(Topic ID: 159920)

$1500 budget - what would you buy?

By MIpinhead

7 years ago


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  • 141 posts
  • 96 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 7 years ago by Snowyetti
  • Topic is favorited by 6 Pinsiders

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    There are 141 posts in this topic. You are on page 3 of 3.
    #101 7 years ago

    I'd get a Taxi. That game is awesome fun.

    #102 7 years ago
    Quoted from cpu-slave:

    I recently picked up a Gottlieb Gladiators for ~$1K, fun game with DMD & brutal shaker. Find one and have some $ left to start saving for the next.
    Gladiators was suppose to be Zelda before the licensing ran out. You can see some elements of it in the layout and design. I believe if it had been produced as originally planned (Zelda) it would easily be selling for x2 or more and be rated in top 25.

    The only issue I have with gladiators as a player first and collector second is the ridiculous scoring exploit. If it didn't have that, I probably would've picked up the game already.

    Fast forward to 5 minutes in.

    #103 7 years ago
    Quoted from chuckwurt:

    The only issue I have with gladiators as a player first and collector second is the ridiculous scoring exploit. If it didn't have that, I probably would've picked up the game already.
    Fast forward to 5 minutes in.
    » YouTube video

    The game has a lot of flow, decent shots and for me is nearly not as easy as that vid made it appear. It's also pretty easy to not take advantage of the calm before the storm exploit and actually play through the modes and collect the objectives. Sort of like playing a vid without using cheat codes... crazy idea for some.

    Gottliebs of this era traditionally get no respect so you can get a lot of game for not a lot of $, unless someone is trying another 'pump-n-dump' scheme which seems to be happening more frequently on here...

    #104 7 years ago

    You've got to play as many different games as possible. It's amazing how different people's tastes are. There are games that aren't ranked in the top 200 here on Pinside that I enjoy more than games ranked in the top 10.

    #105 7 years ago
    Quoted from PW79:

    Baywatch or WWF
    I wish I never sold em but space is a mo fo

    I for one am glad you sold them, still loving Baywatch...okay I'm sorry you sold WWF because I just remembered I didn't get mine from you but got it on the same trip, hope you been good man.

    #106 7 years ago

    Nice spidy....I love mine too! great old school ss pin!

    as for what to grab for 1500 well it depends on your skill level and what you like. I know you can find some nice copys of Williams system 11s or before in that range, also can find some data east and sega, and a bunch of Gotlieb. If it were me I would hunt for thing like a Taxi, Pinbot, high speed, sometimes you can even see games like a Getaway fall down to that level. Or save up just a bit more and go for games like T2, Whirlwind, Maybe an Austin Powers or something at the begining of stern.

    #107 7 years ago
    Quoted from PurpleTophat:

    You've got to play as many different games as possible.

    No you don't. That's months and months of time that could be better spent owning a pinball machine.

    Ain't a big deal, especially at this budget point. If he ends up not liking the game he can sell or trade it for somethin else.

    #108 7 years ago
    Quoted from CrazyLevi:

    No you don't. That's months and months of time that could be better spent owning a pinball machine.
    Ain't a big deal, especially at this budget point. If he ends up not liking the game he can sell or trade it for somethin else.

    I love how people on this forum say "especially at this budget point" or refer to $1,500 as "not much money". For some people, that's a LOT of money to be spending on anything that isn't bills. Crazy friggin forum we have here. I'd LOVE to have $1,500 to spend on a pin right now. I would have loved to have had $1,500 to spend on a pin any time in the last couple of years. Financial reality is very different for different people. The two pins on top of my want list right now both fall under the $1,500 mark, but that doesn't mean I can possibly find a way to buy them.

    I stand by my point. Play a ton of games. You don't need to spend months doing it, but whether you are spending that time owning a game or playing them on location, at people's houses, tournaments, league, whatever, you are still playing pinball and learning what you like and don't like. I was given that advice by a bunch of Pinsiders and it turned out to be great advice!

    #109 7 years ago
    Quoted from PurpleTophat:

    I love how people on this forum say "especially at this budget point" or refer to $1,500 as "not much money". For some people, that's a LOT of money to be spending on anything that isn't bills. Crazy friggin forum we have here. I'd LOVE to have $1,500 to spend on a pin right now. I would have loved to have had $1,500 to spend on a pin any time in the last couple of years. Financial reality is very different for different people. The two pins on top of my want list right now both fall under the $1,500 mark, but that doesn't mean I can possibly find a way to buy them.
    I stand by my point. Play a ton of games. You don't need to spend months doing it, but whether you are spending that time owning a game or playing them on location, at people's houses, tournaments, league, whatever, you are still playing pinball and learning what you like and don't like. I was given that advice by a bunch of Pinsiders and it turned out to be great advice!

    $1500 is a low budget at this point, unless he's interested in an EM (which is fine by the way). I don't get the whole "play as many machines as you can" angle when that's pretty much what he's already been doing his whole life as a pinball fan already.

    Buy a game. If you don't like it, sell it. How many $1500 games you think the guy is gonna be able to find anyway on location? Likely very few if any. So why should he spend time and money trying to hunt those down to play when he might as well just buy one?

    #110 7 years ago

    It's rough finding a pin in Bay City. Flippers and collectors all over. Probably wouldnt hurt to throw a want ad out on your local craigslist seeking a few specific titles but you're definitely in sharky water so expect to pay more.

    #111 7 years ago
    Quoted from CrazyLevi:

    $1500 is a low budget at this point, unless he's interested in an EM (which is fine by the way). I don't get the whole "play as many machines as you can" angle when that's pretty much what he's already been doing his whole life as a pinball fan already.
    Buy a game. If you don't like it, sell it. How many $1500 games you think the guy is gonna be able to find anyway on location? Likely very few if any. So why should he spend time and money trying to hunt those down to play when he might as well just buy one?

    Some EMs are now selling upwards of $1200.
    Bringing one back to life and buying the parts for them is no longer cheap.
    Project EMs are selling for $500-600.

    #112 7 years ago
    Quoted from PurpleTophat:

    I love how people on this forum say "especially at this budget point" or refer to $1,500 as "not much money". For some people, that's a LOT of money to be spending on anything that isn't bills. Crazy friggin forum we have here.

    It's an expensive hobby... No doubt about.
    And like any hobby, there can be no limit on what some ppl can or will spend.
    For those of us without unlimited funds, set a budget and search for the best game with what you can spend.

    #113 7 years ago

    Stern Nascar. It is a really fun game and unique. I got one last summer for $1200 that needed minor repair. Good luck.

    #114 7 years ago
    Quoted from 0geist0:

    Some EMs are now selling upwards of $1200.
    Bringing one back to life and buying the parts for them is no longer cheap.
    Project EMs are selling for $500-600.

    Yes, some EMs are selling for above $1200, if they are RESTORED, not just "partially working".
    It depends on what kind of quality do you want, player or collector quality?
    There is a huge difference here.

    Project EMs (that are not popular titles, or relatively unknown) that are COMPLETE is not that expensive, just time consuming.
    They still can be found for $350 or less, because most dealers/brokers/current age collectors will not touch them as they is little profit to be made, or they do not know how to fix them in the first place.
    Wedgeheads can still be found even cheaper.
    If the game was left "open air" (example: in a barn with the glass off), I generally don't consider that complete, because bird droppings/sunlight on playfields are like weak hydrochloric acid on your hands over the long term.

    I have a collector less than 200 miles from me that is selling 6X EMs right now all in good cosmetic condition for $600, fully functional.
    They are all good titles as well, just not a bunch of Bally Atlantis, GTB Mermaid, or Bally Fireballs.
    You just have to be willing to drive a little distance and pick them up, which many people do not want to do.

    Price when it comes to EMs like most machines is regional.
    I might pick up a version nice Joust (Bally, 1969) for less than $800 today.
    Fully working, zipper flippers, no broken plastics, non-worn, tuff coat playfield, and superb backglass.
    The only thing that is "rough" is the cabinet, which I can sand and restencil, and it will be superb.

    #115 7 years ago
    Quoted from xTheBlackKnightx:

    Yes, some EMs are selling for above $1200, if they are RESTORED, not just "partially working".
    Project EMs (that are not popular titles, or relatively unknown) that are COMPLETE is not that expensive, just time consuming.
    They still can be found for $350 or less, because most dealers/brokers/current age collectors will not touch them as they is little profit to be made, or they do not know how to fix them in the first place.
    If the game was left "open air" (example: in a barn with the glass off), I generally don't consider that complete.
    I have a collector less than 200 miles from me that is selling 6X EMs all in good cosmetic condition for $600, fully functional.
    They are all good titles as well, just not a bunch of Bally Atlantis, GTB Mermaid, or Bally Fireballs.
    You just have to be willing to drive a little distance and pick them up, which many people do not want to do.

    I have no idea where you are shopping, but projects in Florida are $500-600. I have a very nice Pioneer that I have $1000 into.

    #117 7 years ago
    Quoted from 0geist0:

    I have no idea where you are shopping, but projects in Florida are $500-600. I have a very nice Pioneer that I have $1000 into.

    "Pacific Northwest", where I live.
    Here are a few examples right now listed below, people need to be patient, be willing to drive, and have their Ben Franklins ready.

    Bally "Monte Carlo" - $550 (This is a good title and price)
    https://goo.gl/lktN6G

    Expressway Pinball Machine - $600
    https://goo.gl/BuAczK

    Gottlieb "Spin Wheel" EM Pinball Machine - $275
    https://goo.gl/qHNRhT

    1956 Bally Sea Fair Pinball Bingo Machine - $500
    https://goo.gl/xFTNY6

    These are not the games I was referring to in my previous post, they are all further east in WA by an EM collector I know.

    Some areas are more challenging due primary to the number of collectors in a region, or pure availability of historical pinball production and shipping distribution. FL is not one of the best "good locations" for finding warehouse raids either.

    Chicago, IL for example is heavy, and the prices are artificially spiked, but availability is higher than others.

    If an owner/collector wants a Stern produced in the last 10 years or a "collector quality machine", they are not going to find one for $1000, or even $2000, unless it is an EM, wedgehead, or early SS.
    At least not an more anyway without keeping their "big game hunter hat" on at all times, because they are out there, and there people watching.
    People need to set their budget and expectations accordingly, or be willing to do investment in time, research, and planning to find exactly what they want.

    "Diligence is rewarded by effort."

    2 weeks later
    #118 7 years ago

    Flash Gordon all day everyday. Yes I'll take a 2nd one!!

    #119 7 years ago

    I would vote for Sharkey's Shootout. I still think it's the best game you can get for $1500. I sold a really nice one last year for $1400. Only sold it because I needed the space. Surprisingly deep ruleset and a DMD = very fun game for a small price.

    #120 7 years ago

    Another choice.
    Capcom Airborne.
    "F-14 Tomcat 2.0".

    #121 7 years ago

    Got a Party Zone for $400 yesterday!

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    #122 7 years ago

    I'd go to a casino and bet it all on black. Cash out and go buy a BSD again..... but seriously I'd actually just buy a Flash gordon. I'm starting to like the classic Bally's alot

    #123 7 years ago

    Many have said it, but I'll say it again. Can't go wrong with a System 11

    #124 7 years ago

    Ive got a sys 11 Pool Sharks for $1400, just west of Chicago. Not the deepest game but some good shots and decent gameplay for the money.

    #125 7 years ago
    Quoted from Blackjacker:

    Judge Dredd. And put the remaining $100 towards your next machine.

    I cant get a decent Dredd for $2500.00. At least that's what my wanted-ad results are telling me.

    I know $1.4k is a joke, but even C-list DMDs are drying up.

    #126 7 years ago
    Quoted from PW79:

    Baywatch or WWF
    I wish I never sold em but space is a mo fo

    Royal Rumble is a sleeper, I Love that game!
    The upper flipper hold rules are great and need to be put into modern multi balls

    #127 7 years ago
    Quoted from TheOnlyest:

    Indeed, I stand corrected. Let me rephrase... Please direct me to the $1500 BK2K, Diner & Cyclone!

    https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-cyclone-williams-1988-1995#post-3188592

    #128 7 years ago
    Quoted from simplykind:

    Ive got a sys 11 Pool Sharks for $1400, just west of Chicago. Not the deepest game but some good shots and decent gameplay for the money.

    also,
    you could pickup a sharky's shootout for around 1400-1800. great shooters game with a dmd and low maintenence.

    #129 7 years ago

    Try to get a players condition Whirlwind. One of my favorite games and you could find them under 2k for sure.

    #131 7 years ago
    Quoted from Ballsofsteel:

    also,
    you could pickup a sharky's shootout for around 1400-1800. great shooters game with a dmd and low maintenence.

    And here is one just posted for sale:
    https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-sharkeys-shootout-stern-2000-2004

    #132 7 years ago

    Cmon OP what didya get?!

    #133 7 years ago

    I'm in the same price point and I'm going with Taxi for my first game. Northern Ohio doesn't have a bad selection. It's a drive for you, but there are solid reliable people you can buy from. Good luck!

    2 months later
    #134 7 years ago
    Quoted from Ballsofsteel:

    also,
    you could pickup a sharky's shootout for around 1400-1800. great shooters game with a dmd and low maintenence.

    I keep seeing Sharkys Shootout mentioned, I have never even seen one for sale around here, let alone at a $1500 price point.

    #135 7 years ago
    Quoted from Pmaino:

    Try to get a players condition Whirlwind. One of my favorite games and you could find them under 2k for sure.

    Bottom rung for a players condition Whirlwind is at least $1700, from what I have been seeing - but they move really fast at that price.

    #136 7 years ago

    I'd shoot for a Maverick or a Popeye

    #137 7 years ago

    any system 11 machine you can find

    #138 7 years ago
    Quoted from Grinder901:

    I've shoot for a Maverick or a Popeye

    Maverick is really fun sort of Data East's tribute to the great Gottlieb EM drop target and card games. If you like drops, it's a great choice, otherwise not.

    #139 7 years ago

    I was in the same boat. I heeded the Sys11 advice and couldn't be happier. Big Guns LED machine at $50 less than your budget. This one plays fine but another $300 and all the coils and mechanics will be replaced or rebuilt.

    #140 7 years ago

    Take it from someone that's been around the block too many times, be patient.
    I've gotten to the point where the thrill is gone to just "get another game" I'm very careful on what I want because I want it to stay.

    With that said, if you're not up for waiting to get a better game, I would look at what game best fits your needs.
    Love spinners? Drop targets? Captive balls? Stop as go or fast flow? Ramps? Does it have to have a dmd or a theme that suits you. Newer or older?

    A game like WaterWorld may not hold your interest too long, while a game like 8 ball deluxe might because the shots and objectives are radically different.
    Best advice is to be patient and buy something that grabs at you, not the other way around.
    GL!

    #141 7 years ago
    Quoted from PoMC:

    Current lineup has:
    Viper Night Drivin' - $1400
    No Fear - $1100
    Baywatch - $1100
    Previous under $1500 DMD pins we've owned (that I can recall):
    SST
    X-Files
    Space Jam
    Wipe Out
    Rescue 911
    TFTC
    LW3
    Maverick
    Hook

    Yeah I can remember old prices too lol

    There are 141 posts in this topic. You are on page 3 of 3.

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