Z2 vs DJM450? And can you DJ with just the Z2 and a laptop?

I currently use 2 x X1, an A+H K2 as a mixer and a soundcard. It gives me 4 channels but I mostly only use 2 and sometimes a 3rd - I also like having a 4th track with a 4bar loop running to help me visualise phrase boundaries and I sometimes use remix decks for adding percussion loops.

I would like to get familiar with the pioneer world and have a setup that other pioneer users can bring their rekord box USB sticks to play with so I'm thinking of getting some XDJ700s or XDJ1000s both to be able to practice on standalone but also with a view to also being able to use them in Traktor HID mode. I'm going to need a mixer for the standalone aspect so was looking at the pioneer djm 450 and the Traktor Z2.

The Z2 obviously has the Traktor integration but no FX in standalone mode and no SEND/RETURN option either. So Im debating which one would be better. I already have an X1 and F1 and if I got the XDJ unnits to use in HID mode, I'm not sure how useful Traktor integration of the Z2 would actually be.

The one thing that appeals with the Z2 is that is can potentially be used alone with laptop for a very compact DJ solution without needing anything else since it has transport control and browsing. Does anyone use it like this?

I don't have any vinyl to worry about DVS support and I play mostly techno and dnb so not much into scratching.

I'm a bit worried about the age of the Z2, ongoing driver support and NI's continued ownership of Traktor..

Given my setup, would you recommend the Z2 or the DJM450?

 

I own the Z2 since the beginning (my second one now) and created a case for just the z2 with a smart way to hold my laptop. I changed some mapping:

flux buttons became play
More functions for C and D channels
Shift+fx buttons for pitch bending
etc

And besides sometimes the X1 and F1 i always use a simple ShuttleXpress usb controller for moving through tracks and fine tuning cue points.
(I had some cdj400 before to have both good controllers and use even then for usb backup players)
Still waiting for a good S1 controller from NI with a jogwheel!

Sweet little setup!