I never would have thought 1/8" would make a huge difference, but it does. It must be because the brain is so used to timing shots so close to the tip of the flipper. I get on a game with lightning flippers and it looks like I am having a seziure trying to keep the ball in play. Lot's of @!&%$@!.... fustration
I am sure with time the brain adjusts and you can do better, if they all had the shorter flippers from the factory, this thread would not exist