Cost difference of the Space Wolves and Deathwatch?

[Jared the Chaos Psyker92]

I'm now split on what to convert my primaris marines on, with Space Wolves having a boxset, I could go that route. However, from what I know that the Deathwatch are able to use older models in their ranks? Keep in mind, I'm for bare minimum fielding opportunities, meaning something I could play in Kill Team but not all those big extra armored pieces. Which of the two is easier on the wallet and which has the cheapest boxsets? (Also yes, I know second hand is a thing but I'm trying to plan out a buying route.)

 

I like both chapters, I love the wolves aesthetic and melee focus, and I like that I heard Deathwatch can use older models and get more specific wargear per squad. Then again, I could be wrong about either. The meta isn't what I'm more worried about, but rather the cost in terms of money and how useful the army would be to me. 

[Trokair]

Space Wolfs have a large range of unique units and kits, and aside from the new Ragnar, and some lieutenant/captain model (and the primaries space wolf upgrade sprue) I believe they are all older then the Deathwatch Veteran box so may be comparatively cheaper. Both armies have access to the same primaries kits/units (wich are all new (within the last few years, and priced accordingly) and the same firstborn units from the Marine codex. So it comes down to Deathwatch unique kits verses space wolf unique kits. Have a look at the GW website at both ranges. Almost all unique kits will be firstborn marines, so if your focus is mostly on Primaris it will make little difference.

[1s=heretical]

All the chapters can use older models, (assuming you're referring to the spacemarine minis instead of primaris?)

[infyrana]

Be considerate of the Deathwatch Kill Team compositions (for 9th edition at least).  You'll sometimes find that you might want 4 models of something (ie Eliminators / Aggressors) but only come 3 to a box.  As for the requirement to kit out your first born kill teams - whilst the kits are fantastic and hold lots of parts, they don't contain 5 of everything, so you'll often find yourself lacking storm shields or frag cannons for example.  Shoulder pads also get expensive if you want them for units that don't come with them.

 

If you're thinking of running Kill Team using either Primaris or First born and chosing between Deathwatch and Primaris - I'd say this:  Buy a pack of Deathwatch shoulder pads, consider what weapon options you'd need for a Kill Team and grab them individually or from friends, buy magnets and use them for swapping these weapons in and out.  Make your primary 9th edition army as Space Wolves army but splatter those Deathwatch shoulder pads amongst your Wolf Guard or other units (be mindful to put them on the DW pecific weapon arms) where the models can be used as either Space Wolves or Deathwatch in Kill Team.  This way you can have a full Space Wolves army with Primaris and/or First Born, with the option to run Kill Team for both.

[Jared the Chaos Psyker92]

All the chapters can use older models, (assuming you're referring to the spacemarine minis instead of primaris?)

 

I have primaris due to Dark Imperium, but I'm wondering if there's a way I can use pre-primaris models. 

[Trokair]

Both armies can use all the firstborn (pre-primaries) units found in Codex Space Marines. Both also have some unique units that only they get access to, almost all of which are pre-primaris.

[Metzombie]

Both armies can use all the firstborn (pre-primaries) units found in Codex Space Marines. Both also have some unique units that only they get access to, almost all of which are pre-primaris.

That is not true. Both have a list of units in the Codex they can not use.

[Trokair]

Ok, while technically correct they essentially all have (better) equivalents amongst the respective unique units.

 

In terms of kits to buy (as per the original question) the only kits that can be bought and not used in either would be scout units in Deathwatch (Yes Deathwatch don’t use devastators either, but the kit can still technically be used, just inefficiently).

[1s=heretical]

 

 

All the chapters can use older models, (assuming you're referring to the spacemarine minis instead of primaris?)

I have primaris due to Dark Imperium, but I'm wondering if there's a way I can use pre-primaris models.

Yeah your able to you can have a squad of intercessor and a squad of tactical marines or. For the most part only models you cany use are named characters or unique units (death company, death wing, wolfinger...etc from another chapter

[Jorin Helm-splitter]

I'm now split on what to convert my primaris marines on, with Space Wolves having a boxset, I could go that route. However, from what I know that the Deathwatch are able to use older models in their ranks? Keep in mind, I'm for bare minimum fielding opportunities, meaning something I could play in Kill Team but not all those big extra armored pieces. Which of the two is easier on the wallet and which has the cheapest boxsets? (Also yes, I know second hand is a thing but I'm trying to plan out a buying route.)

 

I like both chapters, I love the wolves aesthetic and melee focus, and I like that I heard Deathwatch can use older models and get more specific wargear per squad. Then again, I could be wrong about either. The meta isn't what I'm more worried about, but rather the cost in terms of money and how useful the army would be to me.

My 1st suggestion would be too get the space marine codex first. You need it for either fraction (they're both supplements at the moment). I think it will answer alot of your questions.

 

I also think you may want to consider making your own chapter. Your pretty focused on keeping the project cheap which is understandable. Something like white scars might really fit in with what you want advance and charge makes you less reliant on transports, and during the assault doctrine they receive an across the board melee damage buff.

 

If your set on wolves vs. Deatgwatch they both can be pricey. Wolves are probably cheaper because thunderwolves are good and you get a lot of points per dollar with them. I wouldn't recommend their combat patrol box though.