Looking Beyond the Zildjian A391 Sweet Ride Bronze? 5 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing Alternative Cymbal Options

Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus

The Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus weighs 16.9 pounds, which is significantly heavier than the 1-pound Zildjian A391 pack. It includes a bonus crash and practice trial, offering more versatility for learning. While the Zildjian set focuses on a 21-inch ride and hi-hats, this Sabian model provides a complete bronze configuration. You get a wider range of sounds if you need crashes alongside your ride. It suits drummers who want a traditional acoustic setup with extra learning support. The larger weight suggests a more substantial feel compared to the lighter Zildjian option.

Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze

The Sabian XSR Effects Pack weighs only 4.26 pounds, making it much lighter than the Zildjian A391. It provides two specific bronze cymbals for splash and china sounds. The Zildjian pack includes a ride and hi-hats, while this set focuses on effects. It fits players who need specific splash and china sounds for electronic kits. You get B20 bronze tone in a compact package. If you already have a ride and hi-hats, this pack adds color without the bulk. It is ideal for those who value compactness and specific effects over a complete traditional set.

Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set

The Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set weighs 19 pounds, far heavier than the 1-pound Zildjian A391. It delivers a heavy, traditional sound with a specific 21-inch ride and extra dry crashes. The Zildjian pack offers a focused ride and hi-hats, while this Meinl set targets acoustic and fusion styles. You get a more robust and dry tone compared to the Zildjian’s bright overtones. It suits drummers who want a specific ride sound and extra dry crashes. The significant weight difference indicates a more substantial build, suitable for those prioritizing acoustic depth over lightweight portability.

Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack

The Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack includes five essential cymbals: a 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch cymbals. It provides a bright, cutting sound, unlike the focused overtones of the A391 Sweet Ride. The A391 pack includes hi-hats, while this set offers a complete bright set for gospel styles. It is USA-made and fits drummers needing a complete set. The weight is listed as 0.32 ounces, which seems inconsistent with the size, but the inclusion of five cymbals offers more variety. You get a brighter tone and more cymbals, suitable for gospel music rather than just ride and hi-hat needs.

Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set

The Sabian Stratus 14-20 Inch Bronze Set weighs 14.6 pounds, heavier than the Zildjian A391 pack. It includes 14, 16, 18, and 20-inch cymbals, providing a balanced, traditional bronze tone. The Zildjian pack focuses on a 21-inch ride and hi-hats, while this set offers crashable rides and quick-decay crashes. It suits drummers who prioritize traditional bronze tones over effects. You get a wider range of crash sizes. The set is ideal for those who want a complete traditional setup with quick-decay crashes, differing from the Zildjian’s focus on a single ride and hi-hat combination.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack

Best for: Traditional ride and hi-hat setups

Included Cymbals

New Beat HiHats, 21" Sweet Ride

Material

Cast Bronze

Target Audience

Drummers

Dimensions

26 × 6 × 26 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

The Zildjian A391 is a cymbal set featuring a 21-inch Sweet Ride and New Beat Hi-Hats. Made from bronze, it delivers bright, focused overtones and adjustable volume. This pack offers out-of-the-box versatility for drummers seeking traditional sounds. It suits players who want historically significant tones without complex setup. The included 21-inch ride is the centerpiece for your kit.

Pros

• Includes a 21-inch Sweet Ride cymbal
• Comes with New Beat Hi-Hats
• Constructed from durable bronze
• Produces bright, focused overtones
• Offers versatile volume control

Cons

• Only includes two main cymbal types
• No additional crash or splash cymbals included
• Limited to bronze material construction

Good fit if

• You want a classic ride and hi-hat combo
• You prefer bright and focused cymbal tones
• You value historically significant cymbal designs

Skip if

• You need a full multi-piece cymbal set
• You prefer dark or complex overtones
• You want electronic or hybrid cymbals

Verdict: Zildjian A391 Sweet Ride Cymbal Pack gives you a focused 21-inch ride and reliable hi-hats. It fits drummers who want traditional bronze tones and simple versatility.

2 Also great

Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus

Best for: drummers wanting a complete bronze set

Material

Bronze

Included Accessories

90-Day Drumeo Trial

Cymbal Type

Performance

Dimensions

20 × 20 × 2 inches

Weight

16.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus Affiliate link

This Sabian B8X set includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch thin crash, a 20-inch ride, and a free 18-inch thin crash. It weighs 16.9 pounds and is made of bronze. The package also includes a 90-day Drumeo trial. It suits drummers needing a complete bronze cymbal setup with added practice resources.

Pros

• Includes four cymbals: 14" hats, 16" and 18" thin crashes, and 20" ride
• Constructed from bronze material
• Comes with a 90-day Drumeo trial
• Total weight is 16.9 pounds

Cons

• Heavier than some lighter alloy sets
• No remote or app control included
• Trial requires separate redemption

Good fit if

• You need a complete bronze cymbal set
• You want a free thin crash included
• You plan to use the Drumeo trial

Skip if

• You prefer electronic drum triggers
• You need Bluetooth connectivity
• You want a lightweight aluminum set

Verdict: Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus offers a solid bronze configuration with a bonus crash and practice trial, fitting drummers seeking a traditional acoustic setup with learning support.

3 Best budget

Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze

Best for: Adding splash and china effects to electronic kits

Included Cymbals

10" Splash, 18" Chinese

Material

pure Sabian B20 Bronze

Finish

Bronze

Dimensions

19 × 19 × 4 inches

Weight

4.26 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze Affiliate link

The Sabian XSR Effects Pack includes a 10-inch Splash and an 18-inch Chinese cymbal. Crafted from pure B20 bronze, this set offers distinct tonal options for electronic drum setups. Weighing 4.26 pounds, it provides a compact yet versatile addition to your kit. This pack is designed to fit your budget while delivering the quality associated with the Sabian brand. It suits players seeking specific effect sounds without expanding their footprint significantly.

Pros

• Includes a 10-inch Splash cymbal for sharp, high-pitched effects.
• Features an 18-inch Chinese cymbal for raw, aggressive tones.
• Constructed from pure Sabian B20 bronze for authentic sound.
• Compact weight of 4.26 pounds for easy handling.

Cons

• Limited to only two cymbals, offering less variety than full sets.
• No included mounting hardware or stands for immediate use.
• Effects-focused set may not replace standard ride or crash cymbals.

Good fit if

• You want to add distinct splash and china sounds to your electronic kit.
• You prefer the tonal characteristics of B20 bronze over other alloys.
• You need a lightweight, compact addition to your existing cymbal setup.

Skip if

• You require a complete set of standard ride and crash cymbals.
• You are looking for a cymbal pack that includes stands or mounting hardware.
• You prefer a larger number of cymbals for greater tonal variety.

Verdict: Sabian XSR Effects Pack provides two specific bronze cymbals for players needing splash and china sounds. It fits those who value B20 bronze tone in a compact, lightweight package.

4 Best premium

Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set

Best for: Acoustic and fusion drummers

Material

Cast B20 bronze

Country of Origin

Turkey

Dimensions

22 × 22 × 5 inches

Weight

19 pounds

View on Amazon: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set Affiliate link

This Meinl pack includes a 21-inch transition ride, an 18-inch extra dry thin crash, and a 20-inch extra thin hammered crash. The cymbals are hand-hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. The set weighs 19 pounds. It suits players in rock, pop, jazz, and fusion. You get a complete sound palette for acoustic and alternative styles.

Pros

• Cast B20 bronze construction
• Hand-hammered in Turkey
• Includes 21-inch transition ride
• Features 18-inch extra dry thin crash

Cons

• Heavy 19-pound total weight
• No included hardware stand
• Limited to traditional Byzance tones

Good fit if

• You play rock, pop, or jazz
• You need a 21-inch transition ride
• You prefer hand-hammered bronze cymbals

Skip if

• You need a lighter setup under 15 pounds
• You want a bright, modern crash sound
• You require a complete stand bundle

Verdict: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Pack delivers a heavy, traditional sound. It fits drummers who want a specific 21-inch ride and extra dry crashes for acoustic styles.

5 Also great

Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack

Best for: gospel drummers needing a complete bright set

Included Cymbals

14" pair, 17", 18", 21"

Color

Bronze

Dimensions

25 × 5 × 25 inches

Weight

0.32 ounces

View on Amazon: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

This pack includes a 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch cymbals. The set features hand-picked A Custom models designed for brightness and sweetness. It offers a cutting sound suited for gospel styles. All cymbals are made in the USA. The bronze finish is standard for this series. You get a complete range of sizes for a full kit.

Pros

• Includes five cymbals: 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch.
• Hand-picked A Custom cymbals for consistent quality.
• Bright, cutting sound profile ideal for gospel music.
• Manufactured in the USA.

Cons

• Limited to the gospel style sound profile.
• No additional effects or specialized cymbals included.
• Standard bronze finish without unique visual options.

Good fit if

• You need a complete set of standard cymbals.
• You play gospel or bright-sounding music styles.
• You prefer USA-made cymbals.

Skip if

• You require a wide variety of effects cymbals.
• You need cymbals for heavy metal or dark tones.
• You want a smaller set with fewer pieces.

Verdict: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack provides a bright, cutting sound with five essential cymbals. It fits drummers who need a complete, USA-made set for gospel styles.

6 Also great

Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set

Best for: Traditional bronze tone seekers

Included Cymbals

14" Hats, 16" Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride

Material

Bronze

Dimensions

22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches

Weight

14.6 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set Affiliate link

The Sabian Stratus set includes 14" hi-hats, 16" and 18" crashes, and a 20" ride. Made from bronze, it weighs 14.6 pounds. The crashes offer quick decay, while the ride provides a crashable undertone. This balanced pack fits players seeking a complete, traditional bronze sound without extra effects.

Pros

• Includes 14" hi-hats with crisp attack
• Bronze construction for traditional tone
• 20" ride offers crashable undertone
• 16" and 18" crashes have quick decay

Cons

• Limited to four cymbals in the set
• No effects cymbals included
• Heavier build at 14.6 pounds

Good fit if

• You want a complete bronze set
• You prefer traditional crash sounds
• You need a balanced ride tone

Skip if

• You need effects cymbals
• You prefer lightweight aluminum
• You want more than four pieces

Verdict: Sabian Stratus 14-20" Bronze Set provides a balanced, traditional bronze tone for drummers who prioritize crashable rides and quick-decay crashes over effects.

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