LS-30 Restrictor Plate/Gate

[bkenobi]

In case anyone has LS-30's and wants a round restrictor gate instead of the stock square one, I can confirm that one from the LS-32 WILL work.  I just got mine from Lizard Lick yesterday.  I haven't used the stick yet, but the parts physically look identical (except for a set of extra nubbies that may require dremeling).  I can't comment on performance yet, but, when I do, I'll post my opinion.

[bkenobi]

I installed the alternate restrictor gate in my P2 stick last night and played a couple games to see how things felt.  Since it's an SNK stick, I chose to go with KoF 2001 and Ikari Warriors.  For both games, I can say that the round motion definitely feels different from the square that I've become used to!  I'm not sure that round is a benefit in any way for Ikari (it was designed with a square restrictor, so that doesn't surprise me).  However, the round restrictor made a HUGE difference for KoF!  I've been playing with the clunkety clunk corners when performing special moves.  Last night, I felt like I was playing the game for the first time with the nice smooth rotation of the stick. 

I'm not positive I will be switching over to these new restrictors yet since it seems like having a corner detent of some kind would be helpful.  I may try to dremel a small notch so I can "feel" the corners a bit.

[bkenobi]

In case anyone is actually reading this thread, I do have a question.   

The round restrictor is obviously a smaller opening than the original square one.  I was actually hoping to get an octagonal one, but there doesn't seem to be one available.  Does anyone know if I can simply dremel detents into the round restrictor in the 8 directions to make the diagonals or am I missing something?  I don't mind modding one of these gates for experimentation, but I only bought 3, so I can't waste more than one without ordering again.   

[bkenobi]

Hmmm, no comments.

Well, I made my own restrictor to try.  I took an old wall plate used for installing cable in your house and cut it down to the correct shape.  I doubt it will be durable, but that wasn't the goal.  It seems to have the nice round motion but with some bumps along the way.  I guess I'll have to install it to see if it's better/worse/no difference from the round plate.