$7500.

Does anyone else find this absolutely and utterly ridiculous? Time for a boycott.

Prices like that run people like me away from the hobby. I'm not wealthy, but I'm also not poor - looks like there's a trending upward spiral to this "new pinball era".

For someone who is ready to drop some serious cash on a second one (I just got into the hobby) and is thinking about a NIB or HUO Stern...it does matter.

How long will the materials last?
In 5 years is a NIB stern going to look/hold-up better than a recently shopped Williams?
If they put plastic on *this* piece - where else did they put plastic?!

All questions to ask.

I do NOT subscribe to the fact that Stern machines are not as FUN as Williams or the rest - because they most certainly are...but when longevity and ability to resale come into play, I'm likely to go somewhere else.

Personally, I look at these machines, all Pinball machines really as PIECES OF ART. I like to think about the thought process, the creative decisions, the software details, the layout, the chosen theme or sounds, and most importantly the overall quality of the machine. It's the combination of these things that make a Pinball machine great and give it's owner a sense of pride in their purchase.

So when comparing brands as far as the above aspects are concerned, and not just about how FUN a machine is - that's where I feel Stern falls short.

To those who say, "Oh but Indiana, you're so new! You don't know anything!" Yes, that may be true, but I have played over a hundred machines now and I've been bitten by the bug. There ain't no stopping now.

and FYI,

If I get really wealthy or win the lotto - I'm going to start a pinball manufacturing company. No question.