I think the biggest bang for the buck out there is the Futaba GY401/9253 combo for $200 in the grey market and $250 at HeliProz. You can't go wrong with it. You can of course buy only the gyro and run it with a normal non high frame rate and/or digital servo, you just won't get the benefit of the matched performance of the 401 with the 9253 servo.

If your budget does not let you stretch it as far as the 401 (anything less will be asking for upgrade later) I'd recommend the Futaba GY240. It has the same sensor, no high frame rate or remote gain on this one but it will do the job. It costs a little less and probably a good contender in your book.

JR is years behind Futaba on the gyro market, they have nothing that compares in price/performance to the Futaba 401 or any of their gyros. I am a JR guy but I use the 401 in my Sceadu 50 and I love it.

Good luck with your decision!