I think well of Gold Tone - within certain limits.

Gold Tone currently offers what's (arguably) the best bang for the buck in new instruments these days. For all intents and purposes they got started by producing very good starter instruments, and they're starting to do some really interesting things at the near-premium level, too - particularly since acquiring Ohm and bringing Greg Rich on board. Some of their upper-level stuff is approaching (though not quite there yet, IMO) premium American brands, at VERY attractive price points. They're able to do this because the heavy lifting in the build is done in China. 

With that said: Stelling is (or was) a true premium brand. Craftsmanship, fit and finish are as good as it gets. The necks feel like your hand has always wanted to hold them. Personally, I find the sound of Stellings, the way most are set up, to be a bit more piercing than I prefer (though this can be significantly managed with setup).

Gibson is, of course, Gibson. Their mid-'60s to early '80s output was definitely hit-or-miss - some good, some dreadful. Quality instruments early and late in their history.

If I was in the market for a new instrument (which I'm not) and had the cash to burn, I'd be looking hard at Huber and Prucha. 

Gibson RB-250's, from about 1990 on up, were good mahogany banjos. If you find one from the early 90's (perhaps starting in the very late 1980's), it will probably have a Kulesh ring in it and will likely sound pretty good (or really good), depending on setup. Late ones will probably have the "mystery ring", and although I've never had a banjo with one, some folks say the mystery rings sounds fairly good, too.

I have owned all three, the Stelling is like the Cadillac of banjos in my opinion. They are top in fit and finish, the Gibson s I have are good, and I have a Bela Fleck model Goldtone. It is really nice, but not cheap for a Goldtone.
Overall, my Stelling is my favorite, if you can find one, buy it, you won’t be sorry.
Ken

In spite of the name, make and model, if at all possible, have it in your hands and play it. Many factors come into play here. The weight, the feel, the playability, the sound (loud or soft) and most importantly, the tone.
I have heard and played many high priced instruments and well known brands and some have left me cold for what ever reason. My ears knows what sounds it likes. I currently have a 2005 Gold Star GF85 and a 1970's Tokai Humming bird. I have owned 2 Gibson Masterton's, a Baldwin ODE D, any number of Ibanez artists as well as other brands and I am totally happy with what I have now.

Had my share of Stellings including half a dozen Sunflowers and they are wonderfully engineered, well-built eye candy. After a while though I found myself longing for a fuller, richer tone.

Like all Gibson reissues, RB250's are what they are. Good solid banjos, middle of the road sound.

Surprisingly, I like the sound of the newer generation Gold Tone banjos (Twangers and up) better than just about anything else out there. Properly setup they are hard to beat and quite affordable. Powerful sparkling banjos with a full range up and down the neck. Consistency in build quality can still be an issue however.