So I got a NIB Stern JPLE Dec 2019.
Received it, it was my 11th Stern and the first time that I had lost at the Stern playfield lottery.

The playfield was soft as cork (did a drop test under Apron with horrible results) and the clear coat was not mirror like, it has veins all over. Almost like wood grain. Stern needs to be ashamed. (My next Stern, a DPPrem, was amazing and flawless again.....)

As a solution for both problems I ordered a playfield protector from Germany. Meaning I had to wait for another 3 weeks before I could flip my game for the first time, but of well, now I had a shiny and dimple proof playfield.

Here we are, a year later and not too many games played.
The protector will be pulled this weekend.

In the beginning gameplay was fast, I couldn't tell the difference.

At this point the soft (compared to clearcoat) protector is all scratched and foggy and therefore slooooooww.....forget about waxing, nothing seems to help and the wax seems to make the fog worse. Plus the protector starts to stick the the playfield underneath, creating "wet spots" all over which looks like ass.

Hence, if you want to protect your investment, get the condom.

If you want to feel the real deal, play without

Cheers

Goetz

Ill do that tomorrow, before i pull.
After the pull I will take "see through" photos and give you all info needed.

I never waxed either.Tried it in one spot for the first time today to see if it would make it better, nope.

Aftermarket balls, not Stern balls

please note, I play in a very bright room, doubt it would be as bad in a mancave or bar

Here are the photos

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Playfield Protector from Germany's "Playfield Protectors"

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Ugly ass "you lost the Stern playfield lottery" shot

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Please note that this is NOT a glass like surface as my other Stern Pros, Prems and LEs, this one has basically no clear..an incredible letdown.

It almost looks like wood grain... Wonder of that is what shows.

Look at all reflections...it is disgusting.

But now, with the protector gone, the ball travels as it should again.
Ill take that over what I had for a playing experience with the protector on.