Maybe try for a T2

All mentioned are good candidates. I would lean towards Funhouse then Doctor Who. FH is not in stated price range though.

Best of luck in your search.

I think Doctor Who and Judge Dredd are good picks.

I agree. I think Whirlwind would be a good choice as well.

you'll have to play a few, then make a decision.

Cyclone, Pin*Bot, or Taxi would compliment F-14 rather well.
Heck, any pre-90's game would fit the bill since you've obviously caught "The Fever"!

Go for the classic...Black Knight, earlier Richie game.

Demolition man is a great game and pretty normally in the $1500 range. If you like the theme that makes it a real deal.

HS2 or WCS.

Check out the bang/buck list here on pinside. That may give you a good idea of what pins are in your price range. At 2k you have a pretty decent size list to choose from.

http://pinside.com/pinball/top-100/bangforbuck

i tried posting this comment on the bang for buck site,
but it would not post so putting comment here, sorry.

I think you need to split the eras again,
as currently the pre-1991 era includes no Early Solid state pins, totally dominated by EM pins. I love EM pins but
i think the pre 1991 needs to be divided into 2 groups
one for EM era pre 1978 and another for 1977-1990 SS era pins.
Regarding avg pricing to use, might have problem there with the older machines, since they do not show up on ebay as much as DMDs.
very tough algorithm to keep from getting too complicated or stay relevant.

Here's a vote for Getaway. I actually had an F14 and a Getaway at one point, awesome combo. The flow in Getaway is great and the game has some depth to it with having to "shift" throughout all the gears. I wish I never had sold mine.

There are no shortcuts here. Have a look at pinsiders profiles and you will see a bunch of currently owned and an equally long list of previously owned for most. Each list as unique as its owner!

Unless you really overpay badly, this hobby has the advantage of basically being a neutral financial investment - win some, lose some on selling - most of us would like to think we at least break even.

So if you have the initial funds to 'park' in some machines, have a good time owning a few different titles and eventually you will end up with a stable of keepers.

No question-World Cup Soccer-very deep game-affordable-great starter pin

I am in your situation and first got a LOTR. (i have owned others years ago). played it at an arcade for a couple of months and loved it. wanted another right away and got a WPT without ever playing it. point is, as some have suggested, if you aren't in love with your next one, selling it at about the same price or trading it, should be pretty simple. So I got WPT because I like deep rule sets and I like the theme (and yes, i like drop targets! lol). If I dont care for it i would think i could sell it at close to what i bought it (1900). if i get 1600 and play it for 3 months its a wash in my book. (of course i wouldnt want to make a habit of dropping 300 plus shipping every time!)

what I would use as a guide is the alternate list here and not the top 100 list. too many on that list play a game a couple of times and then opine. the other lists seem to be more accurate as far as pro and cons. and as far as those lists, many things effect the rating, including cabinet shape etc. if thats not important to you and playability is, check that out as well. and remember, a pin listed # 45 can be your dream pin. the difference between #5 and #45 can be very insignificant.

Don't be afraid to simply take the plunge and just pick something. Half the fun is experiencing games yourself and forming your own opinions. There are a ton of great games out there that do not fit that standard cookie cutter "A-list" mold that most live and breathe by. Good luck in your search.

+1 to WPT, Judge Dredd and WCS. Stargate is worth considering as well.

WCS94 or HS2. Both of these titles are in the low $2K range and are a lot of fun.

Buy something in your price range, within driving distance, so you can try the machine out for enjoyability and quality before you purchase.

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/pinball-machine-abreviation-definitions

some of them

ripley's beleive it or not , fun for around the 2.5k price

I vote for DM or JD, also think Judge Dredd would be a nice contrast to F-14. RBION, I love that machine, but it's definitely over $2k.

I really agree with the comment above about just taking the plunge and picking something. Each table will bring new experiences and new insights about what your personal tastes are.

It's a good place to start looking but I found the prices (especially at the low end) to be a bit off.

WCS for $900?
RFM for $1900?

Those both seem to be VERY optimistic prices to find decent models - at least based on what I've seen lately...

I noticed BOP on your want list...that's also a great choice if you can find one. For a DMD, WCS94 is a fine choice, good bang for buck. Both WPC machines

Lots of pinsiders in your area. Watch the forum for "pinball party" announcements in Ohio, go to them, make friends, keep in touch with these folks, & watch the buying opportunities fall in your lap. Buying from fellow pinball enthusiasts is the best way to go in my opinion.
You could also start a thread like "Want to meet fellow pinsiders in Ohio" and see if you get invitations to play nearby collections. Lots of friendly folks on pinside.
Also, be patient. You might regret an impulse purchase in more ways than one.

Check the pinmap. There are more places to play pinball in your area than you might realize.
http://pinside.com/pinball/map/where-to-play

Yeah. I should have added that pinside estimated values aren't a good source for very accurate pricing. They are behind the curve. My intention was more along the lines of what games cost less but are a lot of fun. It gives you somewhere to start.

It was late. My bad.

I think you have a pretty good list made out already.

I would also suggest something like WCS or Stargate if you want a game that plays very differently than F-14 Tomcat.

FISH TALES!

Whirlwind or BK2K.Being as you just aquired one from that era.May be easier to troubleshoot similar systems/problems.Oh you do realize these things break don't you

Congrats, great title!

Why do you have BoP listed with the out of reach games like MM and AFM?

Johnny M, Whirlwind, Batman Forever !!

i have seen alot under 2k I just bought 2 game for 1k Craiglist deal too

try and look for a T2

there is a place out here in Indiana that sells some very nice tables. place it called Pincades