I've got a 21" Sweet Ride myself and a A Zildjian & Cie Vintage ride (they are discontinued now as of a year ago). The Sweet ride is a nice medium ride, and I use it in everything from jazz combos, big bands, to alternative rock. It has a big sound which took a while to get used to (it's 21" instead of the usual 20" I had always played). However, it can be quite musical, although it stays a little on the bright side. The new Armands are better though, they have a warmer tone. They have everything you could want in a ride cymbal. They never wash out, they have a clear bell, and they can be crashed. Although, apparently most of you people like the heavy metal slabs labeled as ride cymbals these days. Look into the HHX Groove Ride as well, nice warm musical sound here with a lot of versatility. It you are just looking for something to make a loud noise, I would say the Sabian Universal Ride, it's bright, crisp, but not a complete anvil like say the Paragon ride.