Quoted from PinMonk:If mirco would just make sure they used the better clearcoat method they used to use that NEVER had chipping problems, they would be the perfect vendor to supply these. The ones they did for Houdini are beautiful, and so far no chipping, so maybe AP paid more for a better CC process?
Mirco had issues with clear chipping a while ago, too. In earlier times the clear was simply laid on too thick, so bits of it got smashed off by ball impacts, where there was a profile. This was mainly apparent in the shooter lane and ball drain. That was solved when they started using thinner coats. But now there is significantly more pressure to produce serious volume, and quickly, than there was. So inadequate curing time is no doubt a problem, and the probable cause of current chipping on DI.
Generally, they are a lot better than Churchill (CGC / Stern), I would agree.
The craptastic 'FUN' pfs that Stern used when trying to move away from Churchill were an industry low.
I don't know who Spooky's supplier is, but looking at my RZ, and reading about other people's Spooky produced machines, they're likely to be a lot more durable due to wood that's obviously drier than Churchill's, and a clear that's *not* 'automotive' - i.e. gloss, shiny, thick and brittle. It's more like the old Diamond Plate. Hopefully they kept it that way on TNA & ACNC?
IMO the best playfields made at the moment are the B&T Automaten ones, since they use better wood, and whilst they use an automotive clear, they leave more than adequate curing time both between coats, and afterwards before shipping. However I doubt any manufacturer is going to use them as a supplier, because it would inevitably cost more than they'd be willing to pay, and lead times would be longer than desired.
CPR, from the couple I've seen, and stories I've heard, are hugely variable, but generally quite poor - and certainly no better than Churchill.
