Which LED bulbs for my Pinball Machine?

There are so many types of LED bulbs available these days, that it is hard to choose the correct one for your pin.
Thereby the LED bulbs has become much better in quality in recent years, but old/bad ones are still available on the market.
That's why we have made a selection of only the latest and best LED bulbs, which we think are the best choice for a pinball machine.
With our explanation below, we would like to help you to make a correct LED bulbs choice for your pinball machine.

The differences between the LED bulbs in our shop:
Frosted: This is most similar with the traditional light bulb, the perfect replacement if you like the pin to have an original look.
Clear: Also similar with the traditional light bulb, just a bit brighter, ideal for places that needs more lighting.
FLUX: Ideal for inserts and spots. With Flux LED bulbs, the ghosting/flickering effect is minimal.
SMD: Similar with Flux, just a bit more bright.

What is Ghosting/Flickering?
Ghosting: The LED bulb stays on a little bit, while it should be completely off.
Flickering: The LED bulb flickers a bit.
Most people won't even notice the ghosting/flickering effect, unless they are pointed to and pays attention to it.
Some might find it very annoying and some doesn't notice it at all.
You can eliminate the ghosting/flickering effect completely with a LED OCD board.

BA9, T10, BA15, T15???
These are the names for the fitting used by the LED / Light bulb.
BA9 is mostly used for GI lighting, other names: #44 and Bayonet.
T10 is mostly used for Insert lighting, other names: #555 en Wedge.
BA15(s) and T15 are used for flashers.

Which LED where to use? Flux, SMD, Frosted or Clear?
The most beautifull effect is created when you use a combination of these LED bulbs.
For example, use Flux and SMD for inserts, Frosted beneath the plastics and Clear also beneath plastics where it can be a bit brighter.
Use Frosted LED bulbs at places where you are looking straight into, so you won't be blinded by the bulb.
You can use a combination in the backbox, for example use a FLUX or SMD to light up a specific spot on the translite.
And use Frosted or Clear LED bulbs if you want the light to be diffused as much as possible behind the translite.
Ps. Frosted and Clear LED bulbs can also be used for inserts, but you might get a bit more ghosting/flickering (recommended: LED OCD board).

Replace Flashers with LED Flashers?
Yes, we we would do that! A traditional Flasher bulb can get very hot and uses a lot of energy.
A higher electricity bill, worn power driver board and plastics getting melted are reasons to choose for LED bulbs.
We have two types of flashers available, Super Flux and 9x Round.
You can use the Super Flux in domes (360 degree lighting) and the 9x Round for below the playfield/insert or backboard (direct lighting).

Warm White or Cold/Cool White?
For an original look, just like with traditional bulbs, go for Warm White 100%.
Warm White has about the same color as a traditional bulb, so a perfect replacement..
So with Warm White LED bulbs you are not only keeping the pin original, but you also have the advantages of LED bulbs (saving energy).

Cold White has a very modern look, very beautifull in modern pinball machines.
But also beautifull in older machines with a fitting theme, for example Twilight Zone, TX Sector other pins with a futuristic theme.
With Cold White LED bulbs, the true color of an insert or plastic is shown.
For example a white insert will be really white, while with a traditional bulb it is more yellowish.

Colored LED bulbs?
This is where the LED fun begins, you can play with colors!
A colored LED bulb makes the color of an insert or plastic much more intense.
For example, if you place a blue LED below a blue insert or plastic, the blue will be much more intense / deeper blue.
The pin will have a much more lively, colorfull and modern look.
It is also recommended for the backbox, with a correct choice of LED colors, the translite will look much better.
But you have to like it ofcouse, it is a matter of taste.

Point of Attention: Not all LED colors have the same intensity/brightness.
For example the colors cold white, warm white, blue, green and red are brighter/intenser than the colors yellow, orange, pink and purple.

Where can I order LED bulbs for my Pinball Machine?
Of course at PinballShop.nl, you can browse our LED bulbs here: http://www.pinballshop.nl/pinball-leds/