Wico 8-way leafs

[gndprx]

I often see the Wico 8-way leafs talked about as among the "best" joystick on the market, yet when I go to Wico's website, the only sticks they list are microswitch.

I was about to purchase some Happs Competitions, but I would really like to get a good look at the Wico's before I do.  Where are you guys finding them to buy on-line?  Ebay only has Wico "style" joysitcks...

One last question, how are these sticks for fighters and can the handles be replaced with a bat style instead of a balltop?  (best of both worlds?)

Thanks....

[zero-one]

Funny, I was just thinking the same thing. I PM'd paigeoliver for some info before I saw this post.

The only place I've come across that appears to be sell this type of joystick is Video Connection http://www.videoconnect.com/pages/joys.htm. They don't show a picture and don't mention the handle type or color.

There's got to more places that sell these things.

[jcoleman]

I have some REAL Wico 8-ways.  They are brand-spankin' new.  $15 each plus exact shipping. (none of that eBay-style "shipping and handling" ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---)

John

[gndprx]

I may take you up on that once I find out if I can replace the ball tops with bat style handles...I play MK alot and the ball top just wouldn't be right.

[jcoleman]

Don't bother with leaf sticks if you are a Mortal Kombat fan.  They used microswitch sticks from the beginning.  I personally prefer Happ Competition for fighters...you can really feel the diagonals.  You can't feel diagonals with the leaf sticks.  However, you really want leaf sticks for your classic games.  Robotron just doesn't feel right with Competitions.

John

[Sasquatch!]

Funny, I was just thinking the same thing. I PM'd paigeoliver for some info before I saw this post.

The only place I've come across that appears to be sell this type of joystick is Video Connection http://www.videoconnect.com/pages/joys.htm. They don't show a picture and don't mention the handle type or color.

Video Connection is where I got mine.  I ended up just calling and talking to one of the reps on the phone, since their website didn't have the info I was looking for.

[paigeoliver]

Yes, to clarify. Wico themselves no longer makes those sticks. Clones of them seem to go in and out of production.

You may have to look around a bit, but they are always available, if not new, then used. You do not want to swap a bat handle onto one of them, the additional length would screw up the feel, and probably lead to wearing out the joystick early (although these things last, if you buy some new or NOS ones, then you probably won't ever wear them out).

If you are using a wooden panel, then look for the ones with the longer handles, as the shorter ones are realy only suitable for metal panels.