So after much searching and reading on affordable vibes, I went with a VL Micro Vibe, definitely gig worthy and big knobs+big toe I can get a ton of different combos without bending over. I've been jamming with it and the Headrush for a few days and the combo is shaping up to be a ton of fun/weirdness
I was on my lunch break, reading TGP over a turkey sandwich and I saw that the Akai Headrush EP2 was only $99.99. $99.99 for an tape delay, echo, and looper?!?! It has tap tempo?!?! Luckily I had a 10% off coupon, and I have to stop reading those forums. It sounds pretty great for the price and it's become a dedicated slapback/looper on my board. It was my birthday so I had some funds to play with, and it's shaped out quite nicely.