Knowledge
Pinball Glossary
The Pinball Glossary is your go-to reference for technical terms from the world of pinball machines. From mechanical parts to electronic components and game terminology, we explain all the important terms in a clear and practical way. Whether you own your first pinball machine, are planning a restoration, or are looking for the specific meaning of a particular part—you’ll find concise and easy-to-understand explanations here. The encyclopedia is continuously updated and offers both beginners and experienced pinball fans a central repository of knowledge covering technology, game mechanics, and replacement parts.
Pinball rubbers are among the classic wear parts of a pinball machine. They are located in numerous places on the playfield, where they perform various functions. They provide grip and rebound for the ball, protect components from direct impacts, and, in some cases, have a significant influence on how fast and dynamic a pinball game plays.
The flipper bat is one of the most recognizable components of a pinball machine. For the player, it is the most important tool for shooting the ball precisely across the playfield, hitting ramps, and keeping the ball in play as long as possible. What looks like a relatively simple plastic part when viewed from above is, however, only the visible part of a much more complex mechanism located beneath the playfield.
The pinball coil—commonly referred to as a “coil” in English-speaking countries—is one of the most important electromechanical components of a pinball machine. Virtually every movement within a pinball machine is generated directly or indirectly by a coil. Whether it’s moving the flippers, triggering a pop bumper, ejecting a ball, or resetting a drop target—in most cases, a pinball coil is responsible for that movement.