Trackball selection—2" vs. 3"

[bob800]

I'm debating over three different trackball models:

• 2" used Wico trackball ($10)
• 3" new generic trackball ($35)
• 2 1/4" new generic trackball w/ PS/2 connector($25)

I'm hesitant to go with a 3" trackball unless they're a lot more "playable" than the smaller models... is this the case? I've never used an arcade trackball before, so I'd appreciate any advice/comments. Is there any risk with buying a used trackball? (the Wico is described as "Physically in good condition - no damage to ball, rotates freely, etc", so I assume the rollers are still intact).

If I don't go with the PS/2 trackball, I'll use a mouse hack, unless anyway can convince me otherwise.

Thanks!

[paigeoliver]

Assume any used trackball will need new rollers. They almost always do. Only managed to get one good set of rollers and one acceptable set of rollers out of the 10ish used trackballs I picked up in parts raids this year. They were mostly that same model 2.25" wico one too.

The 3" models are a little better for bowling and golf titles. Most mame builders seem to use the 3" models.

[Mysterioii]

I've got a 3" trackball in my cab and it just feels right to me.  At this point I think a 2" or 2 1/4" would just feel dinky to me.  But it's probably one of those "your mileage may vary" things...

[jace055]

I've never played with a 2" or 2 1/4" trackball but I do have a 3" in my panel and I couldn't imagine playing with anything else. If you have the space, I'd say go with the 3". If your building a smaller panel and need the space get the smaller one.

[Mysterioii]

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9308

Heck I'd love to see LeChuck make a Centipede or Missle Command micro-cab with one of those...  The guy made a teeny tiny Star Wars yoke by hand, this is right up his alley...      

[mytymaus007]

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9308

Heck I'd love to see LeChuck make a Centipede or Missle Command micro-cab with one of those...  The guy made a teeny tiny Star Wars yoke by hand, this is right up his alley...      

That would be awsome mini centipede Heck i have multilpe control panels, Just for mouse support on every panel i could put one of these trackballs on. Anyway if i had roon i would be using Atari's 4 1/2 trackball 

[Dervacumen]

3".  Clean the rollers and spin them in sand paper and you won't need new ones.

Doesn't always work.  I'm actually about to repro some wico 2 1/4" trackball rollers since the NOS supply is dried up.  At least I can't find any.  They look a lot nicer.  They still spin like poo.

I have a 3" in my MAME cabinet and I wish I had a smaller one.  Golf and bowling are nice with a bigger trackball, everything else I prefer a smaller one.  Same compromise as every other controler in this hobby.

[mgb]

I would go with the 3" (i could only fit a 2.25" in mine)
To me the 3" is definitely better for most games but some games are still great with a 2.25" like centipede.

[bob800]

Thanks for the replies!

I ended up buying Sparkfun's 2" trackball, and despite the shameful size, I'm not at all disappointed by its performance. Very clean computer response, no drifting, etc.
Man, Marble Madness is a lot more fun on a trackball than with an 8-way stick!!