You have to consider that when you are a new drummer you won't have good control of your power. So you will tend to hit things a lot harder just to keep up. This means you will break sticks and cymbals more often.
I have been playing for 10+ years that was a huge problem for me, but eventually your mind will adapt to dynamic nature of keeping time. I feel most people think keeping time as a singular action, but its mostly managing dynamics and spacing of music. Cymbals are fundamental to accomplish that.
I will say that I personally prefer Sabian since I am a rock/metal drummer. But Zildjian cymbals are thinner and softer they will have less volume but a brighter and more lush sound. Most of their products are designed for softer Jazz and Pop playing. If you want something in between Paiste and Meinl try to fill that gap.
I actually don't hit too hard since I started on a Roland e-drum set and if you hit too hard on those, you risk breaking the pads, so I think I developed better stick control from that. On my acoustic set, I've only ever broken the Zildjian sticks and some cheapo Amazon brand ones. The Vic Firth have held up for over 2 years.
I also use the Sabian AAX line and it works great. I like to play along with rock, hip-hop, and pop. I found the Sabian's to be a good middle ground for now.
Judging by the feedback I'm getting in other comments, I guess the Zildjians are not any less reliable than the Sabians (and I understand the Sabians are derived from Zildjian anyway?). I'll have to give them another go at some point.
I have been playing for 10+ years that was a huge problem for me, but eventually your mind will adapt to dynamic nature of keeping time. I feel most people think keeping time as a singular action, but its mostly managing dynamics and spacing of music. Cymbals are fundamental to accomplish that.
I will say that I personally prefer Sabian since I am a rock/metal drummer. But Zildjian cymbals are thinner and softer they will have less volume but a brighter and more lush sound. Most of their products are designed for softer Jazz and Pop playing. If you want something in between Paiste and Meinl try to fill that gap.