Review: Tom Wible Pinball Basics DVD
Marc
I bought Tom Wible's Pinball Basics DVD. The short review is that is
it is a good video, delivers as advertised, and well worth the $20.
Tom covers the basics like aiming, passing, catching, nudging,
multiball, saving, and outlane control. He also shows these
techniques on 3 or 4 machines (and makes me regret selling my
Embryon.. stupid... stupid!). These are probably not new concepts to
everyone here, but I suspect that many of us could improve in these
areas. The camera angles and instruction were clear.
The only real knock I have is that the cheesy music was a little
distracting.
Overall this was a great effort and perfect introduction to pinball, I
could see casual players like my dad and my brother learning a good
deal from this video.
Marc Marasco
The Jew
I watched the preview on Youtube and your right. I think it's time to
overlay a new soundtrack or maybe adjust the levels so it's not so
distracting, It's kind of hard to even hear what he is saying over the
bow chika bow wow music.
The Jew
BTW I really wish Tom would make the LOTR shooters again. Mine broke
and my LOTR pin just hasn't been the same since. :(
TG
I bought and watched Tom's DVD too, and I'm glad I did. I didn't
really find the music to be a distraction, as I was more focused on
the content. This DVD teaches and demonstrates fundamentals, which I
believe everyone can benefit from. I was never much of a nudger when I
started out playing pinball, but know that it is essential to having
better and longer games. This DVD covers how to effectively do that.
I've been practicing my outlane saves and post passes more since
watching it, and I think I'm improving somewhat. I would recommend it
to all as an instructional how-to, as well as to those who already
know but could use a refresher.
Todd
Kwisatz
>
Mine broke too. Wouldn't new one's eventually break again? Has
anyone's survived?
Steve
twilightzonepinball
>
Sad to hear about the shooter. Was it a second generation with the
spring-washer-shoulder?
-Tom
twilightzonepinball
>
> - Show quoted text -
The audio on the preview is not the same as the DVD. I mentioned that
in the comments but you might have missed that.
-Tom
twilightzonepinball
Marc,
Glad to hear you enjoyed it and thanks for the review. I cheap-o'ed
out on the music and just used the best that my software had in it. I
could have spent 3 months more on the audio, but wanted to get mine
out before 101!
-Tom
BP
>
> - Show quoted text -
Got mine the other day...and enjoyed it...watched it and am waiting
for the more advanced stuff. Wanting to watch someone else do a bang
back, more nugging etc., faster drop catches...the one thing the wife
said, was yeah he does all those moves, but right afterward it went
SDTM or dead on the outlane! I made reference, to the fact you were
demonstrating the shot, not the game strategy at the time...and if you
watch longer you can apply two techniques, and really get that
practice in....later that night I was watching her play while others
were there...and she was practicing the technique...so it sank in.
Kwisatz
>
> Sad to hear about the shooter. Was it a second generation with the
> spring-washer-shoulder?
>
Didn't know there were generations. I guess mine was first generation.
Sure do miss it. Really cool looking mod.
Steve
twilightzonepinball
I might be able to get my vendor to repair the knob. I will look into
it and get back. It would require return of the original.
-Tom
The Jew
Unfortunately my clear globe splintered into multiple pieces on a
launch and there was no saving it. So no chance on any more of them
being made huh? I might buy more then one just in case it broke again.
Are you still selling any of the mods on your site anymore?
twilightzonepinball
Bummer, sorry for that. If you had the ring ($5) and the rod that
would be cool.
-Tom
twilightzonepinball
>
> - Show quoted text -
Not selling mods right now. I do have a bunch of boxes full of stuff
that was left over. I might someday get back into it.
Right now I am selling something which will hopefully mod people's
gameplay for the better.
-Tom
sk8ball
> could have spent 3 months more on the audio, but wanted to get mine
> out before 101!
>
> -Tom
Since P101 has 4 music vids on it we couldn't afford that luxury ;)
twilightzonepinball
Have an ETA on 101?
-Tom
google pinball basics DVD
sk8ball
>
> Have an ETA on 101?
>
> -Tom
When we are satisfied with it I guess. The couple people that have
seen it love it but we keep adding stuff and making tweaks.
twilightzonepinball
That is a good way to go. I did not do a screening then re-edit. I
guess I didn't want perfection and I felt like I had explained the
topics well enough. On that level I think my video works well. At
least that's what everyone so far has said.
-Tom
google Pinball Basics DVD
Marc
> That is a good way to go. I did not do a screening then re-edit. I
> guess I didn't want perfection and I felt like I had explained the
> topics well enough. On that level I think my video works well. At
> least that's what everyone so far has said.
There will obviously be comparisons between the DVDs. However for $20-
$30 a pop, I believe anyone who buys one DVD will likely by both. I
guess it is still questionable if anyone will really re-coup their
costs. However, there are plenty of topics to cover. I would even
buy game specific DVDs tailored towards strategies and play on the 10
most popular machines. I would also buy DVDs where different
recognized "pinball wizards" demonstrate their play philosophies or
tournament strategies.
seymour-shabow
The videos are enjoyable for the most part - I usually buy every one
that comes out. It's worth seeing different things to me.
Waiting for the pinball 101 because it seems like it's just going to be
completely *goofy*!!
-scott CARGPB#29
twilightzonepinball
I was thinking about a game specific DVD. I have been playing WH2O
lately and getting to vacation planner regularly. Not sure I want to
devote another year of my life to making another DVD though!
Matt S.
off... I found the soporific voiceover to be unappealing, and it
started with "...and I am a pinball enthusiast" instead of something
interesting like, "here are a dozen ways to play better."
I may be overly critical, but it all kind of grated on me.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the effort even though from what I have seen
the video is not worth $20 to me. I *might* spend $10 on it and endure
the narration and music.
Sorry for the dissenting view, I am not trying to be a jerk.
twilightzonepinball
No offense. The preview is kinda lame. I should redo it and make it
more representative of the real deal.
sk8ball
> buy game specific DVDs tailored towards strategies and play on the 10
> most popular machines.
That is the plan... after p101. Video strategy guides for certain
popular machines.
Steve C
to be distracting since I have a pool playing video with the same music and got
kind of used to it from watching it over and over. seems to be a common music
theme for videos since I found it on a foosball video too.
Anyway, I learned a couple of things and enjoyed watching it, so considering it
came well packaged for protection from the USPS folks and the shipping price is
included in the 20 dollar price, seemed very fair to me for what I got. I'd like
to see another video from Tom, maybe a game shopping video.
stevebo
twilightzonepinball
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for the positive shout here, I really appreciate it. I had
thought about a resto video. I will put it in the idea bin.
-Tom