Quoted from smalltownguy2:Maybe I'm in the minority here, but if flipper fade can be substantiated and a fan modification shows that it can be remedied, then I believe at the very least JJP should take notice and offer something to address this. Even if it's a kit that needs to be purchased, it should still be offered from JJP directly. I'll stop short of stating that it should be offered as a recall-type item, but that's the kind of situation we're looking at here, IMO.
With very few exceptions, ALL modern pinball machines have fade to some degree. It's also not a new thing. Lord of the Rings famously had it 20 years ago. Karl DeAngelo was talking about a 1989 BK2000 in tournament play that was fading badly. It's thermodynamics, simple as that. And with modern games having much deeper code that keeps you playing longer and many more skilled players, it's just more commonly seen.
Fact is, the longer you play in a session, the more likely you'll run across it. However, with most normal players having games that last in the low minutes many will never see it. Also, the majority of players are not trap players, which really amps up the temps on non-Spike games. It's really primarily an issue for the better players that have long sessions, and especially ones that incorporate trap play into their style. If you're playing less than 30 minutes at a time, don't worry about fade. You might just see the beginnings in a 30 minute session, but that's all - you won't need fans.
So putting them on ALL machines would be overkill, for the above reasons. What's likely is the majority of the market (maaaaybe 30% of the market needs them due to play style and/or length of play) wouldn't see the benefits they offer. And with tight manufacturer BoMs, it probably will never happen. So they'll probably be an optional item forever for pinheads "in the know" that have a need for them.
Tampa, FL
