The Vex Drums need upgrades! Heads, Stands, Cymbals, and even types of felts make a slight difference. If you want any beginner-intermediate set to be more than that it takes a lot of dedication. In the end it all comes down to personal preference. Just try everything out and that is why I reccomend a set like Vex. You have to build it up. Nice Maple drums like these dont just drop on your door step everyday.