[Whiskers]

I have something like this:

https://www.ysi.com/pH100A

but it's an older model so I'm not sure how different.  It has separate replaceable probes for both the pH and temp., which is nice if you just want to measure the temp. of something but the cables do tend to get tangled up.  I've had the meter for close to two decades and it is very well built.  I have replaced the electrode a few times of course.

Perhaps something like this would also be of high quality?:

https://www.ysi.com/pH10A

Much cheaper and has replaceable electrodes....

[Whiskers]

What is the middle ground between the pH strips and the more expensive (in a relative way, as $80-$100 is not that expensive) meters?

I see many of the pen/stick style black and yellow meters on Amazon going for $15-$30. What is my mid range option? I currently just use Bru'n Water and economy pH strips and have been pretty happy with the results.

Get the cheaper meter and several small bottles of calibration solution.  The stuff gets out of whack with O2 exposure.  You'll get an idea of the drift when calibrating, which you should do every measurement.  Proper storage, calibration, and a thorough rinse with RO/DI between solutions will go a lot farther than more $$ on the meter/electrodes. 

[pfabsits]

Many inexpensive meters on Amazon are Chinese knock offs of the original Hanna pHep (HI96107). Some are red. Some are yellow. Mainly they are coming from Kelilong who copies many brands.

http://www.kelilong.com/e-sdj.htm

While working in India, the market was flooded with them due to the low price. I have personally tested a few and found some problems from no slope to being DOA.

http://www.hannaindia.in/counterfeit-products/ 

It is recommended to stick with the main manufacturers including Hanna, Milwaukee, HM digital, and Oakton/Eutech to name a few. You will have a warranty (not completely sure on HM but would think they have good support) and can always contact their service departments if you need help.

The main differences in meters are:
Pocket, Portable or Benchtop (increasing in price)
Waterproof vs non waterproof
Automatic calibration versus manual calibration
Automatic temperature compensation versus no temperature compensation
Replaceable pH electrode versus no replaceable

A good quality pocket will run $80 -100
The portable Milwaukee looks to be at a good price at $100. A pH electrode can cost anywhere from $40 on up with an average plastic body gel filled being around $80.

There are many other options that can be valuable depending on the use. Meaning I would not recommend a $300-400 portable for a hobbyist unless they can afford and is what they want.

A decent portable will offer:
GLP data (date, time, offset, slope and buffers used during calibration)
diagnostic messages to know that the probe is okay
USB for transferring data
Specialized pH electrodes (i.e. high temp glass that is suitable to use at +150 oF. many electrodes are made with general purpose glass that degrade quickly at high temps)

There are also Bluetooth pH electrodes now available that work with an iPad. They are running +$150 but using an iPad allows for a full functional pH meter that has features found in benchtops.

[Pi]

Just got a Milwaukee 101 today. Been checking anything around the house that has a Ph notwithstanding. Kicks-ass!
Cant wait to use it for brewing.
 What is the average lifespan in the probe/electrode?

[klickitat jim]

Just got a Milwaukee 101 today. Been checking anything around the house that has a Ph notwithstanding. Kicks-ass!
Cant wait to use it for brewing.
 What is the average lifespan in the probe/electrode?

Depends on how well you take care of it. I think mine is a few years old.

[mabrungard]

What is the average lifespan in the probe/electrode?

I have the same unit. It's over 4 years now with the original probe. Always stored in 1.5M KCl storage solution. No drift yet, but I'm assuming that it won't be long, given the age of the probe. But who knows?

Its been a good unit.

[neddles]

Just got a Milwaukee 101 today. Been checking anything around the house that has a Ph notwithstanding. Kicks-ass!
Cant wait to use it for brewing.
 What is the average lifespan in the probe/electrode?

Same unit/probe here. Same probe for over 2 years. Mine has worked great. It is starting to take a little time to settle on a pH value but the values are correct and it stays within calibration quite well. I think you'll be happy with it.