Toy Soldier vs Black Tie 30" Crane Game: Which to Pick
By M&P Amusement | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the Toy Soldier 30" and Black Tie 30" crane games on cabinet, weight, and pricing flexibility to choose the right claw machine for your home arcade or route.
Quick answer
Pick the Toy Soldier 30" if you want a fully restored steel-cabinet crane at a lower entry price; choose the Black Tie 30" if you prefer a new machine with a lighter shipping weight and optional bill acceptor. Both are 30-inch-wide cranes with programmable pricing, so the real split is condition, cabinet build, and total delivered cost.
New vs refurbished changes the value math
The Black Tie is listed as new and carries the factory warranty plus free phone support for as long as you own it. The Toy Soldier is refurbished and fully restored, which can be a strong value if you are comfortable with a machine that has prior service history. Neither listing includes a published failure rate or lifespan, so judge condition by the warranty and support terms rather than assumptions about age.
Cabinet and weight affect placement more than play
Both machines share a 76-inch height, 30-inch width, and 34-inch depth, so they fit similar floor footprints. The Toy Soldier uses an all-steel cabinet and weighs 300 lbs, while the Black Tie weighs 250 lbs. That 50-lb difference matters if you are moving the game through tight doorways or up stairs, but it does not change the player experience. Shipping weights also differ: 320 lbs for the Black Tie and 300 lbs for the Toy Soldier, so confirm freight access before ordering either.
Pricing and payment options are close but not identical
Both cranes offer programmable pricing and options and an electronic coin comparator. The Black Tie lists an optional bill acceptor, and the Toy Soldier lists an optional bill acceptor with stacker. If you plan to run the machine on a route or in a public space, the bill acceptor with stacker on the Toy Soldier may reduce how often you empty the bill box. For a home arcade, the coin comparator alone is often enough, and you can skip the bill acceptor to save cost.
Prize handling and lighting are shared strengths
Both games include attractive running lights and prize-related features. The Toy Soldier specifically lists prize detection and prize storage, which help prevent payout disputes and keep prizes organized. The Black Tie listing does not detail prize detection or storage, so if those features matter to you, ask before ordering rather than assuming they are included.
Decision rules for choosing your 30-inch crane
- If you want the lowest upfront price: Choose the Toy Soldier 30" at $1,508.85. It is refurbished but fully restored and includes an all-steel cabinet. Confirm the refurbishment warranty terms before ordering.
- If you want a new machine with factory support: Choose the Black Tie 30" at $2,268.80. It is new and includes a factory warranty plus free phone support for as long as you own it. Ask whether the warranty covers shipping damage and on-site labor.
- If you need to move the game through tight spaces: The Black Tie weighs 250 lbs versus 300 lbs for the Toy Soldier. The lighter cabinet is easier to maneuver, but both share the same 30" W x 34" D footprint. Measure doorways and stair turns before delivery day.
- If you plan to accept bills: Both offer an optional bill acceptor. The Toy Soldier lists a bill acceptor with stacker, which can reduce emptying frequency on busy routes. Price the bill acceptor option into your total before comparing.
- If prize payout accuracy is critical: The Toy Soldier lists prize detection and prize storage; the Black Tie listing does not. Ask the Black Tie seller to confirm those features if you need them. Do not assume unlisted features are included.
Product facts at a glance
- Black Tie 30" Crane Game: New Black Tie 30" crane with factory warranty and free phone support for as long as you own the game. Long-term support lowers the risk of a new operator being stuck with a down machine.
Black Tie 30" Crane Game - Toy Soldier 30" Arcade Crane Game: Refurbished Toy Soldier 30" with all-steel cabinet, prize detection, and prize storage. Prize detection and storage reduce payout disputes and keep prize inventory organized.
Toy Soldier 30" Arcade Crane Game
Who each crane fits
Best for
- Home arcade owners who want a restored steel-cabinet crane at a lower price
- Route operators who need prize detection and a bill acceptor with stacker
Not for
- Buyers who insist on a new machine with a factory warranty
- Operators who need a lighter cabinet for upstairs placement
