like everyone in here is saying it's a matter of choice. As for me I gradually moved up as I got faster and better. My first pedal was the stock Yamaha pedal that came with the set, then I moved to an Iron cobra but the response was too sluggish as i had gotten used to playing with springs fully tightend, so I eventually got a dw2000 wihich lasted me all of about 8 or 9 mos before I busted the spings and the chain(A lot of shout sessions going on). I'm now using the dw9000.Great pedal!!!!! But all in all, try a few different ones out with or without weights and see what works best for you. Because what may work for some of us may not work for you
peace adn god bless