We performed experimental and theoretical analyses that show a thin-walled cylinder with stiff ribs can be used as a structural element to improve or adjust energy absorption characteristics. We conducted impact crushing tests using several different cylinders with ribs. The experimental results showed that the axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric crushing modes were dependent on not only the crosssection size but also on the distances between the ribs. A critical distance between the ribs was found to exist for generating axisymmetric and non-asxisymmetric crushing modes and it was more than double the wavelength of axisymmetric wrinkles regardless of cylinder size. The mean crushing forces of the axisymmetric modes were found to be roughly 1.3 times larger than those of the non-axisymmetric modes. The theoretical results based on plastic hinge behavior showed good agreement with the experimental results. The effects of material and cylinder size on the crushing behavior of a cylinder with ribs were expressed using approximate mathematical equations. The critical distance between ribs for generating axisymmetric or non-axisymmetric crushing mode was also expressed approximately. Stiff ribs appropriately spaced in a cylinder were found to be effective in absorbing a large amount of energy with a short crushing deformation.