Getting a new Houdini soon and I have a little extra budget for either Magic Glass (PDI-like glass) or Pinstadium lighting. The glare is an issue in my room. For those who have seen both products, what do you think would be a better purchase?
I'd say PDI, especially since you specifically mentioned that glare is an issue in your room. In my opinion, it's one of the best mods you can possibly do to a game. I had a bunch of people over the other day, and many of them were commenting on how good all the games looked with the non-glare glass.
I don't really see the point of Pinstadium lighting. It seems like complete overkill to me. I'm generally able to make my playfields look just fine with careful LED selection. If it's still too dark, the addition of two or three cheap spotlights works like a charm.
Reducing reflections and glare is a wonderful thing. I would also recommend something very inexpensive, and highly effective as well:
http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/DGG-01 or the like. I got one from the previous owner when I bought my POTC, and now I can't imagine not using them on any other machine I have. Very effective at keeping the DMD glare off the glass. Of course, not sure how well it would work with a big 24-27 inch monitor they are putting on them nowadays. Either way, enjoy your new machine.
I have both PDI and Invisiglass....my room is bright with a lot of glare....Invisiglass is better in my environment
Quoted from konjurer:I would be super awesome if you gave some rationale for why you might pick one over the other or if you say neither.
In some set ups like mine in the basement, PDI/invis glass doesn't really do much. It blocks a little bit but I wouldn't notice it when I'm playing anyway. In other set ups they say it can help tremendously.
Pinstadium makes games brighter and I don't have any trouble seeing them now.
Quoted from TheLaw:In some set ups like mine in the basement, PDI/invis glass doesn't really do much. It blocks a little bit but I wouldn't notice it when I'm playing anyway. In other set ups they say it can help tremendously.
I can honestly say that PDI glass has made a noticeable improvement to all my games. After initially holding off on installing it on my less deep 80's Ballys, I couldn't stand the glare anymore and now they're much better.
I've got Invisiglass games and regular glass games, and I have both with stadium lighting.
The games with regular glass and stadium lighting feel like they have invisiglass. It truly works almost as well as the glass.
The games with Invis + Stadium have zero glare and a brighter playfield.
If you're only concerned with glare and don't desire a brighter pf, go with the glass.
If you're only concerned with glare but wouldn't mind a brighter pf, go with stadium lighting.
If you want both but are on a budget, also go with stadium lighting.
Pinstadium all the way unless you have problems with glare from your lights, then i guess invisi glass would be the way to go.
Honestly, pinstadium all the way. I have a basement with major glare issues. Pinstadium literally solved it. Plus, you can get integrated flashers and GI color and brightness control with the pinstadium app. If your gonna spend the $200+ on either, go with pin stadium all the way. Many people choosing “glass” instead of pinstadium is because they’ve never seen pinstadium in action. It’s remarkable. Here’s a pic of my medieval madness before and after pinstadium. You can’t tell the glare improvement in the pics, but it helps tremendously. The thing you can see in the pics is the amazing light coverage on the playfield. Good luck.
I have a sheet of pdi, several invisiglass and even more pinstadiums. Pinstadiums eliminates the glare so you don’t need any specialty glass. Not to mention you can see the whole playfield with pinstadiums especially if you play in the dark. It makes a tremendous difference.
If you want them ranked
1.pinstadiums
2. Invisiglass
3. Pdi
I'm genuinely surprised by how popular Pinstadium lighting is. I've played games with it installed, and it does indeed light up the playfield nicely. I just don't think it's necessary. Plus, it's annoying that you have to remove it every time you want to lift the playfield.
Quoted from gweempose:I'm genuinely surprised by how popular Pinstadium lighting is. I've played games with it installed, and it does indeed light up the playfield nicely. I just don't think it's necessary. Plus, it's annoying that you have to remove it every time you want to lift the playfield.
I think it has it's place particularly on really dark games, it completely transforms how both WOZ and PM play. Does take a little time to make sure you remember to remove them when lifting the PF but it only adds about 30 seconds or so to the process. If you have glare issues it does a great job of resolving it.
Quoted from gweempose:Plus, it's annoying that you have to remove it every time you want to lift the playfield.
Right, and I like my games to play perfectly, so I lift the playfields a lot.
Quoted from gweempose:I'm genuinely surprised by how popular Pinstadium lighting is. I've played games with it installed, and it does indeed light up the playfield nicely. I just don't think it's necessary. Plus, it's annoying that you have to remove it every time you want to lift the playfield.
Once you put pinstadiums on a game it not only allows you to see the whole playfield but the lighting effects add something extra to the game. If the only thing there is to complain about is the removal to lift the playfield it seems like a great product. The removal is literally ten seconds, it takes no time at all. You are spending around 3% to improve your experience in an investment in an 8,000 game, seems like a no brainer to me.
Quoted from estrader:Once you put pinstadiums on a game it not only allows you to see the whole playfield but the lighting effects add something extra to the game. If the only thing there is to complain about is the removal to lift the playfield it seems like a great product.
Actually, that's not my only complaint. I also think it's way overpriced. Of course, a lot of people feel that way about PDI glass, so I guess to each their own. 
Quoted from TheLaw:The fact you think all games are 8K pretty much sums it up.
When did I ever say "all games"? The OP said he was buying a Houdini and I'm guessing its around 8k.
Quick follow up by me, the OP.
Thanks for all of the input! I decided to go with Pinstadium lighting. There is clearly not a right or wrong answer here.
I decided that given my glare problem is not severe (just annoying) and that Houdini is dark and colorful, that the Pinstadim would be the right choice for me. Plus I am a sucker for those added lighting effects and the app.
Quoted from konjurer:Quick follow up by me, the OP.
Thanks for all of the input! I decided to go with Pinstadium lighting. There is clearly not a right or wrong answer here.
I decided that given my glare problem is not severe (just annoying) and that Houdini is dark and colorful, that the Pinstadim would be the right choice for me. Plus I am a sucker for those added lighting effects and the app.
I think you’ll be very happy!
Glass is no fun. Stadium style lights are fun and they do greatly reduce outside glare on the glass. Yesterday I was putting new instruction cards on Jurassic Park and rapped my knuckles on the glass because I thought I had removed it. Couldn't tell the glass was there with the lighting turned on.
I also have a problem spending 100's on glass. Something about it just kills me and I haven't done it yet. Pinstadium you at least feel like you're getting an upgrade and they do work really well in certain situations. I'm not a fan that competition is apparently not allowed in the "rail lighting space" but that's another story.
These are the only 2 mods that I have in my games. I’m a big believer in PDI glass and the improvement it makes in glare reducuction. But Pinstadium lights make an even bigger difference in gameplay and ability to see the ball. I was a doubter until I saw the lights in person at TPF. It even helps games that are inherently bright to begin with such as AFMr LE.
This past weekend I went to a local barcade and all the games looked very dark to me since I am now used to having Pinstadium lights. It actually decreased my enjoyment of playing those games since I knew I was missing out on the vibrant colors and better ability to see the ball without the enhanced lighting.
I would get both, but if forced to choose would go with the lights instead of the glass.
I’m the OP on this thread. Ultimately I ordered Pinstadium. I’ll have to say that Pinstadium did NOT noticibly reduce glare. I was also disappointed in the inability to easily hook the UV Glow into my Houdini.
On the plus side it looks great and lights the playfield nicely. But for the cost involved I was a little disappointed.
Quoted from konjurer:I’m the OP on this thread. Ultimately I ordered Pinstadium. I’ll have to say that Pinstadium did NOT noticibly reduce glare. I was also disappointed in the inability to easily hook the UV Glow into my Houdini.
On the plus side it looks great and lights the playfield nicely. But for the cost involved I was a little disappointed.
Did my Houdini with Pinstadium and PDI came today! Hooked my UV flasher to LED light that is in the middle of the Pop bumpers and like it! 1st Mod Love PDI & Pinstadium a very close 2nd! But I won't choose because benefits are amazing from both so have to have both for me
Quoted from konjurer:I’m the OP on this thread. Ultimately I ordered Pinstadium. I’ll have to say that Pinstadium did NOT noticibly reduce glare. I was also disappointed in the inability to easily hook the UV Glow into my Houdini.
On the plus side it looks great and lights the playfield nicely. But for the cost involved I was a little disappointed.
So it doesn't reduce glare at all? Interesting - I thought it would help. hmmmm
Quoted from BladeFury:id my Houdini with Pinstadium and PDI came today! Hooked my UV flasher to LED light that is in the middle of the Pop bumpers and like it!
Could you explain or post images on how you hooked into the pop bumper insert. I tried using the jumper wires but they didn’t stick in.
Looks like the PDI glass is the clear poll winner, for what that's worth. One thing I like about the PDI is the ability to easily transfer it from games if desired. Or if you're made of money do both! haha
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