I-5 : For me personally, an SM57 beater

I've always had a love-hate relationship with the SM57 - it does a great job for the money, but it always takes work and it's kinda harsh.

The i5 seems to be growing in popularity, and the moment I got one it was obvious why. It's even more solidly built than a 57, and it sounds better even before you use any processing on it. Much smoother high end, much punchier low end. It's the best snare mic I've ever used. On guitar cabs there's less nasty stuff in the high frequencies, though overall it might be a hair brighter.

This is my go-to on snare and guitar now, and it works on just about everything else too. Grab a couple of these for your mic locker, you won't regret it.