Mike

First depends on wehether you want to go down the Traktor road or Serato road? Obviously if you want to go the Traktor way Native instruments own controllers is the best way to go without a doubt, I actualy use a Numark 4trak with traktor, but believe this was a wrong choice of mine, not that it’s a bad controller but in recent times the customer support and driver updates from Numark have been very poor.
If you go down the Serato way the choice of controllers at the moment is far bigger than Traktor, with obviously Pioneer the biggest name in the Dj world being the leader in terms of options, to be honest I couldn,t even tell you about Serato as I have used Traktor for the last 5 years and am very happy with the software, I see no reason to step over to Serato at the moment.
I would suggest try out both software options first if possible before looking at new hardware, don’t be pressurised into buying a certain brand or type of controller because it’s trendy or your friends have one, buy a controller you like! Don’t be frightened of a complicated looking controller with loads of buttons and flashing lights, at the end of the day they all work in the same way and you will want to learn and enjoy new options with your new controller, don’t be afraid of the second hand market as sometimes you can get a great deal.
Just take your time and try things out first in shops before spending your hard saved cash, nowadays we are spoilt with the ammount of hardwear options available to us, stick with the well known makes and you won’t go wrong, there is other software options out there such as Virtual Dj, but if you are really serious about controllers there is only the big two software option if you want to be taken seriously, remember when your cash is gone, IT’S GONE ! so don’t rush at buying a new controller as much as your money is burning a hole in your pocket,take your time, hope this advice helps.