Quoted from apple550:I should mention, brand new balls from PinballLife made for machines with magnets.
It was realized you said that but just because they are new on claimed to be for magnets does not guarantee they are not magnetized. I have had “new correct” balls magnetize in just a few games. At the very least a simple test to see if a paper clip sticks to any of them would be advised. Also verify your slop in both directions to ensure they are rolling down the trough. LOTR is a crazy magnet play game. Hope it’s something simple for you.