Thanks for all your input!

performace, there are some older 256 models on sale on ebay for a pretty good deal. See here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Everlast-Pow...item337881c2e6

If it wasn't for that I would probably go with the 250ex. And acourtjester's thinking is similar to what I had in mind...

I will let ya'll know when this indecisive guy makes up his mind, if ever.