Ultimarc's J-Stiks: are they real Sanwa's?

[shponglefan]

Awhile back I ordered a pair of J-Stiks from Ultimarc (each version).  My original understanding was that they were modelled after the Sanwa JLW-UM-8 and JLW-TM-8, respectively.  But I thought they were replicas, not originals.

Looking at the actual joysticks, I noticed they have the "Sanwa" name embossed in the various parts.  I realize that in itself doesn't prove anything, but are these legit Sanwa sticks?

[sandheaver]

http://ultimarc.com/controls.html

J-Stik (Japanese) Ball-Top (Sanwa JLW-TM-8 type)

It says right there on their page. 

[shponglefan]

http://ultimarc.com/controls.html

J-Stik (Japanese) Ball-Top (Sanwa JLW-TM-8 type)

It says right there on their page.

That doesn't mean it's a real Sanwa.  The reason I didn't think they were real Sanwa's is a) Ultimarc uses "J-Stik" as its term for them, and b) the use of the word "type" after the model, suggesting it could have been modeled after the Sanwa's.

I've also read that the JLW-TM-8 is not manufactured any more.  This could be just unfounded rumor, but when I ordered them in the first place, I wasn't necessarily expecting real Sanwa's.

[kowal]

JLW tm-8 have 2 ver one for Japan (production is over) sellers and US/Euro (aka j-stick)

US - harder spring and longer shaft, different micro, different hub modelling for SPDT microswitch

J-stick is still original

[surface tension]

I've just picked up a couple of 360s and yes, they are modified Sanwas.

http://ultimarc.com/controls.html

J-Stik (Japanese) Ball-Top (Sanwa JLW-TM-8 type)

It says right there on their page. 

You're talking about the J-Stik here, not the 360. The J-Stik used to be modelled on the Sanwa JLW, but it is now the real deal.

Edit: Just noticed this was never about 360! I think I have them on the brain right now. Sorry sandheaver.

[shponglefan]

The J-Stik used to be modelled on the Sanwa JLW, but it is now the real deal.

Curious, that's usually the opposite of how things go.   

At any rate, I'm happy if they are the real thing.  I wasn't actually expecting real Sanwa's based on my prior information, so if anything this is a nice surprise; although not there would necessarily be any functional difference anyway...

[AndyWarne]

Yes the J-Stik, Ultrastik 360 and ServoStik are all based on real Sanwa sticks.

Andy

[retrostark]

yes. do a little research and you will find out. they are sanwa.