This is the best and most concise, well put together video from any pinball KZreadr I've seen to date. Thank you for your hard work and please keep making videos! :)

A very honest passionate review of where Pinball has gone in the past 10 years. Exactly what us owners are thinking and need to look out for. Thank you for your good work on this clip.

@PinballExpert

Ай бұрын

Thanks, It's important people know what they are buying before the actual purchase.

I grew up playing the old electro-mechanical pinball machines in the 70's. They may have been simpler but they had more charm. I also prefer the stenciled cabinet art on the old machines art over the cheap garish decals on modern pinball machines.

Thanks for the great video! I live in the USA and have been debating over a newer stern game. Thank goodness i came across this video! I would have gotten a machine and would have been a bit shell shocked on repairs. I just didn't realize it would be so much to repair some simple problems. I think i will wisely look for an older machine first and move my way up. thank you so much for the video! It helped explain a lot to me!

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the message, Mark.

@dakotamike

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Anthony, it's been 3 years, so maybe not relevant. But I wouldn't let this video keep you from buying new Stern machines because of repair costs. I've owned many modern Sterns and never had any significant repair issues. For the most part, a home owner will be unlikely to encounter many board issues. Now there are other concerns with pf clear coats and the like, but actual pinball board problems are rare.

I'm glad to see an honest review of new generation pinball machines. Maybe the only honest review I have seen in a very long time Thanks

@Offtapplumer

5 жыл бұрын

Im assuming you have the acdc luci pinball in your collection ,? Judging by ya name sake. LOL.Im thinking of buying the stern luci ac/dc vault edition. But now rethinking that after watching this. They cutting too many corners

@dakotamike

3 жыл бұрын

Well to be fair, the creator of this video was caught importing Stern machines in violation of Stern's policies. He was slapped down, and so he's not necessarily completely neutral. Just fyi.

Viewer from Sweden. Recently opened up eyes to pinball. Love your video! Honest! Constructive! Experienced! Repeatadly consequent, and on the buyers side. Wow if there only could be more people making reviews like this! Great job!

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

Hello Tommy in Sweden and thank you, I'm a pinball buyer too. I think we need more knowledgeable people from every industry to share their experience and honest thoughts be they positive or negative. I certainly like to know if the quality and value for money is there when I buy something!

What I find Ironic is that with the increase of value of old pinball machines these day's. I started to think. Well if a second hand awesome pinball can cost up to 5.000 euro's what is 20 years old. It is smarter to save up more money and buy a brand new one. That way you have a machine with less problems when you purchase it now and in the future. NOT. it seems after watching this video. I don't know if Stern is a private company or is recently owned by company stock owners. Because that would explain why they became a worst company. Thank you for making this video. The knowledge that you give to us non experts is truly valuable and very much appreciated.

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am glad you found it informative.

From someone who has always been a fan of the game but is now just getting interested in purchasing a machine, this video was very educational and produced very well. Thank you for your hard work.

@PinballExpert

6 жыл бұрын

Thankyou, I'm glad you found helpful.

What a lucid and thorough video, Mark. Subscribed.

This is an excellent video with well-articulated concerns. That being said, something important to keep in mind is that while many of these changes are inconvenient to owners and operator, these and previous cost-saving measures are likely one of the reasons we have new pinball machines to discuss at all. Let's not forget about the great pinball crash that took out everyone but Stern. Of course now, the market is becoming somewhat competitive again, with Jersey Jack, Spooky and others entering the fray. Perhaps the increased competition will cause Stern to step up.

I can see from your mannerisms that you eat and breathe your trade and I have the upmost respect for you. I recently told my son, who’s mother is a doctor and who’s father is not, to do whatever it is in life that makes you the happiest. Also, be the best at what you do and always strive to do better and never become complacent. I’m going to own a pinball table soon but it’s a shame that I’m in Kentucky and not a bit closer because you are the man I would have working on my table, good job.

@PinballExpert

3 жыл бұрын

High praise indeed & good advise for your son, thank you for the compliment and feedback.

Great video 👍 more connections more issues but connections are improved. Replacement of bulbs was easy back then twist and plug but now we need a butane hot air solder iron to replace bad LEDs. Stern and other companies are following this method because it's cheaper and more reliable. I like to see updated video this year.

That was a very informative video. Todd Tuckey of TNT told me about it. Glad I watched it. ^_^ Thank you for the information sir.

@milesdyson5211

4 жыл бұрын

He said the Best way to Keep everything clean is with " Extra Hold Haispray " Wonder if it really works ? I guess it keeps it from corrosion and protects it for SPIKE Systems. Works wonders on mine , Just bought a New Premium Ghost Busters Love the Vidoes keep it up !

That is one of the best pinball vids ever made. Thank You!

Late to the game but thanks for the vid! My family was in the coin op business so I have been playing Pinball for almost 50 years. I stopped seeking new games when Williams went out of business. I am lucky that we have a place in Lyons Colorado US that has a ton of decent machines and whenever I get to Vegas I head over to the Pinball Hall Of Fame to get some time on old EM machines and classic Williams tables. The first machine I owned was an old Williams Lady Luck EM machine.. Nice to see someone still spreading the love.. Gave you a like and sub..

(16:45). You said it!!! So much cost-cutting, yet the price is higher.

This is an excellent video! At the SFGE show, one of the vendors was pushing the new Stern stuff hard. A couple of machines were experiencing issues with the node boards, having been taken out of the box new at the start of the show. I'll keep my late 80s and 90s WMS games, though I really would like a TNA from Spooky. Great game, and very supportive maker.

Thank you Mark for your objective review. My timing for discovering your video couldn't have been worse. Later this week, I will be taking delivery of a new "Munsters" pinball machine. Oh well, I will just have to cross my fingers and see how it holds up. Because this is my first Stern machine, I very much appreciated seeing how the back-box and coin doors are latched. So I benefited from seeing your video anyway.

Wow! Thanks for the incredibly well organized and comprehensive review of the spike system. Fantastic video!

Based on what you read from the marketing, it sounds like their intent is for the machine to be fully serviceable by someone that is essentially unskilled, so a module might be more expensive, but you’re not paying a a skilled technician to come out, track down the problem and replace a discrete component. So, is it cheaper to spend $200 on a part you can replace yourself, or $5 on a part plus $200 for a skilled technician to come out and service the machine.

Great information - Thanks for taking the time to provide such a helpful insight into Stern's SPIKE system.

@PinballExpert

6 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching and for your feedback.

Great info. As someone considering purchasing a pin ball machine, this was extremely informative. I feel equipped to go to my local (Chicago, IL USA) supplier and talk intelligently about the various components and manufacturer revisions.

When I retire and start looking at buying a few pinball machines, I will definitely consider what Mark has to say. Bravo for calling out Stern.

@PinballExpert

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, that's what I am trying to do, encourage people to consider what to buy based on facts.

Well said. Agree with most except code updates, mainly the updates are to add more modes and fix bugs that were in gaming code at release. Best example - BM66. Every code update added more modes and balanced scoring! A top 10 pin now.

Man! What are they thinking! What a killer video. Can you believe they moved the on switch! I have no desire to own a pinball machine that I can't change a bulb in and have to buy a complete new board. That makes absolutely no sense. Making boards that are not interchangeable really makes it impossible to keep a game going in an arcade. It looks like Stern needs to go back to the drawing board if they are going to stick around. Thanks for the video. Very nice!

WOW thank you for being so honest AND RESPECTFUL. you def are someone who has major knowledge on these machines. thank yee

Interesting to learn about all of this. I don't really blame them for trying to lower costs, because they are so expensive to make, but they probably went too far in some areas.

Wow! Batman 66 was one that I really wanted! I’ll do some more research first now! Thanks!

Thanks for the breakdown on the different Stern systems. I met Gary Stern several times at different pinball conferences in 2013, and I can remember when he would say that they would never make an original machine, it would all be based on movies, TV shows, bands etc. I now see that Steve Ritchie has at least got them started on continuing some of his best work namely Black Night Sword of Rage, this is a good direction but not totally original. I am wondering if Jersey Jack Pinball machines suffer from the same problems as the SPIKE system does since they are very multimedia oriented. Maybe do a video on these machines as well? I honestly believe that Stern would still be on Dot Matrix displays if it was not for the success of JJP's The Wizard of Oz. Gary Stern did not seem to be open to newer designs Like the William's Pinball 2000 system, and its partially understandable since at that time I think SAM had been around since 2006 and SPIKE was being designed and released 2 years later.

Would love to hear your insights on Jersey Jack pinball machines.

@PinballExpert

3 жыл бұрын

I'll be doing shows about Jersey Jack and other brands.

Nice to see a mature professional comparison of something on youtube. Watched the whole video and I don't even own a pin yet.

@PinballExpert

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. It's so important buyers have access the clear and concise facts to make informed decisions about what they buy.

Very informative video and clearly thought out. Thank you

You can just about hear, a sub tone of contempt for Sterns new Spike system. Mark sounds very informed, and weary!. Thanks for telling us how it is.

Is easy to hate on Stern for looking to cut their costs and make more profit, but at least they are still in business and making machines in an industry dominated by out of business manufacturers.

@PinballExpert

3 жыл бұрын

I disagree, I'd rather have no pinball manufacturers if the alternative was only low quality new games.

Thanks for the video. I am, or possibly was, searching for another new pinball for my game room. I really learned a lot from your video and I will limit my selection to the Stern games with a SAM system.

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

That's a very wise plan.

Lots of cost saving, yet none passed on to the customer,

@johnquillan4694

5 жыл бұрын

@@argiodsilvertongue3589 it would be nice if Stern used all available info to help upgrade and pass on the savings to the customer

@JM-hx9ew

4 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the 21st century. Where caring about the customer have gone the way of the dodo bird

@davidrockefeller2007

3 жыл бұрын

What’s a dodo bird

Great video. I subscribed since you are in fact a pinball professional. Keep the great informative videos coming sir !!!!

This was a very informative video. I'm not entirely sure I was in the market for one of these, but I will now give it some hard thought should one present itself. Sticking with 80s/90s machines seems like it will not only save money, but be more fun as well.

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you found it helpful. If you enjoy more complex and sophisticated games many 80 and 90's Pinballs are a safe and wise option. They have a well established history and the parts and repair costs are significantly less. Also some of the most popular games ever made were in the 90's and most have excellent resale value.

Thank you for these honest and insightful notes. Long time Iron Maiden fan close to afford, put up and hopefully being able to pay for maintainance of my first pinball machine. Do you (or does anyone) have any information about reliability and issues of the IM Pinball yet? Are there technical differences, up- or downgrades to their previous machines? Love the design, song choices and gameplay though...Saving up for an IM Pro, but maybe I am better off with buying an fun Williams sys11 pinball classic in playable condition first, as repair or servicing seems much more manageable and affordable.

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

Sadly for pinball fans, Stern have continued there cost cutting, their reliability has not improved and the quality has declined. In my opinion you'd be much better off buying another brand or a used game with a better track record. Don't buy a brand that will cost you alot of money in repairs from either frequent faults and/or very expensive parts prices.

EXCELLENT video and spot on! Thank you!!

great informative video mate.. I switched my order to a sam metallica premium from a spike star wars premium before I saw this but now i feel even better about the switch. Cheers

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Metallica is a good game and been quite reliable so far. The snake head on a Met premium does like to come loose so watch out for that and the bracket on the back of the electric chair bends out of shape after a few months of regular use, it's made of pretty thin, weak metal.

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

@Joseph Babica Yes, far more than ever before.

Gotta call a little BS on this video. Those surface mount LEDs on the Spike system are super easy to replace if you can do basic soldering. Maybe its time to upgrade your skill set. Soldering is not hard, I taught myself.

A really nice and Stern (couldn't help myself with that pun) video on the new Stern tables. It kinda scares me from buying a new Stern table. I think I might have to look for an older table from the 90's and before.

Thanks Mark certainly will call if I need a hand with mine. Very informative

I just want Williams. Because they made my childhood awesome.

@dontmesswiththeman

3 жыл бұрын

They put so much effort into making unique and interesting games back then.

Wow that lights not being removed is crazy thxs for the info if I do get a pinball machine not going to be with them I loved ghost busters tho

@PinballExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it certainly is a major hassle to change a failed light.

Very professional explanations of what is going on at Stern. Thank you for some eyes opening facts and investigations. Thumps up from me! Cheers!

Thanks for telling the truth.

Awesome video, very informative, glad there's some honesty about these machines especially as most retail at around £8000 you want to know the pro's and con's.

Excellent summary and visuals.

Great video. I’ve been in the hobby for while and was thinking of buying a NIB Metallica or Iron Maiden. I’m still in the fence but I think I’d be annoyed with the unserviceable nature of the Spike System which Iron Maiden has. Maybe I’ll just sell my current games (90’s and back) and just put my money where it belongs, the bank.

@antonvlasjuk3079

5 жыл бұрын

Iron Maiden is a fantastic pin

I watched all of your Videos, The Videos are excellent! Thank you for sharing your experience.

this is spot on. And it's not just Stern that has these issues. JJP is just as guilty.

@hool10

7 жыл бұрын

So does Snap-On too sometimes but you get what you pay for. I'd rather buy a Craftsman, DeWalt, etc tool rather than some random brand from Harbor Freight.

@weloveentertainment9255

4 жыл бұрын

I think wonka and hobbit have simularities

"Pinball knowledge is power". A very good summary of the differences and concerns. This is not some type of "technician conspiracy" Stern is causing their own problems by letting the investor council control the production of game with "short term profit methodology". This topic has been in discussion for over two and half years by technicians, operators, and long time pinball collectors, yet some still don't have the information or a firm understanding of the cost savings measures (albeit increasing MSRP prices anyway) that have been implemented while severely impacting future serviceability of games. One of the most significant errors on Stern PC SMD boards is that Stern removed necessary fuse voltage overload protection on SPIKE games, which is aberrant from the standpoint of either as an operator or private owner. It just is not there, and the overload protection does not always engage, causing main board damage. This essentially delineates that Stern pinball games should no longer be classified as commercial devices, but rather consumer electronics. This is exceptionally evident based on removal of release of the schematics of the boards or even a proper manual (pdf or paper) provided with games since 2015. This is a standard akin that is not a standard in commercial electronics, but rather once again consumer devices that are not designed to be directly repaired by an end user. This video showcases what some distributors don't like to talk about to new potential buyers, because it would hurt their sales. I hope Stern recognizes that the boycotts against their game, quality of construction, and loss of features for continued increasing MSRPs are going, and when the latest pinball interest fades, their company may once again be at the verge of failure.

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, you've obviously been studying Sterns recent games too.

very interesting, even for non english native (as me), as you speak slowly and its clear & easy to understand... well done :)

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your interest and feedback.

@DkViking1

6 жыл бұрын

I agree! This was a flawless presentation! Excellent! 👍🏻

LEDs are solded directly on the boards?! WOW! I’m stunned! I certainly didn’t expect to see that from Stern. 😳

What are your thoughts on Bally made pinballs and others? Very informative video and very surprising. It certainly has me exercising caution moving forward with any Stern pinball.

You Sir, Bring a level of professionalism and high calibre to this industry then I have seen elsewhere. I absolutely love your communication style it’s very good, I just can’t help think about old “employee orientation” or safety instruction videos when I hear the cadence and voice patterns you use though! LOL

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

High praise indeed, thank you very much :-)

Amazing video with great info about a disappointing common trend nowadays. As a renovator of Williams WPC machines, able to do board repairs for pennies, I am glad I have nothing to do with these new Stern games. WPC forever !

Great info. Well presented. Thanks, Mark.

Awesome video! Thanks for the detailed information!!

Thanks for breaking it down, I’m in the market for a new machine and after viewing this I can guarantee Stern won’t be getting my business.

@holdem5180

3 жыл бұрын

this guy just saved me 7 k , I have enough problems, fuck Stern

Great information many thanks

This is really well done and a good evaluation. I was going to buy a new Stern Star Wars machine but not now. I can't get my arms around having to replace a board for a chip or transistor and especially not for a light. The disposable nature of these things seemingly make them them less collectible going forward. No thanks!

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback and yes, I agree completely. Stern pinballs have continued on this cost cutting, disposable path even more in the last 2 years!

Any changes to Stern with newer machines 2024? Can you review new machines from other brands?

Very informative. Thank you.

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback.

Agree with everything you said, but the code updating is awesome and easy to do.

How old are you sir? I´m a 42 years old human from Sweden, and this is gold to me! It reminds me of my childhood..

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

Mid 50's. glad you enjoyed the shows.

@supergeten2

4 жыл бұрын

@@PinballExpert Enjoyed?! I LOVE it!

He seems to be upset with Stern adopting newer technology. As far as serviceability is concerned, the new Spike system is nothing to be afraid of. As a tech savvy person with mild electrical engineering experience, Spike makes sense. I can replace a board, or fix what's broke. But can understand how a tech would feel hurt if they could not do immediate fixes on the floor. I would watch this video with a grain of salt. His points aren't super valid to regular people.

@dakotamike

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I appreciate Mark's perspective and enjoy his videos, but his opinion on Stern is overly pessimistic. Stern is literally making some of the best pinball machines that have ever been made on a regular basis now. Iron Maiden, Deadpool, Jurassic park, ect. These are Top 10 all-time classics. Stern's only real issue is upward creeping prices. As far as Spike goes, I'm not hearing any chatter about rampant board failures or huge increases in maintenance costs. At this point, Spike has been around long enough that if failures were happening on a large scale, or if maintenance costs were going way way up, we'd be hearing about it on pinside and elsewhere in the community. So far the biggest issue that IS getting a lot of talk is playfield chipping, and that is affecting all the pinball manufactures. Stern, Jersey Jack,and even apparently Spooky, are all having playfield wear and chipping issues that really need to be sorted out. That's the real issue right now worth worrying about.

I thought new sterns where good but when I was playing a new machine and ended up breaking it from just playing it normally has made me second think their build quality this video as definitely backed up my thinking

@PinballExpert

3 жыл бұрын

I've heard of many failures in new Stern pinballs, the drop in quality is a real shame.

Brilliant video mate, very informative. I had a node board go on my GB Pro, cost me £258 to repair. Not cool

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, many owners will need a technician to determine the cause of a fault, and when a new node board is needed it automatically becomes very expensive.

@AndyHugRetro

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah I had the transistors checked and they were all fine. Very frustrating. It was extremely easy to switch the board but I'd much sooner it be repairable. Very difficult when Stern don't release the schematics

Thanks for the video, Very helpful as i want to purchase my first pinball machine soon.

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome I'm glad this show was helpful.

Thanks!, well done video, a really serious work. Greetings from Buenos Aires

Great job Mark. You nailed it!

Good information to know. I just bought a new Munsters machine.

@PinballExpert

5 жыл бұрын

Good luck with it, I hope you don't have any problems.

Everyone who considers buying a pinball from Stern past 2014 should watch this first

Just bought a Star Wars Pro, then saw this very well made video. I haven't bought a new game in ages and was concerned when I saw all the PCBs attached to the playfield. I was impressed with the game initially and was thinking of getting a few more. Not now though. Hopefully, my game will survive long enough to be worthwhile. I might move it on before too many components start falling off the PCBs though.

Wow, very good video. I keep learning.

Awesome insight Mark. Thanks

how can u rebuild the lightening in side the games ?? LCDs are solded directly on the boards?! WOW! I’m stunned! I certainly didn’t expect to see that from Stern.

Thanks for sharing your insight.

I think that buying a Stern Pinball machine is really worth, especially if you're a good player. This is because they have complex rules and a lot of depth (it takes normally about 30-40 minutes to get to wizard mode) and aren't so expensive if you buy Pro edition (you can pay only 4500$ or less for a Pro, if it's at least 3 years old). Stern is making really good titles since 2012, when they made AC DC. The best Stern titles are AC DC, Metallica, walking dead, game of thrones, aerosmith and iron maiden. It's really worth buying one of these rather than an overrated and old wpc95 like medieval madness or monster bash.

What is your opinion on Jersey Jack pins?

@PinballExpert

4 жыл бұрын

I think Jersey Jack Pinballs are quite reliable and pretty well made, they aren't perfect but they're much better quality than new Stern pinballs.

Excellent Info, thanks for this great video.

Thanks for the video, very well made.

He said the Best way to Keep everything clean is with " Extra Hold Haispray " Wonder if it really works ? I guess it keeps it from corrosion and protects it for SPIKE Systems. Works wonders on mine , Just bought a New Premium Ghost Busters Love the Vidoes keep it up ! SECOND: THE IDEA BEHIND "SPIKE" IS TO BUY THE PART(S) JUST LIKE A CAR DEALERSHIP. Its all about marketing branding and Product Control.

what Muppet would make Home Models? As a kid growing up in Richmond and St Kilda, no one would have thought Stern would outlast Williams and Gottliebs

Thanks for a great analysis. I am very worried about servicing my Sterns when connectors start to cause problems or just simply replacing a surface mounted part. I disagree with your point about the LCD being cheaper. It might cost less than a DMD, but the content (graphics) that must go onto it costs a hell of a lot more - it is like making a small video game. I suspect this is why prices have gone up when Spike should be cheaper. If I had a choice I would rather have a DMD and pay $500-1000 less for my machine. As Gomez says, the game is under the glass.

@PinballExpert

6 жыл бұрын

The difficulty and cost to service Spike games is a valid, serious concern. Creating LCD graphics can be costly depending on the detail, length of time and sophistication although Sterns LCD graphics don't seem very elaborate. Most graphics you see are sampled from established TV or Movie footage. The cost to create LCD graphics is quite small (well under $100 per game) when you consider the total cost is spread over the production of a few thousand games.

Great detail, thanks for doing this.

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found it informative, a detailed assessment needed to be done by someone.

I have been in the slot machine business for 21 years. We moved from a single main processor unit (MPU) to a distributed system with inter-board cable links. Yes it was cheaper but it created nightmares for service. Tracking down errors was much harder, and replacing one board took 2 minutes, where as replacing 7 could take an hour. It was a nightmare. The company went bust about 8 years later...

Thanks for this. I was looking at a Jurassic Park Pro, now I'm having second thoughts. Is there a list somewhere of Stern SAM games? Or is it ever game produced by Stern prior to 2015?

I like the new latches on the lockdown bar better than the old system

Very good video mate, I love pinballs, especially for the nostalgia, however,, where I can sort of understand paying thousands of dollars for a classic or old popular table, I can see on absolutely no decent persons reality, why these companies have the Gaul to ask 12 to 25 k for their new releases, these prices are absolutely insane given cost cutbacks on quality and finish, and really, what you are getting for in regards to essentially a wooden box with tv screens and electronics,, don't get me wrong, I love pinballs, but the prices they are charging takes the dream of what should be an affordable pastime,, to an expensive indulgent one,,, no wonder virtual pinballs are getting more popular,, cheers

Thanks for the insights

Excellent video. Thanks

Directly subbed! Keep up the Good work

Point taken. had to replace the spotlight in the apron of my Godzilla, no it’s not as simple as a $1 47 bulb or even a 555 it’s on its own circuit board and it’s like $10

@PinballExpert

Ай бұрын

The entire lighting system was changed just to save them a few dollars in assembly time AND to create an new path to selling very high priced parts to owners.

Very informative , thank you 🙏🏻

Really well done video ! Informative, helpful, well edited, highlighted facts. Thank you ! Even if I could afford a NIB Stern I would never be able to justify the crazy expense for an overblown toy. And it seems like new Sterns are becoming just that, overblown, too-expensive toys. A new JJP or Spooky release is looking like a far better option more than a licenced and over-hyped, SPIKE'd lemon.

@PinballExpert

7 жыл бұрын

Thankyou, my goal was to point out the concerns and changes for anyone interested in Pinballs to see and assess for themselves.

Jersey jacks rock it