4 x 8 Joystick ?s

[Homer41]

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I got a couple noob questions. Cabinet is pretty much done so I ordered an I-pac, buttons and trackball today and have been doing research on what 4 x 8 way joysticks to buy. Its down to the U360 and Mag-Stik Plus, leaning towards the U360 cuz I read the Mag-Stik Plus isn't the greatest at 8 way from what I read. Few questions, how hard is it to switch between 4 & 8 way? Been looking for some videos that show it but no luck. My computer skills are pretty limited and the software set up with the U360 looks a little intimidating, how hard is it to set up and after set up you don't have to configure all the time & for every game?? It's my 1st cabinet and I want it to be perfect!  I like the Mag-Stik Plus switching capability but I've read it isn't that great in 8 way. Is there any other 4 x 8s that I should be considering? Thanks!! 

[Epyx]

Im one of the guys that doesn't like the Mag in 8 way *BUT* it is a subjective thing...you could end up loving it.  What the Mag Stick does awesome though is switching between 4 and 8 way and its probably one of the better methods to switch. You just pull and twist (it takes a few times to get used to but then its pretty straightforward).

The JLW-8 is a great 4 to 8 switching stick but it is done from underneath the CP...that is what I use and I just leave player 2 in 4 way then only switch it when a) I want 2 8 way sticks for Robotron/Crazy Climber etc or i want to play a 2 player 8 way game (Street Fighter 2 etc).  Its pretty easy to switch you just turn the restrictor from underneath so depending on how your CP is designed this could be easy (I go through my coin door) or difficult).

There is also the Omni Stick Prodigy from GGG that switches on the top...I personally don't like the look but again subjective.

[Homer41]

Just curious, but why is the Mag Stik bad in 8 way? Poor performance?

[Donkbaca]

Never used it but from what I have read, the throw is to short and it feels very mechanical, not the smooth action you would want in most 8 way games

[DeLuSioNal29]

Check out the J-Stik by Ultimarc.  It's a modified Sanwa JLW joystick which is switchable from 4way to 8way from underneath, like Epyx stated.  However, Ultimarc modifies the plate underneath so that it's easier to turn.  They use nylon washers, custom springs and screws so that restrictor plate turns easier.  I made the mistake of purchasing a standard JLW and it was near impossible to turn with the default hardware.  But Andy at Ultimarc helped me out (great customer service as always) and sold me the components needed for the mod.  But I should have gone to him in the first place.  He also sells the longer shaft if you have a 3/4" wood panel.  The Sanwa JLW is designed for metal panels so the default shaft is shorter by design.  I'm not sure what you're panel is made of, but I'm assuming it's wood.

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

[LeedsFan]

Check out the J-Stik by Ultimarc.  It's a modified Sanwa JLW joystick which is switchable from 4way to 8way from underneath, like Epyx stated.  However, Ultimarc modifies the plate underneath so that it's easier to turn.  They use nylon washers, custom springs and screws so that restrictor plate turns easier.  I made the mistake of purchasing a standard JLW and it was near impossible to turn with the default hardware.  But Andy at Ultimarc helped me out (great customer service as always) and sold me the components needed for the mod.  But I should have gone to him in the first place.  He also sells the longer shaft if you have a 3/4" wood panel.  The Sanwa JLW is designed for metal panels so the default shaft is shorter by design.  I'm not sure what you're panel is made of, but I'm assuming it's wood.

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

I never knew that Andy modded them to make them turn easier. I thought they were just bog standard JLWs  :p  Good to know for the future.

[smalltownguy]

Yeah, I have a pair of Jsticks. The springs are pretty stiff, but other than that, they're really nice to play with. I wish they came in a ball top.

[smalltownguy]

It's my 1st cabinet and I want it to be perfect!

Please take my response as kindly as possible, but your first cab will most definitely NOT be perfect. No one's is. It's the curse that this hobby carries. See my signature.

That said, I'd recommend the U360 with medium spring setup. Once it's configured, it really is nice for each game.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I wish they came in a ball top.

They do. And you can install a wide range of colors from Sanwa. Simply unscrew the ball.

[smalltownguy]

Sorry, I just double checked, mine are E-sticks.

[Homer41]

Quote from: Homer41 on Today at 12:37:06 AM
It's my 1st cabinet and I want it to be perfect!

Please take my response as kindly as possible, but your first cab will most definitely NOT be perfect. No one's is. It's the curse that this hobby carries. See my signature.

That said, I'd recommend the U360 with medium spring setup. Once it's configured, it really is nice for each game.

I know it won't be "perfect" I just don't want any regrets when it's finally finished....in about 3 years  Thanks, think I'll order the 360s today!! Oh yea, 1 more thing, I hear somejoysticks conflict w/Hyperspin. Please tell me the 360s aren't 1 of them cuz I plan on using HS for my frontend. Thanks!!

[mgb]

I think the 360s are the sticks that some people have been having issues with in Hyperspin, but I think it only pertained to full analog mode or something like that (maybe easy to get around).
The bigger issue from what I hear is that they don't hold up well with games like Robotron where you can really abuse the sticks.
Thats what I hear but I've never used those sticks.
Check it out here on the forums, there has been a few posts here about both issues.