Fun Purchase Suggestions

Archpriest

Hi, I'm dying! ok, seriously though, I have Grade IV Glioblastoma, surgery was great, radiation and chemo did great, and may latest MRI showed "No active cancer cells". I have a paid off house, and just received my accelerated life benefit (pre-paid life insurance). I was looking for something fun to purchase. So far my initial thought was a nice drone to fly around. I'm looking for any suggestions! I'm currently upgrading my Warhammer Fantasy army for the Old World, I'm receiving retirement payments, and fortunately I'm on my wife's insurance and she will be fine financially when I'm gone so I don't feel guilty splurging. Anyone have any good ideas? I've already been to about 40 countries and traveling doesn't interest me much anymore.

davidsdurions

Do you know anyone with an Etsy or similar thing? Any artists in the family that could use a bit of a patronage?

That’s the sort of thing that pops up in my mind if I was in your situation. But a badass remote control car or boat might be more in line with your interests since you mentioned a drone. You can take a trip to a nice hobby shop and just grab the top shelf stuff.

Burtletoy

Do you have any pets? They're pretty great but can be kinda expensive

Some places specialize in senior dog/cat adoptions, too

Yellowhammer

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

Archpriest

Burtletoy wrote: »

Do you have any pets? They're pretty great but can be kinda expensive

Some places specialize in senior dog/cat adoptions, too

We got two little cuties. I was thinking of a new little rescue!

Archpriest

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

Gork

Top of the line VR setup.

Archpriest

davidsdurions wrote: »

Do you know anyone with an Etsy or similar thing? Any artists in the family that could use a bit of a patronage?

That’s the sort of thing that pops up in my mind if I was in your situation. But a badass remote control car or boat might be more in line with your interests since you mentioned a drone. You can take a trip to a nice hobby shop and just grab the top shelf stuff.

Good idea but I don't unfortunately. I did take care of an animal shelter wishlist so I'd like to keep that up as they put more on

Archpriest

Gork wrote: »

Top of the line VR setup.

I have an index and a full hotas set up. What's the best out there now?

Yellowhammer

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Gnizmo

Jokerman wrote: »

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Wyrmwood is also not the best company. I am not going to detail it here because it isn't the point. I just want to flag it in case it is relevant to deciding since googling should get you everything. If not PM me. They do make excellent products, and there is no ethical consumption in a capitalist society so please don't think I am judging.

Cambiata

Gnizmo wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Wyrmwood is also not the best company. I am not going to detail it here because it isn't the point. I just want to flag it in case it is relevant to deciding since googling should get you everything. If not PM me. They do make excellent products, and there is no ethical consumption in a capitalist society so please don't think I am judging.

Well, fuck. Thanks for pointing that out, I didn't know this about them.

TimFiji, on the subject of fun things to buy, I've been eyeing the OneWheel ever since I saw Adam Savage gushing about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZjxvW17cZ0&ab_channel=AdamSavage%E2%80%99sTested

So take a look and see if that might be something you'd find fun!

Yellowhammer

Gnizmo wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Wyrmwood is also not the best company. I am not going to detail it here because it isn't the point. I just want to flag it in case it is relevant to deciding since googling should get you everything. If not PM me. They do make excellent products, and there is no ethical consumption in a capitalist society so please don't think I am judging.

I honestly think bandpass makes a better looking Table anyways.

Archpriest

Cambiata wrote: »

Gnizmo wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Wyrmwood is also not the best company. I am not going to detail it here because it isn't the point. I just want to flag it in case it is relevant to deciding since googling should get you everything. If not PM me. They do make excellent products, and there is no ethical consumption in a capitalist society so please don't think I am judging.

Well, fuck. Thanks for pointing that out, I didn't know this about them.

TimFiji, on the subject of fun things to buy, I've been eyeing the OneWheel ever since I saw Adam Savage gushing about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZjxvW17cZ0&ab_channel=AdamSavage%E2%80%99sTested

So take a look and see if that might be something you'd find fun!

You know I was evening considering a motorcycle but I think this might be winning now haha. My only hesitation is that they removed half my skull for surgery, put it back with titanium plate so unsure if I'm more durable or fragile!

e: I might be a little close to the weight limit. I'm 6'1 245 (Not even chemo has made me lose weight haha)

Cambiata

TimFiji wrote: »

Cambiata wrote: »

Gnizmo wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

TimFiji wrote: »

Jokerman wrote: »

Maybe a nice board game table to go with your warhammer stuff?

This is a good idea. I been playing about once or twice a month, not counting DND. Any suggestions?

I've been looking into it and I really like bandpass design and wormwood gaming's tables. I've been obsessing over both of them and would say bandpass makes a more stylish product while wormwood makes a more customizable product. Unfortunately its probably going to be after the wedding before I can think of buying one.

Wyrmwood is also not the best company. I am not going to detail it here because it isn't the point. I just want to flag it in case it is relevant to deciding since googling should get you everything. If not PM me. They do make excellent products, and there is no ethical consumption in a capitalist society so please don't think I am judging.

Well, fuck. Thanks for pointing that out, I didn't know this about them.

TimFiji, on the subject of fun things to buy, I've been eyeing the OneWheel ever since I saw Adam Savage gushing about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZjxvW17cZ0&ab_channel=AdamSavage%E2%80%99sTested

So take a look and see if that might be something you'd find fun!

You know I was evening considering a motorcycle but I think this might be winning now haha. My only hesitation is that they removed half my skull for surgery, put it back with titanium plate so unsure if I'm more durable or fragile!

e: I might be a little close to the weight limit. I'm 6'1 245 (Not even chemo has made me lose weight haha)

Close to the limit but not exceeding it! And the nicer models have a limit of 275 so you should be fine there.

Regarding fragility, definitely wear a helmet and pads with it. Also, from watching videos it does take a little practice to get used to balancing on it and making it move the way you want.

Gilgaron

If you want outdoorsy ideas, we got some oru kayaks that fold up so you can fit them easily in a car and don't need a rack or anything and have been enjoying them quite a bit. I doubt they'll hold up as long as a rigid kayak but you can even get a backpack for them to hike it some place so they're a lot easier to deal with.

Archpriest

Gilgaron wrote: »

If you want outdoorsy ideas, we got some oru kayaks that fold up so you can fit them easily in a car and don't need a rack or anything and have been enjoying them quite a bit. I doubt they'll hold up as long as a rigid kayak but you can even get a backpack for them to hike it some place so they're a lot easier to deal with.

I love outdoors but I have to be careful with stuff like this because my illness is a brain one. If I seize I'd be worried about endangering folks I was with. With the one wheel it's just me getting injured haha. In another life I'd love on of these kayaks

BlindZenDriver

TimFiji wrote: »

Gork wrote: »

Top of the line VR setup.

I have an index and a full hotas set up. What's the best out there now?

Don't know enough about flight sims, but I can say that I am loving my PS5 with Sony's VR2 and the GT7 racing game/sim. Lots of fancy gear when it comes to wheels, pedals and shifters also.

And something completely different. HIFI, as in a great setup to enjoy listening to music. It is an area where like with most things there is diminishing returns, however there is definitely joy to be had from something nice over something average and the sky is the limit. For inspiration consult Stereophile and dream system thread on Reddit and of course the Audiophilia thread here on PA

davidsdurions

I was not prepared for that Stereophile recommended components list. Record players twice the cost of my mortgage.

Darkewolfe

I dunno if this is what's in your interest space, but this year I've been looking at fun/interesting dinner theater things. I decided I wanted to do more enjoyable things in my spare time, and I realized there's all sorts of neat things from murder mystery dinners hosted by theater groups to burlesque and martinis, and I'm making it a goal to go to these. Similarly musical theater.

This is probably fairly location dependent but just an idea!

BlindZenDriver

davidsdurions wrote: »

I was not prepared for that Stereophile recommended components list. Record players twice the cost of my mortgage.

Yes. It can get pretty extreme.
However with patience one can acquire dream stereo components for more humane prices, the thing is some of those that are chasing perfection are never fully content, so they spend more time swapping gear than enjoying listening to music. This has the effect that components are put on the market not long time after originally bought, making it possible to buy them near for "cheap". Since trading internationally can be hard to avoid as much gear only sells in limited numbers, there is tools for that: https://hifishark.com/

Archpriest

BlindZenDriver wrote: »

davidsdurions wrote: »

I was not prepared for that Stereophile recommended components list. Record players twice the cost of my mortgage.

Yes. It can get pretty extreme.
However with patience one can acquire dream stereo components for more humane prices, the thing is some of those that are chasing perfection are never fully content, so they spend more time swapping gear than enjoying listening to music. This has the effect that components are put on the market not long time after originally bought, making it possible to buy them near for "cheap". Since trading internationally can be hard to avoid as much gear only sells in limited numbers, there is tools for that: https://hifishark.com/

I would be happy to get this. Who is going to start my gofundme? Medical bills be damned! haha

Archpriest

Hmm although this audio phile stuff makes me realize a new receiver might be perfect. I got a lower end Sony for my 5.1 set up

Shadowfire

BlindZenDriver wrote: »

davidsdurions wrote: »

I was not prepared for that Stereophile recommended components list. Record players twice the cost of my mortgage.

Yes. It can get pretty extreme.
However with patience one can acquire dream stereo components for more humane prices, the thing is some of those that are chasing perfection are never fully content, so they spend more time swapping gear than enjoying listening to music. This has the effect that components are put on the market not long time after originally bought, making it possible to buy them near for "cheap". Since trading internationally can be hard to avoid as much gear only sells in limited numbers, there is tools for that: https://hifishark.com/

This is how my old coworker got his hands on a McIntosh amp and a super nice record player. Someone "upgraded" and just didn't want it anymore. A fool and his money.

mRahmani

Unless you have money to burn I would definitely buy most audio equipment used. My setup is definitely not audiophile grade, but I picked up a nice set of Sony tower speakers, a center channel, and a 10” subwoofer for $250 a few years ago. I eventually splurged and replaced the sub with a very nice (new) SVS one, but it’s honestly overkill for most things and I somewhat regret the money I spent on it. You can get 90% of an audiophile grade setup for 10% of the cost if you’re willing to buy used.

Archpriest

mRahmani wrote: »

Unless you have money to burn I would definitely buy most audio equipment used. My setup is definitely not audiophile grade, but I picked up a nice set of Sony tower speakers, a center channel, and a 10” subwoofer for $250 a few years ago. I eventually splurged and replaced the sub with a very nice (new) SVS one, but it’s honestly overkill for most things and I somewhat regret the money I spent on it. You can get 90% of an audiophile grade setup for 10% of the cost if you’re willing to buy used.

This is what I got. It's low end but the 5.1 seems to work well, so do I need to upgrade? Not for functionality, prob just quality

BlindZenDriver

TimFiji wrote: »

mRahmani wrote: »

Unless you have money to burn I would definitely buy most audio equipment used. My setup is definitely not audiophile grade, but I picked up a nice set of Sony tower speakers, a center channel, and a 10” subwoofer for $250 a few years ago. I eventually splurged and replaced the sub with a very nice (new) SVS one, but it’s honestly overkill for most things and I somewhat regret the money I spent on it. You can get 90% of an audiophile grade setup for 10% of the cost if you’re willing to buy used.

This is what I got. It's low end but the 5.1 seems to work well, so do I need to upgrade? Not for functionality, prob just quality

Looks better than low end to me. Speakers and speaker placement matters a lot also, not to mention your room, furniture and so on.

I know about zero when it comes to more than stereo, but there is a channel on youtube that reviews both types of gear. Plus it manages to be generally entertaining so here is a link: https://youtube.com/@robinsonbrand

Archpriest

Awesome thank you!

Archpriest

Here was my final splurge. I toned it down a lite
1. 2 board games (sky teAm) and Tokyo highway
2. Drone $$ donation (seemed like a compromise since I might not use it as much) to Ukraine
3. Updated speakers since my receiver was working well. Haven't installed yet

Thanks for everyone's suggestions!

mRahmani

TimFiji wrote: »

mRahmani wrote: »

Unless you have money to burn I would definitely buy most audio equipment used. My setup is definitely not audiophile grade, but I picked up a nice set of Sony tower speakers, a center channel, and a 10” subwoofer for $250 a few years ago. I eventually splurged and replaced the sub with a very nice (new) SVS one, but it’s honestly overkill for most things and I somewhat regret the money I spent on it. You can get 90% of an audiophile grade setup for 10% of the cost if you’re willing to buy used.

This is what I got. It's low end but the 5.1 seems to work well, so do I need to upgrade? Not for functionality, prob just quality

That’s a pretty nice receiver and very similar to the Sony DN1040 I picked up as part of that used speaker deal. I would only upgrade it if you get to a point where you want to play with 7.1+ setups or need more HDMI inputs for a theater setup, both of which are fairly niche cases.