Absolutely! Always!

The pole is flawed. I like it both ways never without. Is what she said. Hehe

Mirrored used to be the rage (add depth, but thick and difficult to install on some pins), but seems the art blades are taking over (many options, thinner, easy to scrape/scratch)

Mirrored for sure. Anyone know the best place to get Rick & Morty mirror blades? Seems like maybe none have been or are being made?

Yes, no, maybe...

Mirror blades for sure, looks classy an adds heaps more light.

I love art blades - but have never tried installing them myself because it looks and sounds intimidating...

I dabbled in “Art” blades for a while with the graphics stickers. Unfortunately I had a couple peel off. It kind of shrunk after around a year on the first, and so I restuck it trying to stretch it out on the back half. Then a week later it did the same. So I left it for a few weeks bubbled up and fragile. Finally one day, I opened the game and peeled them out. They really came out without much fight. The other set just never really stuck well. I’m sure I could have fixed that by sanding a key into the sides of the game, but just no.

On the other hand, mirror blades go in and look awesome. Yes, they are a mild pain in the ass and you have to be more careful lifting and lowering playfields. But they are worth it. I like the look on most modern games. I think LOTR was the only game I didn’t like them in due to the lights on the right side.

So my vote is mirror or nothing.

It's pretty simple if you use Rapid TAC application fluid, as that allows you to reposition things if you're not happy with your first attempt at decal alignment. I've used it to apply decals with the playfields pulled out of the cabinets on my recently acquired Sterns, but have recently developed a method to install them with the playfields in the cabinet and in the upright position. The Rapid TAC makes that possible. I've installed a couple of sets dry when I first started putting them in, but that's much more nerve racking, so I don't think I'll be returning to that method.

Whether you go decals, mirror blades, or even if you want to keep you're black painted sidewalls looking nice. I'd suggest everyone buy (or make), something like these protectors which you use when lifting/lowering your playfield: https://www.pinballlife.com/interior-cabinet-protector-blade-set.html

Official stern blades otherwise mirror blades

I’m good with mirrored or art blades. In fact, I think they are an essential upgrade. I know it comes down to cost, as does everything, but I’ve never understood why they don’t come standard on a pin. Seems like such an easy thing to do, without them and the playfield looks a bit empty. Stern’s cost wouldn’t be much and even with a mark up wouldn’t add a lot to the cost of a pin.

It's really not. First time might be a little trial and error but not to bad.

Stern blades do seem indestructible, and of greater quality.

Art blades for me. All of my games have them, with just black sides they look like they’re missing something and feel “empty”

Art Blades for sure ! Using the wet method should never have a problem applying them. Get yourself some Game Blade Protectors from Pinball Life , so when lifting or dropping your playfield you won’t scratch or tear them. Have them on all my machines and they add so much more to the looks of your game

In most cases I really don't like art blades. I think it makes the game artwork overall look too 'busy'.... I guess I'm just used to the black sides. Mirrors can look good in some games, but I don't really bother with them either.

Mirror. I really don't pay attention to art blades when playing.

Art blades. They look great, are easy to install, and can take a beating.

Depends on the game.

Why not have both - mirrored art blades (if they even exist). I prefer art blades, they add to the atmosphere of the game, increasing immersion, especially if back-lit.

Art blades look better on 99% of the machines out there.

I like both depending on the game. Also, some of the illuminated blades are really cool for certain titles.

I really like the art over mirror blades on Funhouse. Thought about getting those once or twice but never pulled the trigger.

I added mirrors to my CV when i first got it, which i like. Recently added the official stern blades to Elvira and those were a piece of cake to install. For me it depends on the title and whether or not i think i’m keeping the game. Mostly i leave them bare as i don’t really notice them when i’m playing.

Metallica had some of these and they were incredible. I’ve seen some for TWD as well but they didn’t look as well.

I just bought some stern mirror blades, will see if they fit into my R&M.