(Topic ID: 168262)

Maffewl's PotC Airball Deflector (for Sneezeguard Removal)

By maffewl

7 years ago


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  • 144 posts
  • 77 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 72 days ago by guard
  • Topic is favorited by 33 Pinsiders

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There are 144 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 3.
#1 7 years ago

Hey everyone, if you hate your Pirates of the Caribbean sneezeguard, then you are in the right place. I created an Airball Deflector for my PotC after I just couldn't stand the look of that hunk of blocky plastic blocking my view of the ship and other toys. As the green targets, and their "rebounds", are the main cause of airballs in and around the ship, this Airball Deflector attempts to remove the chance of an airball at the source, thus eliminating the need for a sneezeguard. After posting it for others to see in the PotC club thread, it seems I'm not the only one who could use such a piece and was asked by several Pinsiders to create these for others. After gaining interest, I decided to make a few. Now, in an effort to not hijack the club thread, I wanted to start a new thread to say thanks for all the interest in my Airball Deflector, and please PM me if you are interesting in buying one.

The price is $15 + $5 shipping (U.S. 48) = $20 total.

Edit: I added pics of installed vs. uninstalled, and the 2 screws that are used to install.

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How to install video (note it is recommended to install the deflector with the game turned OFF, game was on in the video to allow for better visualization):

#2 7 years ago

Here's mine. Works great, easy install.

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#3 7 years ago

Fantastic Mod! I had airballs that were flying everywhere, banging into things and taking a long time to get back into play. I installed the deflector in about 2 mins and it changed the game tremendously. The balls are instantly back in play making the game so much harder. I used to worry about a ball getting trapped behind the ship as it was upended but now I'll never go back to that sneeze guard again. Thanks Maffewl
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#4 7 years ago

While I am not a PotC owner (actually, I've never even seen one in person), I do like to peruse the forums. When I came across this one, I thought to myself "what's a sneeze guard? Surely it can't be that bad." Well, upon discovering what you are referring to, at first I laughed then wondered in disbelief how a pinball manufacturer actually thought that a ginormous piece of plastic taking up half the width of the cabinet was a good idea and passed for intelligent engineering. To top it off, it just looks stupid!

Kudos to you for your ingenuity, and a job well done with your design. Functional, stylish looks, and opens up the table quite nicely. Heck, I don't even own the pin and I'm still tempted to buy your deflector!

2 weeks later
#5 7 years ago

Thank you to everyone that purchased a deflector. I have officially sold out of round 1.

That said, if anyone would like to purchase one, please send me a PM so that I can gauge if there is enough interest to do another round.

1 week later
#6 7 years ago

Hey everyone, I've made more Airball Deflectors if anyone is interested. Thanks!

#7 7 years ago

Received. Installed. Awesome. Thanks!

1 week later
#8 7 years ago

I've received some questions about what does the piece look like when not installed. Here are a few pics that may help clarify. Thanks for everyone's interest!

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#9 7 years ago

Good idea. I'll get back to you about ordering.

#10 7 years ago

Installed mine, took less than 5 minutes, here's what it looks like from a bit further back. not noticeable. thanks..

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2 weeks later
#11 7 years ago

I just received one and was impressed with the quality. I figured he was hand-making these, but it appears to be laser cut with polished edges and looks very professional. While I don't have the game to install it now, I look forward to replacing the sneeze guard once I do. A great idea, thanks for making these available for others.

#12 7 years ago

Installed without any problems. Solid product!

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#13 7 years ago

Well done smart mod. Easy install.

I replaced the original mounting screws rather than leave open holes but it's ok either way.

Added a small washer to the left mount to protect the plastic mod.

Look at how great my sneeze guard looks now sitting on my work bench!

Nice job William, and thanks for making it so affordable.

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1 week later
#14 7 years ago

Thanks so much to Maffewl for making these! It was really nice to finally have an effective way of getting rid of the horrid sneeze guard on this game. I always hated that thing.

Fit and finish is very nice and it does what it's supposed to do - prevent airballs of the standups. If I were asking for one thing to criticize it would be how the curve of the piece to the left of the farthest right target makes the plastic look a little goofy. Like it's installed incorrect or off center. Of course I realize this is a limitation forced by the proximity of the jack ramp to the target.

All in all very pleased! Great job Maffewl!

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#15 7 years ago
Quoted from Radius118:

If I were asking for one thing to criticize it would be how the curve of the piece to the left of the farthest right target makes the plastic look a little goofy

Put a star sticker over that Jack target.

#16 7 years ago
Quoted from Radius118:

If I were asking for one thing to criticize it would be how the curve of the piece to the left of the farthest right target makes the plastic look a little goofy. Like it's installed incorrect or off center.

Thanks for the pics and comment Radius118. Yeah, I agree that the curve is a bit exaggerated. However, as I'm sure you've noticed, this is done on purpose as the main cause for airballs is around that specific target and I wanted to provide as much "coverage" as possible so that the deflector can do its job.

Thanks again to everyone for the pics and comments! I love seeing these PotCs without that hunk of blocky plastic.

1 week later
#17 7 years ago

This looks like an awesome addition to POTC and I completely agree that the first time I saw that massive sneeze guard, all I could think of was the Old Country Buffet salad bar!! Removal can't happen fast enough if/when I eventually acquire one.

I will be PM'ing you soon to get some ideas for creating an airball deflector for a couple spots in my IJ due to the overwhelming amount of airballs I am experiencing.

3 weeks later
#18 7 years ago

If anyone is interested, I only have a few of these left in this run. Thanks again to all those that have reviewed in this thread!

2 weeks later
#19 7 years ago

I picked one of these up and installed it. So far so good. No air ball issues with the massive ship shield removed and the game looks even better. Definitely recommended. If I see anything else I'll report back.

#20 7 years ago

Topic bump for those that may not be aware this exists.

1 month later
#21 7 years ago

I still have a few of these left, PM me if interested.

#22 7 years ago

Great mod!! Great price! Great packaging! Thanks for creating this William - love my Pirates - the only thing that bugged me was the sneeze guard - game looks so much better with it removed! Cheers to you and creative people like you that help out our pinball community!!

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#23 7 years ago

Haven't had an air ball yet with the deflector guard. Thanks!

#24 7 years ago

Got my deflector installed in 3 minutes and promptly destroyed my high score - no kidding! Great mod and thanks for sharing with the community maffewl !

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1 month later
#25 6 years ago

Bumping thread for a great mod. Just picked this up....Looks great. Ill ad a pic when its done.

#26 6 years ago

Mine works great and provides a some insurance with the weird plastic shield protecting the ship gone.

2 weeks later
#27 6 years ago

Shameless bump.

1 week later
#28 6 years ago

Thanks Maffewl for the ingenuity here. Finally got that terrible plastic wall off my play field thanks to your fix here.

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#29 6 years ago

If he comes to SFGE I bet William will bring your protector to the show and hand it to you personally and you can save on all that shipping! You can also save on broken sails and stuff.

Not sure though - is he coming? If he does will he autograph the protector? For free?

#30 6 years ago

Ha... yes sir, I will be at SFGE. I'm also donating a PotC airball deflector to the silent auction charity, so that's a great way to pick one up as well. Pinnyheadhead is correct though, if you are coming to SFGE and interested, I'd be happy to bring a few with me to save shipping.

As for autographing, if asked, I'll look at you like , then , feel giddy inside for being asked , but realize that's a terrible idea for me to sign such an awesome mod , and say thanks for your interest , and get back to the SFGE festivities .

1 week later
#31 6 years ago

The pinball deflector made by MAFFEWL is awesome. I'd never own this game without it. Getting rid of the sneeze guard is a must. Thank you William!

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4 weeks later
#32 6 years ago

Hi there,

is that PotC airball deflector still available?
If yes, please PM me.
I've already sent a PM to maffewl but got no feedback till now.

Thank you.
Best regards,
Bigmac

#33 6 years ago
Quoted from Bigmac:

Hi there,
is that PotC airball deflector still available?
If yes, please PM me.
I've already sent a PM to maffewl but got no feedback till now.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Bigmac

Hey Bigmac. I do have a few deflectors left, and just replied to your PM. Thanks for your interest!

#34 6 years ago

I received and installed the Airball deflector yesterday. Great mod that is easy to install. It's really nice to have the sneeze guard gone and have an unobstructed view of the ship.

1 week later
#35 6 years ago

Put one on about a week or so ago....works great and I really like the look without the sneeze guard. I've seen a few balls bounce off of it....so I know it's working. Thank you William for the design and great service. Highly recommend.

#36 6 years ago

Received mine months ago, but just installed it yesterday. Looks great with the guard off.
Thanks for make a great product.

1 week later
#37 6 years ago

Hi dear all,

just received the PotC airball deflector and already installed.
You may have a look on my pics.
Big Thanks to Maffewl

Best regards,
Bigmac from overseas

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#38 6 years ago
Quoted from Bigmac:

Hi dear all,
just received the PotC airball deflector and already installed.
You may have a look on my pics.
Big Thanks to Maffewl
Best regards,
Bigmac from overseas

Looks great Bigmac! Happy to hear it made the trip safely.

I very much appreciate all the feedback from everyone in this thread. It's a cool feeling to see the deflector on all these PotC's.

1 month later
#39 6 years ago

Bump for those that may not know this exists.

1 week later
#40 6 years ago

How to install video added to first post.

#41 6 years ago

Added this great mod on Saturday. A cinch to install and a lot better looking than the plastic guard that came with. I'm thankful for mods such as this one.

1 month later
#42 6 years ago

Still have a few of these left for those interested.

1 week later
#43 6 years ago

Im interested, any left?

#44 6 years ago
Quoted from djoverpour:

Im interested, any left?

Awesome, PM sent.

#45 6 years ago

Also interested in one. Pm me details.

#46 6 years ago
Quoted from arcademojo:

Also interested in one. Pm me details.

Double awesome, PM sent.

#47 6 years ago

Another satisfied customer here! Maffewl was nice enough to send it to the Netherlands and it arrived after only seven days. The protector was packaged really well and it arrived unharmed. The install only took about three minutes and was really easy to do.
It's great to have that ugly "sneeze guard" removed from the game now and the new protector is hardly noticeable.
Must have mod!

Thanks again Maffewl!

1 month later
#48 6 years ago

PM sent !

#49 6 years ago

Just realized I never posted my praise for this awesome mod. This is one of those mods POTC should have come with from the factory

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1 month later
#50 6 years ago

I just picked up a fresh batch of these. PM me if interested. Thanks to all who have posted!

There are 144 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 3.

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