Depending on where you are, performers can be had used for reasonable prices (typically $100-$200 for a gas assist model) and occasionally are even cheaper. I've had my hands on 4 at one time or another, and never paid more than $30. Master touches are a little harder to come by, and 26" are like hen's teeth-maybe one or 2 a year in most markets.
I'd probably get a performer in your shoes, used or new. The table, storage and gas assist are incredibly handy.