Update: Since this guide was created, we have created a brand new pinball machine buyer's guide which you can view by clicking here.
Our Pinball Machine Buyer's Guide gives you an overview of the essential, but basic knowledge that you need to know when looking to buy your first pinball machine.
New Pinball Machines:
First of all we take you through the two current manufacturers of brand new pinball machines - Stern Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball. Both of the these are based in the United States, Stern in Chicago and Jersey Jack in Lakewood, New Jersey.
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Our video takes you through the pinball currently available from both of these manufacturers at the time of filming - March 2014. The great news is that new machines are coming out all the time, with Mustang out before the summer to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ford muscle car.
Jersey Jack have recently released the gorgeous 75th Anniversary Edition of Wizard of Oz, in a beautiful ruby red colour scheme. They also have a new game due out in 2014 - The Hobbit, it's slated for an autumn release. Their second pinball is much anticipated, to see whether they can improve on the design of WoZ. Many players are hoping for more "flow' to the game. Let's see what they come up with.
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Reconditioned/Vintage Pinball Machines:
Next we move onto considering the purchase of a secondhand machine. First we look at Stern, featuring a reconditioned Elvis we had for sale in our showroom. This particular machine came out in 2003 and lived the first decade of it's life in commercial use. It has been reconditioned by Pinball Heaven to a very high standard. Cosmetically it does still bear evidence of its previous life, but the playfield is in great condition, making it an excellent purchase.
Stern have made some great pinballs, since they started in 2000, featuring many popular licenses. You'll see elsewhere in our Buying Advice section on Pinballs how well Stern have done, producing 5 games in our all-time Top 20 rated machines. They currently hold top spot with the LE version of Star Trek, which has now sold out, so is only going to be found secondhand now - as a result it's value is rising, despite it only just coming out last year.
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Bally Williams produced some of the most highly rated pinballs of all time, featuring 14 times in the all-time top 20. Williams bought Bally in the late 80s, combining their efforts they dominated pinball during the 90s. The modern day best-selling pinball was The Addams Family. Released in 1992, it sold over 20,000 units. It proved so popular they even made a further 1,000 limited edition "Gold" versions a year later, which promptly also sold out.
Bally hit the jackpot with this game due to the popularity of the license, combined with awesome gameplay and a feature-rich design. The game had magnets under the playfield in an area called "The Power". When activated the magnets toyed with the ball, diverting it's direction, often with fatal consequences for that turn. It also had "It's" hand, appearing from a box at the top right of the playfield and taking the ball, much to observer's delight.
Addams Family is now hard to find in exceptional condition, due to their popularity they often experienced a prolonged and hard life in commercial environment. This particular example shown was completely restored and is in stunning condition, being much enjoyed by it's new owner.
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Summary:
In our video we summarise with the pros and cons for buying either brand new or secondhand, here are the slides we used in the video.
At Home Leisure Direct we are true pinball enthusiasts. Our stock is growing but regularly changes, so if you would like to come and see a machine it's always best to call ahead to ensure we still have it in the showroom.
We generally keep 4 or 5 machines on display and try to maintain a mix of brand new pinballs as well as a few used and restored examples. If you want to get a feel of how a game plays then pop down to see us. All the games are on freeplay, so you can really give them all a good try, whilst we ply you with tea, coffee or soft drinks.
If you would like to get some more information or advice, or want to check on the availability of any pinball machine then please just give our friendly team a call on 0800 622 6464, or 01454 413636.
