I'm reading all these posts trying to find a common denominator. Every birch kit I've ever owned I've dumped. Even kits with birch (in it) I've had irritation with them. Part of it may add up to paranoia setting in over the years. I've heard birch kits on YouTube wearing headphones that made me think wow!..that can't be birch!. I've lived in drumville turmoil my entire life. I'm a seeker of the ultimate kit and so far..in my life long search it doesn't exist. And it pains me to say that. I still like reading these threads to get inside and dissect all of your minds like the evil ruler of planet drum.