Hi Rick,
I have two guitars with EMG's 81/85 combo and a few with Dimarzio's. I have to say that the Dimarzio pickups work better for me although the EMG sets have their place too. The best pickups I have ever used for rhythm and lead are Dimarzio Evolutions. I find EMG's good for hot overdriven lead but they are a bit thin when it comes to chunky rhythms.
The Evolutions have great range and offer more sustain plus I have to say they are a bit hotter too (offer more output). Still though, if I want to get a burning lead tone with a wah pedal I'll reach for the EMG's. Horses for courses I suppose. Check out a set of Evolutions on an Ibanez Jem at the local guitar shop (the white model with the vine inlays -the mirror finish Jem uses Breed pickups which are also good but different).
Hope that helps!