It’s not. The 1981 is most sought after by collectors.

I think many Pinsiders are linking the wrong game in the database when they list it for sale.

81 is worth way more, try selling an 84 and see what people say.

I got a CHERRY 84 EBD for less than a beater 81 EBD. Same game, looks like crap lol

81 is the only way to roll

Multiple times every hour

Pinside formula for price estimate takes the average of ads that have been listed for a game. The 1984 version only has 13 total archived ads and 1 current ad. The current ad is a restored 1981 that is linked to the 1984 game, and it’s listed at $4500. That will make the overall estimate totally inaccurate for a 1984.

Other archived ads include listings up to $3000, but not always sure what they exactly sold for. With a low number of ads for the game, it just takes 2-3 high original posted prices to skew the entire data set. And condition is not factored in, either.

1981 is most desired by collectors. Me, personally, I like the color scheme of the black apron and black backbox trim of the 1984 over the yellow of the 1981. Plus, the light boards are more modern than the older style light sockets. I’d pay an extra buck or two for a mint 1984 if I ran across one. But not everyone would.

It’s wrong. With both versions in the exact same condition, the 81 game is worth more.

Can someone describe what exactly is more desired in 81 version? Just interested.

81 is the classic Bally style everything. It is also full wood and the OG.

I would say from most to least desirable is the 81 > then the 82' EBDLE (the smaller head style used in CentaurII and Rapid Fire) > then the 84' remake particle board version with oddball head.

Disagree with that. I’ve sold both the 84 and 82 games in the past and always had a harder time selling the 82 LEs and they always sold for less then the 84. Most people just can’t get past how ugly the LE is.

interesting. I actually like the 82'LE version for the full wood/solid construction. I also like the unique head design since it stands out in a collection and in some vehichles you can move it with the head on. I think the cab gold paint is the best of the bunch on the 82LE. The biggest bummer is missing out on the full size and awesome backglass.

The particle board on the 84 is just junk

Not to mention the flush mount corners too. But most regular Joe Pinball buyers will go for the large backglass over the small one all the time. There not concerned about what the cab is made of. I’ve sold two LE’s and have another one that I’ve been trying to sell for $1600 and no takers. Sold my last CE for $1800 in a week. Still trying to get a 81 myself.

It seems like most people want the original in the classic Bally cabinet. I've worked on quite a few and I've only ever really wanted the original.

The ONLY thing I like about the later releases are the lamp PCB's. You COULD convert the 81 game to use them but you have to terminate all the harness plugs. Time consuming.

If anyone has a mint 1984 EBD that’s looking for a good home, PM me.