I scratch/battle dj'ed for about ten years. Turntablism is a great hobby, competition battle type djing was always my preference. I never wanted to be a mix dj. Only ever won one battle but got lots of runner ups and such. Fun to have the reputation to be invited to compete in battles vs having to ever submit a application video. The Technics DMC regional in Cincinnati was my biggest competition.
I still scratch as a hobby, like someone who enjoys playing guitar but isn't in a band, just fun artistic release.
I use two Technic 1200 turntables with Ortofon needles and a Rane TTM-56 mixer.