Is there some sort of trick any of you people use when buying new cymbals. I just bought some real nice ones the other day (Sabian HH leopard ride and Zil. A rock crash) and I swear the ride does not sound the same when I got home.

Obviously there are going to be different acoustics in a giant drum shop compared to my small practice room, but I just find it so hard to find the sound you are looking for without paying an arm and a leg to find out the hard way.

Bring your own sticks with you when you shop.  Use those to test.  Bring a friend along so s/he can play them while you listen from a distance (or have someone from the store do it).  Also, bring some of your favorite cymbals along so you can hear how they blend - or not - with the new prospect.

I had played a couple of A-Customs recently at a local store and loved them. I got them at the rehearsal hall on my kit and i was disappointed. I cant tell you how many times ive gotten great sounding gear home and then on my kit i was like what???. I have to play equiptment on a kit. Bringing a few of your own cymbals to the shop is real good advice.

bring your main cymbal as a reference. For me, it would be my ride cymbal. Then play all of it to see if it blends the cymbal you want. If buying online, it's trial and error... Buy and then sell the ones you dont want...