I like Ludwig, Slingerland, Pearl, Sonar, Premier, Leedy, Shine or Gretch. I have owned more Ludwig and Slingerland than anything else. I do not care for the beginner kits though or the ZBT Cymbals. My reasoning in saying this is not to be disagreeable. I told myself years ago, if I was going to do this music thing I was going to use the v ery best quality I could get. I have owned and do own some of the finest in the world. I LOVE Vintage too. I would rather have an incredible 4 or 5 piece kit with good cymbals than a beginner 10 piece kit with poor cymbals. I would rather look on-line and wait until I can get a deal on a good kit that get a beginner kit right now. In the long run patience will pay off and later you will not regret it grasshopper.
For instance I found a early 70's 7 piece Ludwig kit fot $550. I added two more matching floor toms and another snare to make it a 10 piece kit. The same kit list for $6000.00 with Cymbals.
DM