My kit is a Roland V-Tour with a Roland PM-3 monitor. I added a second crash cymbal. The pedal is a DW 9002 double pedal. Yes, I started with the best pedal available. This is a fine piece of hardware! It should outlive me easily and I'll never need to wonder if any problem is with the pedal or me.

Also useful has been a Tascam GT-1. It plays CDs at reduced speeds and will play designated sections in loops.

The Immortal flag is inspiring!