Which is better for a beginner?

The Rydeen. It comes as a complete 5-piece kit with simple Yamaha hardware, so a new player can set up and play right away. The Tour Custom rewards an experienced player more.

The Tour Custom. Maple shells, 45-degree edges and sturdier hoops and mounts hold up better to gigging and repeated setup. The Rydeen is durable for home and practice use but is built to a lower standard.

Is the Tour Custom worth stepping up to?

Yes, if you gig, record or plan to keep one kit for years. The maple shells and Y.E.S.S. mounts give a more resonant, tunable sound that the Rydeen cannot match.

Which has the better bass drum?

The Tour Custom's maple bass drum hoops and shell give a fuller, more controlled low end. The Rydeen's 22" bass drum is loud and punchy but less refined.

Can I gig with the Rydeen?

Yes, for small shows. Its hardware is genuine Yamaha and holds up, but the shells and hoops are less resonant and less durable under heavy touring than the Tour Custom.

Do both use Yamaha hardware?

Yes. Both use Yamaha mounts and hardware, but the Tour Custom adds the Y.E.S.S. isolation mount and heavier hoops.

Yamaha Rydeen Drum Kit vs Yamaha Tour Custom

The Tour Custom is the better instrument: all-maple shells, 45-degree bearing edges, Y.E.S.S. mounts and 2.3mm hoops give it more resonance, tuning range and road durability than the Rydeen. The Rydeen is a solid starter kit with genuine Yamaha hardware and a full 5-piece setup, but its shells and hardware are built to a lower standard. Buy the Rydeen for a first kit or a tight budget; step up to the Tour Custom if you gig, record, or plan to keep the kit for years.

Choose the Yamaha Rydeen if you are starting out or buying a kit for a younger player and want a complete 5-piece setup with real Yamaha mounts and a 22" bass drum.
Choose the Yamaha Tour Custom if you gig or record and want all-maple shells, Y.E.S.S. mounts and sturdier hoops that hold tuning and stand up to transport.

Prices

Yamaha Rydeen Drum Kit: $519.99 at Walmart (checked today)