Hey guys. I have a friend that recently got back into pokemon and he is having a blast. He already did evolutions and the more recent sets and is interested in buying something a bit older, but nothing with a crazy price tag.
Any recommendations in the 500-1k category? I only know about vintage WOTC boxes, which is over his budget.
Thank you!
Anything pre-XY is going to be >$1000, unfortunately. So you’re pretty much confined to modern boxes. Most of the XY boxes seem to be pretty affordable still. Those are going to be the oldest sets you can get for that budget.
Why not buy a case of Crimson Invasion booster boxes, should be around that price. 6 times the fun of a single box 
That’s what I was afraid of sadly. I was hoping there might be something else in the same ball park, but oh well.
If your friend doesn’t mind non-English cards, he could try something like Chinese Legend Maker or Spanish HeartGold. Those boxes are dirt cheap (well within the budget you mentioned).
I mean… there’s always emerging powers if you’re willing to go $1300
Just buy a bunch of Shiny Star V imo.
I always see Portuguese Diamond and Pearl boxes on ebay in the $300-400 range. It sucks that they’re Portuguese but you could probably get a couple for cheaper with make offer.
Is he solely interested in booster boxes, or would he be open to other sealed products?
vr
odds
Japanese Base set starter deck- first set, early release. It can still be found for semi-rarely for under $1000.
Most people don’t seem to know that it’s basically a booster box, with 100% pull rate. The card contents are completely randomized (One guaranteed holo-rare). Just please leave some for me to buy too, since I’m always buying these:)
I heard Primal Clash and Shining Legends is pretty cool.
@jkanly,That’s something I’m actually looking to do, but 1 holo for 1k is a bit much unless you pull a starter honestly.
I think my buddy is only interested in English, but that is a possibility.
If you want something older but have a $500-$1000 budget you kind of have no choice but to pick something non engish or do booster packs.
Chinese EX legend maker, Spanish Heart gold soul Silver, or maybe Japanese Booster packs.
After typing that out I noticed @zorloth, already mentioned those.
@joer ,
Is he looking to open the product? or Keep it sealed?
I go to WOTC theme decks but I wouldn’t open them but they are great sealed pieces in that price range. You’re looking at prices from $150 on the lower end and $1,000 will get you most theme decks… trainer deck b is way more than I thought now
If he wants to open product and is looking for English and doesn’t mind moving away from booster boxes I think there are some options when you look into the EX era, for tins, blisters etc. There is way more risk when opening this as I saw you mentioned paying $1k for a single holo. Sealed product is straight up gambling, if he want’s value buy singles. If he enjoys what many of us enjoy the thrill of opening packs he has to be comfortable knowing his $1,000 may very well net him $10.
What does he enjoy about the hobby/goals if he has any? I Think it allows most people in the thread to give a better understanding of products to suggest. (as there is a lot of cool products that I think he would enjoy adding to his collection/opening)
vr
odds
@odds,Did you say trainer deck A and B are around 1k? Pretty sure we need to add a zero on there lol
Yea, I think most boxes are out of his range and tins might be a good bet. He’s just enjoying the chase and opening packs right now. I want him to be careful because I know buying cards can be expensive. I’ll see what he is expecting more in detail.
I guess recent isn’t recent anymore in terms of prices, was going off memory of my purchases.
It doesn’t seem like theme decks would be up his alley regardless. Would be interested in seeing what he is expecting or wants to get out of the hobby.
vr
odds