My experience with Hart was great--I couldn't find a Hart Pro Snare at any of my usual places so I just called Hart directly. I called a few times and talked to the same guy. He set me up with the Black Chrome snare direct and had it shipped the same day. If anyone is interested in purchasing their replacement cymbal rubber pads I would just call their Customer Service and ask. If a part is set up in their system as a sellable item you should be able to get it. Same thing with Pintech--just contact Lorrie, she'll set you up with parts that aren't even shown on their website.
Yeah ive heard good things about hart. There drums actually look like they are better quality than rolands. lol I would hope they would have great customer service as much as their drums cost. If your using a hart kit. Id really like to see pictures. I havent really seen any nice hart user kits.
Ive actually had to deal with pintech before and they do have pretty nice customer service.
Actually, I am only using a Hart Pro Snare with my standard DM8 Pro kit. So DM8 Pro + 2 additional Simmons 12" cymbals (same as Alesis but available at Guitar Center) and a Hart Pro Black Chrome Snare on a Tama snare stand. I bought the Hart because my Pintech 12" mesh head was going to need it's second foam "cone" replacement in maybe 1-1/2 years(?) so I thought a Hart might be more durable. For the way that I play (and I keep saying that I am not a drummer but I am getting better) I like to have a good snare that picks up all of the stuff that I'm doing or at least want to do. From the beginning of using e-drums it has always been the case that I have wanted my snare to be one or two notches above what I was using for toms. At this point, when I am playing my kit with Superior, I don't really have a clear weak link that needs to be replaced (grey ware on the throne being the one clear exception.) I like the fact that the DM8 input limit is keeping me from going nuts with adding a bunch of pieces that I don't need, Alesis cymbals are doing everything that I need, I like the feel and response of the RealHeads for toms (seriously, I do! stick volume is high but I don't have issues with that.)
My advice, FWIW, is to do what you have to for toms and cymbals (particularly accent cymbals) but get a good snare!!
As far as DIY for drums it can be great and even affordable but you really have to watch the total cost vs buying a full kit--I know from experience that paying retail for all of the individual pieces will cost more than you think. When I was looking to upgrade my Yamaha DTxreme kit (which already had two 10" and one 12" Pintech ConcertCast) buying an entire Alesis DM8 was the best choice for me. I haven't had to DIY anything other than the aforementioned Pintech parts replacements--even though I'm not averse to doing so.