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.