I installed the golf ball bucket one (American Standard, I think) in my old house, was around $250 or so. Maybe prices have come down.
I really need to get a new toilet in current house, I have one of the craptastic el-cheapo low flow toilets- its always a double flush with a plunging in between ordeal.
You can certainly pay more, they're always willing to take your money, but you can get a 4/5 or 5/5 star flush rated toilet for not much over $100.
Poor performance was why I replaced the one old-style full flush toilet, so I know those can be crappy as well.
I certainly recommend replacement given your description. If it saves me a plunging once a month, it's worth even $300.
Just, when you go in, I'd recommend 3 things:
1. Handicapped height. They're nice.
2. Elongated bowl - more comfortable(to me).
3. Maximum flush capability. They should have some rating system on the in store displays.
Golf balls are a gimmick. The actual testing that is worth involves soy paste of various extruded sizes. It's "realistic".