[Downrod]

Don't know much about Pearl, I have never played them nor do I know anybody that plays them. I can vouch for Tama. My back up kit is a 1980 Tama Imperialstar. I am the original owner. The kit is rock solid. It has been shamelessly abused for many years and it has held up amazingly. The bass drum has been caught in the jet blast of a fighter jet and flew across the flight deck like a tumble weed, landing in the netting over the side of the aircraft carrier. No damage.
I have not had one issue with the hardware or the shells, and aside from the many battlescars on the finish wrap, the kit is still like new 30 years later. The poplar shells sound very warm and deep. I do not like the bass drum though, 24 " x 15" doesn't cut it for me. Not enough depth for that diameter.
The Tama kit has been a workhorse for me. Very durable.