why Pinball shooter lanes protectors are essential
If you own a pinball machine, you know that keeping it in top condition is key to preserving its value and playability. One of the most vulnerable areas of any machine is the shooter lane. The shooter lane sees constant impact from the pinball, which can cause visible grooves, wood chipping, and ball swirl marks.
That’s why pinball shooter lane protectors are a must-have for any owner who wants to protect their investment before damage occurs. In this guide, we’ll explore why shooter lane protectors are essential, the different types available, and purchasing options for high-quality, game-specific protection.
What is a pinball shooter lane protector
A shooter lane protector is a specialized guard that prevents damage to the shooter lane. Without protection, this part of your playfield can suffer from chipping, ball trails, or even deep divots that reduce the value of your machine.
A well-installed protector preserves the lane’s original look while ensuring smooth ball travel. A shooter lane protector offers two main benefits:
Prevents Wear and Tear
A protector absorbs this damage, keeping your playfield pristine before issues arise. Playfield clear coating that becomes chipped or damaged opens the playfield wood to damage that is very difficult to fix. A damaged shooter lane can be repaired however the process requires expertise and skills (see this great resource on repairing your pinball shooter lane by Treasure Cove).
Maintains Resale Value Pinball collectors know that a well-maintained playfield significantly affects a machine’s resale price. Installing a shooter lane protector ensures that this high-impact area remains in top shape, helping retain your pinball machine’s value over time.
Types of pinball shooter lanes
Not all shooter lane protectors are the same. Different materials and designs offer varying levels of protection and benefit. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options along with the pros and cons associated with each.
Mylar protectors
Film Protectors are made of a thin, transparent adhesive film (Mylar) with a backside adhesive that is applied to the playfield in the shooter lane area. It provides a basic level of protection by absorbing minor impacts and reducing surface friction. Mylar is sold in a roll or sheet for this purpose (available from Marco Specialties) and is cut into size and shape necessary.
Pros: Invisible once installed; readily available and inexpensive.
Cons: Wears out over time, does not provide heavy-duty protection, DIY shaping of material required; sticky residue over time can cause damage to playfield.
Stainless steel protectors
These protectors are designed to cover portions of the shooter lane in the area where the ball loads into the lane. Cliffy’s Protectors are the industry standard in stainless protectors. They fit a wide range of Williams/Bally and modern Stern games.
Pros: Durable, prevents wood damage on covered areas, sleek metallic aesthetic, does not alter machine aesthetics.
Cons: Does not cover entire surface of shooter lane; limited production makes availability an issue.
Hard Plastic protectors
This variation of protectors sits atop the shooter lane and provides great protection from ball damage. These 3D-printed protectors come in a variety of lengths as well as colors. They include permanent adhesive on the underside for installation. Variations of these is made by Pinball Medics in Canada and on Pinside (as shown in this photo).
Pros: Stronger than Mylar, provides maximum protection from ball damage; easy to clean.
Cons: May break more easily due to rigidity; may change ball trajectory due to thickness.
flexible plastic protectors
This variation of protectors is made of flexible, thin plastic that is molded to the shape and size of the shooter lane.
Shock-absorbing material reduces impact damage. Invisible once installed, allowing playfield artwork to remain visible. Reusable and removable—perfect for operators or frequent maintenance. Self-securing with no adhesive needed. The flexible plastic variation hit a middle ground between Mylar and hard plastic offering cushion, protection and minimizing damage.
Manufactured by Pinball Universe, these protectors are available for a variety of modern games from Mezel Mods.
Pros: Maximum protection from ball damage; easy to clean, invisible in the shooter lane.
Cons: May break more easily due to rigidity; may change ball trajectory.
Why mezel mods shooter lane?
Investing in a shooter lane protector is a simple and affordable way to protect your pinball machine from long-term damage. Don’t wait until you see wear—prevent it now with a high-quality flexible plastic protector from Mezel Mods. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference! Browse our selection of shooter lane protectors here and keep your pinball machine in top condition for years to come!