New to pinball, what is a good fun machine priced around $12500
You’re just in luck!
(Topic ID: 278966)
Anchorage, AK
Quoted from grantopia:I go to bed and now we are up to $4,500? Can't beat Star Trek pro in my (worthless) opinion. Good flow and mix of shots, family friendly if that's of concern, and just plain fun. My favorite Stern release for sure and should be relatively low maintenance for you as there are not alot of complex mechs, etc.
agree 100%. If you got $4500 a Star trek pro is a no brainer.
Quoted from grantopia:I go to bed and now we are up to $4,500? Can't beat Star Trek pro in my (worthless) opinion. Good flow and mix of shots, family friendly if that's of concern, and just plain fun. My favorite Stern release for sure and should be relatively low maintenance for you as there are not alot of complex mechs, etc.
That's hilarious, I didn't see the bump to $4,500. Someone has the itch for sure. Too bad there are no GunsNRoses CE's as at this trajectory that's what OP would have bought in about two days.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:thanks for all the advice. I think I wil bump it up to 2500 to 3k tops. what can I get in that range near tallmadge oh? i cant pick up so if anyone has something they can deliver haha.
Now you're talking. Lots of fun to be had with that budget. Off the top of my head:
-Judge Dredd
-Bram Stokers Dracula
-No Fear
-Earthshaker
-Road Show
-Batman Forever
-Mary Shelly's Frankenstein
-Nascar
At this price I would be looking for a nice pair of early 80s Ballys.
Learn the ropes, polish your game and have a pair of machines that you can enjoy.
Fieldsweeper - This is your last chance to get out while you can. Two years ago - bought a new Guardians of Galaxy PRO - told myself that it was a once in a lifetime purchase. People on this site always warn people that you can't just buy one. I thought i knew better and they were crazy. Two months ago, my new Jurassic Park Premium is now next to the first one. I'm loving your thread because i have been itching to get an older machine as well and i'm hoping one will show up close at Jacksonville, so i can maybe get just one more (he says to himself
).
Yeah, I don't know. That no fear seems pretty sweet.
And I heard that misterhare guy is a real swell dude. You should probably get that one.
Quoted from TotallynotMrHare:Yeah, I don't know. That no fear seems pretty sweet.
And I heard that misterhare guy is a real swell dude. You should probably get that one.
Hey, thanks @totallynotmrhare!
Most every game over the Pinside top 49 are now in play, except the new games that haven't reviewed well. With this budget playing as many games as possible before buying is now a must. You will have a 1 pin collection at this point, so finding a game you really like is more important. Find a place with lots of pins, not just the new ones, and play as much as you can. I'm lucky here, as I have CP's Pinball here where you play 70+ games on free play for a low fee. Chuck has a ton of new games, but still has a lot of the good older DMD's in the collection. You need to find a place like that.
Quoted from Palmer:4500 gets you into used Stern SAM category. Spiderman, Iron Man, Star Trek...lots of great titles to choose from https://pinside.com/pinball/machine?query=&machine_generation=36#results
You could possibly find some newer SPIKE Sterns like Star Wars or Aerosmith or you could go the opposite direction and look at a few Stern Whitestar games.
Pretty much any System 11 game, a boat load of WPC games as well can be had at that price.
What's Sam? I have em heard of EM ones and dmd is sam another technology of them?
Also I saw a rick and morty one would be really cool but doesn't seem out yet. Also I looked for a Futurama one and only saw digital ones. If there was a Futurama one that would be awesome too
Or a pink floyd one.
Quoted from RyanStl:Most every game over the Pinside top 49 are now in play, except the new games that haven't reviewed well. With this budget playing as many games as possible before buying is now a must. You will have a 1 pin collection at this point, so finding a game you really like is more important. Find a place with lots of pins, not just the new ones, and play as much as you can. I'm lucky here, as I have CP's Pinball here where you play 70+ games on free play for a low fee. Chuck has a ton of new games, but still has a lot of the good older DMD's in the collection. You need to find a place like that.
I took too long of a nap and since stonehenge has like 30 games I'm gonna head there tonight. Matt I'll have to call u tomorrow to take u up on the transformer one. Since there is league tonight I'll probably avoid the crowd. But still Leanna try out the transformer one. I'm not aajor transformer fan but the details and parts all seem really interesting. I read about not using the original voice actor which tbh is kind of a bummer tho lol.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:What's Sam? I have em heard of EM ones and dmd is sam another technology of them?
Also I saw a rick and morty one would be really cool but doesn't seem out yet. Also I looked for a Futurama one and only saw digital ones. If there was a Futurama one that would be awesome too
Or a pink floyd one.
SAM is Stern's name for their boards used in an era of DMD games they sold. Rick and Morty is going to be way over your price. You may have seen Rick and Morty pre-order spot for $3K, which includes a healthy profit for seller without even receiving a game.
Check Pinside Machine database for any pin themes and you'll see if they have been made. I don't believe either Futurama or Pink Floyd has been made, although if DR announced either, people would probably pre-order sight unseen even if JPOP is designer. 
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:thanks for all the advice. I think I wil bump it up to 2500 to 3k tops. what can I get in that range near tallmadge oh? i cant pick up so if anyone has something they can deliver haha.
Definitely missed this part ha. Be ready to make it worth someone's time and effort if you need delivery. I don't mean this in a snarky way but unless you are buying a new game, it may be a tough sell to get someone to bring you a pin.
Quoted from grantopia:Definitely missed this part ha. Be ready to make it worth someone's time and effort if you need delivery. I don't mean this in a snarky way but unless you are buying a new game, it may be a tough sell to get someone to bring you a pin.
Yeah some of the local ones said they could for a little bit extra. I would of course pay extra too.
I've been looking at new used ones. I played atra get things and it's kinda fun. Although I haven't learned how to play it entirely yet. It does seem more of the same thing.
Drop the drop targets shoot the demon behind the screen lmao. Also hitting the glass reallllly hard when you go up the ramp just right. Kind of waiting for broken top glass lmao.
I'm going to try out that transformer one since it'll be a little cheaper. Me not being a fan of either shows and still liking the pinball machine for Stranger seems nice to know that even if I'm not a fan of it. The game play could be fun. I'll probably spend more than my budget anyway lmao.
I wish I could try the BTTF one but nothing near by 
But fan of back to the future haha. Definitely nice to see a massive amount of such quick help. The RC plane community is Mostly older people who don't use forums that much so new topics don't get this kinda traction so quickly haha
I may actually end up trying 5o get 2 of the smaller priced ones like taxi and a good priced demo man. Then I'd have two.
Very hard to find Back to the Future. I’ve only played it at a few shows and it is not a fun game. It’s also overpriced if you can find one. Last Action Hero kinda blows it away.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:Yeah some of the local ones said they could for a little bit extra. I would of course pay extra too.
I've been looking at new used ones. I played atra get things and it's kinda fun. Although I haven't learned how to play it entirely yet. It does seem more of the same thing.
Drop the drop targets shoot the demon behind the screen lmao. Also hitting the glass reallllly hard when you go up the ramp just right. Kind of waiting for broken top glass lmao.
I'm going to try out that transformer one since it'll be a little cheaper. Me not being a fan of either shows and still liking the pinball machine for Stranger seems nice to know that even if I'm not a fan of it. The game play could be fun. I'll probably spend more than my budget anyway lmao.
I wish I could try the BTTF one but nothing near by
But fan of back to the future haha. Definitely nice to see a massive amount of such quick help. The RC plane community is Mostly older people who don't use forums that much so new topics don't get this kinda traction so quickly haha
I may actually end up trying 5o get 2 of the smaller priced ones like taxi and a good priced demo man. Then I'd have two.
Two starter pins isn't a bad choice because it offers much more variety. The benefit of one is possibly making it to a more modern pin with much deeper code.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:I'm going to try out that transformer one since it'll be a little cheaper.
So this thread is just an elaborate ploy for mrm_4 to sell his Transformers?
Quoted from misterhare:So this thread is just an elaborate ploy for mrm_4 to sell his Transformers?
Haha, nah. He is close but he said I could come try it. I am not TOOOO picky but its mostly., what's available near by by that I can get quickly. I also when jumping into new hobbies I do not just tip toe in I dive in full force lol.
I was playing stranger things last night for a few hours and it was pretty fun. Surprisingly it was not very "busy" either I mean it is just a projected screen with one "toy?" behind it and then the drop targets. but it was enjoyable so it opened me up to look at ones that do not necessarily have a lot of gadgets. although I still do like the appeal of a lot of coos stuff. Like theater or tales of Arabian nights etc.
I will prob end up spending 4500 or 5k maybe a bit more. Saw a decent priced Stranger things. But I could not really tell the difference between the different versions?
can someone elaborate on what the difference is between most pro, standard, LE and premium ones? for stranger things and others? I would hate to get one that COULD have had a lot more toys in it or more eye candy or stuff like that. If its just accenting I prob would not really care.
Quoted from Gorgar666:This must be a joke.
I wish I was able to add $3000 to my budget to nonchalantly.
Quoted from InsideOutlane:I wish I was able to add $4000 to my budget to nonchalantly.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:can someone elaborate on what the difference is between most pro, standard, LE and premium ones? for stranger things and others? I would hate to get one that COULD have had a lot more toys in it or more eye candy or stuff like that. If its just accenting I prob would not really care.
Stern Premium and LE games always have the same features. The LE just has a different art package and production is limited to 400-600 made.
You have to look game by game to see the differences between the Stern Pro and the Premium/LE (Stern has PDFs on their website that show the differences for each game). Generally there will be a handful of physical features on the Premium/LE that aren't on the Pro (e.g. upper playfield, additional ramp, physical ball lock), and potentially one or two bonus features in the code (e.g. an extra multiball or mode). Some people prefer the Pro models on some games as faster/cleaner playing, so it's worth doing a bit of research.
Stranger Things was not very well received by the pinball community, so I imagine you'd be able to get it a bit cheaper than other recent Sterns if you're a fan.
Quoted from fosaisu:Stern Premium and LE games always have the same features. The LE just has a different art package and production is limited to 400-600 made.
You have to look game by game to see the differences between the Stern Pro and the Premium/LE (Stern has PDFs on their website that show the differences for each game). Generally there will be a handful of physical features on the Premium/LE that aren't on the Pro (e.g. upper playfield, additional ramp, physical ball lock), and potentially one or two bonus features in the code (e.g. an extra multiball or mode). Some people prefer the Pro models on some games as faster/cleaner playing, so it's worth doing a bit of research.
Stranger Things was not very well received by the pinball community, so I imagine you'd be able to get it a bit cheaper than other recent Sterns if you're a fan.
What about it was not so well received? me being so new. I do not know what I do not know so ignorance can be bliss.
Quoted from misterhare:So this thread is just an elaborate ploy for mrm_4 to sell his Transformers?
I like that Brian! lol
I had Fieldsweeper on deck to come out to league last night but it didnt line up. I think you should create an elaborate thread to dupe him into the Tuesday night rounds
Quoted from Waxx:Two starter pins isn't a bad choice because it offers much more variety. The benefit of one is possibly making it to a more modern pin with much deeper code.
Plus Taxi is a great game by itself, and BTTF succcccccks . Buy a Taxi and then see how much you like owning and working on pins and go from there.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:What about it was not so well received? me being so new. I do not know what I do not know so ignorance can be bliss.
Do not buy the premium Stranger Things. The fancy magnet lock doesn't work well and the ball drains back down the ramp. A fix has been made to the code, but you were paying for the cool lock, not the same as the pro.
Quoted from misterhare:Do not buy the premium Stranger Things. The fancy magnet lock doesn't work well and the ball drains back down the ramp. A fix has been made to the code, but you were paying for the cool lock, not the same as the pro.
Quoted from mrm_4:I like that Brian! lol
I had fieldsweeper on deck to come out to league last night but it didnt line up. I think you should create an elaborate thread to dupe him into the Tuesday night rounds
I'm really not the kind of person to go to such elaborate lengths to sell a pin. 
Plus, Tuesday nights are the original and best league night. Everybody who matters knows that.
Quoted from grantopia:Plus Taxi is a great game by itself, and BTTF succcccccks . Buy a Taxi and then see how much you like owning and working on pins and go from there.
Well the guy that was selling the Taxi for 2700 just sold it so I waited to long. oh well it has some play field wear anyway. I think given the range listed on here and the wear it had 2700 was a bit too much tbh.
Quoted from misterhare:Do not buy the premium Stranger Things. The fancy magnet lock doesn't work well and the ball drains back down the ramp. A fix has been made to the code, but you were paying for the cool lock, not the same as the pro.
what was the fix? to by pass the lock? if there was a fix (like stronger magnet etc) I do not see the issue?
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:what was the fix? to by pass the lock? if there was a fix (like stronger magnet etc) I do not see the issue?
I'll show you Tuesday night at league.
Quoted from Deez:I've got a data east simpsons I'd deliver to your driveway for 2k.[quoted image]
Where are you coming from? do you have it listed here so i can see some more pics? if you are not far I could come take a look?
Quoted from misterhare:I'll show you Tuesday night at league.
Which place does tuesday? lol.
Quoted from Deez:I've got a data east simpsons I'd deliver to your driveway for 2k.[quoted image]
How much to deliver to St. Louis? 
I played a Stranger Things Premium and really, really like it. I loved the projector, and thought it was, dare I say, innovative. It was hard to get the ball in the mouth of the bad dude, but it was fun trying. The one I played had the UV Kit, which is also innovative, so you would want that no matter what version you buy. I think it was a $300 add-on. I don't know if I would like the Pro without the projector. Your talking a lot more money though for a pro and definately a lot more for a premium of Stranger Things.
If you want to know the difference between Stern pros and premiums for different games, just Google the game and add "Feature Matrix".
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:Where are you coming from? do you have it listed here so i can see some more pics? if you are not far I could come take a look?
Which place does tuesday? lol.
Madcap pinball league. Kent, OH! Okayest league in town.
Quoted from RyanStl:How much to deliver to St. Louis?
I played a Stranger Things Premium and really, really like it. I loved the projector, and thought it was, dare I say, innovative. It was hard to get the ball in the mouth of the bad dude, but it was fun trying. The one I played had the UV Kit, which is also innovative, so you would want that no matter what version you buy. I think it was a $300 add-on. I don't know if I would like the Pro without the projector. Your talking a lot more money though for a pro and definately a lot more for a premium of Stranger Things.
If you want to know the difference between Stern pros and premiums for different games, just Google the game and add "Feature Matrix".
I heard of fixes that can help that and prevent the ball hitting the glass. I am playing a regular one now and ik last it's super lame and hard to see without a projector or uv lights. So the pro version seems crappy. Although well lot I'm sure it'll be fine. The ones I looked at had both so either way. I'm not even a massive fan of ST. But did like the game. The place I'm at tonight has literally almost all I've been looking at except taxi hahah.
I'm also curious what a elvis one costs.
I've played an Elvis and wasn't impressed, and thought it to be really dark. With LED's, which I'm sure any one for sale now would have, maybe a different story. I don't know prices because I haven't seen one for sale. I have a feeling this is another game where theme drives up cost.
Have fun tonight. Report back to what you like at the arcade. Hopefully, they have a good mix of 90's games.
I'm curious, you have talked a lot about theme, but keep saying not really into this or that. What are you into? I believe a theme you really love enhances the game. I suppose that's why some themes sell for a lot even the game is meh.
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:I heard of fixes that can help that and prevent the ball hitting the glass. I am playing a regular one now and ik last it's super lame and hard to see without a projector or uv lights. So the pro version seems crappy. Although well lot I'm sure it'll be fine. The ones I looked at had both so either way. I'm not even a massive fan of ST. But did like the game. The place I'm at tonight has literally almost all I've been looking at except taxi hahah.
I'm also curious what a elvis one costs.
I like Elvis, I think they are around $3,500-$4,000 these days.
Quoted from Deez:I've got a data east simpsons I'd deliver to your driveway for 2k.[quoted image]
I miss World Cup Soccer....
Quoted from RyanStl:I've played an Elvis and wasn't impressed, and thought it to be really dark. With LED's, which I'm sure any one for sale now would have, maybe a different story. I don't know prices because I haven't seen one for sale. I have a feeling this is another game where theme drives up cost.
Have fun tonight. Report back to what you like at the arcade. Hopefully, they have a good mix of 90's games.
I'm curious, you have talked a lot about theme, but keep saying not really into this or that. What are you into? I believe a theme you really love enhances the game. I suppose that's why some themes sell for a lot even the game is meh.
I'll post pics but I played attack from mars (prob remake) elvira, fish story, arabian nights, black knight, 6 million dollar man, tmnt, stranger things pro, ghost busters, jurassic park, avengers,magic theatre, dialed in, hot wheels, and iron maiden, star wars (new?) Star trek new, dead pool, doctor who,
I think they had monster mash but it was ooo
Quoted from Fieldsweeper:I played attack from mars (prob remake) elvira, fish story, arabian nights, black knight, 6 million dollar man, tmnt, stranger things pro, ghost busters, jurassic park, avengers,magic theatre, dialed in, hot wheels, and iron maiden, star wars (new?) Star trek new, dead pool, doctor who
Nice.
Which ones did you want to keep going back to? Lots of great pins in that list.
Quoted from guitarded:Nice.
Which ones did you want to keep going back to? Lots of great pins in that list.
I tried playing most a few good times just to get more play time on them. as one game is not really enough to learn the ins and outs of a game and its progression. so I tried to see "whats up" with each game (that I have not played before) I will say the ones with more ramps and drop targets/holes to enter (like stranger things, attack from mars, theater of magic) as well as more "toys" or eye candy are the ones I kept going to. ones like the fish story, while if I found one that i could make a profit on when selling and still be worth my time. I would maybe get, but it seemed too basic for me.
also ones with not much to do like the 6 million dollar man, or even fish story or dr who I did not really play that much of.
the ones I played the most were: Arabian nights of course, Jurassic park, stranger things, ghost busters, hot wheels, star wars, evyra, and attack from mars and theater of magic. the rest I did not play as much but still tried them a few times.
I still want to try out the Simpsons one, no fear and transformers that the few here had for sale. I will prob end up picking one of those. or both if not the transformers one. I may also try the lethal weapon 3 one. Someone was selling a term 2 for 5k LOL but one recently popped up for 1800 and I may jump on that regardless lol.. but I could not message them on facebook for some odd ass reason.
Sorry for the terrible typing, its 3 am almost lol
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