The reason why I can stand them is 'cos I have great earplugs. They cut out all the ugly high frequencies, makes them a bit darker and mellower. But without the earplugs I have to agree. The hi-hats are just too noisy...maybe as some trash-effects-hats, but not as a main hat. The ride is alright...a tad gongy...and the crash is just too small for me (I prefer 18" or upwards). But hey, they're alright for beginners, and after 6 years you get used to it, and they possibly age some so that'll help the sound.