Rogers Super Ten for a great COS, Rogers Powertone for a great COB, the Powertone being the little brother to the Dyna, without the expensive and, some feel finicky, snare bridge. These are all top notch Rogers snares. As a matter of fact, any of the Slngerland or Rogers COB or COS snares would be a great choice.
Don't forget the Acrolite, either. This is one of the best drums in the world, even though it is not as aesthetically pleasing as the chrome models. If you look for a VGC keystone model, they are really sweet looking lightly polished shells, not the anodized versions we all grew up looking at and playing. They are the working man's Supra. It really is the basis of the Supra, just 2 fewer lugs and no chrome.
Premeir makes some top notch snares as well, however I am unfamiliar with them. And Sonor, but they are harder to come by.
For a little flavor, you could look at two of the best snares from Japan, and they are top of the world as well, the TAMA King Beat and the Pearl Jupiter, with or without parallel strainer. These are also some of the best sounding and playing snares out there. And they can be had for a bit less than some of the American snares, but are not as prevalent as say, a Supra as far as the market goes. Don't discount these because they are not US made drums, they are highly sought after by many drummers around the world who otherwise have nothing but American/European collections. They are just simply some of the best drums in the world, bar none.
As far as it goes, almost any of the 50s, 60s and 70 COB or COS snares are a good choice, no matter the brand, American, European or Japanese. I own a Star plain-jane COS snare that is simple and has a round, blue badge that reads, simply, Made In Japan, and it will sing out there with many of the big boys, and on the super cheap. Paid $23.00 for it, including shipping.
If you want to consider modern, top shelf snare, the TAMA Metalworks are really some nice drums. A little jazzed up with rhinestones for some tastes, but man, they are right up there with the best.
So, there you have my silly diatribe on the whole matter.
