Quoted from Aurich:Seems to me both PAPA and IFPA have already expressed interest in going polyurethane, no?
At PAPA we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to game setup. Since the types and styles of games vary so wildly, there is no magic bullet that can or should be used effectively in all games and in all situations for tournament play. New types of flipper rubbers coming onto the market serve different purposes for different people. I agree with Joe the industry needs to improve in this area, and the quality of traditional rubber has gone downhill in recent years, but that's not to say the old-style flipper rubbers should be avoided. When setting a game up for competition, I believe directors should not make sweeping decisions but should instead look at each situation individually and determine the solution on a case-by-case basis. The fact superbands were used on all games at the recent Expo tournament was not the PAPA representative's decision and isn't indicative of a trend at Circuit events.
Having said that, we will use superbands and polyurethane products the same as we use all products when determining game management. If the situation calls for it, it will be used. If the situation does not call for it, a different option will be used instead.
As changes happen in the industry, we all adjust. The one thing I personally can say, not as a PAPA representative but as a general pinball player, is that Joe does care about what he's doing, and he takes feedback to heart, which is so incredibly important in any industry (and life in general). If the bands he showed me a few days ago are indicative of where the product is headed, I don't believe tournament players will take issue with the development. I've spoken with Joe enough to know he is always looking to improve, and if people think he will sit on his laurels without seeking to improve, they are mistaken.
I personally am looking forward to where this situation is going, and while some tournament players may already have their minds made up with 100% certainty, if I can offer them anything, it would be advice to stay tuned. My discussions with Joe tells me this evolution is far from over.