I'm almost certainly going to invest in a new high quality set of decks but I need some advice; do I go with the tried and tested Technics 1210's or some of the highly praised all singing all dancing (and very expensive)vestax range?

Why not go retro and go for these bad boy's!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kde-head/19313082/

If you're looking for a true workhorse then the Technics is the best buy, they last forever and will really take a beating. The top Vestax products are more up to date and better spec'd but unless you are a serious performer, they may be more than you really need

Thanks for the advice, I just wonder if there might be more room for individuality on the vestax range due to the extra features they offer. But then the technics are the benchmark. You say they'll last forever so as such would you recommend I pick a set up second hand to save a few bob?

Problem with second hand is that you never know what abuse they've had. They'll last forever if you treat then well.

You may wish to look at the Numark TTX as we recently did a gig with Birdy Nam Nam and we were very impressed with these decks.

They used the new Ortofon Qbert cartridges so it may be worth looking out for these which will be launched in around 4 weeks.