I have several sets from Gearwrench, Armstrong, SK, Snap on, Matco, and Craftsman. If this is your first set and since I don't know what you'll be working on, or if you're a hobbyist or pro, I would recommend the fully polished reversible Craftsman set.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...rd=craftsman+reversible+ratcheting+wrench+set
Do not confuse these with the other Craftsman ratcheting wrenches. these are US made, and have a very fine 72 tooth action. For a general purpose set, these are hard to beat. This set will allow to get your feet wet. Once you start using them, to want to expand your selection to other lengths, shapes and styles.
gearwrench makes some quality sets too. However, I am not fond of the reversible sets sold at Sears and Lowes because, they have the dreaded capstop feature which is basically a flat washer or ring on the top edge of the ratcheting boxed end. The capstop feature prevents the wrench from sliding past a nut on a shaft but, it also prevent you from using a reverse grip on a fastener. Something which you may have to do for clearance in a crowded engine compartment.
Before gearwrench became the king of ratcheting wrenches. matco was selling their proswing wrench sets and laying the foundation for Gearwrench's success with pro techs. Matco's first proswing set had wrenches with a fixed boxed end on one side and a fine 72 tooth ratcheting boxed end on the other end. They are still my favorite ratcheting wrench today.
Just remember that once you start using fine tooth ratcheting wrenches, you'll only go back to a regular wrench if a Gearwrench doesn't fit.
