Go to shows. Hook up with local collectors.

The more contacts you make. The better the chance to find a game in your budget. And new friends to help you search and repairs in the future.

Welcome to pinball !

LTG : )

Find an event in your area: https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/index.php
You'll meet other pinheads there. Get to know people, let them know you're in the market. Doors will open.

Also: Welcome to Pinside!

The early Sterns are fun they are just a step above EM's but well worth it ....good machines to learn on ...not that hard to fix. I bought a Stern Memory Lane because it was cheap and I wanted to try out an early SS machine and now it's bolted to the floor.

Florida prices are actually lower than the rest of the market.

Since your in Florida make sure you check out the termite threads on this forum so you don't get burned

I'd start saving more monies right now. Shipping is probably going to be around 4-500 so that's eating a ton of you budget...always try to pick up something local.

I would be looking for any Williams System 11s personally. System 6 and 7 also. You can pretty much throw out anything DMD+ plus or minus a couple that you wouldn't;t want anyway.

This is your first machine, don't worry aboot all the catch phrases you read here like "restored" and "minty" and all that shit; 2K aint gonna happen.
Just work on getting the forst solid machine that come up near you. Play it, have fun, learn, & then save up more monies for Game #2.Rinse and repeat forever

System 11s and early Data Easts will be your best bet and there are many totally awesome options.

I would recommend:

High Speed
Torpedo Alley
Pinbot without topper (to fit budget)

Good luck!

Check pinside/facebook/craigslist for a local option. Wait about a month and something will pop up.

I purchased the most expensive Totrpedo Alley with a confirmed sale price in the History of Pinside... I paid $2300. Picked up a mostly working ROBOCOP with it for $1500 in a package deal. There are deals out there but patience is key. Sold a project booting complete Space Shuttle last month for $600.

I doubt you can get a pinbot for 2K now. Keep an eye out on FB and here. Something will show up eventually. Just be patient and be ready to make a move. I will add that just because a game is an EM, doesnt make it bad. I love the sound of them and the short fast games can be very fun and exciting. Dont be afraid to give them a go. You can always settle with tourneys and location play until you find the right game. Good luck and play pinball!

There are plenty of EMs with good flow. In fact, I would argue they almost all have great flow. The only time where the all isnt moving is in a saucer generally. And they can have some truly unique layouts and rules. There are even some that have multiball. As for complexity, it depends on what you mean. Are the rules as deep as a new Stern, or JJP? Probably not. At least in terms of mechs. Pinball is the same across every game ever made. You hit switches and scores points. Card themed games can have you hitting a changing target to get the right pair to beat the dealer. I have an OXO that is tic-tac-toe themed. Its not as easy as you think to get 3 in a row. Now, as for a modern flipper feel? Not gonna happen. They wont be as snappy, but for some games you can high tap the transformer to get more flipper power and snappyness. This is not always recommended though. Just saying to give them a chance. I did and fell in love. But that is a story for another day.

look for something like Black Knight, 2000 to 2500 or blackout or gorgar at 1500 each .Buy local no reason to pay 500 to ship in that price range.

Single player EM are generally going to offer a deeper game play because they were usually designed to complete a certain task(s) over 5 balls as apposed to multi-player EM's which usually reset all sequences at the beginning of each ball. There is a learning curve to EM repair, but thankfully there are some great online guides and repair support. If you are thinking about an EM, read the instruction card to understand the game...watch some videos. As others have mentioned, it might be better just to pick up what you can find locally if it fits your budge and it's in nice condition. Do not rush, wait for something with nice backglass and playfield. Watch your facebook market place and craigslist for games...check a couple times each day until you find your deal.

EMs have their charm and are comparatively cheap but there is really no comparison to modern games. If UCFKnight71 would like a Pinbot there is no EM that will scratch that itch. Most people don't like to play them if something else is available. That's why you rarely see them on location and when you do they're usually not being played. Walk around any pinball show and it's the EMs that have no line.

Also Centaur and Sorcerer should be near that price range if you can find them.

Centaur II maybe

Heck yeah! A good machine to learn some maintenance on too -

Of course, depends on condition and price, but if you have pics of the game we'll be glad to chime in - always need to check the boards for battery corrosion on this era game (well, ALL games........)

I agree with the suggestions to meet your local pinheads.
When I was getting back in the hobby, I hit the local shows and met a couple hundred cool people or more. Some of these are great friends now.

The shows the shows. And then flipping occurs at each one. See you around there!

I’m the guy in the right.

Supposed to imbed in my other post. Banning baby!

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Pinbot was my first game. Still have it, still enjoy it. It is a great first pin.

Op asked about EM and I added my 2 cents. Most EMs at shows play poorly so people who have never played one in proper operating condition think they all suck.

EMs were something I had to ‘grow’ into (born in ‘73 so I think that is part of the reason). That being said, now I love them.

Go back, play some more, get to know the regulars. Today, many games change hands between collectors - at reasonable prices. And, you will build a group that can help you fix yours.

Don’t ship your first game. Too many risks. Be patient. Buy local or within a half days drive.

Buy anything that works almost 100%. That’s a perfect starter game.

I'd suggest joining a league in your area. You'll meet a ton of great people that will have all sorts of insight into the pinball community in your area.

It looks like the Pinball Lounge hosts two leagues, a Recreational one and what they call a Pro league. Most leagues flight players into divisions, so you'll be matched up with players of similar skill level.

EMs at the shows have no lines because people are poor players without a million ball saves. They drain 5 balls in less than a minute and walk away defeated.

Sure thats a good starter game if it’s fully working and ready to go. Try to get it for as cheap as possible.

Bring a friend and a hand truck.

Bring a 5/8 socket and a 9/16 socket. Bring a drill with a brand new set of bits (for drilling out the lock if needed)

Bring cardboard or pipe insulation to put between the head and the game when the head is folded down.

Bring shrink wrap or a ratchet strap to hold the head to the game for transport.

Take the balls out of the game and anything loose inside the cabinet.

Fold head down and strap to the game.

Take the back legs off first. Put the back end of the game on the ground.

Then lift the game up and put fully on its ass so the coin door points to the sky. Take front legs off.

Hand truck it to the car. Put it in the car coin door first.

Do all that in reverse when you get home.

There are usually two bolts inside the head that have to be removed before you can fold it down. Sometimes it’s an Allen key on the back side used to lock the head in position. Often a clip than can be unsnapped as well.

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No. Just the bolts that hold the head onto the game.

Take that clip off the game too. Helps for smooth hand trucking.

I think the reason there's no lines,is because the modern pins are much more fun!

Check the ramps out closely when you get there. Especially at the entrance. It’s always busted. Might help you get it for cheaper.

Debatable. It usually takes time for pinheads to make their way back on the calendar. Some are just as fun, if not more fun than modern pins, especially on replay ability and playing against friends.

Most people at shows are newbies. Flashy lights are light bug lights for newbies.

I stopped in at an all Em pinball arcade near me last Sunday. It's 25 cents for two plays. The place has a ton of Em pinball machines,and I was trying to see which one I'd like to buy,if I ever seen one for sale.
After playing for almost an hour,I found out that maybe they're not for me anymore? I liked them when I was growing up,but in my heart,I'm not so sure if I'd like to buy one now ? I was kinda disappointed with my discovery, because I really thought I was gonna leave with a nice list of Em's I'd like to hunt down and buy
I did own an EM and it was a lot of fun working on,so if I do ever see a nice Flying Carpet,for a decent price,I will have to buy it. I had a lot of fun playing this in the early 70's.
I'm gonna give them another shot at this coming Pinfest,but I'm afraid that the Em thrill is gone. Now I understand what people mean when they say,I wanted to like it !

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Don;t let it worry you; the feeling will come back someday.

We are in a sad state because $2,000 opens up such a limited range of titles. Six years ago I sold a good DW for $2,200 to a friend. Cabinet fade and cabinet dings was the only things holding it back from being considered nice. That game now could possibly sell for nearly double now. With your price you are in broken DMD territory or needs love solid state territory (pre-dmd).