First table

[MattyC]

My wife and I are huge pinball fans, but with fewer arcades, it is getting tougher to play them, so we are looking to buy our first pinball machine. We really like the new Metallica game, but it is probably out of our price range (especially since we liked the premium version). But we are open to other tables for our first table. Some that we have enjoyed are Guns and Roses, The Simpsons Pinball Party, Cyclone, Twilight Zone, Cirque Voltaire, Theatre of Magic, and Fire.

We have been doing research and looking around, but our preference would be to buy a local table (to avoid shipping costs and keep tables in the community). Any leads on the above tables (or similarly themed tables) or tips for first time buyers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Malibu-ss]

Welcome Matty
Impressive list,good luck with your search!

[MattyC]

Thank you. From what I have seen, we definitely have expensive tastes, which is why our search has taken so long already.

Do you have any recommendations regarding buying a new table vs. used? If a used table we like is going to run us $4,000 anyway, would it be better to just buy a new table that we like for a little bit more? I realize that condition / gameplay are factors, but are there any general advantages / disadvantages to buying new over used?

Thanks again.

[madmanc]

Welcome aboard - 6 months ago I was in the same spot as you, I'm not sure I would spend 4-6K on my 1st pinball machine as until you get one you won't know how often you will play it I would also be wary of paying that much for a used table unless I was sure it was in pretty good shape and I could trust the seller, with that sort of budget you could buy 2/3 older machines. The veterans on here offered me some pretty good advice - one thing to think about is who is going to play it and whether it will be your only machine. If its just you and your wife you won't have to worry about it being to hard to play as a casual player, however, if its not easy to get started then friends may be put off from having a try. Also make sure it will fit where you plan on putting it (they are big and heavy).

Good luck

[madmanc]

So you may want one with varying levels of gameplay - and looks like you want a DMD machine (around 2K+), if you buy local someone on here likely will know what shape the machine is in.

Best of luck - I'm enjoying mine, but freinds are starting to get tired of me whooping them

[MattyC]

Thanks for the advice madmanc. You gave me some things to think about that I hadn't considered. Which machine did you settle on for your first?

It will be our only machine for a while, unless we can find a reasonably priced DMD and maybe a less expensive older game like Cyclone.

[madmanc]

Check out the pinside top100/bang for buck lists - it may give you an idea as to other machines that may interest you, given the location you will likely pay a few more $$$ than the indicated prices but you will be able to check out the machine and save on delivery (which I think is worth a few more $$$).

Make sure the theme/music is one that interests you and it has the type of features you want 2/3/4 flippers, ramps, drop targets, multiballs etc.

You just missed a few on here over the last few months - I'm sure over the next few months that someone on here will want to lighten their load to make room for a new machine.

I would like to own an AC/DC premium and an Addams Family but have other cashflow committments...

I'm sure many mid 90's machines will satisfy 85-90%of your pinball desires at 50% of the cost of the premium machines you have indicated, however, at the end of the day its your cash, make the plunge and you likely won't regret it (and if you buy a reasonable used machine you will likely be able to get most of your cash back out of it)

Good hunting (+be patient to get the right machine for you)

[Malibu-ss]

A new Metallica Prem will set you back about $7500 Canadian.
Fun game,but pricey.
I have played the pro,and it is a very good game...never played the prem though
If you are going new,do not buy in Canada,buy from Trent at Tilt Amusements in the states and have it shipped to Pembia ND(saves you around $300)

Almost all the titles in your list are $4000.00 to $6000.00 here,if you can find them.

To bad,....I sold a Cyclone and a Fire not to long ago

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