I have a Vistalite snare that goes with my Green Vistalite Big Beat kit (which I would love to sell BTW) and I never use this snare when I play the kit out because it just sound plastic to me ... no warmth what so ever.
Here are a few suggestions from drum I've owned or played over the years.
1) 6.5 x 14 Ludwig Hammered-Bronze Superphonic - this drum has an amazing warmth like a maple with the bit bite like a metal drum. This is definitely different than just an old Ludalloy Superphonic.
2) 6.5x13 Yamaha Steve Jordan maple snare - this has great crack and warmth that is very different from other Yamaha snares
3) Noble & Cooley SS Classic - 5x14. Warmth, crack, can be tuned so many different ways. This was my favorite snare - I only wish I still had it .... that was a bad trade on my part.
4) Noble & Cooley Aluminum Alloy 4.5 x14 - this drum rocks and has many different sounds based on how you tune the drum. It sounds way better than an Ludwig Acrolite snare ... it is cast aluminum. I'd bet the 6.5" version rocks as well.
5) Fibes FST - Fiberglass 5x14 snare - this drum is very much like the Tempus drum - black fiberglass, punchy, loud, & aggressive. Not plastic like a Vistalite.
I hope this help you in your search.
