in short >>

-4 plus months of weekly or biweekly emails showing the issues to both distributor and Stern support
-Lots of work to keep on them (I get the impression they are hoping many will just give up over time)
-once our playfield bunching started to chip off in 1/4 to 1/2 inch sections at posts, then it finally seemed to cross the threshold from "acceptable" to "defect" in their eyes. BS in mu opinion but that seemed to be what it took.

We received a supposedly new/ 'fixed' blank playfield that we can swap in at some point.

Honestly, the response is a joke and the most frustrating thing is that it took regular communication from us with basically no return communication in order to keep the case open.

Yes that sums it up. Was just in JP owners thread, still people buying premiums. Let them be the next ones. Sit back and be patient or like Who-Dey buy something different if you “need” a new game.

I’m thinking either MBr or the new and improved MMr In Jan.

If anyone is considering buying a Wonka ,do so with confidence.
I just got a Wonka SE that was built 10/30 and it’s playfield is perfect!

that is good news!

You are the second person that I have heard this from.

Now the question is... what are they doing for those of us that got defective pfs right out of the box?

I guess they’re doing the same thing that Stern is doing and just being evasive as possible so it saves them money but all I can tell you is a new one is excellent

I’d take good photos of all the pooling and email to Stern Tech Support (P. Powers), and distributor if bought NIB, with a short note requesting resolution to the issue / manufacturing defect. Include that the machine is HUO with the serial #. Also that the heavy pooling indicates delamination that will chip with continued play. Would then call them to discuss a few days later, and continue to follow up regularly and professionally via email.

Have you removed posts and ball guides around the machine to closely inspect for pooling/chipping? If you have heavy pooling one place, I’ll bet you’ll find pooling and possibly some chipping pretty much everywhere when you remove the posts and guides.

can you share a bunch of photos?

I am contemplating a purchase for myself and would love to see.

It's not a new revelation that Stern doesn't make QC and support #1. Just saying. I'm not going to get in the way of the pitchforks and torches. Hope it all works out for you guys. I know it sucks. I would say that I am not going to buy a nib game for a while over this but no plans to do so anyways. Too expensive.

Will do when I get home from work

Problem is if you start removing some of these sunken posts we now know THAT is when it will most likely chip.

So you'd have to have faith that the new bare wood showing would get Stern moving. If the most they'll do is ship you a blank PF I'm not sure that's worth the trade-off. Depending on how much your time is worth and how long you think you'll keep the machine.

Not being able to move those posts for the life of the machine seems crazy also. Shitty situation indeed.

Note, there's no artwork where that depression exists.

I can only talk from my personal experience removing about 50 posts with varying degrees of pooling and the removal process didn't cause any to chip. If there is significant pooling, there is a good chance that movement of the post or guide from ongoing ball impacts will eventually cause chipping. Once the art is delaminated from the wood it's just a "bubble waiting to be popped."

In case you missed it, the Germans explain the problem:

https://captiongenerator.com/1498452/Hitler-Buys-a-Stern-Jurassic-Park

Yeah another guy (actually local to me) has had the same experience so that's good to know. Some people did have problems when they removed a sunken post but you two have shown it's not forgone conclusion.

Happy to hear it.

How long did you have it before you started the playfield swap?

Just left the nashville show.

Played a JP premium that is a newer run. The clear coat was so thin the playfield art impressions were showing through it. Did not have a chance to touch it but guarantee you can feel it with your fingers.

For now. Give it time. My 9 months old potc just started showing the pooling around certain posts.

Why would you buy new?

They better get a handle on this fast or they're done for.

I don’t know anything about your older playfield,but the ones that are on the line now are good!

Are you going to buy them a populated playfield if they turn out to be bad?

Based on what?

What the fuck are you talking about?

You don’t know this for sure so why do you keep saying this. Can’t tell if everything is right with the clear until these new machines get a bunch of plays on them and stand up over time.

Alright,I forgot this was Pinside maybe I was being too positive?
I’m just saying compared to the SE I had and sold to a local guy who didn’t give a shit about the imperfections.The playfield has a totally level appearance around post and such you can tell it’s good because it looks like my first JJP Dialed In

IDK man, just saw a brand new JP premium off the line and the clear coat is razor thin. So thin the playfield art was still raised. You could see all the grooves and indentations. Everybody that played it said something.

I’m just commenting on my WonkaSE!

But you said “buy with confidence” from your sample size of one. Before you’ve got any significant number of plays. I just personally wouldn’t give buying advice based off that. People won’t know this is solved for months. If you absolutely can’t wait and don’t mind imperfections, buy with confidence. Otherwise, buy used. And play numbers have almost flipped on their head in terms of pricing. I wouldn’t buy anything with less than 300 plays!

Not to mention the stock some distributors might have could easily still be from the defect era.

No problems at all with my ACNC playfield. The game is fantastic and super fun!

I’m going to Kaneda my ass off this forum and go play my brand new just manufactured Wonka Se!

Even if they do fix the issue, I would wait and see how they take care of customers with earlier games with issues before purchasing.

Probably my next game. Love it

Good idea.

Yup same thickness as WMS late 90’s games. I’ve got Stern Elvira and Scared Stiff next to each other looks the same as far as clear is concerned. Thicker glass like clear does not mean better.

Not all the LEs.

Its not “razer thin” clear or anything either. Hope you enjoy it. Its a good one.

I look forward to visiting a location playing JP with a few drinks but ya’ll need to quit buying there shit for the home for now I think. Unless you have the connections...
How’s that razor thin gonna work out!?

Lol I don’t know. The late, great Stuart Scott always told me “if some is good, more is better!”

I've seen 2 new Wonkas at my distro. Both were perfect. Also one YBR WOZ that was perfect, other then it arrived with Wonka pinblades in it!

My LE is like that and it still had problems.

The thickness of the clearcoat isnt the issue. The clearcoat not hardening properly seems to be the issue. I honestly dont think they have a clue what the hell is going on. That's why I'm staying away from NIB until they get this shit figured out. They should have never broke their partnership with CGC. CGC I guarantee you is laughing their asses of at Stern right now and rightfully so.

Sample size of three now

I suspect you’re just being witty and I shouldn’t take the bait. But you must realize my jjpotc probably looked just the same as your WonkaCE on the showroom floor. Now it has pooling. Months later. So you have a sample size of three with a total of a few plays between them. What can that really tell people about other pins for sale right now?

Look, I love JJP and want the best for them. And I really hope your machine remains flawless. I really do. I just think you’re misleading people with the “buy with confidence” thing. Nobody should have confidence at this point. Either in the product or the manufacturer.

So are there any Pirates owners who got a new playfield already?

Wow!

Great!!

I think some people here are angrier than that.

While changing out the sling rubber on my LOTR I was reminded of this thread (wrt post putting pressure on the PF clear).

Check out how nicely the sling posts are engineered. Recessed, metal post guide, no art. Solid/perfect after 15 years and ~15k plays.

IMG_0362 (resized).jpeg

Looks good,judging by the small amount we see of the playfield I would say you put a few mods on?

The only mods are ColorDMD, LED's/LEDOCD, and Titan rubber. Everything else is "stock" IIRC...I bought the game NIB in 2004.