A truly love and first strike experience, whether you're hitting the bow with it's extremely defined ping, or the bell with it's cutting clang, this ride was designed to cut through the mix and cater to heavier styles of music. It's not a versatile ride; it's dry without much wash and definitely not designed to be crashed, but it is heavy, controlled and beastly, a true power ride. Make no mistake, it would be extremely out of place at a jazz or pop gig, but a ride for everyone is a ride for no one.
The 900 series has a beautiful darkened finish and it is also hammered by hand. Yes, this series is considered an "intermediate" line, but the quality you are getting far surpasses that. Probably the best element of this ride is that bell. So unbelievably pronounced, it instantly asserts itself life or in the rehearsal room. Paiste is known for making some serious heavy rides with even more cut, aggression and prestige, but this option comes in at almost half the price of others. Can't recommend this enough.