April Birthdays 
I've been off SG101 for a few weeks...
I use trad grip. I used matched in high school, but I prefer traditional these days for faster snare work and I find that I can still whack the snot out of the snare without going to matched. Plus I can still get around the kit (sometimes literally) just fine without switching to matched.
As for kits, I always gravitate toward vintage. The newer sets sound fine, but there's just something about those old shells I just like better. I use a 1961 Slingerland or a 1969 (I think!) Ludwig. I have a WFL Downbeat snare that I love!
Modern hardware is just fine (old stuff cracks & breaks). But I prefer single braced stands... mainly to put off back surgery!!! Stands are HEAVY and I'm getting OLD!! 
Steve
The Apollo Four 2012-present
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloFour/
The Verbtones 2002-2012
