I had a viper 301 ltd and that was really good.Ive played the deluxe and ESP standard vipers as well...
If you save some money,I would say go for the ESP standard Viper rather than an Gibson SG.You will get good hardware,sound(if you like EMG-81's,but who dosn't?)and better build quality(based on what ive played and heard)...plus it looks cooler.
Try once,fail twice...