Loud clear stick definition and a cutting bell?

[Numberonefan]

Hi Guys. I’m now ride shopping with my son. He currently has a Z Custom that he thinks is ok sounding. What he loves is the HH RBDR and second to that would be the K heavy ride. He does not like the bell on the K as much as the RBDR.
He is looking for loud clear stick definition and a killer cutting bell. Mostly playing rock and some metal music but I don’t want the cymbal to limit the future choices.
Is the RBDR the way to go?
I’m worried about spending 400 bucks (RBDR) on a one dimensional ride that he will not like in a few years.

We looked at maybe 50 rides in the last few weeks but maybe there is something else to consider?

[Wavelength]

He is looking for loud clear stick definition and a killer cutting bell.

...and the Z Custom isn't delivering those qualities? Sheesh...

[Ainulindale]

if you're looking at the Sabians, the AA Rock Ride, AA Raw Bell Dry Ride and HH Power Bell Ride are all great, with the Rock Ride having the nicer sounding 'bow' i think.
also check out the Meinl 22" Soundcaster Custom Mega Bell Ride - just an awsome bell, but fairly pricey...
just my .02$, good hunting!

[bilkay]

Great bell? Cutting stick?

20" Paiste Signature Dry or 20" Dry Heavy will work. I think the Dry is move versatile than the Dry Heavy. If I could only have one ride, it would probably be the 20" Paiste Signature Dry.

[Numberonefan]

...and the Z Custom isn't delivering those qualities? Sheesh...

To some degree but not in a good way. It gas a bad gong like quality and the bell is not what he hears else ware live and in recordings. Man...

I must confess to only looking at Zildjian and Sabians so far…

[Toby_Jackson]

You should try to find a RBDR used. Sabian produces tons of these and they're among the easiest to find at a good price. I've seen them sell for less than $100 on ebay (there's a couple on there now with bidding under that mark). To my ears, Sabian is pretty consistent with these pies, so I wouldn't worry too much about getting a dog if you go used/online.

[Numberonefan]

I picked up the HH RBDR tonight. It’s so much more than we expected. It’s all the things we were looking for, stick definition and great bell, but so much more. It has a shuttle wash to it that’s just perfect and opens up as you play down the bow. WOW.