Re the mesh heads, I'm sure you'll find everyone has different opinions but here is my $.02
I've tried Roland, Pintech, Pearl, Billy Blast I's and Billy Blast II's. These are just my opinions:
Roland - To me the best performing all around, but pretty pricey.
Pintech - Not bad, plays ok all around, but there is better out there for the same $.
Pearl - They work pretty good and hold up well, little to bouncy for my liking but super cheap which makes them attractive to many.
Billy Blast Ballistec I's - Didn't care for these at all, they are very inexpensive which is a plus but you get what you pay for here.
Billy Blast Ballistec II's - These have been great, feel and play much like a Roland for about 2/3's the price. Can't comment on durability as I've only had them about a month but so far they look like they are going to hold up well.
Please check out digitaldrummer, they have done many comparison articles on all kinds of edrum stuff, Mesh heads were compared again in the current edition. Also look at the April 2010 & August 2011 issues they did on Mesh heads:
Current Edition:
http://www.digitaldrummermag.com/http://www.digitaldrummermag.com/Back_Issues.htmlHope it helps.. Yankee