The XP8 line started in 1979. 8-ply shells in all maple. They were top of the line, Rogers never made mid-level. In the late 60's and again in the early 80's Rogers offered some entry-level stuff, most of it junk.

Some say XP8's were the sweetest sounding drums Rogers ever made. Some say 60's Cleveland 3 and 5-ply sound nicer. As Dan said, XP8's were top of the line.

Hugh

I have a kit that I rescued a couple years ago. I love them, they are rock solid and sound great. A lot of guys don't care for the cumbersome hardware, but I like it.These drums do not move wiggle or jiggle. I even have some cheep clear heads on them, they could sound better with some coated heads I think.

You can buy newer drums. You can buy drums with more modern mounts, and fancier badges. You can buy new drums that cost the same or more, maybe even less. But, you cannot buy better drums without spending way, way more than a good to excellent condition XP8 set will cost you.