there are cheaper versions of this snare out there - it's been around a long time and is sort of a standard - but yeah, could totally be it.
drummers tend to be particular about their gear and setup.
people always want to get behind someone's kit, move shit around,
hit drums and cymbals like fucking cavemen, rest their drinks on your shit, etc.
and yeah, shit ain't cheap.
it's weird, non-musicians don't pick up a guitar and fucking windmill like Pete Townsend,
but they'll sure as shit get behind a kit and do their most uncoordinated Animal impression.