Swappable Flipper Bats

[swinks]

Have had this idea for a while and finally finished a few versions and testing a set of ghost buster bats now.

To be honest flipper bats aren't the easiest and quickest item to swap out especially if you like a change in looks etc - we tend to stick a set in and use them for a long time - I do anyway.

So I came up with an idea where the post is separate to the bat and locks into the flipper mech like a regular bat. When installing the post you fit it with a bat already installed to alight the bat front face with the inlane guide. Then if you want a change of the bat you simply remove the playfield glass and undo one screw and lift off the bat and then re-install a new bat in a different colour or style.

The meaning of style is - everyone knows that a regular bat is 3" but what if you want to have a fun comp night and make a game tougher then install a set of 2 7/8" bats or if you want to close up the flipper gap on say a Trudeau game which is commonly a 7 1/8" flipper post spacing with a new set of 3 1/8" bats then drop in a set of these for just a comp night or for the kids to have a better chance of hitting the ball. Or something funky have one side as 2 7/8" and the other 3 1/8" for a fun comp night. Also the angle of the bat remains the same on install from one size to another so align once when you install the posts and then just swap bats and maintain the correct alignment with the inlane guide.

So far I have about 100 games on my test set of ghostbuster pke meter flippers and they are going strong. I will also have 2 types of posts with one being hollow which is in testing with the intention of running wiring through the post and inside the bats to light up pke meter bulbs or other features. Still not released just yet but just thought to share as all designed and just need to be tested.

And if you have a few different sets in your goodie bag there is a easy identification marking to determine what size the bat is, with a series of dots near the square shaft entrance on the underside of the bat.
- 1 dot = 2 7/8" (custom)
- 2 dots = 3" (regular)
- 3 dots = 3 1/8" (custom)

There you have a new flipper system that means the posts stay installed and you change the bats when you feel like it within a few minutes, and considering in the future adding custom features to the top of bats similar to the boney fingers.

below is the post and 3 different flippers

[swinks]

here is the custom ghostbuster flipper bats that I am currently testing with the hollow stainless steel shafts

the difference with this set is that the original idea is the screw is in under the rubber which is hidden but a little bit of pain to access the screw so will have 2 versions of some of the bats (not all) but the post will accept back fastening and top fastening.

[Boots]

Been done before but didn't stick

http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/images/GTB%20flip%20baton.jpg

[swinks]

I have been asked about the weight comparisons - my design compared with the available injection molded ones

weights are in metric = grams

Note: not including the flipper rubber which averages about 7.5 grams per rubber

Bats:
Regular Williams Bats with a Logo = 27 grams
Regular Sega Bats with a S Logo = 28 grams
Aluminum Machined Bats (from Pinball Life) = 48 grams

Swinks Design Re-moveable Bats including the fastening screw:
Regular 3" = 32 grams
GB Bat v1 3" = 35.5 grams

so really nothing in it and the weight is mostly at the pivot point so won't have hardy any effect and with the ones I have been playing for a few weeks now - playing really well.

Progress update - currently working on interchangeable lit bats all to fit the standard fitted post without lifting the playfield

[swinks]

nearly ready 5 different bats - 8-9 colour choice, with 2 PKE flipper types.

Red - 2 7/8" bats
Purple & White - 3" bats
Yellow & Black - 3 1/8" bats for those wanting to close up the Trudeau gap

[pinball god]

looks like a great idea. easy changable flippers to suit all occasions. I know I hate replacing bats where you have to line them up while trying to tighten the shaft etc. glws's 

[swinks]

funny enough I don't expect to sell many as people are so use to spending $10 on a set of flippers and these won't be that cheap.

it was a idea that I wanted to test out and it works and there is some interest but what will be will be.

[Strangeways]

I think it is a great idea. 

Nothing worse than changing the bats and then realizing you don't like the colours !

[swinks]

I have uploaded the files to Shapeways and unfortunately it will be a product that needs the customer to tap a few holes so sadly I don't expect many sales. This is because if I shipped the parts to Aus, tapped the holes and shipped back to the US or Europe the additional postage cost alone would be $30USD alone on top of the flipper set in which no one will buy.

I am happy to help people out at cost for a tap and some bolts in a envelop for around $10 AUD or for someone to buy a small batch of posts and tap and distribute locally in your country as a reseller or help out mates.

Unfortunately not the cheapest mod at the cheapest set from shapeways at about $74 USD and dearest full optioned out set at $90 USD. But on the flip side the 3 1/8" bats can change how a game plays eg ghostbusters flipper gap can be reduced to a regular game almost. So in comparison to regular available flippers this is an expensive upgrade but compared to other mods that just sit there and blink this is a affordable mod and functional.

leave it to you to decide, these still have to tested more so can offer the first 1-2 people keen my 20% shapeways royality back as a refund as well as post the tap and screws & postage free of charge so you can help me test.

the flipper parts can be found here
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinksflipper&sort=name

also the blank flippers on top I have opened up a custom text feature so you can put a event name, game name, business name on there as a engraved feature.

Manual and flipper set images to be added very soon to this post.

I will be working on lit flippers and other flippers with unique game features in the near future. In the end I am doing this for myself and not phased if they don't sell but would be stoked if a few people bought them.

[swinks]

here is the manual, all the best

I will be ordering some parts and upgrade the manual with real pictures, not renders in the near future and will be doing a set of (s)lime green 3 1/8" bats, and a set of 3" PKE GB bats.