I'm not a tire expert, so I can't comment on which brand is better.
But I will echo the others here and say, get the best tires available for your bike and your riding needs. Don't get the most expensive. Get the best.
I'm a pretty frugal guy, but I never try to save money on tires. Get the best.
You've heard ZX-2R talk about the contact surface. It's small. Get the best tires available.
You've heard the saying, "where the rubber meets the road?" Well, this is it. Get the best.
You're taking a great step by talking to people and getting their opinions. Talk to the mechanics in your local dealerships, too. Then tally up what everyone says and get the best tires available.
Personally, I'd stick with the well-known brands. They have the most racing experience.
And I agree with the others here. You probably have 17" tires. That's good, because it gives you a lot more choices so you can get the best.
Saving $30 or $40 on tires isn't much when you have to buy new fairings and mirrors and turn signals, and fix the scratches on the muffler, etc.
Curt