Word is that Stern is using multiple playfield manufacturers. These different companies are clearly using different wood...that's why we're seeing some runs of games looking fantastic, and some that get cratered. For those of us that have seen the difference between "normal" dimples and craters, you know the cratered games aren't going to smooth out. So, the answer to this question is that it's sometimes true. Sometimes Sterns dimple more than JJP...depends which company they sourced the playfield from.

Not talking about scoop wear. That's inevitable on any game without a Mantis or Cliffy. It's a design flaw if the game doesn't come with protection there. Talking about wood softness and the type of dimpling that happens because of it.

I have 7 Sterns and a Hobbit. I'm happy with all my Stern playfields - they were all made with good wood, and look the same as Hobbit....although I'd say Hobbit has better clearcoat - it's definitely shinier/glassier....but dimple-wise, they're all about the same.

That being said, I've seen some Stern games that have playfields that look like mushy clay...you can "feel" the texture of the lumpy playfield as the ball rolls. Again - not saying this is happening on every game...when I had a STLE, the playfield was nice and smooth...but my friend's STLE looked like complete garbage. I got a good playfield, he didn't. I've seen a TWDLE with a lumpy playfield...but I've also seen a ton of TWD's with perfectly fine playfields.

I'm not commenting to "pick sides". I'm commenting based on facts and experience. Stern is using multiple sources for playfields. Someone's making good ones. Someone's making shit ones.

One thing that's really cool about pinball (and other gaming hobbies) is that really smart people often make really great aftermarket solutions when problems like these occur. I'm not worried. Someone will make replacement parts if needed.

I'm not sure why some people are in denial about this.