Wow..... a guy with an ESP pic recommending an Ibanez over the ESP......
I would recommend the Ibanez too..... although the Middle Single coil might not get much use, the built quality is much much better compared to the crap LTD puts out now adays.

I wouldn't say hate it..... but just don't find a use..... yet.
Heck.... I'm installing a complete set of Seymore's in my Strat..... middle pick-up included.

I tried a RM900+ Yamaha guitar the other day at Midvalley...... H-S-H setup.... Sounded REALLY good for the price. Can't remember the model.
But quite versatile. I tried out a few Randy riffs, some Jimi riffs, some Zakk stuff..... and they sounded pretty good. Wish I could try out the trem bar.... but the overall feel is good. Nice action, and really easy to reach the higher frets.

Playing metal or hard rock? I would opt for the Marshall AVT50x. Really. So far, it's the best performance/price for hard rockers out there. If you want something more versatile, go for the Vox AD50vt.......

The AD50vt sounds MUCH MUCH better then the Marshall.... yes......
but if you're playing Metal and Hard Rock..... the amp just isn't powerful enough..... the Avt50x definately has the balls that goes with it.

I'll be waiting for your hate mail..... but Led_zep...... you heard what the Marshall could do with my Zakk Wylde epi...... Nuff said.

It can..... but MOSTLY...... amp effects, ESPECIALLY for the lower end models SUCK.

But it looks like you're going to sacrifice sound for weight....... I know you're gigging and stuff like that... but face it.... most 50watters going to weigh as much too.

Noisetrigger is right....... decide FIRST on if it's going to be a practise amp, or a bigger amp that you're going to be using for practise.....

Remember that a practise amp, while cheap and decent enough on it's own, Will never be good enough for a giging job. For a minimum, you'll need at LEAST a decent 50w amp for small gigs and stuff like that. A great practise amp does not mean it's going to be an average gigging amp. Remember that.

Yes, power DOES matter if you're gigging.... (it's kinda ironic because I never gig and I'm STILL getting a 150w amp later in the year..... just in case)