It is really difficult to choose among all the options in the current "wild west" altcoin market.  I have been reading and analyzing as much information as I can over the past few months.

Problem is that the market is down because mother bitcoin is sick.  Everyone is trying to find a wave to ride and unfortunately the market manipulators decide which coin to pump.  These "whales" or pump groups can control any coin in the short term with enough bitcoin and the regular guys just trying to find a safe bet are just along for the ride.

It is very easy to lose money right now or find yourself holding the bag.  I think over the long run there are some serious coins with great features that can compete with the likes of litecoin and doge.  Warning, incoming plug,  Vertcoin offers adaptive N scrypt asic resistance and I think it will shine eventually.  But due to the current atmosphere and price manipulation it is losing money for me faster than my last trip to the Reno blackjack table.

Another option is to choose a coin that is not on the radar and already cheap as hell.  One with a good community and promising outlook.  Get ready for it, shameless plug #2.  I am buying BEE coin at the moment as it is going for single digit latoshis.  It had a fair launch with no instamine and no premine.  Things are looking good as there is a new dev coming on board and the community is preparing to start doing various promotions.

Ultimately, just do your due diligence and be careful.  There are a lot of scams going on around here.  Beware of IPOs without an escrow and try to not buy into something that is hyped too much as you may be buying into a pump and left holding the bag.  Sadly, I say this from experience.

On a positive note, I think the market is due for a rebound.  Any good news for bitcoin is good news for the altcoin market.  It could be said that this is a good time to join in as we may be approaching bottom.  But it is all a gamble to be honest.