My high school has used yamaha for a long time. We have had 4 SFZ snare that are a good 5 to 10 years old and on of the rims just cracked today. And we hardly ever service them! A vast majority of bands from colleges to high schools to drum corps. uses yamaha drums. They are very dependable. But whatever drum you like best is your best bet. Just avoid the power-lite if you want dependability.