My thought is comment on which version, but focus on features (hyper ramp), art (which cabinet is fav, which BG?), price point (yes, I'd pay up). Intending this to be aimed at those committed to buy, but any player or collector, intended buyer or not, is welcome to share your thoughts (as if I could control invasive posts )

#star-wars-stern-le Star Wars (Pro)

Random thought: this SW thread is the 3rd of what will be how many more on Stern SW - 30, 40, 50? Ok, tangent done.

For me, I'm buying LE, I think, well maybe it ain't worth 3 grand more, but maybe it is... therefore, to delay the finality of a decision, let's start a pinside thread. A few whiskey's and catching up on C2C with Nate - welcome back - lets post.

So...I watched the DeadFlip pro 2 hour twitchtv stream. Like the game, have $, have many game choices now, but lets commit to getting Stern SW, so .... which version to choose?

I like the pics/concept of the hyper rail ala high speed SRS design - that's a big pull toward non-pro.
I like the LE lit side rails and art of the right side with the fighters (that's my iconic memory of the movies) and you get all 3 backglasses (i would put in the pro version with the entire cast v. the prem or LE versions).
$ for LE or less is in my budget, but I don't want to throw money at LE unless I really want to.

I'm lead towards LE JJP, Spooky or Stern features and art. I have bought the limited Spooky RZ, Stern LOtr, GoT and ST, and JJP Smaug TH. Yet I've skipped LE on Tron (but added Eli ramp wire mod, etc. and put in $1000 mods and close to LE feel), Aero (premium - like the upper PF = ease of Elevator and 2x features, but didn't see value for LE). I haven't been attracted to LE on TWD, ACDC, Met (granted I have many friends, so I have delayed/decided not to have another Stern in the collection...yet).

Not wanting a bash or love Stern or Star Wars (how well it was executed) thread, more of a "when I buy, how do I think about a pro, prem, LE decision".

Re: pricing: seems back to Aerosmith pricing +$200 has returned. (Batman no-pro, prem, LE, Super LE indeed was a one-timer). Not interested in posts re: $9k or $10k or $15k is "outrageous" or too much.

Hopefully most posts will be actual buyers, or those seriously willing and able to consider a SW.

One more decision process thought. I am trending towards most future purchases being the Premium, and cut to Pro if the differences don't trigger my value point +$1500. To use Stern's market's analogy...pro=operators, prem=home, LE= collectors. I've tended to lean LE on the past few purchases, but AS Prem was my only purchase over the past 8 months - and only b/c of the different game play offered in upper PF.

Lets guess SW street prices will be AS + 400. I presume a SW pro $5800, Prem add $1800 (-ish) , LE add $1500. First thought, those extra $ are even bigger gaps with this popular theme.

Prem adds hyperramp (ala high speed), exploding DStar, a minus for me is BG being dark side characters, M falcon toy = to me that's not compelling for $1800

Then the LE adds $1500 for side rails w/effects, all 3 BG (I would have the pro favorite), color coat armor? Is 800 run enough to be "rare" and hold its value better? (My GoT LE went down $1000), STLE holding near original price 12/2013.

The hyper ramp, death star, falcon, and art package (which I'd rather have a mix, but just BG? I favor the Pro.) Might be swayed by a huge software difference I just gotta have - but highly unlikely software differs between versions.

So I'm going to completely reverse both LE, no wait...Premium, um....well, not worth it, so Pro at best price I can get. Maybe in the 5999 and under range.

Of course, I'm writing my "I'm gonna drop to a premium, no wait, a pro" when Beelzeboob drops this just as I hit send.

But I share that thought - If the LE gets really cool special effects, video coolness, I could see it being worth it.

So, buy the LE before its gone - it may add coolness, and you won't be able to get an LE. You can always get a pro later if the LE cool doesn't pan out.

I can't decide, especially on my fav theme, I'm extra confused on which flavor. Of course if I wait too long, the decision will be made for me. My distributor will sell his 1-2 LE's elsewhere, I'm a loyal customer, and he's given me a grace period to ponder. I'll get that call soon though - "hey, I've got takers, are you LE or pro?".

Thanks for your thoughts.

Right. And of course, you can't get an LE later, so keep it reserved then decide...

Exactly. Good point.

I forgot about the plastic ramps. So no pro. Gotta go with LE, in part because I like the side rails over the Premium rails, I get all 3 translites (and like the pro best) and thats that. Is the LE worth the diff of Premium? that's my last question.... and I agree with you, if you are that point, just do the extra $1500 and get the LE, you won't lose it on resale - and even that doesn't matter, b/c its for fun, not to make a return (couldn't agree more with you there).