Quoted from tlsbryan:How is it the operators fault when their Stern pin breaks down? Certainly part of the ops fault if they are able to fix the problem and they just leave it sit. I can tell you, as a fellow op, I am fixing my Sterns a lot more than my CGC, JJP, or AP machines. They still have quality machines. I sometimes question the quality of certain new playfield components. I still buy them as people want to play them. The breakdowns and fixes are usually minimal for me. Sometimes a day or two if waiting on a part. I also know a broken machine not only makes no coin, it looks really bad for the location if machines are consistently "out of order". Either way, pinballs will break regardless of the manufacturer. Maybe I have just had better luck with the other mfr pins. Possible that specific op has had some really bad luck with his/her Sterns or doesnt have the ability to fix themselves. Either way, looks bad on the op, mfr, and location regardless of the back story.
The Spike 2 system has been rock solid for us. I usually see issues when taking out of the box or within the first few days but after that its usually just replacing coil stops (they are cheaply made). What issues are you specifically seeing? Our oldest game is a Beatles Gold with 46000 plays.