Benchmark Hails Test Results Of Crossover Kinetic Venders

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS:Benchmark is now shipping Beat the Goalie and Beat The Monsters. The kinetic bulk venders are designed for both street and FEC locations, appealing to bulk and amusement operators alike.

"Beat the Monsters outperformed some traditional nine-head bulk racks by a good amount," said Jeff Peveler of National Entertainment Network (Broomfield, CO). "We are going to give Beat the Goalie a try on the next round, just so that we have a variety of models."

The successful tests augur well for Benchmark's entry into the bulk vending sector. The Hypoluxo, FL, manufacturer is now applying the same creativity to bulk vending that has earned it an enviable reputation for such distinctive coin-op games as Drill-O-Matic, Monster Drop and Slam-A-Winner.

The first coin-op game company in recent memory to enter bulk vending, Benchmark chose a time when competition among new equipment concepts is scarce, especially for kinetic designs. The company is seeking to approach the bulk market with extensive gameplay knowledge and a successful track record in the amusement field.

"We're looking to increase location opportunity for products," said Benchmark's Tony Maniscalco. "The idea is to offer the look and feel of a game while delivering a prize every time."

Maniscalco explained that the venders truly are crossover units because they include a genuine level of gameplay. Moreover, they readily cross over from family entertainment centers to many street locations. "They'll fit in a family buffet restaurant, pizza parlor, ice cream shop and supermarket, as well as FECs, arcades and bowling centers," he reported.

The two differently themed games feature the same gameplay: a gumball or high-bounce ball drops into the top of the ramp and begins a gravity-powered series of adventures. On its way down, it encounters a series of seven character bumpers, or "guardians," that extend and retract from the playfield. If one of these bumpers pushes the gumball or ball off the ramp, then the product is vended and the game ends. However, if the product makes it all the way to the end of the ramp and past the seventh bumper, another gumball or ball is released onto the ramp. The number of potential additional product wins is programmable by the operator.

Beat the Goalie and Beat the Monsters both measure 71" high x 25" wide x 18" deep, taking up little more floor space than a conventional dual-head bulk vender. Both units feature long-life LED lighting, adjustable sound and operator programming play parameters for maximum payout. Spanish-language versions are available.

"Bulk vending is a new market for Benchmark, and we plan to continue in it with the release of more machines in the future," Maniscalco said. "We feel this will really help operators tap into a new revenue stream, regardless of whether they are location-based, bulk vending or coin-op amusement."