First, the Shure Beta 27... I picked up 4 of these at the end of last season at Imperial Theatre, so I'm just getting around to putting them through their paces now that we're back into shows. It is turning out to be one of those mics that I'm playing the "how many things will this work on" game. So far, drum OH, gtr amp, bass amp, sax, close miced hollow body electric gtr. All stellar. This has the possibility of being a real player by the sound of things. I'm starting to see them come through with shows as well, so I'm not the only one taking notice of this little gem.
Beta 181. We got three of them in cardioid. So far, outstanding on the Steinway, which is one of the things I specifically had in mind for these. Hats and OHs on drums... beautiful. That it so far, but I imagine you'll see me try these on drums and percussion as well as other usual SDC tasks.
Beta 91A. Although I typically have little use for these, they are showing up on riders so much I finally had to cave and get one. I'm more of a believer in put one good mic in a bass drum, instead of two that sort of work, but whatever works. So far, I can only imagine using it set "flat" as opposed to the little eq curve that it allows, although the two mic in one drum crowd might like that all attack and no body sound to mix with a good mic.
...and yes it is easier to buy mics that you've never tried when you're not spending your own money.