I have a friend who is interested in buying a pinball machine for the lounge at his workplace, but he has no experience or knowledge of pinball machines. I know what you all are thinking, and I have informed him that pinball machines require constant maintenance and frequently break down despite how old or new they are. Despite these warnings he is still interested, so I was wondering what machines (i.e. era, system, company) are the most reliable and have parts easily available. He is also located in Guelph, so I can imagine that there are few people who could be contacted if/when something goes wrong. His budget is $2500. Thanks for the help  

Buy one from a retailer if in doubt.

Toronto Pinball Exchange, Rec Room Amusements, etc. (but make sure they have a service plan)  You'll pay more but if you don't know what your doing it will be well worth it.  I'm sure there are more retailers out there in this price range - it's the service contract that you want though.

I also met a guy last night (who is from Guelph) - who bought a Break Shot off Nick Angel.  He told me Nick does all his repairs and shopping.  Mind you he paid retail as I am told, but with a service deal too - it sounds like a fair deal. I think he is also selling his Break Shot for around $1800-$2000 (Nick may know this guy - I don't, just happened into him last night)

I have only heard good things about Nick Angel (albiet I have never met the man).

Anyone know how to contact Mr. Angle for this guy?

Sorry I  dont, but I have played his Breakshot...a real charmer of a machine. Mike Hanley or Adam probably know how to get him.

Breakshot is a fun game (from my limited playing).

Nick is on here (ShinyNick) and TOPL.

If he wants something reliable.... buy a couple of EM's and pocket the remaining $1500.
(you said reliable, not fancy)

$2K for a Breakshot???? Holy crap that's way over priced. $1,200 game max.

In terms of a reliable game, stick with DMDs, Sys. 11,  later Gottlieb (what ever system Tag Team and up) or EMs. I know huge variance in time periods, but the early SS are too old and problematic for a non-collector. Newer tech is more reliable from my experience. EMs, once working, are awesome if played.

In terms of DMDs, GetAway and No Fear are two modern games that are very reliable from my experience.

Duane

From my experience any WPC shopped out well is reliable. Even CV is reliable Phil.

Guys (and Girl!) we know it...pinballs are not reliable period. There is *always* something wrong.

2500$?  for the workplace... so something people will play or something to look good?  what's the business? any theme in the lounge yet?

Quoted from Mrhide

Guys (and Girl!) we know it...pinballs are not reliable period. There is *always* something wrong.

While generally that is true, Phil, there are machines which are known to have more issues than others. For example, ST:TNG can be a pain in the a**. I think that's what he's trying to avoid. The known problems. Early SS games are a b****. From my experience they tend to develop more problems unless you do a complete tear down and replace all the connectors -- I found the connectors are an issues as they are getting very old.

Also alot depends on the quality of the machine. Not to tot my own horn, but I sold a JM 6 years ago. It was 100% and in awesome shape. I had the chance to play the machine last week. The game is still playing near 100%. There was literally one switch out and it didn't effect game play at all. The guy has been playing that game for 6 years without any issues! That's incredible. Some games are just bullet proof. They seem to work without issues. I'll bet dollars to donuts, the NGG I just sold will be problem free for 6 years as well. I had that game for 5 years or so and the only issue was a switch issue with the spinner.

Back on topic, a guy has a Jackbot for sale in Toronto (I also have one for sale, but it's here in Ottawa) and there isn't alot that can go wrong on that game. It seems pretty reliable. Mine has been good so far and all I had to fix were some switch issues and make a minor adjustment to the rail.

Cheers,
Duane

I would go EM, even a beginner can figure out the obvious and they last a long time when tune properly.  A newly renovated one will do the job for long and they are also fun.  The newer ones are very cool but when they break it will cost if you don't do it yourself and it still cost a lot.

My humble opinion being fairly new at this myself.....

Quoted from Mrhide

2500$?  for the workplace... so something people will play or something to look good?  what's the business? any theme in the lounge yet?

He is the president of a student residence at Guelph University and wanted to get a pinball machine for the student lounge. When I asked him about the theme, he said it wasn't an important issue. Since he plans to put it on free play, I imagine it will go through some heavy wear'n'tear.

Thanks for all the great advise so far. It is greatly appreciated.

Quoted from Monkeybug

Breakshot is a fun game (from my limited playing).

Nick is on here (ShinyNick) and TOPL.

If he wants something reliable.... buy a couple of EM's and pocket the remaining $1500.
(you said reliable, not fancy)

I was just gonna say something similar . Depending on his priority and if reliability is the only one , a good looking and fun EM is the way to go ...  

Again , not to sell a product i own , but sonic EMs are like "chars d ' assault" and they ' re fast since pop bumpers , slings and flippers are in DC . They also have industructable PFs , plastics and BGs . Also really affordable since they 're not from the big 3's . Using williams compoments, so , easy to find parts if needed . Here ' s some good titles ;

Mars trek (0f course)
faces
super straight
prospector
cherry bell