Check your goodie bag. Some games (but not all) come with spare sling plastics. It was more common in the past...not sure how much that is done anymore. Worth checking though. Fingers crossed for you!

Damn...sorry. I figured it was a long shot these days. It's definitely worth at least checking with your distributor and Stern though. At least as of a few years ago they would send "freebie" bags of stuff to tournament directors to give out at events, and there were almost always random plastics, target decals, stuff like that mixed in. So hopefully they do have spares available. I wouldn't hold my breath, but it's worth asking before dropping the money on a full set.

Hi guys. Stupid question, but I can't seem to find the answer. How and why are the plunges different between the pro and the prem/LE? What does the premium do at ball launch that the pro doesn't? Thanks!

Ahh...that makes sense. So it's always going "over" the lanes, which doesn't allow a normal lane skill shot? Thanks!

That's a nasty one. Being it's both ugly and especially since it affects play, my guess is Stern will replace it, but most likely with an unpopulated pf. My understanding is it is very difficult if not impossible to get a populated playfield anymore (even though in your case I think it is justified being a play issue). If it were mine, and Stern does send an unpopulated, I think before doing a swap I would attempt chipping off the glue and then brushing some clear over the area. You should be able to get it off if you are careful, but it's hard to say how smooth you can get it and how good the new clear would look and hold up (without some major work). I wouldn't try this before knowing I had a backup though in case it got ugly. Best of luck!

I believe officially, yes. Actually, no. I have never had Stern deny a legit claim (up to and including playfield replacements) because of not being the original owner.

You should be taking turns. Did you remember to hit start four times? That seems to be a common problem with co-op games. Once you set the mode, you still have to start the right number of players.

Did you read the replies you got on the thread you started a few days ago and did you check to see if your post coil is working and the post is not jammed?
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tmnt-stern-pro-outside-orbit-shot

Glad to hear it was easy. For future reference, this was exactly what I meant when I replied to check if the post was binding up. Sorry I didn't explain it better, but super glad to hear you were able to fix it! Congrats on the machine and your first minor repair!

These things are intimidating at first and it's easy for us old timers to forget that. Most issues you run into will likely be along similar lines and you just need to take it one step at a time and have the confidence to dig in. Many times it will become obvious once you start poking around. That's half the fun (usually!).

How modded out? That seems high for a pro.

Happy to finally be in the club! Great game. Flows so well! It’s tough, but I wouldn’t say it’s overly mean. No unfair drains from the pizza or lair yet... knock on wood!

I did get unlucky with a grainy playfield. Any word yet on if they are replacing them? It’s annoying but I’m not sure if it’s worth the hassle to replace.

Also...if you take note of the machine next to it, you will see that my username prophecy has finally been fulfilled!

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Thanks! Congrats to you as well. I have tried to convince myself to sell SW with the promise of a comic version "someday", but I haven't been able to talk myself into it yet. Mine just plays so damn good after (very) much tweaking. I've defeated the Emperor quite a few times now so there's really nothing left to do, but I can't quite say I'm done with it yet. Another great, underrated game.

Also, and even easier, make sure the flipper bat is not tightened down tight against the playfield bushing. There should be a slight up-down "slop". I've seen quite a few games shipped with them too tight. If you can't move it up and down (perpendicular to the playfield, not rotating), just loosen the bat, give it about a credit card worth of clearance from the pf bushing, and tighten it back down.

If that's not it, it's most likely the coil stops.

Found a few old friends. I have just enough ceiling height for the turtles to be toppers. Might add a couple enemies to the playfield but only if it doesn’t get too cluttered.

Also turned my van. Big improvement!

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I wouldn't mind it being slightly easier, but I do like it too. For some reason I can't find it consistently on my machine, but it feels really good to nail it. I am surprised how much harder it is than the Away Team shot on Star Trek being the same concept. And knock on wood, my machine hasn't Borged me yet from that shot (shouldn't have said that out loud!).

Finally got to Neutrino Pizza Party! Very cool mode. Love the animations of them playing pinball. Man that training is hard to get through and then hitting each X standup and then the ramp before they time out is tough. Only bummer is it's a timed mode and I think only 30 seconds long, and single ball. Not sure if there is a way to extend the time?

It would have been cool for Neutrino Pizza Party to be a reward for completing a couple pizza eating contests instead (right now that's a little anticlimactic compared tie fighter multiball from the equivalent mode in Star Wars). Then have a training themed reward in its place for getting to training level 3. Maybe it could be some sort of sparring match between the four turtles? It just feels like a nice training themed multiball would be a more appropriate reward for all that work, LOL.

No complaints though...just thinking out loud. Love, love, love this game! It definitely feels like the third in a kick-ass Dwight Sullivan trilogy with GoT and SW. And to me this is hands down Borg's best layout. Just so smooth and satisfying.

There might be something weird with your shaker. Mine is a great effect and not obnoxiously strong at all. I've had many machines that were much stronger, Deadpool for one, and Star Trek. I would make sure the shaker is screwed down tight, check that there isn't a loose t-nut, etc. I would call the shaker effect average to most other games. I am using a Pinball Life shaker for reference, but I have had official Stern ones before and find them very similar. Do you possibly have a Cointaker Red Tremor? Those are insanely obnoxious, but that isn't the game's fault.

Also if your spinner is making that much noise, you should take it out and oil it. Some noise is normal, but "super loud grinding sound" is not normal. Try a drop of 3-in-1 oil. If you look through this thread there is a pic from Stern that shows where/how to oil properly.

That is weird. Mine is absolutely nothing like that and doesn't stand out as abnormal at all. Crazy. Hope you get it sorted out and the pizza multiball start is really well choreographed. Good luck!

One thing I think many new owners do not think about is level and pitch. Get a $20 digital level, or at minimum a small bubble level for left/right and an angle finder for the pitch. Do not trust the bubble that ships on the machine...they are garbage and confuse more than they help. Machines are generally designed for 6.5 deg pitch. Most people like a bit steeper which makes it faster and also easier to catch/cradle the ball. That's ok, but remember if stuff doesn't work right, make sure you eliminate too steep (or shallow) first. You will get slightly different readings in different areas of the playfield due to slight playfield variations, and that's normal. Just try to get a good average and remember a small change can make a big difference in how it plays.

Most important...have fun and enjoy it!

Assuming they are appropriately burly, four of them will just be in the way.

I wouldn't adjust the auto plunge or flippers until you play your game a few times and have reason to. I haven't touched mine and they are perfect as-is. Every machine will be slightly different, so just copy/pasting someone else's power settings will not necessarily be an improvement. Lair Ball Save also may not be needed. I have a decent number of plays on mine already, and so far it hasn't screwed me over yet. (I probably shouldn't have said that... ).

You can? I have had my machine about a month and I don't think I have ever gotten an add a ball. Not sure how.

Ahh...hitting the lair shot on demand is still kind of my kryptonite, so I either haven't done it or just not enough to notice it happening.

Is there an add-a-ball for pizza?

FYI...if you hold down the left flipper when launching the ball, the pro will also feed the upper flipper. Awesome game in any form!

Just got my Tilt Graphics art blades installed. I’m a little torn on these. I like the concept and subtlety but kind of wonder if I should have gone with the Stern ones. I love their action button plate though!

I also mounted my original Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady. Need to get a Krang at some point. Never had him when I was a kid. My turtles and Splinter are on top of the back box.
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It is multi layered plastic. Lasered (I assume).

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Thanks! My ceiling is height challenged, and I have just enough room for them. I definitely want a Krang yet. Not sure if he will replace Shredder's spot or go somewhere else. I will have to see once I find one. Hope you find the rest of yours!

Oh Dwight....how I love you and your ability to make me do things I know I shouldn't do. I'm a few modes in...doing pretty well. Team-up will be soon. Maybe a chance at Final Battle? Maybe. But then...pizza eating contest starts. Ignore it...it's not worth it...stay the course. Just ignore it. Just ignore it. I am incapable of ignoring.

slapslapslapslapslapslapDRAIN! UGG

Ohhh...training. I should just ignore that. Stay the course. Just ignore it. Nah...might as well try. Drain.

Weapon Hurry-up? Same deal.

So much for those episodes. I'm way too compelled to go after those super dangerous high pressure hurry-ups that aren't worth it but I can't seem to ignore. LOL

Same thing he does to me on Star Wars. So, so good.

Very cool update. Episode selection will definitely add a nice layer of strategy! Plus a whole new mini-game? Heck yeah!! Thanks Dwight and crew!!

Downloading now, but I hope this fixes it. Mine was doing it by finishing HSC naturally and then playing a normal game...not from killing it with left+start.

Confirmed this fixed it. Thanks Dwight! HSC is going to be so much fun for league night side tournaments and the like. Awesome little mode!!

Dude...all of it looks great, but the lit apron and Sai are both hero level. Sewer pipe is cool too, but I wonder if it hurts visibility a bit? Nice work!

100% agree. I love the light show, as I love all of Dwight's light shows. Winter is Coming (GoT) is the best. To me it's an extra dimension in the immersion.

Left outlane complaints are overblown. Yes it's a bit of a mean game, but not at all unfair. I'd have to check my audits, but the left does not stand out to me as being much worse than right or center. Seems balanced well to me. This is definitely Borg's best layout, and the code is right up there with Dwight's best.

Totally agree that it's a homerun game. I admit I am still in the honeymoon phase, but that should be wearing off by now, and I still think this could be my favorite machine ever.

Just checked my audits. At least on my machine, the left drain is not an issue, in fact it is the lowest draining percentage. I am at 72 left drains, 182 center, and 85 right drains. My game shows 147 total plays and 590 lifetime. I'm not sure how far back the "total" goes, as I am sure I have not played 147 games since the last code update (today), or even the one before (yesterday). I bought it about a month ago at about 450 plays, and updated the code then, so there must be a code age "threshold" on what is counted in "total". And I am guessing the drains only go back as far as "total" does, as lifetime should show way more drains. At either rate, at least for my machine, center drains are by a large margin the most popular way to lose a ball.

Got my Krang (a great Christmas present from my wife and daughter!), so did a little rearranging and put him in. Love it!

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That's a fantastic deal, grainy pf or not. And this one looks ok, though as has been mentioned its hard to tell without clear close-up pics. I do not think there is another pro machine I would take over TMNT right now. Definitely not JP or ST (though I am a fan of ST, and JP is pretty good).

I would actually say TMNT and DP have fairly similar depth levels, with TMNT having a few more required "diversions" if you are to get to the ultimate wizard mode, Cowabunga. My guess is that Cowabunga will be one of those very rare modes that few mortals will ever see, due to the difficulty of the triple mondo jackpot and max Krang combo. TMNT's Final Battle is no slouch, but is obtainable. Deadpool's Final Battle is probably slightly harder to get to than TMNT's, but TMNT has that one more layer with Cowabunga.

Bottom line, if DP kept you occupied that long, I would expect TMNT to easily do the same. TMNT is a more punishing layout though, with more speed, flow, and combos than DP. Both fantastic games!

Yup...same here and I have seen another couple posts mentioning it. I have gotten it in game twice since the update, and also played Final Battle Challenge once or twice. No speech on any of them. I am assuming Dwight is aware and a fix will be coming soon.

Skill shots? I thought that is the same between them, but the pro has the addition of a lane light skill shot that the premium doesn't have.

The shaker is very well used, especially the start of pizza multiball which is one of the best shaker moments I have seen...er...felt.

I have owned both. GOTG left very quickly, while TMNT will be a long term keeper. GOTG was one of my biggest disappointments. Yes, it's a solid game, but it's just so damn generic. Almost everything about that game was recycled from a different, better game. The playfield has been done (better) a million times before. It is almost literally a combination of Metallica and Iron Man. Combine that with a basic code structure that has also been done a million times before, and it just has a "been there done that" feeling. I try not to criticize designers too much, but honestly GOTG is probably the laziest, most phoned in machine ever made. Perfect example of how lazy it is...Cherry Bomb. A mid-point mini-wizard mode that was tacked in with absolutely no theming other than playing a song that played in the movie. They didn't even bother to put any sort of video or movie tie-in. Just some cherries and bombs because those are words from the song. Ugg. So much awesome stuff in the movie...and that is what they decided to do with that mode. Come on...at least have the Milano flying around or something...anything. It's a perfect license, and a machine I was super excited for. Yeah, it's a decent game, but the games it recycles from are better. Just a damn shame all around.

TMNT on the other hand...complete opposite. The layout and code are both unique and loads of fun. Yes, there are bits and pieces of design cues from games like Tron and X-Men...but nothing overt and it is definitely it's own thing. Same with the code. Yes, it shows a bit of the same signature of SW and GoT with the choices, mode strategies, and hurry-up based side goals, but it is definitely it's own game 100%. Plus there are so many ways to play, it will not get old for a very long time. Go for modes hoping to get to Team-up and then Final Battle (not to mention the strategy of which modes to bring in to TU). Go for training to level up and try to get to pizza party. Concentrate just on the various hurry-ups. Put together the perfect combination of toppings before starting Pizza multi. Try to do it all for Cowabunga (lol Good Luck!). Try Final Battle Challenge and see how well you can do. Try a speedrun completely separate from the rest of the game with Half Shell Challenge. Have friends over? Sure you can just compete as usual, or you can team up in co-op, or even gang up on each other in a 3-on-1 or 2-on-2 battle. So many ways to play. GOTG? Slog through the generic modes, use the generic multiballs to help (props to Groot's moving mouth on the super though), drop some cherry bombs for no apparent reason, then Immolation Initiative and Save Xander (which I admit are pretty awesome). At least you can choose your mode order...but there isn't much strategy in that since they do not mean anything later.

Playing GOTG I can't help but think this is just a IronTallica ripoff with a crappier version of Star Trek's rules. Playing TMNT I am playing something completely unique while still feeling like a Borg/Dwight game. All that said...I kind of have an urge to play GOTG right now, LOL. Will I be shocked if I ever own one again? Not really. Like I said it's a solid game...just not unique in any way. Could I ever see giving up TMNT for it? Not in a million years.

I am lucky enough to own TMNT and AIQ and owned a JP for about 6 months. If you are a fan of brutally quick, TMNT fits the bill much more than the other two. No shot multipliers to juggle either. Just a 2x pf that you can light and then keep alive by hitting a target before it expires. Easy peasy.

AIQ is also an amazing game. I got that and TMNT only a couple weeks apart. Love them both but if forced to choose, I would keep TMNT. I can't especially put my finger on why...it's very close though. AIQ is definitely a deeper, more complex game. TMNT has plenty of depth, but is a bit more straight forward. Lots of unique shots and combo city on both games, though AIQ is the more unique shooter overall. TMNT does not feel like a rehash of anything, but the shots are a bit more familiar overall, whereas AIQ is way out of left field (in a good way though). AIQ's gem mechanic..placing and moving them to where they will do the most good at any given time does have a little bit of the SW moving multiplier feel. Take that as you will. It's funny...SW gets the reputation of being "math chess", yet AIQ is way more complex in a similar element yet it gets praised for it. Go figure. Either way, I love it (on both machines).

JP...eh. I had a super strong honeymoon period with it, but once that was over it was REALLY over. I have had very little urge to play it again. Good game, but it just didn't pull me in and I didn't find the shots or most of the modes all that satisfying (except T-Rex modes...those rock. Paddocks are a boring slog.). I freely admit I'm the oddball on that one though, and it's a well loved game for a reason.

Knowing a little of what you like, I think TMNT would fit best for you, but honestly it's a can't lose situation with your choices. As always...try to play them all if you haven't already, and go with what makes you the most tingly.

In non-Covid times you would be more than welcome to come play mine anytime. Hope we can get back to that soon! Good luck!

I go back and forth between playing Leo to go for training and attempting to get to Neutrino Pizza Party (usually an utter failure!), and playing Raph and going for modes and shooting for Final Battle. I love the options this game gives me. So many ways to play it...all super fun.

Yeah...it's a bear to pull off. Hard enough to get to level 3. But then hitting the X targets and ramp before timing out or draining becomes even harder than usual, LOL. I've still only managed it once. Good stuff.

Welcome to the hobby! Great first pin. Yes, in general the published rule sheets give an outline, but the deeper stuff is usually discovered by the players. Tilt Forums is a great resource for stuff like that. That's where many of the high rated competitive players hang out and discuss the real nuts and bolts of scoring and rulesets. Many of the newer games have a really nice wiki that the members there have put together. Great forum, though not nearly as active as Pinside is.

Here is the Tilt TMNT wiki rulesheet:
http://tiltforums.com/t/stern-tmnt-rulesheet/6599

You are correct that usually maximum scoring and progression do not necessarily go together. Many games have a very specific high scoring strategy, where if you only care about score, you only do that. Batman 66 is a great example of that. There is a combination of modes that can lead to insane scores, so that is all the score focused player will care about, ignoring the tons of other things to do in that game. It all comes down to what you are looking for. In general, when not competing I like to go for progression and wizard modes. I find that more fun than trying only to maximize my score. But different people want different things.

Yeah, you have to play as each of them to "qualify" the mode before you can play it. Thankfully Dwight put a setting in so you can switch that nonsense off and have it always available.

When standups start launching balls, you can bend them forward slightly (the whole bracket, not just the plastic target face). You may need to readjust the switch blade spacing after doing it. Do not go too far that it jams against the front of the playfield cut-out. After getting bashed a bunch of times, they will slowly start leaning back. It's just the nature of wailing on something with a steel ball over and over at high speeds. It isn't something you have to do all that often, but it should be considered normal maintenance.

I do not think I posted these here already, but apologies it if did. My wife has been doing some fun stuff with her new Cricut.

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Those look sweet and are definitely the best fix. Nice work.

I was closer than I have ever been last night. Still needed a Triple Mondo, and a Max Krang. Therefore, I might as well have been 50 miles away, LOL. I struggle enough making one of those inner loops (or side ramps really) on demand, much less three of them in a combo.

Nice. I'm at about 2 months with no word on mine. Hoping to get one soon.

It's a dirty little secret that increasing the pitch of a game actually makes it easier in many ways. Nothing wrong with that though...some games simply play better that way.

As for the slings, nothing wrong with turning them down a little. I can't remember if I have TMNTs down a bit, but I know some of my games had to be turned down for sure. Most modern games have them way overpowered to the point where airballs and literally tossing the ball into the sidewall and outlane becomes a problem. I'd consider it a standard adjustment to make the game play right. Slings should be dangerous, but not violent insta-death.

I am lucky enough to have both, TMNT pro and AIQ premium. Love them both, but if forced to choose, TMNT takes the cake for me. There is just something about it that pushes all the right buttons for me. The layout is fast, smooth, and so flowy, but can be punishing if you miss your shots. The code is the perfect depth and has many paths and ways to play, all of them fun and satisfying. Co-op is awesome, as are the other game modes available.

AIQ is VERY good too though. Can't lose with either. That said, if only going pro vs pro, TMNT would be an even easier pick for me. I am sure AIQ pro is still a great game, but I honestly can't imagine losing the Captain Marvel Ramp. The raising disc and subway lock system is also very cool, but the ramp is what sold me on the premium. It's a tough shot, but when you nail it I would say it's the most satisfying shot in pinball.

AIQ is longer playing, less brutal. TMNT is tough, but fair, and usually shorter playing. AIQ has deeper strategy, but TMNT has plenty to do and more different ways to play. AIQ is more serious in tone, where TMNT is a bit more lighthearted and fun. Art is absolutely amazing on both. Both have combos galore, though AIQ is easier to flow the combos as the shots are generally a bit more forgiving.

Like I said, I lean slightly to TMNT, but it's close. I would probably go with the theme that you like more. Try to play both if you can if you haven't already. I can't imagine being disappointed in either though.

I've only had all five April hurry-ups once (that I know of). It was a long game and they pretty much just started on their own from random bounces or missed shots. It isn't anything I ever concentrate on starting, but when I hear the music I try to hit the ramp. I regularly get 2-3 at least in a decent game without trying.

I was just about to say that. You ain't lying! If he's pulling those two off, Final Battle should be no sweat, then on to Cowabunga!

I have hit Final Battle a dozen times or so (can't believe Dwight hasn't fixed the sound bug yet... :/ ). I have only done triple mondo once or twice, and I'm not sure I have ever gotten max Krang. Definitely not in the same game! The side shots are really hard for me to make consistently.

For those with the Mezel Technodrome, is the bottom cut out to fit around the edge of the van? It almost looks that way in some pics, but I'm not sure. I have my van turned to face forward, and couldn't bring myself to put it back in the stock position, so I am concerned there would be a weird cut out shape on the bottom right of the Technodrome if I bought it.

Anyone have it with a turned van?

Thanks!

Yeah I found a couple pics now, thanks. Looks like you can definitely see a cut-out that was intended to go around the van. Bummer as I think that would drive me nuts. Not sure I can talk myself into putting the van back in the stock position.

Yeah I'm honestly surprised it's been so long with no update to fix the Final Battle voices and the Turtle Power multiball reset issue. Usually bugs like this are fixed really quickly. I am hoping that means he's working on a few extra surprises (but not holding my breath though...game is very feature complete and awesome as-is). Most likely he's deep in the trenches of the next games, which is also exciting. But I would definitely appreciate a bug fix soon for TMNT!

Still loving this game. It can be so mean and frustrating, but when you are on, it's absolutely amazing!

One of my pet peeves is how Training stays lit even when it isn't available (due to things like pizza eating, 1-2-3, etc. There are games I go for only training to try to get to Neutrino Pizza Party, so if I'm concentrating on hitting the lair and finally do, only to have it go right through even though Training is lit is infuriating. If you can't start it, turn the light off please!

Speaking of Neutrino Pizza Party, a nice long ball save would be nice. That can be a real bear to get to, and the few times I have, it's over in a blink. This playfield is so brutal and unforgiving, we need all the help we can get to appreciate the deeper modes. I wouldn't mind a longer team up ball save for that matter. I usually drain out the second the ball save drops on that one.

I still think Neutrino Pizza Party as a reward for training up is a little out of place. I'd rather see that be something more thematic to training, like a battle-royale sparring match with the other turtles or Splinter or something. I would move Neutrino Pizza Party to be a reward for so many pizza slices collected, or completing a second pizza eating contest...something along those lines. Just seems like that would be more thematic.

Most likely. I should check into that. Or really...what I should do is play better.

I doubt it's your SD card. There is a well known bug with TP multiball randomly causing resets. All we can really do is wait for a code update to address it.

Yes, mine is a pro. It doesn't happen often...I've had it 2 or 3 times only so not a huge deal, but definitely needs to be addressed. I never use Donny (reserved for my daughter, LOL). Not sure if turtle selection affects it. It does seem to be fairly deep into the multiball, which is likely why I do not see it often. I rarely get to the add-a-ball, but the last time I did with a nice long multiball without an issue. On the surface it seems very random, which I know doesn't help fix it.

Your playfield looks fine to me. I wish mine looked like that...

Yes...absolutely! Team-Up is like my kryptonite for some reason. I can get there fairly regularly, but absolutely crap the bed every time. I realize it's completely on me to play better, but it's always a huge bummer to get there and drain out almost immediately. I still do not even have a good grasp of what I need to be doing, because I never have time to process it in my brain, LOL! I love the idea of continuing in single ball play. Maybe have it timed once you go to single ball? You have 30 seconds to rescue and add a ball, or the mode times out?

And don't get me started on the lack of any ball save time on Neutrino Pizza Party. Ugg! So hard to get to, and gone in an instant. Give us time to enjoy these harder to get to modes!

Unfortunately TMNT still has a few nasty lingering bugs that need to be squashed. There is also still a Turtle Power MB reset issue which seems quite random, and the call-outs are missing from Final Battle (and Final Battle Challenge). Being such major (though sporadic) problems, I'm really kind of surprised they haven't been addressed yet. I'm hoping that means Dwight is working on some nice additions to go with the bug fixes, but I won't hold my breath on that. The game is pretty stacked as-is, but I wouldn't complain about more!

Some target decal wear is to be expected. Pinball is a very physical game, there will be wear, and decals can be considered a maintenance item, same as rubbers, balls, etc. Many times Stern even includes a few spares in the goodie bag. I can't remember off the top of my head if TMNT included them or not. If not, you could always request some from them. 300 games seems a little soon to show that kind of decal wear, but really it's not a big deal. I'm not seeing the problem in your second picture?

Ahh...yeah if he's worried about the magnet getting scratched up, that just happens. No worries here. Pinball machines simply do not stay perfect...it's not in their nature.

I agree...especially Superbands. Sure are pretty, but man...almost unplayable. I do have to say that Pinball Life's "Perfect Play" is an exception. I tried a set out awhile back and they are great...very close to real rubber. Maybe a little grippy at first, but after a few plays they break in (or more likely get slightly dirty) and feel great. Worth a shot if you are ever interested in something that looks better and lasts longer.

Yeah...I definitely understand. I agree it's the friction that makes the big difference. That is where I felt like Perfect Play "wore in" after a bit. The first few games I was ready to take them back off, but after a few days I can go between one with those on and one with regular rubber and not notice much if any difference. But your mileage may definitely vary, and I can see why rubber is still king for many people.

Superbands are a hard no though. When I see those on a machine at a tournament or league I cringe. I can't for the life of me see how people can use them. Just terrible.

You might already know this, but on SPIKE games you can dim the backbox during gameplay as low as you want it. I set mine to 15%. Full bright for attract mode, no glare during play. It's an awesome feature. Not saying it's as good as Invisiglass, but it's free!

I spent my Memorial Day weekend replacing my grainy playfield with a beautiful new one. I’ve done a lot of projects over the year, but this was my first completely unpopulated swap.

It took about 28 hours total. There were definitely a few lessons learned (do not reuse t-nuts. Ugh), and I’m sure I could have done a few things quicker and easier.

Only had a couple issues after finishing. A solder joint had broken on the three opto board for the van lock. Not sure how that happened but it took awhile to track that down and fix it. And the backboard ended up shifted to the right just enough to make the right ramp stop post (which comes through the backboard) get hung up on the ramp opening. Rather than try to shift all the holes on the backboard, I elongated the holes on the stop post mechanism so I could shift that over a hair. Only took 1/16” or so.

Other than that it looks great and plays awesome. I need to tweak the right ramp return a bit for a smoother feed, and my turned van needs to be mounted better, but that’s it. It was a heck of a project but I’m very happy with it.

Here are a couple comparison pics. Huge difference in print quality.
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My distributor was able to get one from Stern. It may not be quick, but I haven't had any issue which Stern didn't stand behind and make right. Sure I would have preferred a populated playfield which would have taken about 27.75 hours less to swap, but I am thankful to have gotten this one.

Thanks! Yeah your playfield looks fine to me. My original looked like it was colored with crayon. I haven't heard of any pooling or other issues with TMNT, but some of the first run (I think it was pro only, but not positive) ended up with grainy art, as if the printer were running out of ink. If you can't tell immediately, I would say you have a good one!

I just did that swap a couple weeks ago. It's a big project, but if you take your time (and a ton of pics), it's really not bad. I've been in the hobby a long time, and am no stranger to projects, but I still learned a lot doing it. And now I'm thrilled to have a playfield that does Zombie Yeti's artwork justice. It really makes a huge difference. I smile every time I look at it now. I highly recommend jumping in...nothing to lose but 25 or so hours of your time.

First two are bugs. Third is an issue with your machine. You have a switch stuck or not registering correctly somewhere either in the trough or van. Make sure they are clean, tight, connected, good solder, adjusted right, etc. Or as stated above, magnetized balls could be sticking together and not sitting exactly where they belong to register correctly.

I'm not familiar enough with the prem/LE to know where it wants balls to be, but I would double check that you aren't accidentally running pro code.

All the more reason for me to suspect that you accidentally put the pro code in...

Have you tried reloading the code, or trying a new SD card?

I am going to copy/paste some of my code thoughts from two posts in a different thread (was a Stranger Things TMNT comparison thread):

I love Dwight, but I think he went overboard on the hurry-ups with TMNT, and based too many of them on the upper flipper shots. The scoring is also very imbalanced versus the difficulty of pulling off some of the goals. The actual modes (episodes) are good, but need to have the scoring redone. I do not think there is any way to boost your scoring in them other than if double playfield is running when you finish it. It's always 500k or 1m pretty much. Blah. Foot 123 combo feels amazing, but comes up way too often. That upper loop is crazy hard to hit on demand, and not one but two of the major goals require hitting three of them in a row, and for max Krang combo hit a side ramp on top of it. The other you have to pull off in multiball...and not just any time but at the right time. Good luck. That's just too much. Final Battle is fairly easily obtainable, but Cowabunga...forget it for mortals. The goals are just too difficult, especially Max Krang and Triple Mondo. Just way too many hurry-ups requiring too many very difficult shots to complete. They are all good in theory, but in the real world with this unforgiving of a playfield, it takes some of the fun out of it. And the button smash mode didn't really need to show it's face again after Star Wars...

On the other hand there are some absolutely amazing things about the code. Great moments and light shows...definitely Dwight specialties. The wide variety of modes is awesome. Co-op, 3 v 1, Final Battle Challenge, Half Shell Challenge (!!!), etc...so many fun ways to play. Good variety in the episodes...very cool that a couple of them need to be "unlocked" by playing a prequel mode. The training is an awesome concept, but the later levels fall into the insane difficulty level trap, making them almost impossible for most to benefit from. I like the many paths you can take in the game, and the choices throughout (which turtle, what toppings for pizza multiball, which episodes to bring into team-up, etc). Good mini-wizard in Team-Up (though I am terrible at it), and Final Battle with the multiple stages is also great (but fix the damn voices already...been an embarrassingly long lived bug). Lots of other stuff to love in the game too, do not get me wrong.

So yeah...TMNT is more of a mixed bag to me. I LOVE parts of it, but strongly dislike others. I am hoping Dwight revisits it with a code clean-up along the lines of what he did with GoT. There is a great game hiding in there, but it's bogged down a bit right now with some odd code choices. So far the good still outweighs the bad for me and keeps it in the collection, but that might not last forever.

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I think TMNT can be "saved" with a good code update, and Dwight has a pretty solid history of doing that after a game has been around for awhile. I remain hopeful that he will bring it up to its potential at some point. In this case most of the base structure is good, it just could use some work to really nail it. The scoring obviously needs a major redo, and the multitude of side goals required for Cowabunga need to be tempered a bit. Right now they are too repetitive (oh look, another hurry up that requires difficult upper flipper shots), too high of a risk vs reward, and not well matched to the difficulty of the playfield.

I would also like to see a bigger differentiation between the two main multiballs. I do not like that they both use Mondo Jackpots and Jackpoto Grandes. Either split them up, or better yet, eliminate the Triple Mondo requirement, leaving only the Grande as the Cowabunga requirement for Pizza. Remove both from Turtle Power and have the Add-A-Ball shot be considered the super for that mode and a requirement for Cowabunga.

Turtle Perks and training are great, but could use some revisiting, especially the difficulty and risk/reward for the later levels. Neutrino Pizza Party is a very cool mode, but doesn't really fit as a reward for leveling up. I would move that to something like a pizza collection reward (maybe 2 or 3 rounds of pizza eating contest? That would make me care about smashing that button...). Then put in something more thematic to training. Maybe a sparring battle-royale mode against your brothers?

Give me a reason (besides Cowabunga, which is unobtainable to most anyway) to care about weapons hurry-ups, Foot 123, and Krang Combos. Playfield multipliers? Mode score boosting? Big points at least? Something to make them worth the effort.

Also...having just gotten there for the second or third time ever (after hundreds of tries), Neutrino Pizza Party needs a nice long F'ing Ball Save! Total BS to work that hard to get somewhere only to drain out instantly. The hurry-up stand-ups and then ramp shot to start it are bad enough if you do not hit them quick enough, but then to actually hit it only to drain. Infuriating. And not in a good "makes me want to try again" way. In a I'm selling this crap kind of way.

There is so much good in this game, but so much BS like this too. The biggest thing, besides the many mostly meaningless and repetitive distraction goals, is the code difficulty just isn't balanced with the playfield difficulty. This is something Dwight nailed perfectly on SW and GoT, but really didn't hit here. Too many hurry-ups. Too many goals that are basically the same and just not worth doing. Too high of risk vs reward. I'm to the point where I WANT to love the game, but it's becoming harder and harder. If it weren't for the theme, art, and some satisfying shots, it would be down the road already. Might be time to let it go there. I could always rebuy if Dwight does a major revisit to the code like he did with GB or GoT. Because honestly, it needs it. Keep the episodes through Final Battle, but all the peripheral stuff needs to be rethought and reworked in my opinion. Some good ideas in theory, but in execution, with this playfield, not so good in actuality.

Sorry, rant over. I just REALLY want this game to be the home run is should be. I know he CAN do it...I just hope he DOES do it.

Rubbers are a normal wear item. Maybe if it would have failed in like 10 plays I'd mention it to my distributor. But 1k? Buy new rubbers.

Ha...just wait until you go through all the work to get to Neutrino Pizza Party and then get an instant cheap drain. Now THAT is a burn it with fire moment!

Almost sold mine this past week because quite honestly I'm sick of some of the crap with this code. Got cold feet and decided to wait it out a bit longer and hope Dwight comes through eventually like he's done with many of his games. I love about half of it, but really dislike the other half. If it wasn't for the huge nostalgia factor and some great feeling shots, I would have gone through with it. Fingers crossed!

Yeah, or if you do not get the instadrain, but can't hit the blue shots quickly enough, it times out super quick. Much like so many other things in the game, why even bother?

Pinball Life has standard rubber in red or black. They also have their own version of silicone, Perfect Play. I find them to be very close to regular rubber, especially after they break in for a few games. They definitely aren't bouncier than rubber..slightly less bounce if anything. I hate superbands and most other non-rubbers, but Perfect Plays are pretty nice in most games.

Pretty much any pinball vendor is going to have standard flipper rubber. But shipping is probably going to suck at all of them.

Looks like Game Room Guys sells rubber on Amazon with free shipping, but the rubbers themselves are hilariously overpriced. ($10 for 2, LOL!).

No mode. Sounds like your sling switches need to be adjusted. If they are gapped too tight, certain vibrations can set them off. Pretty common pinball maintenance to regap them. Over time the ball bashing into them can bend the switch blades a little.

I always just go one to the right of the one I want, then hit left and hold. Have to do this on lots of games...Metallica stands out to get the song you want plus the super skill shot. Pretty much any game where you make a selection and have a SSS available will have this same issue. (err...except Iron Maiden, which really surprised me that it doesn't move the song unless you let go of the button before plunging....genius but kind of throws me off from being so used to the standard way, LOL).

The game must thing there is a ball there, which would point to the optos. I see they tested fine for you initially, but it could be one of those annoying intermittent things. Maybe a slight short, flaky connection, or marginal solder joint on the opto board? I'd look that board and connectors over well, reseat the connectors, and maybe reflow some solder joints on it. Look for anything that could be shorting in the area. Also make sure the optos are nice and snug and not slightly blocked by anything. And sometimes, optos just are bad. In that case, Stern will replace them, or they are cheap enough if you have to order yourself. Good luck! Intermittent issues can be super annoying to track down.

I mean, I get your point but in my book it's worth a try. Something I can fix myself in 5 minutes vs a week or more to get a replacement is always worth trying. And even if it doesn't work at least you narrowed down the issue a bit instead of just throwing new parts at it. Everyone has a different comfort level though, and I'm sure Stern will help you out. Hope you get it fixed up quick!

Do you have weird flipper rubbers on it? It's not an EASY shot, but completely doable at 6.5, at least with real rubber or perfect plays. Not sure about others, but different rubbers can definitely change shots. Level left to right?

That's definitely not normal. That shot should be smooth as silk, as are nearly all the shots in this machine. I would do as shaub mentioned and "reseat" your ball guide and also check for any stray wiring or anything hanging in the ball path. It's a fairly tight shot, but a good shot should be perfectly smooth.

It's a little hard to tell for sure zoomed in that much, but it looks like that might be one of the grainy printing playfields? If so, maybe you can get Stern to replace it (for being grainy, not for the gouge). Otherwise if you do not mind a grainy playfield, maybe someone would sell you their old one that they replaced already. I have mine laying around here yet. I'd rather not ship it, but if you are desperate maybe we could work something out.

edit: Just noticed you have an LE...my old playfield is a pro. Not sure if there are any differences on the bare playfields themselves or not.