Originally Posted by
Beneficial Ear
I've broken many a low end cassette/freewheel in my bikes and I want something that will stay in one piece, last, and feel solid and smooth under torque. I can do up to about $100 for this + chain... I definitely want to keep the 11 gear though, I love to mash it on steeper downhills.
IME it's pretty hare to break a cassette sprocket in normal use. They wear out. If teeth are breaking something is wrong. I suspect you're shifting under heavy power, especially since you describe yourself as a masher. Whatever cassette and chain you choose, go easy on the pedal pressure through shifts and you should be fine.
I should add that small sprockets never feel as smooth as larger ones, especially under load. Read up on
chordal action, and you'll see that it gets more pronounced with fewer teeth.