I was all about the PRO model until they released the info about the Dirty Donnie Premium model. If I had the cash I would go for the Premium, but if not I would be more than happy with the pro. Unfortunately, I need to figure out a way to get AC/DC before I think about this one...

You missed color changing inserts and three color GI

No spinners = No dice in my book, and I usually like the Pro models too. Kinda sad actually, but it's Premium or bust for me.

on the LE has clear coat from what I understand.

Yeah the real question is... "is it $2000 better?"

After the bubble wrap cardboard mat was announced for the LE - the answer is a resounding "YES!".

You could just give him a hammer let him hit you over the head and get it over with.

Now that the Premium has shipped, any further opinions between the Pro and Premium from those who have played both?

it has?

I'm torn as well but here's how I'm approaching it:

Is the premium worth $2000 more in terms of stuff? No.

BUT will you be happy without the added features? Metallica is my fav band, I don't see myself ever buying NIB (Prem especially) ever again and for me I'm not sure I'll be fully satisfied missing things like the hammer, the lock, the 3 color GI lightshow, the grave marker, despite the fact that they aren't "worth" 2k. In short, yes its a waste of cash, to ensure I have all the options I want out of the box.

It's like buying a new car - is the premium leather package really worth 5k? Or is factory nav really worth 5k? Factory premium wheels for 2k? The answer is often a resounding NO, and people who can't/don't pull the trigger on all those factory options will tell you how much better the aftermarket stuff is anyway. The problem is (to me) once you make the decision to give up those factory features, almost no amount of modding or add ons will ever measure up to the fit and finish of the 'factory' accessories.

Is it "worth" 2k more? no. But will I be fully satisfied with the pro - that is the real question. To me, if you aren't intending on loving/keeping this machine forever, pro is the way to go, but if this is a 'must have' title that you want around for years to come, premium is for you.

Unless Star Trek knocks it out of the park, I think the Pro will be my next NIB. I'm typically a Pro whore and have a hard time justifying the $2K+ on added features. The Premium looks pretty bad ass, but the delta between that model and the Pro isn't significant enough for the upgrade, IMO.

I even have to have Alex Powder coat my Premium now. So if that's the case going forward even more argument to just go Pro.

^^ That's something else that's a tad perplexing. The Premiums usually have powdercoat along with the extra toys, but in this case, it's the standard Pro trim.

I actually like the textured black Pro trim, but powdercoat looks very nice. Another benefit (for me) is to buy the Pro and spread the additional costs over time (LEDs, mods, powdercoat). Makes the expense easier to swallow.

I have AC/DC Premium and just switched my Met Premium order to the Pro yesterday.

I was on order to get a Dirty Donny Premium...here's why I switched to the Pro:

- Cabinet/trim are identical.
- I prefer the Pro translite over the Premium.
- Don't really care for the look of the large hammer.
- Animated jaw is silly/minor...just another thing to break with little real value.

The only features I'll miss are:

- Fancy color changing LED's (the biggy).
- Traditional brackets
- Motorized grave marker (minor)

I believe the Pro rules are identical to the Premium/LE.

Saved $2,200 by going with the PRO (including shipping).

For me, it wasn't about the money (per se), it's about "value". Just don't see the added value in the Premium/LE this time around. For AC/DC, it was clearer (and AC/DC BIB is a very distinctive look that makes sense when moving to an LE).

Hey, if I'm wrong and the Premium is worth the extra cash, then it's always possible to upgrade! It's not like Premium's will be hard to get like LE's.

My 2$.

you make alot of sense snaroff. i am in the same boat as you. i am keeping my premium order in hopes that the code will be like the difference between acdc pro/premium.

but the 2000$ difference is pretty hard to justify at this time.

time will tell.