New Product: Super-Pro™ Leaf-Switch 8-way Joystick

[RandyT]

Here's another one! 

We already have a number of these in customers' hands and feedback has been extremely positive.  Click on the image for more info.

Thanks for looking!

RandyT

[DGP]

How are they with 4 way games?

Thanks,
Jason

[RandyT]

How are they with 4 way games?

This is a matter of how the switches are adjusted.  If they are set so that the overall sensitivity is lower, the diagonal zones will be smaller.  This will make it less likely that a diagonal is hit in error.  There's also the option of using the smaller end of the actuator.  This will still allow diagonals, but will make the actuation zone much smaller, without the need to make any drastic adjustment to the switches.  It's pretty versatile in giving the user the ability to tune it to the way they like.

The fact that the stick uses round mechanical restriction also helps in 4-way operation, as this provides a better "seat" for the shaft than square restriction.  But no 8-way is as good as a true, mechanically restricted 4-way for those types of games.

[WindDrake]

Just put down an order for two and two Versaball2 shafts. Just what I was looking for to finish my Multi-Williams machine.

[DGP]

Thanks Randy,

I guess they are superior to the Comp all around for both 8-way and 4-way performance?

I find the Comp to be excellent with 4-way but diagonals require a more deliberate yet precise movement that can get frustrating.

The stock X-gaming sticks are great for diagonals but pretty poor for 4-way.

If this new stick betters both of the above on all counts I may have just found my new multi-cade stick. 


Jason

How are they with 4 way games?

This a matter of how the switches are adjusted.  If they are set so that the overall sensitivity is lower, the diagonal zones will be smaller.  This will make it less likely that a diagonal is hit in error.  There's also the option of using the smaller end of the actuator.  This will still allow diagonals, but will make the actuation zone much smaller, without the need to make any drastic adjustment to the switches.  It's pretty versatile in giving the user the ability to tune it to the way they like.

The fact that the stick uses round mechanical restriction also helps in 4-way operation, as this provides a better "seat" for the shaft than square restriction.  But no 8-way is as good as a true, mechanically restricted 4-way for those types of games.

[RandyT]

I guess they are superior to the Comp all around for both 8-way and 4-way performance?

I find the Comp to be excellent with 4-way but diagonals require a more deliberate yet precise movement that can get frustrating.

The stock X-gaming sticks are great for diagonals but pretty poor for 4-way.

With an 8-way stick, it is a balancing act to get good performance in both 4 and 8-way games, and in the end, much of the what is considered acceptable is subjective based on play style. The attribute of the Competition joysticks that can be troublesome for some individuals, is that there is no means to adjust them.  Either you like the Comps as they are, or changing of parts (primarily switches with different actuator button heights) would be required. 

The switch holders on the Super-Pro were designed to provide a very good balance between the two.  Before making any adjustments to the switches, it would be a good idea to install them as received and play test them.  And then if you still feel that the diagonals are too heavy for your particular style of play, try simply flipping the actuator to the smaller side before adjusting the switches.  The actuator size should be considered a coarse adjustment and the leaves of the switches are the fine adjustment.  I.e. select the end of the actuator with the diameter which gets you in the ball-park for what you like, then adjust the switches.

Most probably won't need to do any of this, but it's great to have that option.

[jimmer]

Randy,

Any plans for a leaf modded zippyy/LS32 ?
You could replace the metal bottom plate with a round restrictor plate, and offer an add-on restrictor for square.
That would make a great 8way for Robotron.

[RandyT]

Any plans for a leaf modded zippyy/LS32 ?

I've already sold a few

That would make a great 8way for Robotron.

Actually, not in the purest sense.  Robotron used long balltop shafts.  I'm sure the modded Zippyy does well with the title, but IMHO, the Super-Pro with VersaBall2 shafts would be a better fit.  Still, purists will likely want a rubber centering grommet.

[jimmer]

Any plans for a leaf modded zippyy/LS32 ?

I've already sold a few

That would make a great 8way for Robotron.

Actually, not in the purest sense.  Robotron used long balltop shafts.  I'm sure the modded Zippyy does well with the title, but IMHO, the Super-Pro with VersaBall2 shafts would be a better fit.  Still, purists will likely want a rubber centering grommet.

I'd rate the zippyy/LS32 as pretty good for centering, and I've not tried a real wico grommet, but it's true my rubber modification does improve the centering action on my own leaf switched zippyy      

I'll pm you with the usual question about this

[WindDrake]

Got mine today with Versaball 2 shafts.

The switch holders are 3D printed, look to be ABS, and quite sturdy. The switches use wood-style screws to bite into the switch holder, so there's a strip-out risk if you overtighten them.

Feel wise, they are almost damned identical to a Wico 8-Way Leaf Stick, outside the differences in centering force (Spring Vs. Rubber Grommet). I like 'em!



One small issue, as you can see. On a metal panel, the Versaball 2 shafts are about Robotron height even at the shortest adjustment setting. I'd need spacers to deepen this at all. Might still do that, we'll see.

All in all? Great stuff! Randy's got a hit on his hands here, and a worthy successor to the Wico 8-Way!

[rabidpuppy]

I just got 2 of these joysticks with the VersaBall2 shafts. I am getting a slight clicking/plastic-on-plastic resistance, is this normal or have I installed wrong?

It feels like the top piece on the shaft (sorry don't know the term) that goes under the top ering, rubbing on the inside of the joystick base.

This is in the first 1-2mm of movement, well before touching the leaf.

[RandyT]

This is pretty much normal for a brand new stick with this type of centering mechanism.  The cavity for the conical part must be larger than the parts diameter to allow for it to tilt, so it slides a tiny bit.  The spring tension produces friction between the parts, and when the force overcomes the friction, the part will slide slightly.

My advice is not to sweat these types of things too much until you have a few hours on them.  After you play for a bit, the parts will seat against each other and smooth out.  But if you want, you can accelerate this action by smoothing the bottom of the conical piece with some fine sandpaper on a flat surface.  You can also put a liberal amount of silicone grease in there, if you'd like.

Also, if you don't need the extra length (and you probably don't with the Super bases), you can pull that top clip and use the second groove from the bottom.

[rabidpuppy]

Thanks, I was hoping that was the case!

I was just testing the heights with that one, I do indeed prefer the height without the top clip.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Just put down an order for two and two Versaball2 shafts. Just what I was looking for to finish my Multi-Williams machine.

Personally, for a Multi-Williams machine I'd go for the Dominux8 instead for authenticity:  http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=407

D