Is THIS the Pinstadium KILLER?

[@TheodoreDasBootGunship]

I'm Glad to see a competitor to Pinstadium. The pricing has gotten out of control in Pinstadium land, and I have yet to see quality improvement come about with the exception of diffusers.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

This is a _classic_ Hardy video in all the best ways. Exactly why I originally subbed. Having seen this already as a member, I have my ultra-thin metal Pinlights here tomorrow (UPS IS delivering tomorrow, so I’ll be installing these then!). 💪 It wasn’t even price that got me first, but the thin magnetic strip that tucks into my existing slot, plus the combo of board clarity/shaker-motor integration. 🤘 (THEN the awesome price to boot! 🥾💥 ) Great video. 👏👏

[@DennisMoncla]

Great video Cary. Jimmy at Pinlights has been sponsoring our last few months of pinball mafia streams. We got some of the initial run and tested them out. Jimmy has implented all of our suggestions so far just like he did for you. The shaker motor adapter was one we asked for. Our first set (it was a prototype) had a bad wire harness and it took us a bit to track down where the problem was. As soon as we told Jimmy the problem followed the wire harness we had a new one in a few days. I'll say that is a check mark for customer service but only time will tell on that. We have a large collection and still have Pinstadiums on a few of them. They are the base set and you can see the individual lights reflecting in the ramps and habitrails. We noticed the type of LEDs Jimmy is using are tiny and spaced so close together no diffusion is needed and you can't see the individual ligts reflecting. It is simply a smooth lighting system. Scott at Pinstadium has always been a great guy to deal with just like you mentioned. It is a top of the line product! However these new Pinlights are simply amazing at what they do for the price he is asking. If you watch our last stream from Sunday you can see the old Pinstadiums on Iron Maiden and the reflections. Then search for one of our latest Godzilla, Metallica or Foo Fighters and you can see the Pinlights if you'd like to see the differences. It is night and day for the base set!

[@dangerdonk6670]

I'm actually glad there is a cost effective option without all the RGB. This is more in line with what I'm looking for. The rail mounting hardware is a massive bonus for anyone with art blades and I think being a modular design is actually PinLights improving on the concept.

[@michaeljude8142]

Same here. Went with Stadium on Stranger but Pinlights on everything else.

[@prestieb]

I stumbled upon your video looking for PinStadium reviews as was planning on taking advantage of their Black Friday Sale. After watching this video, immediately placed an order for the Pinlights ultraslim kit instead. Invaluable information sir and appreciate the honest and highly detailed review and comparison between the two products!

[@duanecernousek4663]

I had seen a few videos about this product and after watching yours I pulled the trigger. The price point and what I perceive as an instillation that I can handle really sold me. Looking forward to a brighter play field.

[@robertisrael338]

As a pinstadium user, I will definitely be getting some of these and trying them out. Now I can get the meltdown mirrors for my TNA and rail mount the Pinlights. I couldn't do that with Pinstadiums

[@theroguecybersoldier2629]

Great product review Cary The cost for PinStadium is even more for anyone that isn't in America, like me who lives in Australia

[@scottoneal2744]

I own 2 sets of Pinstadiums because of your videos. Support has been fantastic and I'm happy with the result. I've been watching the pinside thread on these and waiting for your thoughts. An ultraslim set plus the low profile mount is @ $150 savings. The biggest thing for me is being able to re-use the lights when I trade games and not have to spend $50 on the transporter pack with new magnet strips. That could be HUGE! I did have an issue with a game and the magnet strips pulling back some art and I had to do some work to "repair" it.

[@doctoroctos]

Scott (pinstadium) has been great on support. No complaints there. I have 3 games with pinstadiums installed. Pinstadium doesn't have clear documentation on what is unique between product lines. When you buy something, its a bunch of flashy words. Videos of products with and without are not on the website, just pictures, which with pictures its very hard to determine how much camera exposure plays a role in what you see. Pinstadium lacks documentation for new users on where to connect into. On some of the pinstadiums I had to solder onto a board to access a flasher, but there was no install manual, it has to be requested. There should be a manual for each game, requires a link, with pictures. If you want a product to be successful, it has to come with clear documentation to ensure the product is working. The more a product works 100% of the time, the easier it is to install, and repeat or new purchases. Its not all about 24h support. Setting up pinstadiums is painful, wifi connections fail, its not a great setup process. Each pinstadium flasher unit is not customized per game, its customized based on where you tap into the playfield. None of this is obvious to someone new buying the game. When you buy the game and you indicate which game its for, users think its programmed to that game. Its not, its just some labels on the taps of where to connect to. There is no map, no pictures, and you have to print the manual and second guess if you are tapping into the right spot. Worst, there is no function test in the app to validate its working properly with flashers. I have found no documentation on how to build custom triggers for games. It would be nice if there was a general purpose tutorial, and then people can generate their own programmable light shows and trade with other users (similar to pinsound programs). Pinlights has welcomed feedback, is more transparent about options/price.

[@CaryHardy]

sounds like we share the same "cons"....

[@ryrysonic9]

Dang, that getaway of yours is extremely nice looking! these lights are interesting, I wonder if I'd be able to put these on my gladiator's pin, oh I ended up getting that hook & Popeye I mentioned, both were in great shape!

[@methodownGG]

You should do a similar comparison video between RavSpec flipper coolers and the ridiculously over priced Pinmonk flipper fans

[@zillelben8742]

Thanks for the unbiased video comparison Cary. My experience with PinStadiums has left me with a bad aftertaste as well as a thinner wallet. Bc the PS are not modular, during the 1st week of ownership 1 bar fell into the cabinet while lowering the playfield resulting in a bend that knocked out half the bar illumination. I contacted PS & was told there were no replacement parts available & I would need to simply purchase a new set @ $400. I instead began making my own modular light bars @ a cost of $125/set but it was a royal pain to procure all the necessary components & a bit messy too. I jumped at the chance to own an alternative to both PinStadiums & DIY light bars and have been very happy with running 2 sets of Pinlights on my games for the past month. The new mounting system was not available at the time of my early purchase, but I will buy them in the future to replace the PS bars that continue to warp & detach due to the excessive heat. A big Hallelujah & Shout Out to the innovators at Pinlights & a sincere Thank you!

[@gothgloom]

Great Video Cary. I too like others watched your Pinstadium videos and added those to my Munsters and Elvira HOH, but with this video I’m thinking I’m gonna give these a try for my Creature as it is way to dark towards the top of the playfield and see how these do. Thanks

[@Maleko333]

Pinlights mounting system is a game changer... Will definitely be getting them for my TWD LE!

[@foolishheartband3096]

As always… a great, thorough, fair and unbiased review. This helped me a lot to choose what I am going to buy. I went a different route and installed LED smart bulbs and panels (removing all the old flourescent panels). It cost me the same as installing two sets of high end pinstadiums. And all my games have additional lighting whether I have my machines on or not. When you have a big collection then you have to be creative as cost and labor to install on all your machines is pricey. I still think the pinstadiums or pinlights provide some extra pop but the overheads along with some super LEDs bulbs in the GIs make up for it at a fraction of the cost in a large collection. Keep on keepin on Cary.

[@Jesselovespinball]

First thing I do on a new set of Pinstadiums is add plugs at the end of the light strips . I’m might be nuts but saves a ton of time and aggravation . I’ve done it to 5 different sets and never had any issues . I use Molex microfit juniors . The pinlights are good if you’re just looking for straight light . But I’m sticking with Pinstadiums because like Cary said , I like options .

[@DrPinball]

So Glad that there is an alternative option. competition is good. I don't see myself buying Pinstadiums again, but I hope Pinlights bring up a model that's more slim than it is now.

[@TubeFlop]

They have an ultra slim option.

[@tgxperience]

Great review Cary.

[@EquipmentReviewer]

I just bought another set of pinstadium lights. I think it's my last. Thanks Cary

[@willierants5880]

In addition to the screws being flush to the back of the plastic backer the plastic backer needs 4 additional plastic spacers to lift the backer off the circuit board providing clearance to the solder joints. So to clarify. Include recess holes in the plastic backer. Include 4 plastic spacers. Include 4 longer screws for the back to account for the spacers.

[@lamontcranston1003]

Super informative. Great video!

[@danielschiavo5371]

Hi Cary, I sent you an email with some photos of my fan-like global launch of a DIY rotisserie, that I named the ROCKYSSERIE 😅. As Doc Brown said: "The way I see it, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?", so I think if you´re gonna make a Pinball machine why not to start making a rotisserie with some style? 😅😂 It is both a rotisserie and a development workbench. It is based on a highly motivational theme..., ROCKY, the beginning in Philadelphia 1976... 🥊💪🤩 It will be born on JULY 4th!! 🙏 I love your channel, so you are the first to know, I hope you will start the hype 😀💪 Greetings from Buenos Aires 🙂 Daniel Schiavo PS: the photos I sent you only represent 10% of all the artwork, there are much more to come... 🤞

[@richardabkstorm9009]

We Love Da Cary Hardy!! 👍🙏

[@jeffcameron257]

I'm loving the pinlights! I was a big fan of pinstadiums but they seem to fall off a bunch which is a pain in the ass. Love pinlights price and seem better integrated with the games lights. I'm definitely leaving pinstadiums and switching over to the pinlights going forward (already have 2 sets).

[@Rich_Ice]

The PInlights look great. I like how they mount, options for wiring and that they are on a metal rail. How do you think they would look with Expression Lighting?

[@CaryHardy]

Might be good. Essentially the expression kit is for show - not illumination.

[@cti1981]

R.I.P PInstadium

[@mannymets5687]

less expensive is not necessarily better. I am sure that pin stadium can become a bit more competitive regarding price.

[@curtisc8233]

Love the video Cary, well done comparison. Can you slow down your auto tracking on your tripod? It’s a little jerky and really evident at 1.5x

[@CaryHardy]

probably, still learning the equipment!

[@TiltingT]

Seems like the metal slim edition is the way to go . I have never considered Pinstadiums due to price but it is looking like my Last Action Hero is going to need a set of Pinlights. That game has always been too dark and this looks like the fix I will go with. I dont need a bunch of options as they will be set to a cool or warm white all the time and that is all i want or need

[@Rich_Ice]

I just rewatched the video. Do you have Titans glow rings on the FF? I was thinking about it for mine but have not ordered them yet.

[@CaryHardy]

yes, check out my FF unboxing video. I show them off more in there. Promo code for Titan is in that video description too.

[@Rich_Ice]

@@CaryHardy I completely forgot, I did watch that video. Thanks for the reminder and saving me 10%.

[@gladhand2215]

Cary if I get the pinlights, night search on jaws, will the pin lights turn off? I really want these

[@CaryHardy]

The pinlights (just like pinstadium) will mimic whatever bulb you connect it to. Just connect the GI to a bulb that turns off during that night search to make sure you get the same visual as intended.

[@timborski1210]

Was looking for a competitor to Pin Stadiums, they are just WAY to expensive. I need something for my Godzilla, i already grabbed the expression kit for my Foo Machine thankfully

[@FTGCO300]

Perhaps I've missed it, but on the website they have an "ultra-slim" option for an extra $40 and an accessory for low-profile metal mounts for another $30. I'm struggling to understand the difference and what each bring to the table. Are the low profile metal mounts the ones that fit into the glass channel? Is the ultra-slim option something else?

[@CaryHardy]

@ 17:59 Foo Fighters is the Ultra Slim. TOTAN is using the classics. Both are using the metal mounts (those slide into the glass channel).

[@FTGCO300]

@@CaryHardy Excellent, thanks for the response and the video. I'm considering them for my Labyrinth, but I don't want to wash it out either. It looks like in the app you can control the intensity, so that might be a good middle ground.

[@CaryHardy]

@@FTGCO300 Yup, you can adjust it accordingly.

[@luder82si]

What justifies the price, they look extremely easy to make

[@dayz112]

Hi, what it happened to your color led dmd from your Totan?

[@CaryHardy]

I know what you are talking about. While editing, I saw it, too. The camera was playing tricks somehow because all is good.

[@robbymovick465]

Hi Are the pinlights a mettel railing ?

[@CaryHardy]

As stated and shown in the video 17:59. There are two different styles to choose from.

[@tmorley4113]

No promo code to share for the Pinlights?

[@CaryHardy]

@@tmorley4113 I have a code for my patrons. I'll see about getting a public one.

[@greeendevil]

any update on a code? was hoping to pick a set up this weekend during expo...thought they might go on sale

[@tmorley4113]

​​@@greeendevilMAFIA is the code I used and still works. The lights look amazing on my Godzilla 70th!

[@bullhidebelts5274]

I got 30 sets of slim metal Pinlights a month ago. Sorry love pinstadiums but these are half the price. He has great CS.

[@willierants5880]

After checking, this product isn't half the price, but yes it's less expensive than the ridiculously priced Pin Stadiums, but at $250 + s/h per game these are still ridiculously expensive. At least to me they are. We could break down the cost of these fairly easy, but really a manufacturer can charge whatever the market will bare so my complaints or issues are all moot and more just belly aching. I'll wait for competition to do its thing, hopefully it will drive down the huge margins a bit.

[@CaryHardy]

Classic Pinlights without addons = $194 w/shipping. Pinstadium Neo Atoms (these are closest to the Pinlights when it comes to the kind of lighting) = $410 w/shipping. I'm no expert at math, but that is damn near, if not more than half the price. Although I see that Pinstadium is now for 'some' reason immediately discounting $40 to make it $370...

[@peggrav8190]

Good review, but this is not a rocket science model in 2024. They are both nice, and great work by their makers. However ws2812 LEDs are not expensive anymore, controllers, and/or sound controllers have come a long way, and are now readily available on Amazon, ebay, etc, for a fraction of the cost. I'm working on expression lights for John wick now for about $60-70. Will I have an app? No, but an infrared remote is inexpensive. This is a great product for the average buyer, I'm just not a fan of the price points. Great video as always Cary.

[@mannymets5687]

Somebody needs to make a more economic Color DMD option.

[@King_Henry]

Pin Stadium’s have had the monopoly that needs a company like PinLights..Don’t be a Stern; offer a good product at a good price..don’t sting the masses just because you’re the ‘only guy doing it’. Obviously the call was heard. Game over Monopoly guy 🤓. I own a neo atom and it’s nice, but not for the price. It’s fricken two light bars guys. I’m ordering some pin lights soon. Pinstadium your reign is ending.

[@patp9819]

no promo codes?

[@CaryHardy]

Nope. Sorry. I guess that's what happens when the price is lower in comparison to the competition.

[@greeendevil]

Great video but holy hell stop pacing back and forth 😂

[@aprilfalls2405]

pinstadium's price invited competition

[@arcadesurvival8469]

Pin lights appear to be user friendly compared to pin stadium

[@bojaxn]

They seem to hang out a bit far of the side.

[@adamstar7516]

Pity they are always out of stock

[@Pinlights]

Hey there! Pinlights here. We've halted sales for two reasons: 1. To catch up with the backlog and 2. get more inventory in. The only thing we're waiting on are cables. I've also put in an order for cables at another fabricator so that we've got multiple options, more inventory and hopefully faster lead times. If you want, go to our website, click on the product you want, then enter your email to be notified when we're back in stock. The next time we open stock up, we don't anticipate running out for a GOOD long while. We appreciate the patience, and sorry you're having to wait a bit longer than anticipated!