Personally I love CK Headsets, and on one of my bikes I have a King Headset, but honestly...if someone doesn't want to throw nearly $200 down on a headset, there are some other REALLY good alternatives.

I sell King Headsets on my website here in Canada, and they do really well, but there are a couple FSA Headsets that really have nothing wrong with them for literally a third the price.

I currently have 4 bikes I rotate through on my rides (2 Road, 1 Track, 1beach cruiser and one new track in progress). I have FSA Headsets on all but one. I have never had an issue with any of them (OR the KING SET obviously).

King definitely wins in the BLING factor, but the average cyclist out there, the King headsets aren't necessary I don't think.

Don't get me wrong though, I love Chris King, and if I had my way everyone would ride with them, but realistically if on a budget I'd rather spend my money on Wheels, or a sweet Campy Pista Crankset, or the new LEVEL Hubs!

Cheers
Rob