Pinball

GAD knows Pinball. Articles about new pinball games. How to place pinball in the best locations. How to choose a pinball machine for your home. Best tips on fixing pinball games. Greater America Distributing knows pinball machines and how to fix them. An authorized dealer of Stern Pinball, Chicago Pinball, Valley-Dynamo Pinball and Chicago Pinball. Distributing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa.

Black Friday Shaken, Not Stirred Free Shaker Motor
Black Friday Shaken, Not Stirred Free Shaker Motor 940 788 GAD Vending

Black Friday Shaken, Not Stirred Free Shaker Motor is almost over. But there’s still time today to call us and arrange for the pinball of your dreams!

GAD has pinball in stock and can get yours ready for curbside pick-up before Thanksgiving. But don’t wait! 

New Pinball under the tree? GAD will install a Free shaker motor.
New Pinball under the tree? GAD will install a Free shaker motor. 1080 1080 GAD Vending

Does your family and friends love pinball? Why not add one to your home game room? It’s a great family pass time plus it keeps the kids interested staying home!

GAD has many titles of pinball in stock in our warehouses in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City. Plus GAD is an Authorized Distributor for the best pinball in the industry.

Shake it up! Now through 11/22/2022 – GAD will give you a FREE shaker motor, installed, with any pinball game purchase.

If you need it before Thanksgiving, no problem. We have lots to choose from to pick up or arrange delivery.

If you want to put it under the tree, we can keep your game until you are ready to surprise the family.

Stern Pinball, a family time to play. Join Stern by buying a pinball game for home or commercial locations.

Up Your Game Room
Up Your Game Room 800 598 GAD Vending

A home game room can be as simple as the niche under the stairs or as elaborate as you can imagine.

These are some of the ideas you should consider:

  • What kind of space do you have? 
    • Basement, attic, garage, or unused dining room.
    • Adding a three season room.
  • How much space does my favorite game need? 
    • Darts require a 5′ wide x 11 ‘ long to safely play.
    • For an average pinball machine dimensions are 29″ wide x 76″ tall x 56″ deep.
      • Make sure you can fit the machine through the door and turns in the staircase.
    • Rule of thumb for shuffleboard is to add 2′ to each side of the table plus 3′ at either end to the dimensions of the table.
    • Pool Table minimum space is 14′ x 18′. (Yes, GAD has commercial grade pool tables too.)
  • How should I decide what game to buy?
    • Personal taste.
    • Who’s going to play? Adults, kids, mix?
      • Do you want all the kids in the neighborhood?
      • Do you want to be the entertainment spot for all your friends?
    • Space limitations.
    • Team vs Individual play.
  • Relax the Space
    • You should consider where the TV’s are going.
    • Sofa or other relax space.
    • Bar or fridge.
    • Consider a basketball station or other games to play between machines.
    • Make a “circuit”. Create a flow to compete with your family and friends around the room.
  • Lighting
    • Lighting can set the mood. Create excitement. Add dimension to the games.
    • Many don’t think of lighting and do a last minute rush job, but don’t! You’ll want to see the silver ball, darts or pool angles to completely enjoy your games.

At GAD we’ve seen many amazing game rooms – and we posted a few ideas on this article for you to consider. And, we are happy to help you answer the preliminary design questions before you commit to your project.

Bonus – between now and 11/22/2022 we are giving a free shaker motor, installed, to any new purchase of home pinball.

Favorite Stern Titles Remain Available
Favorite Stern Titles Remain Available 940 788 GAD Vending

Stern has made the decision to keep in production many of our favorite titles. Some of these games have been available for awhile but remain popular because these are that good. Popular with both adults and kids, these games transcend to just being a great play.

Stern has continued to improve every game in its current production catalog. Games have kept improving with the new Stern Insider Connected and improved code updates. We also see new headers and accessories for a lot of games.

While we enjoy the entire Stern catalog, these are three of our favorites.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball is available in Pro and Premium. Limited Edition is sold out. GAD stocks TMNT pinball and we do sell to home users. Call us for current pricing and availability.

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, trained in the art of ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Master Splinter. Is New York City ready for these radical reptile brothers?  With a sick sewer lair and tough friends like April O’Neil and Casey Jones, the Turtles are about to face evils more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have ever imagined.  In this pinball adventure players will go to battle as the Turtles fight villains like Shredder, the Krang and loads of super-powerful mutants, to become the heroes they were destined to be, and have loads of fun along the way!

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as a comic book, morphed into a hit animated show, and has grown into a beloved and iconic global pop culture phenomenon.  We have worked directly with Nickelodeon to bring these heroes in a half-shell into the pinball dimension.  This game has pure pinball power,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an interactive custom sculpted Turtles Van, equipped to lock up to 4 balls inside with a mechanical opening/closing side door, ready to unleash multiball havoc upon players.  These models also feature the iconic TMNT Glider, a custom-sculpted, player-controlled diverter assembly stationed above both ramps, giving players the ability to control and transport the ball to the flipper of their choice.  In addition, a custom-sculpted mechanical Krang toy hovers over the pop bumpers, jumping up and down while taunting players throughout game action.

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature distinct hand-drawn art in addition to a high speed magnetic spinning pizza disc capable of holding and throwing 3 balls during pizza multiball mayhem.  The original 1987 theme music complements the action with custom video scenes and events created exclusively for this pinball experience.  All models include 3 flippers, 3 high speed ramps, and a hidden ninja training ball lock area.

The LE model is limited to 500 units globally.  The LE model includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park pinball is available in an affordable home edition. Jurassic Park Pro, Premium and Limited Edition are not available currently. GAD stocks Jurassic Park but call us for current versions, incoming and order from Stern.

A Pinball Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making… Stern Pinball Announces New Jurassic Park Home Edition™, a new stylish, affordable, and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home!

Jurassic Park Home Edition immerses players in a pinball journey 65 million years in the making. Based on the blockbuster film Jurassic Park from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the Jurassic Park Home Edition experience will transport players to Isla Nublar, an amusement park where escaped dinosaurs are running amok! With the volcano on the island erupting and threatening to destroy everything in its path, it is the player’s mission to rescue park staff, evacuate and recapture dinosaurs, and escape before it’s too late! Players will experience heart-pounding excitement right from the start in this action-packed pinball adventure filled with suspense, twists, and turns around every flip.

Jurassic Park Home Edition brings to life the most fearsome predator ever to walk the earth with an interactive, custom sculpted T. rex. Players will battle against the Spinosaurus by bashing a captive ball and corral Raptors in their enclosed pen with precision shooting. Fast flowing metal ramps, lightning quick spinners, and kinetically satisfying physical drop targets will provide players with an adrenalized game experience packed with unmatched action and fun. The all-LED playfield lighting provides dazzling light shows in sync with the iconic Jurassic Park theme music to create an immersive pinball experience.

The easy-to-setup Jurassic Park Home Edition is affordable, reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts. The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition, hand-drawn artwork. Complementing the iconic theme and exciting gameplay, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the LCD display. SPIKE™ also reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

“Jurassic Park is an iconic film featuring something we all love…dinosaurs! The Jurassic Park Home Edition is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “This game will be an incredible addition to any home!”

Star Wars

Star Wars is available in stock or for order in a number of options. Star Wars pinball in Pro and Premium are available. Plus there are two versions of Star Wars home editions. Call us for current inventory, incoming pinball or to order.

Star Wars pinball machines will be available in Pro and Premium models. The game will immerse players in the dynamic and challenging Star Wars pinball environment as they battle to restore justice to the Galaxy. Stern’s Star Wars Pro, machines are packed with features that provide an irresistible game experience. The game includes select speech and footage from the original Star Wars trilogy; color-changing LED-lighted inserts; and a sculpted TIE Fighter.

Stern Pinball’s Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is a new stylish, affordable and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home.  Stern’s new Star Wars™ Home Edition™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ galaxy.  The Home Edition™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter.

The easy to setup Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is built to last and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition artwork.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides optimal color and brilliant light shows.

“The Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We are pleased to bring these pinball machines celebrating the Star Wars™ galaxy and adventures to our fans.”

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

Stern’s new Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ galaxy.  The Home Edition™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter.

Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ pinball machines feature the artwork of one of today’s most popular artists, Randy Martinez.  Randy has been illustrating for over 30 years receiving countless accolades for his work.  Randy has been creating cartoons, caricatures, illustrations, paintings, and 3D art for Lucasfilm since 1999.

The easy-to-setup Star Wars™Comic Art Home Edition™ is reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition artwork.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides optimal color and brilliant light shows.

“The Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We are pleased to bring these pinball machines celebrating the Star Wars™ galaxy and adventures to our fans with beautiful new comic artwork.”

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

Shake Up Your Black Friday with a Free Shaker Motor
Shake Up Your Black Friday with a Free Shaker Motor 940 788 GAD Vending

Why not shake up your Black Friday by shopping – and picking up – early a new pinball game to play all weekend.

GAD will install a shaker motor in all new pinball games sold for home use between 11/11/2022-11/22/2022.

Of course, the newest Stern offering, Bond 007, is the perfect gift. All the villian drama. Bond girls. Underwater fight scene. And yours will be shaking, not stirred!

Lots of other pinball titles in stock. Many on the way. And we can order from Stern, American Pinball and Jersey Jack any current title.

If you want to take advantage of the shaker motor but this is for “under the tree”, we can help. Let us know when you pay for your game and we’ll hold for a later pick up date.

6 Tips to Play Pinball Like A Pro
6 Tips to Play Pinball Like A Pro 940 788 GAD Vending

Always wanted to be a pinball wizard? Seek to impress your friends with your pinball skills? Love the game and want to improve?

Pinball is like any other game – it takes practice and strategies to become a better player. Try these 6 tips to become a better player and always remember to have a great time playing.

  1. Each pinball machine is different. Even the same exact game iteration. The balance of each machine is unique to the floor. Time of play on a game can change they way it performs. Each game is not maintained the same causing the gears and rubber pieces to perform differently.
  2. Read the rules of the games from the manufacturers.
    • All of the games have something posted on the internet about the games rules and how to activate certain advanced features.
    • The flashing lights and frantic sounds are trying to tell you something. Decoding the action will help you take those risky shots for high rewards.
    • The rules also give you the scoring rhythms. This will build your strategy for the order of shots you’ll want to make.
  3. Take tips from any (or all) of these YouTubers.
    • Dead Flip
    • Abe Flips is a good channel to watch. His videos help you understand the angles and how to use certain techniques to improve your score. For full clips, be sure to visit AbeFlips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AbeFlips 
    • Home Leisure Direct has a full channel of various games including pinball. Try this article to hit the pinball highlights.
  4. Learn the game.
    • Think one to two moves ahead.
    • Never have both flippers up at the same time.
    • Master the plunger.
    • Have a strategy for each ball. By score or by special feature achieved.
  5. Use the game’s scoring apps to help you track the various games you are trying to master. This way you can determine what is working best for you and track your scoring. It also helps you set goals for improvement.
  6. Don’t freak out! Mastering pinball actually takes time and practice.
    • Work on your hand-eye coordination.
    • Practice your flipper timing to maximize each ball.
    • Take the time to practice an extra game to learn the game idiosyncrasies before you play for a score.

And, if you want to talk with a pinball enthusiast about buying your own game, more tips and tricks, and where the best places are to play – GAD knows Pinball.

Home Game Room Pinball at Affordable Prices
Home Game Room Pinball at Affordable Prices 940 788 GAD Vending

Stern pinball has created a line of affordable home game room pinball machines that are all the game without the commercial price. As an authorized distributor, GAD has many of these titles in stock and ready for curbside pick up.

Here’s the lineup:

Jurassic Park Home Edition

A Pinball Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making… Stern Pinball Announces New Jurassic Park Home Edition™, a new stylish, affordable, and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home!

Jurassic Park Home Edition immerses players in a pinball journey 65 million years in the making. Based on the blockbuster film Jurassic Park from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the Jurassic Park Home Edition experience will transport players to Isla Nublar, an amusement park where escaped dinosaurs are running amok! With the volcano on the island erupting and threatening to destroy everything in its path, it is the player’s mission to rescue park staff, evacuate and recapture dinosaurs, and escape before it’s too late! Players will experience heart-pounding excitement right from the start in this action-packed pinball adventure filled with suspense, twists, and turns around every flip.

Jurassic Park Home Edition brings to life the most fearsome predator ever to walk the earth with an interactive, custom sculpted T. rex. Players will battle against the Spinosaurus by bashing a captive ball and corral Raptors in their enclosed pen with precision shooting. Fast flowing metal ramps, lightning quick spinners, and kinetically satisfying physical drop targets will provide players with an adrenalized game experience packed with unmatched action and fun. The all-LED playfield lighting provides dazzling light shows in sync with the iconic Jurassic Park theme music to create an immersive pinball experience.

The easy-to-setup Jurassic Park Home Edition is affordable, reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts. The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition, hand-drawn artwork. Complementing the iconic theme and exciting gameplay, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the LCD display. SPIKE™ also reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

“Jurassic Park is an iconic film featuring something we all love…dinosaurs! The Jurassic Park Home Edition is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “This game will be an incredible addition to any home!”

Star Wars Home Edition

Stern Pinball’s Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is a new stylish, affordable and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home.  Stern’s new Star Wars™ Home Edition™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ galaxy.  The Home Edition™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter.

The easy to setup Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is built to last and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition artwork.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides optimal color and brilliant light shows.

“The Star Wars™ Home Edition™ is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We are pleased to bring these pinball machines celebrating the Star Wars™ galaxy and adventures to our fans.”

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

Star Wars Comic Art Edition

Stern’s new Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ galaxy.  The Home Edition™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter.

Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ pinball machines feature the artwork of one of today’s most popular artists, Randy Martinez.  Randy has been illustrating for over 30 years receiving countless accolades for his work.  Randy has been creating cartoons, caricatures, illustrations, paintings, and 3D art for Lucasfilm since 1999.

The easy-to-setup Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ is reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition artwork.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides optimal color and brilliant light shows.

“The Star Wars™ Comic Art Home Edition™ is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We are pleased to bring these pinball machines celebrating the Star Wars™ galaxy and adventures to our fans with beautiful new comic artwork.”

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

As you have questions on these pinball games or others you’ve played in an arcade, give us a call. GAD Knows Pinball

Match your costume to your pinball….
Match your costume to your pinball…. 940 788 GAD Vending

Taking Halloween very, very seriously – these folks have matched their Halloween costume to their favorite pinball. Thanks for sharing your photos!

GAD has a number of great pinball in stock to complete the picture. Call us for a current list.

In coming pinball includes Stern’s 007 Bond collection.

In stock (as if writing this post):

  •  Oktoberfest
  • Legends of Valhalla Deluxe
  • Guns N Roses LE
  • Cactus Canyon SE
  • Led Zeppelin Pro
  • Led Zeppelin Premium
  • Mandalorian Premium
  • Mandalorian Pro
  • Star Wars Premium

Legends of Valhalla Classic Pinball
Legends of Valhalla Classic Pinball 940 788 GAD Vending

Legends of Valhalla is an immersive pinball machine which brings the player into the world of the Norse gods and other Viking mythology. The game is a standard body design, utilizing three flippers offering a variety of fast and unique shots, including 3 metal ramps. The game rules have a variety of objectives that the player must either start or complete as they work their way through the game attempting to not only reach the wizard mode Valhalla, the majestic hall of dead Vikings, but also advance to the final epic battle known as Ragnarok, the super wizard mode.
Legends of Valhalla, designed by Riot Pinball, joins a ever stronger catalog by American Pinball. Legends of Valhalla joins Hot Wheels, Houdini, and Oktoberfest in offering the pinball public great games for the entire family.
Order your home or office game room pinball from GAD today!

What Should You Add to Your Home Game Room?
What Should You Add to Your Home Game Room? 940 788 GAD Vending

A home game room can be as simple as the niche under the stairs or as elaborate as you can imagine.

These are some of the ideas you should consider:

  • What kind of space do you have? 
    • Basement, attic, garage, bedroom, or other unused space.
  • How much space does my ultimate game need? 
    • Darts require a 5′ wide x 11 ‘ long to safely play.
    • For an average machine dimensions are 29″ wide x 76″ tall x 56″ deep. Make sure you can fit the machine through the door.
    • Rule of thumb for shuffleboard is to add 2′ to each side of the table plus 3′ at either end to the dimensions of the table.
    • Pool Table minimum space is 14′ x 18′. (Yes, GAD has commercial grade pool tables too.)
  • What game should I buy?
    • Personal taste.
    • Who’s going to play? Adults, kids, mix?
  • Relax the Space
    • You should consider where a TV is going. Or at least one TV.
    • Sofa or other relax space.
    • Bar or fridge.
    • Basketball station.
  • Lighting
    • Many don’t think of lighting or skimp, but don’t! You’ll want to see the silver ball, darts or pool angles to completely enjoy your games.

At GAD we’ve seen many amazing game rooms. And, we are happy to help you answer the preliminary design questions before you commit to your project.

GAD Vending

Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending) is your premier marketer of vending equipment and amusement games in Mid America.  The company has been operating for over 30 years with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines.

Omaha

6161 Grover Street, Omaha,
NE 68106

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

Kansas City

3230 Roanake Road, Kansas City,
MO 64111

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

Des Moines

2105 SE 37 Street, Grimes,
Iowa 50111

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

Greater America Distributing

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