just like you, i've been using the cheap stuff growing up as well xD. right now, i'm trying garnier fructis products. i'm actually liking the goo they have, i bought the mangahead one. but it really depends what type of hair style you're going for. if you have long hair, wax is the way to go. and for short like mine: i've been going for the taeyang hair style for quite a while and i use goo for it. if i wake up with a bad bedhead, i use goo. if my hair's normal, i use gel LOL
here's taeyang's hair LOL