The Red Max

Released in March 1971 by Bally Manufacturing Co., The Red Max is a highly rare, single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine with an aviation theme, that serves as a notable example of Bally's early 1970s market testing strategies. Designed by Ted Zale, who handled the concept, game design, and engineering, the game is characterized by its fast gameplay, complex shots, and distinctive artwork by Christian Marche.

Around 1971, Bally manufactured several short-run, single-player games (including Time Tunnel, Round Up, and Double-Up) to test new design concepts in the field against existing, established games. Only 70 units of The Red Max were produced, making it an exceptionally rare find for collectors. It is believed that one machine was shipped to each major international distributor for testing.