Replace them. I kept hearing everyone say to toss Stern balls out, and then I saw this last week in an IMDN Prem on location.
Balls1 (resized).jpg

We use these in our games - https://ksarcade.net/new-used-pinball-boards-parts/balls-fuses-other/balls/turbo-shotz-magna-shotz-premium-pinballs-1-1-16-5-pk.html

What's the last NIB you are using as reference? My last NIB was Ghostbusters and the balls were pretty good. Certainly not pitted like stories of older games that I heard.

There's no need to risk it. You're already out over $5.5K+, what's another $12?

I'm really not sure if this is an issue ATM. Unless you have a routed game. Most of us HUO folks shouldn't worry about it.

Just be sure you go and do your yearly ball check. Replace as needed.

Stern got their pinballs improved a couple years back. They are perfectly fine out of the box now.

I've thought about it and I've decided that no one cares. Defective ball(s) seem plausible to me. No jokes required below... I've seen this happen many times but it's not just in Stern machines. It's more random and usually only one or two balls in a game are defective.

The Ball Baron’s “Ninja Ball” has been my go to. They’re flawlessly shiny, and are 100% chrome. Good price too. He sometimes has specials where if you buy a bulk order, you get a bonus of some sort.

https://ballbaron.com/product/ninja-super-shiny-chrome-pinball-g10/

In my NIB Iron Maiden (which is used HUO) the balls were terrible and had to be replaced within a week. So I would call reports of this problem being resolved BS. The playfield is also a complete joke with terrible wood grain right out of the box, almost like there was no QC whatsoever.

Speaking of QC, this is my favorite Stern QC video ever. I've posted it before...

Skip to the 11 minute mark.

Guy Giving Tour: "Yeah, we have this awesome light table to make sure we can spot ghosting insert issues." "Can we show them how it works?"

Guy Doing QC: "Uh, this thing is supposed to be plugged in?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=UR2WflOczwU&app=desktop

Don't know, don't care, wouldn't use them.

No issues with the balls in my last two purchases.

No issues will balls among my friends in the community in the last couple of years.

So I would call your comment BS.

honestly, I have used the ones that come from stern, jjp, chicago gaming and American pinball. I also purchased new balls from PBL and one other source that escapes me right now. I have never been able to tell the difference either by sight or gameplay.

so if it is an issue, I have either been very lucky to not run into it, or I simply suck that bad at pinball and cant tell the difference.

just my .02

Ive used them and they are fine. Always inspect them closely and wipe them off though just like any other balls that you put in your game.

The only problem I ever had with Stern balls was that the ones that came with Metallica magnetized too easy and would then get stuck in the casket lock. I bought some other unknown ones and they looked like they have swirl marks in the finish (think of car clear coat swirls).

Rob

This thread title made me laugh. I was like "wow, no company is perfect. Somebody is really making this personal". Glad to see it was about just "balls".

mabybe its me, but i cant tell the difference in any of the pinballs. silverjet, stern, pinball life, all about the same thing.

These are pretty much the same as pbl used to have. Great site and fast shipping -
http://www.thepinballwizard.net/index.php?p=product&id=849

If they look good they will be fine, just inspect them before you use them.

If you have a ton of machines, and are into fixing them up...try getting a tumbler. 2 days in a tumbler with corn cob media and flitz has the old, scratched up balls looking like new. Obviously, throw out the balls that are pitted or dented. Those Iron Maiden balls above dented like they were made of soft pine!

LMAO

I bought a nib GOTG in June/ July and one of the balls looked like a golf ball after 300 plays. Two more started that way after 500. I replaced them all.

I'm just lucky I guess.

+1 for ball baron.

Stern does not make pinballs. Whatever company that you buy pinballs from doesn't make the either! Shocking.

Golf anybody. That is bad, hardness check, quality control.

It seems you are a liar

Wow... Deep.

I don't think anyone here is implying that they make pinballs. People are trying to discern if the balls that come in new Stern games are having issues.

Some are seeing issues and others aren't.

The best thing I have found to do when it comes to balls is to buy a 10x Jewelers Loupe and look at each of them under magnification before installing them. I have found imperfections in some balls from every supplier I have tried so I just sort through balls as I install them and put the best balls in my better machines.

Remember NEVER handle balls with your bare hands your skin oil contains salt which can cause issues on balls rather quickly. Typically I grab balls out of the bag or package with a paper towel look each over then drop them into a machine never touching them with bare hands.

You will be surprised how many imperfections you will find on just about any ball when looking at it under 10x magnification. The nice thing about using a loupe to check balls is you can check used balls from time to time and decide when to replace them once you start seeing damage. Sometimes old balls in machines look better then the new ones I was getting ready to install. If that is the case I just wipe them down and drop them right back into the machine.

For under $10 you can grab a decent loupe off Amazon, eBay, etc. Cheaper than a set of balls and using it will save you money for years. The ones I use came from a local friend see ebay item number 401597281274 if you are curious what I am talking about.

The balls that came with my GotG Pro are nice.

Well, the title of the OP suggests strongly that we are discussing "Stern's Balls". It's misleading.

Its right in the first post Sinestro... Er Snyper

Did you not see the pic I posted? The ball on the left is dimpled to shit. This is on a game that's what, 2 months off the line?

Painting with a broad brush and calling everything "perfect" isn't accurate. Even if 99% of them are good to go, and your 2 NIBs were fine, the issue in question can still exist.

IMO, buyers should consider a change at unboxing, or just inspect after a handful of plays to make sure you're in the clear. It's not that hard to do, and is better than having blind faith in someone calling everything "perfect", especially as it's been a known issue in the past and these things cost $5.5K+.

I check mine once a month in the shower.

Some of us don't need a microscope to see our balls...just sayin!

"Shit Happens" when you get old! Hell I have to wear reading glasses to shave these days. But all kidding aside don't touch your balls with bare hands!

Reminds me of the last couple years or so from the Gottlieb era before they closed.

I didn’t have good luck with the Ball Baron balls. They all magnetized and had rust spots after a couple weeks. I swapped them out for new and they had the same issues.
I bought a bunch of Pinball life standard pinballs to try. They have been holding up nicely and they are much cheaper. Also, I haven’t had any issues with magnetism yet (going on 3 months)

Thanks for the review.

Does anyone know if PBL will be bringing back the Ohhhhh Soooo Shiny Ones?

Probably not. My guess is they realized any super shiny balls made now a days will get magnetized.

Standard issue balls are just fine.

I asked PBL about this, they told me they are the same balls they still have, they just don't do the extra polishing on them. Check with them to verify, but I believe that is what they told me.

I've been told that before too.