[y-c-o-m-b]

I actually don't hit too hard since I started on a Roland e-drum set and if you hit too hard on those, you risk breaking the pads, so I think I developed better stick control from that. On my acoustic set, I've only ever broken the Zildjian sticks and some cheapo Amazon brand ones. The Vic Firth have held up for over 2 years.

I also use the Sabian AAX line and it works great. I like to play along with rock, hip-hop, and pop. I found the Sabian's to be a good middle ground for now.

Judging by the feedback I'm getting in other comments, I guess the Zildjians are not any less reliable than the Sabians (and I understand the Sabians are derived from Zildjian anyway?). I'll have to give them another go at some point.