I was demo'ing cymbals today at the two local drum shops and have to say that I was really very fond of the Stagg Black Metal ride.  It was either a 20" or 22" -- couldn't tell as the second number was smudged.

I played it back to back with a handful of Paiste, Sabien, Zildjian and Bosphorus dry rides.  If I had to walk out of the store with one ride, it would've been the Stagg Black Metal.

It had a very dry, solid stick definition and a really nice bell (though not too cutting).  The cymbal seemed to have a very broad range from the edge to the bell.  And I have to say that the unfinished top was really aesthetically pleasing.

Here are some pics I found to give you an idea.

EDITED to note that the pics were compressed in the thread and didn't turn out.  The top of the cymbal is hammered and unfinished leaving a blackish surface with the occasional scratch bearing the bronze below.  The underside is a traditional lathed appearance.

I did not spend a great deal of time on the crashes, though I was largely unimpressed with the Stagg and Bosphorus crashes.  They sounded a bit on the trashy side for my taste.  I didn't sample the hihats from these two brands, but the strength of their lines seemed to be in the rides.

The Bosphorous rides sounded nice, but the Stagg really caught my attention.  In fact, the Stagg ride had a price tag of $330.  It was only when I got home later and researched it on the internet that I realized that they were a "budget" brand (about $200 online for the same cymbal).

I would have liked to compare the Stagg with a wider variety of Zildjian K's, but didn't have the opportunity.  If anyone out there can chime in on this I'd appreciate the comparison.  I also didn't have a chance to really play it with a complete kit.  That might come later if I decide that I must have this cymbal....

I also saw a broad range of Sabian Paragon (Neil Peart signature series) cymbals.  The crashes were very solid, though heavier than I prefer (the 20" would make a good light to medium ride).  I was really impressed with the 22" ride (very powerful) and 13" hihats (sensitive with great definition and sizzle).  It's funny, but I was only mildly taken by the 14" hihats.

I didn't take anything home with me today or play them with a full kit, and frankly don't have the live playing opportunities to use rides like the Stagg or Paragon (they're two different beasts, really).

I left the house today looking for hihats and rides in the range of Zildjian A's, K's, maybe a K Constantinople, etc.  I didn't find what I was looking for, but was pleasantly surprised nonetheless.  I was looking for a lighter ride, but ended up stumbling upon a couple of really nice heavy rides.

If only my pocketbook would have allowed me to indulge myself....

Corey

EDIT noted in text.

I liked the paragon a lot too. It has a defined stick sound, but still carries a wash to it. (Didn't like it as much as my HHX dry ride though....similar sounds) I'm using a 16'' paragon crash that I absolutely love. Very smooth wash, but very powerful as well.

I own a paragon 22" ride, but mostly I end up using my Zildjian K Custom Session Ride. It sounds nicer crashed, I can mix it in with other cymbals. It's nice and loud and has a certain body to it, it seems to continue existing in your mind a little while longer after you hit it. Where as the Paragon seems to disappear from thought very quickly. The Custom can be beautiful and aggressive.

I'm not quite sure where I'm going to end up using the Paragon really. However sometimes I let other drummers use it when I'm recording them because it does record nicely.

I tried the paragon ride next to an A ping ride (22"), and chose the A. Neil used to use the A ping, so that might be another option if you like the paragon.