Jack Danger is getting his Thursday so expect a Pro stream on Deadflip this week.

Same part number even. They were too lazy to even create a fake part number.

This is the same as removing the 2nd Lair switch from the Pro to create feature differences.

Edit: Well I guess the fact it's the same motor is worse as they created more work to do two different versions of software just to punish customers.

So a Pro got delivered and setup in Belgium and I asked what version code it has and he said 1.0.

Congrats To Dwight and Stern.

I would say it is interesting but not worth spending money on. You nailed it with 2 white wood pics and a sketch.

Good question but we will find out tomorrow when he gets his in the studio.

Oh well, thanks for the heads up. Just another day.

I'm buying the Pro and I don't think it is "packed". For example it has the same exact spinning disc mech but they removed the software to spin both directions because they want the Prem/Le to have more. I would argue the Premium/LE has less than usual and this Pro is about the same as the last several.

Pro should have bidirectional disc but didn't want to pack too much value in there. Why add to the Premium/LE when you can remove code from the Pro. Smart business move to be anti-consumer.

Here I have compiled all the mechanical differences between the Pro and LE spinning disc.

Differences:
Zero

I guess it is possible I'm missing something they didn't include in the manual or if we are all lucky they could "enable" both directions with a topper or purchasable DLC.

tmnt disc (resized).png

Good work, it's interesting it would be so complicated as DC motors can change directions easily by inverting the polarity of the applied voltage.

I really don't care about the motor spinning both directions but it's good to know it's not an option later on.

It's not being negative to ask more from manufacturers. Obviously the answer is yes but how much more for what's most likely an inexpensive board.

$6100 isn't enough yet I guess.

Sometimes the size or location of the distributor affects the timing but really just go with a distributor you're comfortable dealing with as it really matters if you need help with warranty.

The only distributor I've used in Nebraska is Greg with Pinball Pro in Oakland. I'm not even aware about CDC or their reputation. I ordered my TMNT from Operation Pinball in Iowa based on a few friends suggestions but my other friend ordered from pinballs.com and is loving his experience.

Also apparently a Dwight Sullivan fan with that collection.

Sioux Falls, very close and there are a couple other Pinsiders from here like @pickleric.

It's a bar that can't open now. I feel bad for them as I remember them selling a lot of pins in March and hoped it wasn't to stay afloat.

I’m glad you’re excited but the Pro has the same light show.

Yes, they are the same on the matrix for controlled and GI RGB LEDs for all three models.

5F64CB85-D36E-4B6C-821C-A0885E71639C (resized).jpeg

Yes, I have the ability to buy the LE currently but it doesn't seem like a very good value to me.

Some people prefer the Pro to Prem/LE on many models. Just research TWD or GOT.

Manual said 6.5 degrees recommended.

I am confused when people say which one is obviously better but then don't list actual differences. What depth do you think Krang is adding? The Krang loop and combos are on the Pro. It is missing a toy that bobs up and down.

You can buy them from anyone.

https://www.pinballlife.com/stern-factory-authorized-shaker-motor-kit-for-stern-spike-spike-2-system-games.html

Half my pins have Invisiglass and I've already resigned to the fact I will be buying more.

No but it's a huge improvement and the only mod you can easily move from pin and keep when you sell. It's easier to move to another pin that a cup holder.

Yeah, @deadfilp was pretty easily backflipping in the Lair on every stream I saw.

The diverter also stops the ball and the software sometimes locks you out from changing it and moves the diverter for you. Overall the diverter doesn't blow me away. It is cool but the learning curve and speed of the game makes it hard to determine how cool.

I do not like Donatello as the instant Multiball seems like a negative because you get no points in MB. Also, his skill shot is the center ramp which is crazy compared to the van for Michelangelo.

I guess I just think the turtles and training need some balancing based on the difficulty of the ask.

Love the game but I think overall it needs some balance in scoring, rewards for dificulty, and maybe a risk/reward for the MBs.

I am not sure why so many people use keys for home use only pins. Just get these and it will make your life easier:

https://www.pinballlife.com/keyless-coin-door-lock.html

Yes, I would suggest getting a leaf adjuster.

https://www.pinballlife.com/ultimate-leaf-adjuster-tool.html

QC issues are very common at Stern. Everyone accepts you will have to fix something on your NIB Stern. It's part of the experience.

+1 for Sprayway but Sparkle is fine.

I don't own a Tron but have played it a lot and they are the same but different.

Tron is simpler and more straight forward but the one thing I like more is the horseshoe to the upper flipper. I like that staging shot much more than the left orbit hitting a post and coming back down on TMNT. I kind of hate the pops location on Tron though as I just don't enjoy shooting through pop bumpers.

You can also include X-Men in the comparison, as it's the same design flipped with some changes.

None of these three games feel even remotely similar and will just be personal preference but I believe TMNT will be the better "package" with deeper rules and Tron will be simple, fast, and brutal. It's like comparing Iron Man and Metallica. Both are great and it's just personal preference.

Yes but you wouldn't necessarily always want to as it is also the shot for starting multiball and it feels a little more stop and go then Tron or Congo. I guess I just personally like that type of shot.

Shadow does this during multiball too by emptying the sanctum lock out the side to shoot loops for jackpots similar to the Van in TMNT. I like the implementation in TMNT quite a bit but just love a horseshoe to upper flipper for some reason.

Agreed and all good points. I haven't played a Pro yet but I am hoping the plunge not going up on the ramp makes the Center Ramp more easily hit as the ball shouldn't be hopping across the playfield.

I don't know if enough people have played both to comment.

Most of these issues can be solved by reseating the LED node board associated with those lights. In this case I would just reseat all the node boards and see it that does it because I don't know which one it would be.

I much prefer the art blades now as they continue the look of the game and are less likely to get scratched over time.

That’s what’s good about having choices. There’s something for everyone.

I think this was in GB first?

I’m guess old scores would be higher as bonus and pizza eating went down. You would get 3.2M just for eating pizza.

There might not be a high resolution version available or at least I would be surprised. The original show was was mastered on video tape and has never been remastered as I believe even the DVD was just a transfer. It could be why Nickelodeon decided to re-record the song entirely.

Nice work integrating a functional mod into the ascetic. Great idea and execution.

Yeah, all these Pros are now being sent overseas and anyone who doesn’t have theirs yet got bumped to August. I guess this means Premiums are a still a ways out.

Every disti I've spoken with is sold out of almost everything and backordered on everything else. Stern can't make enough to meet demand currently. I've been debating cancelling my order but the truth is there is a line of people waiting behind me hoping I do.

I mean if I remember correctly none of these hit the top 10: STh, Munsters, GotG, BKSOR, or Elvira. If it ships with really bad code it will take forever to move up.

If it has decent code with great art and theme then it will start in the Top 10 until a bunch of people rate it 1/10 because they own something else in the Top 10.

Rinse, Repeat.

When did I say "business is booming". I said they can't meet demand and won't be able to for a long time. If you cancel your order you are doing nothing to them or your disti. You are not proving a point by trying to make them lose a sale.

I hope it works out better than that but it does seem to be the best case scenario.

GotG and TMNT have the same but different left outlane setups. TMNT has a post above the metal "M" which helps but is missing the adjustable post in the top left of the outlane. I'm fine with it as long as I can figure out how to not have the lair empty into the outlane.

Woah, I haven't received mine yet to dig around and didn't know this was in the settings. Thanks a lot as I might turn this on to eliminate the feel bads.

I'm pretty sure it won't relight until you start an episode.

Pinman502 The guide rail eating into the playfield has been an issue for lots of games. Cliffy makes a nub to protect it on LotR and Deadpool. I am surprised Stern isn’t putting a washer between the rail and playfield as that is a fix people use as well.

Sorry to see your issues and I hope Stern gets back to you.

There is a simple answer, AFM is much better than STh. I think STh is fun but it has a lot of mechanical issues and everything about it from sound to layout is worse. STh isn't even the best AFM clone as Spiderman and many others are better in my opinion.

I also think AFM is still beloved because of the humor. MM and AFM are both very charming with more personality than most modern pins.

It kind of blocks the Episode insert and I don't like that either. I mean the Episode insert is 20% of the size of the Ninja Pizza Parlor insert for some reason and that doesn't help.

A friend pointed out to me all you need to do is get into 123 foot and that will allow you to start an episode but not the multiball.

LE has an extra switch in the lair and it can hold a ball during Multiball.

Ninja Pizza Multiball is up to 8 balls on the LE and only 6 on the Pro. That's a feature Stern is trying to sell as a reason to upgrade.

Just unboxed and setup an 8/5 build and everything looks great and the art is perfect. Also, there is art and a washer under the Lair post.

My Pro looks great.

5A61D1C5-80F5-41A1-9F4F-306EEE9F08BD (resized).jpeg

Yes, dated 08/05. It lends credence to the idea there are two manufacturers with a different process.

I don’t think it makes sense. Mine was assembled 8/5 and has great art. That would mean it was an original PF from months ago that was just now used. I think they are making some in house and some are being made by a 3rd party.

Crazy speculation would be they print ones in house which let them make changes immediately but at a lower quality. 3rd party takes longer to change or they have to meet an ordered amount.

If you guys haven't changed the setting for LANE CHANGE BATTLE AGAIN then you should. It feels much better to change the ball save with the flipper buttons than to have the sling change it off the slide it immediately rockets out through (nice ball save).

This should default to On as it feels great to change the save and feels awful to have the sling change it to the other side when it flies out.

Mine doesn’t play easier. I am a decent player who’s been to the Wizard mode on almost every game I’ve owned. I think I must setup my pins more challenging than everyone here because I haven’t gotten to the Wizard mode yet in several hundred plays.

My high score on 1.11 is 45M and I only got to Team Up. That said I’m trying to train up and do April Hurry UPs.

I want to know if anyone has seen Cowabunga because that actually seems impossible.

With a digital level mine is about 6.6 also and I can backhand the left ramp. The game still plays crazy fast and I'm going to leave it because every time I change it even a little I can't hit the center ramp anymore.

Shots feel amazing. As for the rules and Wizard mode I would say it’s similar to something more like TNG. You can get there “easier” if you just time out modes and only work on progression. That’s not going to work to get Cowabunga though and I would say that’s the real Wizard mode.

The top 100 is an interesting failed experiment and trying to put things in at a specific number are impossible. Elvira HOH is currently #6, Wonka #14, Rick and Morty #18, and Ghostbusters is still #35. I only like seeing TMNT at #1 so everyone can lose their minds.

I wouldn't use that but I'm curious. Are you thinking about replacing the thin post and covering the art? It would look strange but I guess it would do the trick.

Annotation 2020-08-18 165432 (resized).png

Hahaha, I was wrong. I used the stock photo off Sterns site. Mine is a star post with art and a washer.

It’s literally from Sterns website. I just took the image from there not thinking about it. It’s funny to think the original prototypes were harder.

Stern sets the default shooter eject power at "destroy my shooter lane". It's the first thing I do every new Stern and check after updating.

Every spinning disc in JJPOTC I’ve heard is louder than the one in my TMNT.

It’s pinball, it’s going to come broken in the box from every manufacturer.

I’ll find it and get you a number when I get home if no one gets one to you by then.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the pizza slice standup next to the pizza parlor gives you the next topping in the top right of the LCD.

Tilt Forums had the answer and I was wrong on a couple things: (It also answers how to relight the locks)

http://tiltforums.com/t/stern-tmnt-rulesheet-early-wip/6599

Locking Balls and Locking Toppings
Lock 3 balls by shooting the Ninja Parlor saucer shot to start a 3+ ball MB; after playing this Multiball once, you’ll have to collect five pizza toppings to light the three locks again. The pizza toppings you collect (upper R corner of display) alter the rules of the MB. Each time you lock a ball, it locks in your pizza toppings from right to left on the display: Lock 1 locks in first two toppings. Lock 2 locks in next two toppings. Lock 3 locks in your 5th topping. Unlocked toppings have a green border around them, and will change each time you shoot a lit pizza standup, with toppings cycling from left to right. The next three toppings that will cycle into your set of 5 are shown to the left in smaller icons. The pop bumpers will change the next available three pizza toppings, but not alter your set of 5.

Pizza Topping Descriptions
Depending on which 5 pizza toppings the player has (you can collect multiples of different toppings will count toward 2+ of your 5 toppings), different perks will affect NPMB scoring and features:

Anchovies: Slices Eaten + 10K
Octopus: Start Pizza Frenzy (all switches score a base value of 3k, increasing by 1k for every 10 switch hits. This can be big with 2x scoring)
Peanut Butter: +1 Slices Eaten
Pepperoni: Jackpots + 100K
Fudge: +1 Foot Kills
Sausages: +50K Per Foot Kill
Gummy Bears: +1 Ball
Ice Cream: Jackpot Starts Lit
Pineapple: Parlor Spots +1 Foot
Marshmallows: Unlimited Jackpots
Chili Peppers: Super Starts Lit
Mushrooms: Lair?? is a Time Lock (Prem/LE only)

I can do the skill shot I just move to the right of the turtle I want then press and hold the button to move to the turtle I want. Is this the problem you are talking about?

Yeah, I backflip the scoop on GotG as well. The staged switch on TMNT makes it a little harder for me because you need to release the button entirely for a millisecond to backflip it.

It's just like Star Trek and many others. Move to the right of the mode/turtle you want then press and hold the left flipper button. You are now on what you want to choose and it does the alternate launch.

Mine does not have that much movement. Check the all the mechanism screws and even the small set screw.

I don't have airballs but I'd like to order a a cover anyway. Does someone have or make one in America?

I'm sure someone will remember more but the only thing that immediately pops in there for me is the GotG orb protector service bulletin. I don't think ramp covers are usually done.

I've had mine at 6.6 and 6.7 but returned it back to 6.5 because I can backhand the left ramp after some coil fade. It's a steep ramp and I like being able to backhand it.

Everything in Avengers looks far away from the flippers and there isn't much to create side to side action. I suspect this game might be easier like IMDN but definitely easier than TMNT.

Edit: Looking at Avengers side by side with JP the shot locations appear slightly similar. It may be a slightly easier JP2.

pins (resized).png

Hahaha, your hatred for the difficulty of TMNT has been greatly documented and that is acceptable. I expect Avengers to be a bit easier. We won't know until we know but I feel pretty good about that guess.

They discovered washers?

You killed it as always. It's a really fun pin and gets easier with a lot of plays. I've seen your Deadpool scores so I think you'll do fine.

Lane Change Ball Save is the best adjustment I found and should be default. @xaqery, is there a reason you have it default to slings?

Looks nice, too bad it will probably be $1000 and I won't buy it on principle. It is odd they chose to put the logo 2 inches above the logo on the Translite. Why do you need a second smaller logo slightly higher than the one you can already read?

If Elvira is 1000 and R2D2 was 800 then I don't think it's a stretch to assume this will be high.

Where are you guys ordering them? I haven’t found them yet and I want to order some for Star Trek.

Thanks

Thanks and you are not kidding about pricey. $20 per angle bracket is up there.

The game is hard with short ball times but my scores keep improving. You may be changing it so much so you aren't getting comfortable with the speed and shot locations. Maybe try super bands for extra grip or just play coop by yourself until you get more comfortable. It's about having fun and whatever that looks like for you.

The game frustrating me is what keeps me playing because when I lose the ball it's usually something I did wrong.

edit. post below

Nope, scoring is all relative. 350M is bad if you’re playing AFM.

I owned an ACNC and I thought the same thing. Nothing but trouble and I don't want to ever buy a pin that has servos again.

It needs to be able to load balls into the Van for the multiball. So, it launches up onto the ramp.

I still buy a fair amount of PBL and they work great. I also have some Ninja and others but all seem good to me. I just get PBL because I order so much other stuff from them it makes it easy.

Ah, I have PBL balls in my TMNT Pro and they are fine.