Re: Everyone tells me NOT to buy a kit with a 24" bass drum! (24"BD owners, please comment!)
Every "experienced" drummer you know ..... you need to find a new set of cats to hang with. Just about every drummer I know has more than one kit. I own two acoustic kits.
My Ludwigs, 26x16, 12x8, 13x9, 14x14, 16x16, 18x16.
My Yamaha Recording Customs, 22x16, 12x8, 13x9, 14x14.
Buy the drums you want to buy. If you need a smaller kick later down the road, then buy a smaller kick. It's not like they're gonna suddenly stop making, selling, or outlaw 20" kicks anytime soon.
So you're (thinking of) driving a 24, 13, 16, 18 ... nice sizes. Add a 20" kick, a year from now, if you need to. You don't have to take all your drums to every gig. Think versatility and flexibility. A 20, 13, 16 for some gigs ... 24, 13, 18 for others ... 24, 13, 16, 18 for still more .... and for the ultimate "throw down" get all Dave Weckl/Will Calhoun on people, and jam out on both the 20" and the 24".