I'm interested as well.

I bought both sets of protectors.

My understanding is that with new playfields, Mantis is adequate. Cliffy's are generally to cover existing damage although they are commonly installed to prevent damage as well.

Mantis are unobtrusive.
Cliffy's change the look of the game but many like the look as Cliffy has done a great job in designing them.

Having said all of that, some people install both (just in case?).

I have Cliffy protectors installed in some of my games and Mantis protectors installed in some of my games. For games with new/restored/undamaged playfields I prefer to install the Mantis protectors if they are available.

For games with existing VUK hole damage the Cliffy protectors are my preference and there are also some games for which there are Cliffy protectors available, but not Mantis protectors (TZ, Congo and TFTC come to mind and there are also others) available. The Cliffy protectors are a little more noticeable when installed, however they look very nice installed as do the Mantis protectors.

Both products are very good at protecting your playfield and both products look very nice installed. You really cannot go wrong with either protector.

Gord

Mantis all the way on new openings. I'm not sure on the mmr playfields (Churchill made playfield) but the mirco playfield took some finesse to get the mantis protector in the Merlin hole. I highly recommend the mantis drawbridge protector. It's perfect and comes with a cobble stone pattern laser etched into it. Mantis doesn't make a catapult protector but cliffy does.

I just fitted the Mantis full kit to my MMR all good except for the Merlin hole, I bent it as suggested to get it in and then bent it back once installed to get a flush fit. But I found that my ball eject solenoid runs so close to the edge of the hole that it hits on the protector, there was no way to adjust this, no movement on the solenoid mounting to give it more clearance and the protector was sitting as snug as it could go.

So I have removed it and after multiple bends to get it in and out and even trying to manipulate the protector where the solenoid travels the protector is looking a bit shabby now so I think it will just go in the bin.

IMO this was not an install error on my part as there is just not enough clearance to allow the protector thickness.

I'm going to order a Pinbits Merlin Hole protector instead, I know that doesn't quite do the same job but it's best I can do.

I'm happy with all the other Mantis protectors

Mantis for MMR here on two machines so far and I highly recommend them for new playfields. The Merlin protector was a nice effort but went in the trash after testing on both.

I had trouble with the merlin protector. Ditched it.

I have the merlin mantis protector and the cliffy as well ,overkill maybe ,but no problems

Do you have to drill a hole to install the mantis castle protector??

yes

I didn't drill a hole for my castle protector I put double sided tape under the part that covers the castle secret entry and left the screw hole unused. The tape and the other screw in the centre that is an existing screw are enough to secure it as per the installation instructions.

+1 I didn't drill a hole either. Works perfectly.

Decided to resurrect an old thread.

I tried to install the Mantis protector for the merlin hole, but as it hides the slot where the eject vuk is supposed to go, it seems impossible. It would be nice to see pics from underside on the merlin hole of mantis protector - how in earth have people managed to install it!

EDIT: I guess one way to try it, is to leave the mantis protector without screws, install the eject vuk and after that install the mantis screws. That way the mantis protector can move away from the eject vuk atleast a bit. Will have to try it.

Mantis has a pdf showing pics of their protector kit installation, which includes the mantis hole protector from underneath the playfield. Worked well enough here.

You should be able to rotate the Mantis protector so the tab on the left is lower and opens up the slot where the top solenoid curved bracket can recess in it. Yes do not drill until you mark the slot holes when this is accomplished. Drill the holes slightly smaller and as deep as the install screws for the protector. Otherwise the playfield wood will crack around the installed screw. The trick with this Mantis Merlin hole protector is do not bend it to fit it, maybe just a slight bend only because once bent the aluminum will not bend back if you make a mistake.

I managed to get the solenoid's curved bracket in by not attaching the screws for the Mantis protector first. I put the curved bracket in its place and it fit under the Mantis protector. After that I attached the Mantis protector left screw. The right screw is under the solenoid bracket, it was not possible to attach it, but the Mantis protector seems to be sitting firmly in its place, so I am ok with that. Thanks for any tips!

this are the 2 new Cliffy for MMR

IMG_7591 (resized).JPG

IMG_7592 (resized).JPG

Where did you get these? Interested...

I think my friend who did the install said that he put mantis bracket in and test fitted it, then installed the vuk while minding the mantis bracket position. From there he screwed the mantis protector down with no interference issues.

direct from Cliff

What kind of double sided tape did you guys put under the mantis castle entry protector? I am concerned about putting something too strong that would peel off clear if I someday want to remove the protector.

I am more concerned that that protector is not long enough to protect the hole edge on the other side of the lock door. I do not have the protector taped and seems fine, no screw either.

So is the consensus here Cliffy for everything except the castle entry? Looking to make a purchase here soon so appreciate the feedback!

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/mmmmr-playfield-protectors-list#post-3789922

Thanks

Try the cliffy moat jump instead of the mantis drain hole mentioned at that link. However, I put both in. The cliffy does a better job protecting the moat plastic in addition to the playfield wood. Although if you buy the mantis 4 piece set the drain hole is one of the 4.