Alright, so I'm looking to buy a new kit.
I have heard good things about the following sets:

Tama Superstar SK HyperDrive 6 Piece set
Pearl Vision VSX 5 Piece set
Gretsch Catalina Maple 6 Piece set

I am wondering what my fellow drummers think of these sets.
Regardless of what set I get, I am going to purchase a new snare and new heads (nn stock heads).

could you provide links for some pictures or information?
i never liked the hardware of pearl sets anyway, my instincts tell me i prefer tama

I have only played two out of the three, the pearl and the gretsch, and I by far prefer the gretsch catalina maple.

Tama: http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/product/u_drum_data.php?year=2010&id=106
Pearl: http://www.pearldrum.com/Products/Drumsets/Vision/Vision-VSX.aspx
Gretsch: http://www.gretschdrums.com/?fa=drums&sid=573

I'm leaning towards the Tama. The hardware is generally better quality.

i bought the gretsch recently and i love it

its £400, the tama is £900

i prefer the sound of my catalina anyway^

it tuned up brilliantly right out of the box^

Though this doesn't help much, I think the Gretsch looks the sexiest.

You like the 'natural finish' style, though. I despise it.

I'll probably just stick with Tama. I've heard nothing but great things about the Tama set, and I prefer their hardware.

True... You freaking HATE it.

don't buy pearl vsx

Pearl's stock heads are fantastic.

When buying a drum set you should look very closely at the type of bass drum you are getting.

The Tama offers an ultra deep bass drum at 20''. This is give you a very very loud feel ( this also has to do with the type of wood. and what types of lows meds and highs the wood gives you as well as the thickness, be sure to research) So Either get medium or thin wood.

The Pearl doesn't specify how large or deep the bass drum is, but it has 10mm thickness, so be sure that if you are set on buying the Pearl to get a smaller bass drum to compensate. Otherwise you will get a horrible sound.

Gretsch produces wonderful drum sets ( I've only had problems with their snares) but the one you are looking at has a 9'' X 12'' mounted tom. This will make it a bitch to find heads for.