I'm considering buying a pro bundle

mortonmccastle

The storewide 50% discount combined with the 20% holiday discount brings them down to a much more affordable price. Now's my chance to get one; this is the one that I like. - https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-8-pro-bundle - What are the true benefits though? What can I do with a core figure that I can't do with the basic G8F model? How are they different? Also I have this Sylfie - https://www.daz3d.com/sylfie - When I bought it and opened it, I was disappointed that it didn't really do anything. It seems to only be compatible with the Aiko 3 model. Could I use it if I bought the Aiko 8 Pro bundle?

cridgit

Redacted

Ascania

mortonmccastle said:

Could I use it if I bought the Aiko 8 Pro bundle?

No.

The Blurst of Times

Aiko 3 is several generations old now. You can conceivably make use of the morph, but it would be a manual process to do so. (I'd probably request a refund if it's within the 30-day timeframe.)

As for the core figures... it's up to you. There's been increasinly less dependence on core figures over time... but you can see what is dependent on the Aiko 8 shape by looking at the "Product Add-ons" at the bottom of her page:
https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-8

(If those interest you, then Aiko 8 becomes closer to a "must-have" figure. Since I own practically all of the Genesis 8 figures, it's hard for me to differentiate.)

That being said, the core figure with the most "stuff" is Sakura 8, without question. If you're looking for a base figure with utility, then Sakura 8 is incomperable and anyone who says otherwise is misinformed. They can disgree, but they are wrong (LOL). Sakura brings a whole host of dials to the deal. Just look at her description. A whole ton of dials.
https://www.daz3d.com/sakura-8

However, dial utility isn't necessarily what's best in life. If you like the shape and the parts of Aiko 8's pro bundle the most, get that one.

Are the pro bundles worth it?

• Yes, if you like the rest of the bundle and/or you want the anatomical elements prop. (Caveat: "underage" digital 3d figures do not come with anatomical elements.) It's a great deal if you like the stuff in the bundle.
• No, if you don't like the rest of the bundle.

I own most of the pro bundles, so it's hard for me to be unbiased towards "ownership" of these bundles. Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, however.

PerttiA

Sylfie needs Aiko 3, which is Generation 3 character released in 2004. Generation 3 is two generations before the first Genesis generation.

You are not able to use Sylfie with Aiko 8.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-starter-pack

mwokee

Bundles are generally an opportunity to purchase multiple items where the cost per item makes economic sense. But it only makes sense if you're going to use most of the products. Some bundles have an odd mix of products that don't make sense or work together. Some bundles are redundant of existing products and people buy them because they're new and shiny despite an equivalent of what they already own. Some bundles throw in old, existing items that you may already own. Some bundles are an instant buy.

Charlie Judge

PerttiA said:

Sylfie needs Aiko 3, which is Generation 3 character released in 2004. Generation 3 is two generations before the first Genesis generation.

You are not able to use Sylfie with Aiko 8.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-starter-pack

or  https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-professional-bundle currently at the same price

Zylox

I am an advocate of buying pro bundles. Not all of them, just a few that you like. They generally give you a couple of characters based on the figure plus a couple of hair styles, outfits, and pose sets. Most pro bundles also include the genitalia and is the only way you can get them. If you like most of the the items included in the bundle, it can save you a significant amount of money.

As far as Sylfie goes, she isn't compatible with Aiko 8. At least not without a ridiculous amount of fiddling. You can still get Aiko 3 and her maps and morphs pack. It's a nice figure with lots of content available, but it's an older figure from 2004. It predates and isn't compatible with any version of Genesis. If you want her, you will need the base figure and the morpohs and maps pack.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-base

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-morphs-and-maps

It would be cheaper and give you more content to buy the Aiko 3 Pro Bundle.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-professional-bundle

There is a megabundle for a lot more money, but the only thing it has that the pro bundle doesn't is the Made in Japan bundle. It's a lot cheaper to buy them seperately: $25 vs. $40.

https://www.daz3d.com/made-in-japan-bundle

If you decide to buy both Aiko 3 and Aiko 8 pro bundles, I strongly suggest getting the 3 month DAZ+ membership. With the added 30% discount and the $6 coupons, it will more than pay for itself. I would do the following:

1 - Buy 3 month DAZ+ membership for $24

2 - use the $6 DAZ original coupon on the Aiko 3 Pro Bundle. Should bring it down to about $2.98

3 - Use the $6 coupon for orders over $18 on the Aiko 8 pro Bundle. Should bring it down to about $31.79

4 - Get two more coupons per month and nice discounts for the duration of your membership, which will include part of March Madness.

Edit to add: The DAZ+ membersip is still a good deal if you just buy the Aiko 8 Pro Bundle and then plan to buy a few items over the next couple of months.

Hylas

Core characters vs non-core characters:

Core characters are in my opinion a lot of slick PR talk.

It's true that core characters are mostly (not always) of very high quality, and non-core characters aren't always as refined (but sometimes they are).

But most non-core characters are priced around $20, and core characters are sold at $45, or $85 if you count the HD add-on.

Lovely as they generally are, are core characters really worth 4 times as much as non-core characters? Not in my opinion.

All that being said, core characters generally really are very well made. Aiko 8 is lovely. And core characters are sometimes sold at a very good price. My recommendation is to be patient and wait for a really good offer.

They are sometimes even available for free... and you happen to be in luck! More on that in a sec, just read on...

 

Pro-Bundles: Yes or No?

Buying Pro-Bundles is the only way to get the official DAZ genitals, aka "anatomical elements".

So if you're at all interested in that you probably want to buy at least one male and one female Pro-Bundle.

Beyond that the Pro-Bundles don't offer anything beyond what it says on the tin: a bunch of vaguely related products for a relatively good-ish price.

Are pro-bundles worth it? It depends whether you like the items in whatever bundle we're talking about.

I personally rarely ever buy pro-bundles... cherry-picking only the items I really want and patiently waiting for a good sales works better for me.

 

Re Aiko 3 and Sylfie

Sylfie is a charcter for a much older generation, getting Aiko 8 will not help you with that.

In theory it's possible to transfer ancient characters like Sylfie to the current Genesis 8 generation;

in practice it's a confusing process that requires you to buy several transfer products (GenX, XTransfer, Legacy UV) and the results are hit-and-miss.

It's decidedly not where I would start as a beginner (assuming that's what you are.)

That's the bad news.

Now the good news:

1) you can get a full refund for Sylfie without giving a reason within 30 days,

2) Sylfie was created by Thorne who has made many more similar characters since then, also for Genesis 8, and

3) Daisy 8, a Genesis 8 core character created by Thorne is currently available for free!
You have to be a member of the NFP Discord for this to work (which is also free). Once you are a member, put the NFP Starter Kit 01 in your cart.
It will still look like it costs something in the cart preview but once you go to the check-out the bundle will become free!

 

Anyway, If you're still looking for a Genesis 8 character that looks more like Sylfie, or a non-core alternative to Aiko 8:

https://www.daz3d.com/sari-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/anakku-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/minha-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/akari-hd-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/ajisai-for-genesis-8-and-81-female

https://www.daz3d.com/vivy-character-and-hair-pack-for-genesis-8-female

 

mortonmccastle

So many great answers. Thank you.

cridgit said:

You can manage without a Pro bundle, ... I don't know if that's the case anymore since Genesis 8.1

 

.....

I'm trying not to purchase a lot of stuff. I really only came to this website for Skyler and Rayn, but the sales and bundles and freebies keep me coming back. I think I've accidentally spent close to 200 since then (-'_'-). Also I think for the anatons, you get the G8 in the G8.1 theme bundles, which appear to be equivalent to the pro bundle.

.....

The Blurst of Times said:

Aiko 3 is several generations old now. You ... Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, however.

.....

Alright, so the add-ons. Most of Aiko's look great. I don't know if I'd go after them, though, unless I can get a really good deal because I really try to restrain myself here. I do like the wardrobes and hairs that come in the bundle, though (and also I don't have the G8 antons yet). But you do recommend Sakura because lots of dials? That's great, I'll have to put that one on my wishlist for later. Don't the dials have large file sizes and slow down install and character loading? How do you deal with that?

.....

PerttiA said:

Sylfie needs Aiko 3, which is Generation 3 character released in 2004. Generation 3 is two generations before the first Genesis generation.

You are not able to use Sylfie with Aiko 8.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-starter-pack

.....

Thank you, I'll look into that.

.....

mwokee said:

Bundles are generally an opportunity to purchase multiple items where the cost per item makes economic sense. ... Some bundles are an instant buy.

.....

Ok, thanks for the heads-up. I don't have most of the stuff sold here so all of the things in this bundle are new to me. The maid outfit looks kinda generic, but I don't have one yet anyway. What's your opinion on the Aiko 8 Pro Bundle? The half off plus the 20% holiday discount brings it down to a little more than $50 for me.

.....

Charlie Judge said:

PerttiA said:

Sylfie needs Aiko 3, which is Generation 3 character released in 2004. Generation 3 is two generations before the first Genesis generation.

You are not able to use Sylfie with Aiko 8.

https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-starter-pack

or  https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-3-0-professional-bundle currently at the same price

.....

Ok thanks. I'll look into that one too. I got Sylfie for $3, I'm not sure I want to send $13 to chase it, though. Perhaps I should wishlist it and see if it goes down further eventually.

.....

Zylox said:

I am an advocate of buying pro bundles. ... The DAZ+ membersip is still a good deal if you just buy the Aiko 8 Pro Bundle and then plan to buy a few items over the next couple of months.

.....

Okay, well I don't have any yet, so this would be my first pro bundle. For Sylfie, I bought it because it was $2.99 and cute. I don't know if I would want to chase that $3 for $15, but you have a good point with the Daz+. I'll have to crunch the numbers in that. Maybe I'll get the Mog Ruith items while I'm in there. Anyway, I've actually been trying to avoid getting PlatinumClub or Daz+ because I've already spent more than I was planning to, and I'm worried I'll be pressured to buy more. Also I'm concerned that spending so much time here might have a disastrous consequence for me in the future, but I'll make a new topic about that in the future.

.....

Hylas said:

Core characters vs non-core characters:

Core characters are in my opinion a lot of slick PR talk ... cherry-picking only the items I really want and patiently waiting for a good sales works better for me.

.....

I am pretty much thinking the same way on all this.

.....

Hylas said:

Re Aiko 3 and Sylfie

Sylfie is a charcter for a much older generation, getting Aiko 8 will not help you with that.

1) you can get a full refund for Sylfie without giving a reason within 30 days,

 

.....

I don't really want to go through all that trouble. I do already have a G3F to G8F converter, however. Also, Sylfie, for me is past the date of refundable.

.....

Hylas said:

2) Sylfie was created by Thorne who has made many more similar characters since then, also for Genesis 8, and

3) Daisy 8, a Genesis 8 core character created by Thorne is currently available for free!
You have to be a member of the NFP Discord for this to work (which is also free). Once you are a member, put the NFP Starter Kit 01 in your cart.
It will still look like it costs something in the cart preview but once you go to the check-out the bundle will become free!

 

Anyway, If you're still looking for a Genesis 8 character that looks more like Sylfie, or a non-core alternative to Aiko 8:

https://www.daz3d.com/sari-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/anakku-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/minha-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/akari-hd-for-genesis-8-female

https://www.daz3d.com/ajisai-for-genesis-8-and-81-female

https://www.daz3d.com/vivy-character-and-hair-pack-for-genesis-8-female

 

.....

I have received emails about the NFP Discord. I did do the first part and got accepted into the Discord Server. The second part, though, linking my Discord account to my Daz account, apparently does not work with the Discord Android app and requires me to install the desktop version.

I like your list of G8F characters, I actually already have Akari. She's one of the first ones I got, and one of my favorites!

.....

The Blurst of Times

mortonmccastle said:

Alright, so the add-ons. Most of Aiko's look great. I don't know if I'd go after them, though, unless I can get a really good deal because I really try to restrain myself here. I do like the wardrobes and hairs that come in the bundle, though (and also I don't have the G8 antons yet). But you do recommend Sakura because lots of dials? That's great, I'll have to put that one on my wishlist for later. Don't the dials have large file sizes and slow down install and character loading? How do you deal with that?

If Aiko's bundle is the one that grabs your attenion, then get that. That's the good part of pro bundles. Pro bundles are a great way to build your library around figures/themes that you like.

Yes, sometimes they are offered "free"... but usually in conjunction with another purchase. There have been fewer of those lately as well. Yes, I've gotten a number of free pro bundles, but I've also bought a whole lot of pro bundles. (There usually isn't something for nothing, anyway. At the Pro bundle level, "freebies" will cost you.)

IMO, if the price is right, then the price is right. Only you can determine that one. Everyone's budget is different, although this hobby frequently does lead to excessive purchases (LOL). It's not an inexpensive hobby... but it is fun, and there's a lot of outlets for expression beyond a 2D render.

(And, Yes, Daz+/PC+ is worth it if you really do plan to stick around this hobby with this software & set of models.)

Sakura is worth it... I use a few of her dials for a lot of figures, like the rib bone definition for skinny figures. It's not just an anime thing. I hardly work in anime/stylized figures, but I find Sakura super useful. (I think she's a Rarestone figure. Rarestone has some fine dial packages with over 200 dials in the store, so there's an acceptable volume of dials that you'll want to collect.)

As for slowdown from a volume of dials... how do I deal with it? Whenever I install a new Genesis 8 figure these days, I force myself to uninstall one that I haven't been using lately. You shouldn't need to worry about it for a while, anyway. (When you hit a few dozen figures with HD morphs and additional dial packages, then you might notice things getting slow.) Since I am mostly using 8.1 when I use Genesis 8, the subD is more of the problem factor than the dials.

Anyway... Aiko is one of the more iconic figures in the library, with a long history in the hobby. If you're going to pick base figures, Aiko (for whatever generation you want to work in) is often a good choice to have.

mwokee

<<<

What's your opinion on the Aiko 8 Pro Bundle?

>>>

Depends on what you want to do. I tend to purchase products that are photo realistic. I also get science fiction and steampunk. I could care less about anime and cyberpunk but they are legitimate genres.

cridgit

Redacted

jjmainor

I'll reiterate what some have already said, the main draws for buying a pro budle will be the anatomical elements,and the price.

Price used to be a huge draw since approximately every 6 months, you could find a unicorn sale or a stack of sales that brought the price of pro bundles into the $9-13 range.  Last one I saw though was at the start of the year, right before they rolled out genesis 8.1 when they ran a massive blow out on G8 bundles.  At times during the day, you could get certain bundles under $5.  I grabbed Aiko 8 pro bundle for $2.03!

What also helps with the price is that Daz+ membership because you get 30% Daz Originals.  Then if you shop gift card sales and stockpile credit, the price out of pocket will be less.  There have been a couple rare gift card sales offerring a 40% discount.  That Aiko 8 bundle I was charged 2.03 actually cost me 1.20 out of pocket because I used my store credit I was sitting on from the previous 40% off gfit card sale.

 

The downside to probundles is how ecclectic the individual items are.  Older bundles used to offer a variety of genres and styles.  Maybe you won't use that fantasy outfit, or maybe you have no use for a contemporary hair style.  There was more of a chance to find items in bundles that don't offer value to you, so you had to weigh the cost against the items you wanted or could use.  The genesis 8 bundles shifted to a more unified theme around a character.  If the theme was useful, it was an easier buy.  If you couldn't use the theme, it was easier to skip over that bundle.

nicstt

cridgit said:

You can manage without a Pro bundle, but if you're a serious user and will purchase a lot of stuff it's totally worthwhile especially at a steep discount. I own most of the Pro bundles up to Genesis 8 but not the new "theme" format bundles they started doing with Genesis 8.1 (I prefer the old format bundles).

Also you used to only be able to get the anatomical elements with the pro bundles but I don't know if that's the case anymore since Genesis 8.1

 

I only own 1 themed bundle.

The pro bundles often had enough stuff with the discounts to make them often tempting; I do have a lot of em.

The themed ones are boring.

nicstt

The Blurst of Times said:

Aiko 3 is several generations old now. You can conceivably make use of the morph, but it would be a manual process to do so. (I'd probably request a refund if it's within the 30-day timeframe.)

As for the core figures... it's up to you. There's been increasinly less dependence on core figures over time... but you can see what is dependent on the Aiko 8 shape by looking at the "Product Add-ons" at the bottom of her page:
https://www.daz3d.com/aiko-8

(If those interest you, then Aiko 8 becomes closer to a "must-have" figure. Since I own practically all of the Genesis 8 figures, it's hard for me to differentiate.)

That being said, the core figure with the most "stuff" is Sakura 8, without question. If you're looking for a base figure with utility, then Sakura 8 is incomperable and anyone who says otherwise is misinformed. They can disgree, but they are wrong (LOL). Sakura brings a whole host of dials to the deal. Just look at her description. A whole ton of dials.
https://www.daz3d.com/sakura-8

However, dial utility isn't necessarily what's best in life. If you like the shape and the parts of Aiko 8's pro bundle the most, get that one.

Are the pro bundles worth it?

• Yes, if you like the rest of the bundle and/or you want the anatomical elements prop. (Caveat: "underage" digital 3d figures do not come with anatomical elements.) It's a great deal if you like the stuff in the bundle.
• No, if you don't like the rest of the bundle.

I own most of the pro bundles, so it's hard for me to be unbiased towards "ownership" of these bundles. Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, however.

I agree.

Even for non-manga fans, there are tons of morphs and many are useful for a variety of shapes.

Hylas

mortonmccastle said:

.....

I don't really want to go through all that trouble. I do already have a G3F to G8F converter, however.

.....

Just so you know, Aiko 3 is not a Genesis 3 character. Yes, it's confusing.

Long story short, the generations are

1) Generation 1
2) Generation 2
3) Generation 3 (Victoria 3, Michael 3, Aiko 3, Hiro 3, The Freak...)
4) Generation 4 (Victoria 4, Michael 4, The Kids 4, as well as add-on characters like Aiko 4, Hiro 4, The Freak 4... )
5) Genesis (add-on characters like Victoria 5, Michael 5, Aiko 5, ...)
6) Genesis 2 (add-on characters like Victoria 6, Michael 6, Aiko 6, ...)
7) Genesis 3 (add-on characters like Victoria 7, Michael 7, Aiko 7, ...)
8) Genesis 8 (add-on characters like Victoria 8, Michael 8, Aiko 8, ...)
9) Genesis 8.1 (add-on characters like Victoria 8.1, Michael 8.1, ...)

mortonmccastle said:

 

I have received emails about the NFP Discord. I did do the first part and got accepted into the Discord Server. The second part, though, linking my Discord account to my Daz account, apparently does not work with the Discord Android app and requires me to install the desktop version.

.....

I'm not familiar with the Android App, but you can do everything through a web browser, no need to download the desktop app if you don't want to.

Torquinox

Pro bundles can be great. I have some. I would wait for a really good sale. What everyone else said holds true. The younger characters don't include genitalia, which may be prudent given how some people use their Daz figures. Out of Aiko 8 pro bundle, the Sci fi action outfit is the only thing I'd like to get. YMMV. 

N00b4Ever

Hi morton,

Based on your questions, I can only assume you are relatively new to DAZ Studio. Welcome to DAZ! Hope you enjoy the experience.

Rather than answer your questions (everyones else gave you good answers), I'll give you some advice I hope you find useful. I know you said you're not planning on spending much, but just in case.

The point of buying bundles is mostly to save money. Since no one has mentioned it, before spending a single cent more, I highly recommend you to install the DAZ deals addon. This changed the way I throw money at daz and helped me safe a bunch of dough. 

https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/106296/announcing-daz-deals-browser-add-on/p1

It has a bunch of features. For example, it'll tell you past prices compared to current prices. Chances are that 50% + 20% extra often time falls short than the highest discount on any product including pro bundles. If you are not in a hurry, wait till March were you'll find discounts above 80% in certain cases.

Also, going off topic, 50%  + 20% extra is not 70%... is 60% [comes from (1.00-0.50) * (1.00-0.20)]. <-- there are so many threads people complaining about discounts not adding up and some still don't get it (sigh). Also, 60% is not that big of a discount. No matter what other people say. In DAZ studio website, 60% is not a big discount. Burn that in your brain. 

When I started, I thought I wanted to buy a bunch of bundles then realised that very few really had things I was interested. I do have bundles, but not as much as I thought i would. For me, Staff picks bundles turned out to be better deals, but YMMV. So it really depends what you are trying to built, what genre you are into, etc.

The biggest sale events (IIRC) occur in March, October and November. If you get the DAZ +/Platinum club membership, there are hundreds if not thousands of products at massive discounts.

Lastly, DAZ can get addictive pretty quick, so be careful. I thought I had good financial management practices until I started buying from DAZ. And by "good financial management practices" I mean I'm stingy as F***!

Have fun rendering!

Cheers

cridgit

Redacted

N00b4Ever

cridgit said:

There's a massive Flash Sale on right now with many dozens of bundles for 2.99. This is what you've been waiting for ... to NOT spend money mwuahahahaha!

Yup, and I bought a bunch of stuff of which only 5 were in my wishlist. Many things I probably won't even use, not until a very very long time.... if ever...  (sigh).

Quasar

The more characters you buy, core or otherwise, the more you can alter the way your characters look. They are part of what we call the gene pool. More morphs and more textures means more alterations that can be made. It can get expensive so sales are a nice way to build your library of content. However, if you have an idea of the kind of art you want to create and if you only need a few characters you want to use over and over again, you could save a lot of money. Insted of characters, you could focus on the sets and the type of clothing that suits your images.

Hylas

Oh man... looks like I missed a pretty dynamite flash sale

PerttiA

Hylas said:

Oh man... looks like I missed a pretty dynamite flash sale

I think a lot of other people did the same as it ended 6AM my time / 4AM UK time