First Doll - 1/4 or 1/3 ?

Hi! Welcome to the community!
As far as ease of handling, stability and quality of posing goes, the maker's engineering matters quite a bit. Scale matters, of course, but it's not so clear cut. Definitely check reviews for the makers of dolls you're interested in, or ask about the posing in company threads.

My crew is girls, so consider that boys in the same scale will be larger and heavier.
An SD (57-62cm) girl will weigh about 1.2 kilograms. I've definitely seen people who found 1/3 too heavy, and dropped to 1/4 scale after getting one, so consider that if you are particularly concerned about weight or you're easily tired, especially if you're going to buy a male doll.

I don't know if you've seen one up close yet, but personally I think 1/3 is where dolls start feeling "big", as in whoa that's a big doll. I find them hefty but not heavy, but consider that I've got a large doll bias.

1/4 dolls still have some nice weight and feel good to hold, feel effortless to play with, and are not a step down in detail from 1/3. It's definitely possible to make nice detailed clothes for 1/4 though I have no experience with that.

Worth noting that in this moment there's a trend of dolls getting bigger at all scales: 1/4 dolls are growing in size and getting more mature bodies as well, while SD boys (62-65cm) are sort of phasing out in favor of 68-75cm ones. This means you may be able to find a compromise in scale if you look at the larger end of 1/4.

 

I would say both sizes have their benefits and faults and it's not always just do to size and weight. It will also depend on the dolls engineering, as far as how well it poses, holds its pose and stands unassisted. How well the joints work, ect. It will depend on the company as well, and how heavy they are vs the size.

When I was younger and got my first BJD, I went with larger sizes, because smaller meant child like dolls. I wanted adult/mature looking ones. My first was a hybrid, so she was light and her size was impressive. However, when I got my first full resin BJD, he was the heaviest thing I had to carry around out of my own desire. He is not my tallest, but I feel he is still the heaviest. My tallest is 67cm and I just recently started handling him again. It was a real struggle, compared to when I was in my twenties. I always preferred smaller dolls for that reason. I'm a weakling, scrawny and short old fart, so that's also a contributing factor.

Smaller dolls are easier to handle, faster to sew for but not necessarily easier to get to hold posses or stand on their own. If you are in to customizing you'll also have a harder time customizing smaller sizes just due to the size. Modifying in particular can gets tricky. Not necessarily repainting if you have a steady hand.

This is all about personal preference, owning both larger and smaller sized dolls I can say I will always prefer smaller. I own a child like 40cm-ish doll and a mature one that is smaller and lighter. I would say he is my preferred size for these types of dolls.

If you can, go to a meet and see if you can hold a doll there. There are people who are willing to let others handle their dolls as long as they are polite and handle them with care. You might be able to see which size you would prefer. Hope that helps. (:

 

I'll break down the common doll sizes and what they're like to work with.
1/4 dolls are about 45- 50 cm tall, weigh about 1-2 lbs, and are easy to carry in one hand. Working on clothes for them you'd need smaller buttons and zippers than standard; I would also invest in some doll size velcro, stabilizer, and some good fabric glue. All of which are very convenient when making smaller doll clothes. Most trim you would use would be 1/4 down to 1/8 to keep in scale with the doll. Manhandling them is also very easy.

1/3 aka SD dolls are about 60-65 cm tall and weigh about 4-5 lbs. They have a bit more heft but can also be carried one hand around their waist. For the most part you can use standard size buttons, zippers, and trims for these dolls without it looking too out of scale. It's easier to move the larger fabric pattern pieces around the machine and it gives more size to do details on. Personally my favorite size doll so far. Posing 1/3rd isn't difficult from a size/weight standpoint, I never feel as though I'm struggling to position the doll.

70cm+ aka Uncle dolls; this category has several standard sizes 70 and 75cm. 70 cm dolls are a bit taller and wider than the 1/3 but not too heavier. Most my dolls are 70's and I have little difficulty managing them. They can be more to deal with than the 1/3 but not by much.
75cm dolls are Hefty. I would guess that they're about 7-8 lbs. I own one and I do not intend on getting another. He's gorgeous but he is big boy and I am small girl. I do not enjoy putting clothes on him or posing him; he's a bit too large and unwieldy for me.
Both these sizes have the same perks as 1/3 doll when it comes to making clothes.

I'll add the last size category for those interested:
YoSD; or 1/5. These little babies are about 25-35 cm and are very easy to carry around, and they take up very little space compared to their big siblings. But they are itty bitty and definitely require some tiny doll size buttons, closures, and ribbons. Not to mention a few sewing tricks to deal with tiny pieces of fabric.

 

I only have 1/4 dolls and a 1/5 doll. At some point I had the same thought as you – 1/3 might be easier to sew for, and it's also easier to get your hands on accessories in the right scale. When there was this one particular 1/3 doll released, I was almost already buying it. But before I did, I went to someone who had lots of 1/3 BJDs to get to know the size. And comparing my 1/4 and their 1/3 next to each other, I immediately knew that 1/3 is not for me. No matter the advantage, they just looked too big for me. Those bulky hands, those huge heads… Sometimes you just have a preference and can't help it.

That being said, I decided for a 1/4 doll for my first doll because I had that feeling that it's the right size for me. I prefer smaller things in general after all. Sometimes that feeling is more important than rational things like weight, because it won't benefit you if you have a light doll but actually your heart lies somewhere else.

 

I have pretty much one of each size, though they are all females so they are on the smaller side of the scales. My 1/3 is a Impldoll Gia, she’s the only one I’ve kept after trying 1/3 dolls. She very beautiful and it is easy to find clothes and accessories since most companies push this size. I don’t personally customise my dolls so I don’t know what sewing is like for them but since the SD size is so common, there are patterns everywhere for them. I ended up going on hiatus from the hobby for a while and got rid of a chunk of my collection. When I came back I decided that SD was not the right size for me. I prefer my smaller dolls, I can have more on display at one time and now that I’ve limited to certain sizes I have more clothes and accessories to swap around them. My collection is almost exclusively fantasy themed dolls and 1/4 have them a bit more accessible.

I can see why 1/3 scale is appealing and why they would be easier to customise but I also think it is really down to personal choice. Everyone has likes and dislikes so it’s whatever you feel comfortable with. There is a bit of a difference in weights but I would say both sizes are manageable, and I’m not a very strong person. Lol. Like mentioned before, the company can affect weight, posability, and quality of the resin. Looking at all the different companies can help make a decision. Everyone so far has given really great advice and intel.

 

It's a very personal thing. I have no trouble at all handling my 1/3 kids (and a 1/3 doll was my first BJD) and I much prefer sewing for them than the smaller ones as it's a lot easier to find fabrics with the right drape for their size and scale, not to mention trims and fastenings that work for them

That will depend which doll/company you go for, some companies/bodies hold a pose a lot better than others, some "look" better (again, a very personal taste thing) even if they don't hold a pose as well - and sueding the joints or wiring the dioll can do a lot to help with holding a pose (holds true for most sizes). The only size I've had more issues with is my largest (80cm Lusion - big enough to wear children's clothes and shoes) where the resin pieces are so big that the weight of the resin comes into play, but I've wired her so she has extra support, and that works well enough for my needs.

There obviously IS a weight difference, but I don't really notice it unless I'm carrying the doll for a long period (like all day around a convention or on my commute when I take one to work with me).

I don't notice any difference in ease of dressing or posing.

Hope this helps

Teddy

 

With 1/4 there's also the size difference between slim minis (smaller, thinner, usually more mature, for example minifee) and a bit bigger 1/4s like Volks MSD/SDM who are slightly more child or chibi-like and usually a bit heavier/wider. There is also a lot of variation of size/weight/proportions in 1/3 scale dolls.

I own mostly 1/4 and recently bought a 1/3.
Sewing for slim 1/4 dolls can get a bit fiddly when using too thick fabrics for example, because their limbs tend to be quite thin, but with practice it's definitely enjoyable and doable! They are also great to pose thanks to their light weight and there is a lot of stuff available for them. I quite enjoy making clothes for my chonkier Volks MSD whose limbs and body are much more "substantial" but of course the childlike proportions might be a limitation. There is a bit more weight to a doll like this because there's more resin, but I personally quite like the feel.

My 1/3 girl is quite heavy for the size - she has a torso without a joint in the waist so it's one solid lump of resin that doesn't leave much room for carving it thinner - most 57cm dolls would be a few hundred grams lighter at least, though, mine is just somehow an exception it's also an older doll with very simple engineering, so posing is not amazing, but there are many 1/3 girls whose joints and weight allow amazing posing! All companies use different resin with a different density and have variations in engineering and sculpting that make the weight distribution different. I do find mine a bit heavy some days, but the presence of a larger doll can be fun also.


All in all, preferences are very individual and how dolls behave depends on how they are made, not always what size they are. If you have a chance to visit a doll meet, trying and seeing different sizes can be a great way to decide what you like! I like all sizes I have for different reasons and don't find one better than the other, but I do prefer 1/4 just for the ease of moving them around a bit. Here are all my dolls lined up in case the size comparison is useful, it can sometimes be hard to visualise.

 

A lot of people already replied, but I will say my suggestion too, since I sew clothes for my dolls and I have both sizes.
If your main goal is to sew, you should consider that 1/4 dolls require very small clothes and sewing in a small scale is far more difficult than for a larger doll. Is it doable? Absolutely. Is it easy? Not really, it's finnicky but totally possible.
Another thing to consider: for a 1/4 doll you need very little fabric compared to clothes for a 1/3 doll, so you may want to keep in mind that too. From the crafting point of view only, if you want detailed clothes I would go for 1/3 cause it's far easier and there's more space to add details, frills ecc (with smaller dolls you have to consider the bulk of the sewing allowances too, that makes a much bigger impact than on larger dolls).

From the size/weight point of view of the doll itself, yes, 1/3 dolls are pretty heavy. I have some very good standers but I would never trust them to stand when I'm not monitoring closely or with some kind of support so they don't faceplant the floor. As for poseability it totally depends on the doll itself: I have fantastic 1/3 posers that keep the pose I put them super nicely and can do a very wide range of motions, but posing them is not a piece of cake. They're strung tightly enough to keep those poses, so moving the bigger joints requires some strenght. Another thing to consider is changing feet/hands if you have the need to put the dolls into dresses that can't enter with them on: on a SD (aka 1/3) doll is pretty hard to do, even more if you have 0 experience.

As for the price, you can totally find fantastic 1/3 dolls in the 300usd price range, there are a lot of affordable and nice companies out there, so don't despair!

In short my suggestion is: consider well your needs and the pro and cons, but if you really like 1/3 dolls don't be scared by the size, they're not all the same and there are a lot on the smaller side (60ish cm). For sure, if you're worried about the weight I wouldn't choose a 70cm doll, but I would stay in the 60/65 range at max.
1/4 dolls are a far easier choice as a first doll owner but since I made the mistake of getting an msd (1/4) doll for that reason thinking I would have liked it more than the 1/3 doll I already had, don't focus too much on that: if really really want a 1/3, go for that. Don't compromise cause you're probably gonna regret it. If you prefer 1/4 tho it's a fine choice too. They're smaller, easier to carry around and to pose (this doesn't mean they pose necessarily better btw, but that engaging the joints requires less strenght), take less space and are lovely.

 

Most of my dolls are 1/3+ and I just got a 1/4 body recently.

I personally find most of my dolls fairly easy to handle, and any difficulties I do have vary depending on the company and specific doll model in question. My favorite easy to pose and stand like a rock 1/3+ boys are my Loongsoul dolls- I have one each of their 62 and 72 cm boys and they stand like rocks in my experience with them. My least favorite are the Ringdoll boys i have on the 68 and 75cm bodies. Thankfully, they're full sets and I don't plan on changing their outfits because they're not very stable and I wouldn't want to try to test mockups or anything on them. The weight of all of them doesn't particularly bother me, since I don't tend to carry any of them around, and the weight in my experience doesn't make dressing them any more difficult than smaller dolls.

I also have two 1/3 (60-ish cm) sized dolls on bodies from Resinsoul, while they definitely do seem lighter than my other 1/3+ dolls, it doesn't change how easy it is to dress them. These bodies do have some quirks in posing that are a known thing for Resinsoul dolls, but even with those, I can get them to stand fairly well on their own for testing mockups and getting pictures, better than my Ringdoll dolls. I like sewing for these ones best, but I'm biased because I like the characters they're for best xD

My 1/4 doll is also from Resinsoul, and definitely has more of the known quirks from the company. I haven't unstrung him yet to try sueding to see how well that helps. As it is, right now he can't stand on his own, but he also has digitigrade legs that can be tricky to get to stand on their own in general. He is significantly lighter than most of my other dolls, but again, I don't feel like that's going to make much difference in sewing for him. The trick for him is going to be finding materials that won't be too bulky while still conveying the right silhouette and style for him.

The smaller scale you go, the more difficult finding appropriate materials is in my experience. And the more adjustments you'll need to make to how you sew things if you're used to sewing for larger sizes. Even sewing at 1/3 scale is testing my tricks and techniques because I'm so used to sewing for actual humans xD There is a bit of a learning curve to it for whatever scale you end up going with in my experience.

The smaller range of 1/3 (65cm, and under) boys are seemingly being phased out as companies are leaning more and more towards 68+ cm, so you may want to keep that in mind when choosing a doll as well. I second going to a doll meet if you can to see and handle dolls of different sizes to get an idea of what you like. I ended up with mostly 1/3 dolls sort of incidentally, and didn't get to see any 1/4 dolls in person until i went to a couple meets and already had most of my dolls. If it weren't for impulsive decisions I made, I'd probably have about an equal number of 1/3 and 1/4 dolls because I really liked the 1/4 dolls i saw and held there.

 

Remember that if you fancy a head and not the body, you can buy them from 2 different companies and do an hybrid doll (even if for a first time purchase I don't recomment it too much, there are a lot of things to consider, like proportions, resin color ecc).
But if you find youself liking this option, I recommend you to ask some help, there's always someone in the forum that can help you check if the head is gonna fit the body or help with color matching.

 

If you're interested in Ringdoll boys (they really do have lovely faces and fullsets!) I'd suggest checking out the discussion thread(s)! There's a few different ones; the current one is #10. There's some mention of people's different issues with the various bodies in those.
I will say that they currently wire all of their larger dolls when purchased now, which they did not offer when I bought mine. That should help them pose and be a little more stable. On stands, mine are mostly fine, though for the 75cm boy (RGM5), I needed to get the kind of stand that goes around his waist instead of a saddle stand, because he has the tendency to snap forward at the waist/ hip joints without it. My 68 cm (RGM4 body) boy does just fine on his saddle stand, unless I'm trying to take pictures on uneven ground
The suggestion of hybriding could work too, but if it's Ringdoll you're interested in, they don't sell heads separately, so you'd need to try to either do a split order with someone, or find the head second hand.

 

If you’re torn between 1/3 and 1/4 scale, there are some dolls in the 50cm range that might serve as a happy medium between the two. It’s not as common of a size, but they’re out there.

The main downside to this size is that there is not a whole lot of clothing available, but if you’re sewing for yourself, that takes care of that problem. If you are planning to make and sell clothing for others though, it is a much less popular size.

You might also want to research various companies for 1/3 scale since some are definitely a lot heavier than others.

That said, if you are apprehensive about 1/4 scale and the level of detail you can achieve, check out the work of the member @MB Lilac on here. I believe most of her dolls are in the 40-50cm range. She has some incredibly detailed outfits on her dolls.

It might also help to have a look at some of the outfits made for Tonner and Ellowyne Wilde dolls (they are off topic here though). I know that some models are very comparable to Souldoll’s Soulkids and some other slimmer MSDs. I don’t see very many people create elaborate fashions for BJDs as much as they do with these, but at least you can get a bigger picture of what is doable on 1/4 scale.

 

Ringdoll does have 1/4 versions of a few of their 70cm+ dolls, including full sets, under the Ring Kids section. However, it's a relatively rare size, so there won't be as many options for similarly-scaled dolls, patterns, etc.

 

One thing I forgot to say which I believe is a rule of this hobby: always go for what you like the best. No doll is absolutely perfect, so outside of complete deal-breakers, it's better to get a doll you are truly in love with than compromise toward something you're half-hearted about.

 

Good luck in finding your first doll! It's a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get a dive in, it gets easier with time. Plus, with what everyone has said so far, you have a lot of resources at hand to help you out.

I would personally recommend picking out what aesthetically is desirable to you first as opposed to size, what your realistic budget is, make a list of those top 10 dolls, do some more online research (comparison shots, more Q&A with doll owners of their experiences with specific dolls/companies, etc), and eventually meet-up with some fellow BJD owners in person (make sure to do it safely at like a convention or well attended dolly meet-up where people know where you are). Although visually online you might have a rough idea of what scale size you want, actually handling them in person is a totally different experience.

Weight/Height Differences
Depends on the doll company, if resin or vinyl (off-topic) BJD, quality of those materials it is made out of, and of course scale for weight and height differences. Weight you have to actually experience in person as the same height dolls from different companies can weight totally different from each other in a significant way. Seeing reference pictures on here even for the same height you'll notice body sculpt differences. There are some that are basically equivalent to each other and could totally share clothing while others are so totally different that height is the only similarity. The Photo Reference section of DoA is a great resource. If there isn't one on there for specific dolls/companies combos you are looking into, just ask.

Poseability/Joints
Depends on the BJD company, if resin or vinyl BJD, if they have kips (silicone disks between joints), if strung (resin BJD) or has internal skeleton (vinyl), and the overall weight and material quality of the doll. I tend to buy Volks resin dolls and have a myriad of sizes, but I also have a few Volks vinyl dolls (DDs and ICONs). All of them pose well but it depends on the outfits they are wearing, the shoes they are wearing, and natural weight and structural differences in each. However, I notice my taller ones (like my SD13 boys) or the ones wearing killer high heels or those that are a bit more blessed on top...ahem...might need support with a doll stand regardless of how well made and poseable they are. Doll stands and kips are your friends. When I compare my dollies' poseability with the dolls my friend has (Volks, Dream of Doll, Luts, Soom) and other BJDs I've encountered in the wild (Iplehouse, Bambicrony, etc), it just depends on the factors I've mentioned above. Some of my friend's dolls pose better than mine, some of them don't. Heck, we could have the same doll from the same company that is about the same age, but depending on how hers is strung that day versus mine, could be totally different.

Company Material Differences
Dude...a Ringdoll boy, an Iplehouse tall boy, a Luts tall boy, a Soom tall boy, and a Volks tall boy walk are TOTALLY different in resin quality, weight differences, and sculpturally the aesthetics they have for their bodies and faces. They are all beautiful in their own way, but it is up to you what you like more for the BJD companies you are looking into. What do you prefer when it comes to resin quality and weight and sculptural style? Like, let's say you are looking at pale, natural skin tone for resin. It's all different. Some might have a more creamier look. Others might have a more ethereal look. Some might have natural sparkles in there. Some are super matte in quality. Some might be grittier to the touch. Some might be smooth like porcelain. It's like Goldilocks and the 3 bears. You may have tall boys all about the same height but their resin quality and weights are totally different (too heavy, too thin, too light, too thick, etc).Just because they are all tall doesn't mean they all weigh the same. Resin quality can make a difference in how often you want to handle the doll, how easy or hard to slip on clothing, and again poseability. It just depend on the particular company you are looking at and what feels right to you in person. If you get into the more fantasy types of BJDs (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, animals, vampires, rainbow colored resin), that opens more options for you to pick from and to research. But if there is a head sculpt you absolutely love, or a particular body type that fits your aesthetic, get it. Weight, height, resin quality don't matter if the look is what you value the most.

Costs
A tall resin boy/man from one company might be as cheap as an LE chibi girl from a different company. It just depends on again company, resin quality, and more. Set a budget and stick with it. Just be sure to avoid recasts (knock-off) dolls, especially if the cost looks too tempting and cheap. Obviously, buying straight from a BJD company might be the safest way to go, but be sure to research that the online seller/company is legit and not banned. There are legit BJD companies that are affordable and budget friendly. Just double check on DoA with fellow members if the price is appropriate and you are on the correct BJD company website.

Sewing Skills/Dressing the Doll
Okay, a lot of people mentioned this already but depending on the scale of the doll, finding findings (clasps, zippers, buttons, velcro, etc) for sewing projects might get a little harder depend on the size of the doll. There's a reason why dolly clothing is expensive as scaling down to the appropriate size for a doll gets a little harder. Lots of people share patterns on here of their clothing projects so check often what is available as it might have been done already. Get a doll stand for sure though as it makes it easier to measure your doll and creating clothing patterns when they are upright.

Dressing a doll is also a thing. Some pre-made clothes from the same BJD company the doll is from might fit easily and there are no issues. Other pre-made, custom outfits from the same company might need two people and will take you two hours to do (if you know, you know). Shoes and wigs, depending on the company and scale of the doll, might be the hardest thing for you to find so kind of see what other owners say in regards to if you need to be on a waitlist for such things or if other companies share equivalents that can fit your doll.

Personal preferences
Pick what you like. You can always change your mind later.

When I first started, I had in mind certain sized dollies for myself (Volks MSD and Iplehouse J.I.D or Dollshe, Soom, and Iplehouse tallest of the tall boys). But when I actually met them in person and carried/handled them (with permission from the BJD owners to handle them), I realized I had really didn't like the scales/sizes I originally wanted and that I wanted something totally different (SD and SD13 sizes). I also noticed that even though I liked the more realistic boy/man dolls, their heights (not necessarily their weights) were more cumbersome for me as some can be pretty dang tall and just awkward to carry around. All of them have more an aesthetic I prefer versus just gauging it on height. Now that I have chronic pain, I tend to handle more often my Volks Yo-SD, Volks Dear SDs, Volks DDs, and Volks ICONs due to their weight ranges with the taller ones (DDs and ICONs) I tend to want to carry less as they are still a bit tall for me to carry. My friend on the other hand loved the tall boys to the super chibis. Personal aesthetics and weight were factors moreso than the actual height so all of her collection tend to weigh on the lighter side and have a certain look to them with a few that were moderately weighted.

Good luck! And happy hunting!

 

many many useful comments made this far; i would add also that 1/4 can be best if you have little storage space. when i began obtaining dolls, i realised that if you do not clear a dedicated space for them beforehand 1/3 scale can occupy space very quickly.

 

Some of the meetups at conventions are informal, so not listed as part of the convention programme. It might be better to ask here on DoA before each convention, in case there are people taking dolls and/or plannning on meeting up with others at the event.

Two hours isn't bad, I've travelled longer for meets, I'd certainly balk at 7 hours, though I've noticed that Americans tend to regard distance as less of an object to travel than we Brits do.

Good luck with your research!

Teddy

 

If you've found a doll you like that feels like a reasonable price for you, then it sounds like you've sorted out a plan! No one can really tell you if something is "too soon", since it's really all a matter of personal preference and comfort levels. If you're comfortable with your plan, then you're the only one who can decide that for yourself.

 

@ribbondream Since you're close enough, I would wait to get approved for the DOA Marketplace and check if you like anything there. Either way, never accept requests to pay F&F.

Personally when I joined the hobby I was told to "test things" with smaller/cheaper dolls, but I followed my gut and saved up for longer to get the doll I liked the most instead. I had to wait a few months but it was totally worth it and I couldn't have been happier with the choice. Letting impatience dictate your choices isn't the best idea in this hobby, so if you're not aiming for a limited doll I'd say it's better to take it easy and check your options first.

 

@ribbondream - it's always best to get the one you really love! Myou coffee has no upcharge (just their tan is more expensive) so if you like the skin tone a lot it's maybe worth ordering it new (or looking for your preferred configuration second hand - there is a lot of myou available on Japanese marketplaces for instance). If it's a big boy you've fallen for, you might not truly be satisfied with something else, either, and then spend money selling and buying new dolls in the future which is not going to end up cheaper A different doll from a different company will not really give you the "feel" of it as size, weight, posing will vary a lot, too, so on all counts I'd advise against a "starter" or "test" doll you have to compromise on.

Of course price and waiting times are important aspects, too - it is fine to set budget limit you are comfortable with, and you don't have to sign up to waiting forever as production times are getting very long these days. Buying a first doll second hand is great imo! But listings come and go and it's also worth waiting for what you want if what you found is not-quite-perfect

 

honestly I recommend you 1/4 dolls, they are easier to put away, or take outside, clothes are maybe less expensive than 1/3. I had SD size and they were huge, you need a bigger bag, bigger clothes, bigger erverything, they are rather heavy. But that's my opinion, maybe you will love them and I wish it for you !

 

With 1/4 there's too many body styles / measurements, so it's hard to reliably choose pre-made clothing, no universal sizing. Making clothing for one mini doll may not fit another one. If you can carry a laptop, then you can carry a mini doll. (I tend to carry mine draped on my forearm.) There's more variety in facial expression and character design (more off-the-shelf fantasy sculpts).

1/3 are easier to craft for, less body shapes and easier to sew difficult designs. Some people prefer the weight, too. I do worry about bumping them when carrying [unlike the 1/4 dolls], so I need more practice. They also have more mature facial features.

As far as pricing goes, it could be easier to sell 1/4, if you don't like it. But, here's hoping that you have a meet up with someone that will let you handle one.
Personally, I might be leaning more towards 1/3, now. I have a 70cm doll, but I started with 1/4. It's hard for me to decide because no one category has EVERYTHING I want. Owning some now, I have a few more opinions.