a bright, cutting tone that works well for both crashing and riding. It’s made by Zildjian, a company known for making high-quality cymbals for a long time.
What We Like:
- The Planet Z Crash Ride has a clear and loud sound that cuts through the mix.
- It’s versatile, meaning you can use it for fast, energetic crash hits or for steady ride patterns.
- The cymbal is made in the United States, which often means good craftsmanship.
- It’s a great value for drummers who want a Zildjian cymbal without a super high price tag.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package weight is quite heavy at 64 pounds, so be prepared for that when it arrives.
- While versatile, very advanced drummers might find its sound a little less complex than higher-end professional cymbals.
The Zildjian Planet Z Crash Ride Cymbal is a solid choice for drummers seeking a bright and versatile cymbal. It offers a lot of bang for your buck and will surely add a new dimension to your drumming.
3. SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride
Rating: 9.1/10
The SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride is a versatile cymbal that can handle both riding and crashing. It offers a full sound that works well for many music styles. This cymbal is a great choice for drummers who are just starting out or looking for an affordable upgrade.
What We Like:
- It plays well for both riding and crashing.
- The price is very good for what you get.
- The SBr Brass material is unique and sounds great.
- It makes starting with cymbals easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some very experienced drummers might want a more complex sound.
- The finish might show fingerprints easily.
The SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride is a solid cymbal for beginners. It gives you a lot of bang for your buck and sounds good in many situations.
4. ULUOBO Crash Ride Cymbal
Rating: 9.1/10
The ULUOBO Crash Ride Cymbal, an 18-inch gold beauty, is a fantastic addition for any drummer just starting out. It’s built tough and sounds good, making it a smart choice for practice and lessons.
What We Like:
- Designed specifically for beginners and students.
- Made from durable stainless steel alloy that keeps its tone.
- Thickened material makes it very durable and less likely to break.
- An affordable way to equip lesson sets in classrooms.
- Comes with one 18″ crash-ride cymbal.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a beginner cymbal, the sound quality might not satisfy advanced players.
- The gold finish, while attractive, could potentially show wear over time with heavy use.
This ULUOBO cymbal is a solid, budget-friendly option that helps new drummers build their skills. It offers good value and durability for its price point.
5. Avedis Zildjian Company I Family Crash Ride Cymbal (ILH18CR)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Avedis Zildjian Company I Family Crash Ride Cymbal (ILH18CR) is a cymbal that will make you want to play. It gets its name from “Ilham,” which means inspiration in Turkish. This cymbal is made from B8 alloy. It has thinner weights that give it a washier and more emotional sound. This makes it a great choice for drummers who want to express themselves.
What We Like:
- The “Ilham” name really fits because this cymbal inspires great playing.
- It’s made from B8 alloy, which is a good material for cymbals.
- The thinner weight creates a nice, washy sound that’s very expressive.
- It can be used as both a crash cymbal and a ride cymbal.
- The sound is bright and clear, perfect for many music styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- The washier sound might be too much for drummers who prefer a drier cymbal.
- Its thinner weight means it might not be the most durable cymbal for very hard hitters.
- The price might be a bit high for beginners.
Overall, the Avedis Zildjian Company I Family Crash Ride Cymbal is a fantastic cymbal for drummers seeking inspiration. It offers a beautiful, expressive sound that can elevate your music.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Crash Ride Cymbal
What is a Crash Ride Cymbal?
A crash ride cymbal is a versatile drum cymbal. It can be used for both riding and crashing. This means you can play steady rhythms on it and also hit it hard for a loud, explosive sound. It’s like having two cymbals in one!
Key Features to Look For
1. Size Matters
Crash rides come in different sizes, usually from 18 inches to 22 inches. Smaller sizes (18-19 inches) tend to have a quicker, more focused crash sound. Larger sizes (20-22 inches) give you a bigger, more sustained crash and a cleaner ride sound. Think about the kind of music you play. Rock and metal often use bigger crash rides. Jazz might use smaller ones.
2. Weight and Thickness
Cymbals have different weights. Lighter cymbals are often thinner and have a brighter, faster decay. They work well for lighter music. Heavier cymbals are thicker and produce a louder, longer-lasting sound. These are good for louder styles. A medium-weight crash ride offers a balance between the two.
3. Bow Shape and Profile
The “bow” is the main curved part of the cymbal. Some crash rides have a more pronounced bow, which can affect the tone and how it responds. A flatter bow might give you a faster response, while a deeper bow could offer more wash.
Important Materials
Bronze is King
Most good cymbals are made from bronze. The most common types are B20 and B8 bronze.
- B20 Bronze: This is a mix of about 80% copper and 20% tin. It’s known for its rich, complex, and warm sound. Many professional cymbals use B20.
- B8 Bronze: This is a mix of about 92% copper and 8% tin. B8 cymbals are often brighter and more focused. They can be a great choice and are usually more affordable.
The quality of the bronze and how it’s made is very important for the cymbal’s sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Craftsmanship is Key
How a cymbal is made makes a big difference. Hand-hammering and lathing (the grooves on the surface) are done by skilled workers. This makes the sound more complex and musical. Machine-made cymbals can sound good, but they often lack the depth of hand-finished ones.
The “Wash” and Stick Definition
A good crash ride will have a nice “wash,” which is the shimmering sound that happens after you crash it. It shouldn’t be too loud or last too long. When you ride on it, you want to hear clear “stick definition.” This means you can hear the individual hits of your drumstick clearly. Too much wash can cover up the stick sound.
Consistency Matters
Companies that make good cymbals try to make each cymbal sound the same. This means if you buy another cymbal of the same model, it should sound very similar. This is important if you ever need to replace your cymbal or add another one.
User Experience and Use Cases
Versatility for Different Styles
A crash ride is perfect for drummers who play many types of music. You can use it for rock, pop, jazz, blues, and more. It’s a great “workhorse” cymbal for your drum kit.
When to Use the Ride vs. Crash Side
- Ride: Play on the bow or bell for steady rhythms. The bell is usually louder and has a sharper sound.
- Crash: Hit the edge for a loud, explosive accent. This is great for emphasizing song sections or adding excitement.
The balance between the ride and crash sound is what makes this cymbal so useful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What size crash ride is best for beginners?
A1: A 20-inch crash ride is a good starting point. It offers a nice balance for different music styles and is not too big or too small.
Q2: Can I use a crash ride as just a crash cymbal?
A2: Yes, you can! It will sound great when you crash it. But you’ll be missing out on its ability to be a ride cymbal too.
Q3: How do I clean my crash ride cymbal?
A3: Use a cymbal cleaner and a soft cloth. Gently wipe away dirt and fingerprints. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Q4: What is “stick definition” on a ride cymbal?
A4: It’s how clearly you can hear the sound of your drumstick hitting the cymbal when you’re playing a steady rhythm.
Q5: What does “wash” mean for a cymbal?
A5: Wash is the shimmering, sustained sound that follows a crash hit. A good wash is musical and fades nicely.
Q6: Is B20 bronze better than B8 bronze?
A6: Not necessarily better, but different. B20 often has a warmer, more complex sound, while B8 is typically brighter and more cutting.
Q7: How does cymbal weight affect its sound?
A7: Lighter cymbals are usually brighter and faster. Heavier cymbals are louder and have a longer sustain.
Q8: Can I use a crash ride in a quiet acoustic setting?
A8: Yes, you can! By playing it gently on the ride side, it can be very musical and not too loud.
Q9: What is the bell of a cymbal?
A9: The bell is the raised, round part in the center of the cymbal. It produces a clear, pingy sound when hit.
Q10: Should I buy a hand-hammered or machine-made cymbal?
A10: Hand-hammered cymbals often have a more complex and unique sound. Machine-made cymbals can be more consistent and affordable.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!