It's really cheating if you can plunge the ramp

If the wrong spring is on the plunger

A full plunge should go around the loop. The skill shot is a soft shot into the drop targets, but I never go for that (lost too many balls after scoring a total of 10 points).

I bet that it is not even possible to do that unless the plumb bob has been removed or some idiot has messed up the shooter lane ball guide.

The plunge should go around the loop on a full or near-full plunge, but certainly NOT up the ramp. I used to play on a Whirlwind that was set up that way, free jackpots for everybody!

I've played some Whirlwind machines that will allow the left ramp shot from a hard plunge, but it's rare, and indicates a machine that is not properly setup.

My Whirlwind at home doesn't do this, and the left ramp shot is extremely difficult. Possibly more difficult that it should be. I suspect I don't have the machine leveled properly. I'm shopping it right now, and will definitely level it properly once I'm done.

Shouldn't go up the ramp...as said above it gives away too much free stuff that way.

The Pinball Arcade is actually inaccurate in this regard. I own a Whirlwind and I've played many in the wild and I don't think I've ever seen someone (or been able to myself) plunge the side ramp.

Yes, but, frankly, it shouldn't be. As others have said, it allows for a dead easy multiball start, etc.

I played one new outta the box back in the day and the plunge should not go up the ramp. If it does, somebody monkeyed with the ball guide, like others have said.

yulp my full plunge goes around the loop but no way to get up the ramp

My WW is setup to plunge the ramp - has been from when I bought it. Can switch it back, but leaving it as is for now. It's fun.

Same here. One of the reasons real pinball is better than virtual. I think Pinball Arcade is fun, but no substitute for the real thing.

Mine will make the ramp on occasion, it depends on how the plunger launches the ball. Of the times it has made it around the ball ends up dropping on the spinner disc running at full speed. Ones it comes off the spinning disc its like a curve ball and it hooks right down the middle and drains. Fun to watch but sucks if its your ball.

I have a "heavy" / red colored spring on the shooter rod.

photo from the operators manual

my adjustment screw is stripped so the harder you plunge the more the shooter exit "gives" and the ball travels in a higher direction

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