I went with 5 balls, 7 second ball saver and extra balls for special/replay. Mine plays fast and I like to get some progress going, but I'm still a long way to SOTR. Knocked off the witch a few times, but she can be a bitch. I've had my WOZLE for a little less than 2 yrs and it's still awesome and fun. Most of my other games are 3 balls.