Dedicated 4-way balltop without restrictor ? Was it like that back in the days ?

[Nataq]

I am looking to start my second project, a bartop. Will be running old classics only like pac-man and the sort. I have read many good reviews about the Ultimarc J-stick and Mag stick but they both use restrictors to work in 4-way. I was then wondering if the genuine joysticks on old cab like Pac-Man or Ms. Pac-man used restrictors or not ? I mean, were you physically able to perform a complete circle with them or the handle was restricted by a diamond restrictor ? I dont know why but im under the impression the old joysticks werent using restrictors (or diamond shape if you want).

I didnt saw a lot of "circular" 4-way sticks in my search. Maybe im just looking for something that doesnt exist ? But if it does, what is the feeling compared to restricted sticks ? Are they better or worse ?

Thanks a ton

[DrumAnBass]

The original Pac Man / Ms. Pac Man sticks were 4 way leaf sticks, where the stick itself wasn't restricted in any shape. They used a round "actuator" that wouldn't trigger 2 switches at the same time, eliminating diagonals. They use a rubber grommet to return the stick to neutral.

IMHO, the original sticks feel much better than anything else; especially for Pac Man. I have one of the Happs Ms. Pac Man / Galaga 4 way replacement sticks (which is essentially a Happ Super with a different stick and 4 way actuator) and it feels nothing like the original.

Diagram of the original Pac Man / Ms Pac Man stick:

[severdhed]

personally, i love the diagonal restrictor.  if you take a happ super stick, you can flip the actuator over so that it works in 4 way mode by only being able to physically press one switch at a time, without restricting movement...however it just doesnt feel very good at all.   I have an ultimarc U360 in my main mame cab that has no restrictor, and it works beautifully in 4way mode..i have not ever had any kind of performance problems with this stick.  however i have a DK cab that i am running mame with vertical 4way classics, and i have a Sanwa JLW ball top set to 4way mode with the restrictor plate. (same stick as the ultimarc jstik) and it is amazing...it feels wonderful and I can't imagine playing 4way games with any other stick..from pacman to donkey kong, it is perfect

[CheffoJeffo]

The original Pac Man / Ms. Pac Man sticks were 4 way leaf sticks, where the stick itself wasn't restricted in any shape.

 

There is a bigass diamond restrictor in Pac sticks.

[opt2not]

The original Pac Man / Ms. Pac Man sticks were 4 way leaf sticks, where the stick itself wasn't restricted in any shape.

Diagram of the original Pac Man / Ms Pac Man stick:

#14 = Stop Plate
#15 = Wear Plate

Both parts ARE diamond restrictors.

 

[Nataq]

Ok! Thanx for the info guys!

[Jakobud]

The original Pac Man / Ms. Pac Man sticks were 4 way leaf sticks, where the stick itself wasn't restricted in any shape.

 

There is a bigass diamond restrictor in Pac sticks.

What he said.  You can even see it in the diagram above.