I want a well-made shell that is made from materials that produce pleasing sonic qualities.

I want all the components of the drum to be brand-specific to the manufacturer. For example, The P-85 throwoff and the Classic lugs are brand-specific to Ludwig and are their original designs.

I want function-over-beauty when it comes to a snare drum in a drum set because they can't really be seen when they are behind the tom(s) and between your legs!

Of course, the drum has to sound good and be able to produce a good low, medium and high tension sound.

The feel or response of the drum is crucial. I look for the feel of the response even before the sound.

Finally, the price. I want a drum that doesn't break the bank and make me too self-conscious to play it for fear of scratching it.

I've got a pretty good collection of a variety of snare drums, both metal and wood and I always come back to the Ludwig Acrolite for all the reasons I listed above. Of course, the Supra is just as good!

In my experience, I have found that you almost can't go wrong with a vintage Ludwig snare drum from the 3-ply (wood) era as well as any of the Ludalloy or COB seamless beaded metal shell drums. Ludwig just "got it" when it comes to snare drums. That's my opinion, of course, but I don't own the opinion exclusively. :)