You said you wanted "solid", I have the Axi 900 which having a metal (not cast) stand isn't that solid. Don't get me wrong, it's OK but if you get 12 inch x 3 blank that's out of round a bit, it does wobble. Spinning a bat should be no bother though. The cast bed is nice and solid.
The Record headstock will be a lot beefier than the Axi, which is something to bear in mind possibly.
Do you really need a stand ? You can make a stand out of 4 x 4 and 4 x 2 yourself for peanuts compared to what they charge for the lathe stands. That way you might get the Record and some change.
The VS for the record isn't cheap, so if VS is a must then the Axi might be the better bet.
You don't have to replace your centres and stuff, get 1MT - 2MT sleeves, about 6 quid each IIRC, that's what I did and they're fine. No other difference than size.
Just some thoughts.
