advice on handplanes

Hi there,

I'm looking at getting some handplanes and am trying to learn what I can about them. I'm doing more finer woodworking but I've always just made do with the tools I have to get frustrating but passable results. I'm in Canada and I've narrowed it down to three options.

First is Lee valley which has an expensive (for me) three plane set (block, smooth, jack) of veritas planes. My understanding is that Veritas is great quality but pricey (buy once, cry once situation.

Next is a slightly less expensive three plane set of wood river planes (block plane, #4, and a #5). I can't find much on wood river, it is more in my price range though and seems to get the 3 most used planes.

Finally I could just buy 3 Jorgensen planes individually for much less but from what I'm reading they're meh quality but can still do okay jobs.

I don't mind spending more if it's worth it but don't want to be spending more just for a brand label. What are people's thoughts? Are wood river planes comparable to Veritas? Is Veritas worth the extra cash? Are Jorgensen passable for a non professional?

Cheers