Ancient thread here. I've been going back and forth between the Zildjian Anti-Vibes 5B's and some Vic Firth American Classic 5B's. I find there's a very noticeable difference in the feel. The anti-vibe thing really works. That said, it's going to be an individual question as to how much it matters to you.
One of my goals in learning drums (again) is to have some real finger technique, which I never really had when I used to play before. I can see that having that little extra feedback from regular sticks can be useful. When I start playing more for extended periods, I'll have to see whether the vibration from regular sticks is tiring or not. And I just don't have the experience to say whether the Zildjians are less durable or not.
I have horrible carpal tunnel syndrome, so it might make more of a difference to me than to some other people.