[fryed]

I'm currently in the market for a new kit and would like to hear anyone else's comparisons of fusion kits vs. standard kits. Right now I have a 7-year old fusion Pearl Export and it's time to move up to maple or birch. My style is a funkier one and so I guess another fusion setup might be the way to go. This might sound bad, but fusion setups are the best bet for this style, right?Has anyone beat out some decent funky beats with a standard (12, 13, 16 toms) setup?

Also, if anyone can give me a comparison of maple and birch kits (including which are better for which styles) that would be awesome. Even though I've read stuff in the past, I don't feel like I'm informed enough. Admittedly, I haven't physically made much of an effort to actually play these and see for myself, but it's a pain in the ass when guitar center seems to be the only place to go to do that.

Lastly, if anyone can give opinions on the Mapex M series sets, I'd appreciate that too. If you can, comment on the non-penetrating bass drum and whether or not it significantly affects tom-height preferences (I tend to put them as far down as they'll go). THANX!!!