Great thread - however, having owned & played most of the banjos mentioned, I decided to have a go at making my own. After a few (expensive) efforts, I finally produced an instrument which I was able to set up to play just the way I wanted, which is something none of the others have done.
Of the ones I have owned, TheMartin?vega rates about the best but caused me serious discomfort and subsequent neck & spine disorders because of its enourmous weight.
Nobody seemed to mention Gold Tone banjos - I have owwned several and have recomended them to others as a relatively cheap but well made banjo. I also own a very old John Grey and a couple of Savanas which play pretty well.
Keep on picking
Pete