"Classic" Joys.... Happs or Ultimarc

[Oldskool]

I'm looking to buy "classic feel" joys, and I'm aware that leaf switch joysticks are rare. What's the best alternative?

I prefer the older games (Galaxian / Robotron / Time Pilot.. and no fighting games)

I'm just about ready to send off for three T-Stiks from Ultimarc.

Wise choice?

[Oldskool]

I'm looking to buy "classic feel" joys, and I'm aware that leaf switch joysticks are rare. What's the best alternative?

I prefer the older games (Galaxian / Robotron / Time Pilot.. and no fighting games)

I'm just about ready to send off for three T-Stiks from Ultimarc.

Wise choice?

[Tiger-Heli]

I'm looking to buy "classic feel" joys, and I'm aware that leaf switch joysticks are rare. What's the best alternative?

I prefer the older games (Galaxian / Robotron / Time Pilot.. and no fighting games)

I'm just about ready to send off for three T-Stiks from Ultimarc.

Wise choice?

Three sticks b/c you don't want to reach under the panel to switch the actuator, or is it a three player panel.

There's also the Omni-Stik from www.groovygamegear.com

[RetroJames]

I'm looking to buy "classic feel" joys, and I'm aware that leaf switch joysticks are rare. What's the best alternative?

I prefer the older games (Galaxian / Robotron / Time Pilot.. and no fighting games)

I'm just about ready to send off for three T-Stiks from Ultimarc.

Wise choice?

Leaf sticks are not rare IMHO.  You can find them on ebay or around here or through local operators if you just look around a bit.  If you really want the leafs, take some time and you'll find them.

[Oldskool]

I like easy 4-way / 8-way  switching, so if I do buy from Ultimarc, I'm going to get the "T-stik plus".

No, it's not a three player panel.

I'm thinking of using two joys on the outer edges of the CP for two player games (Joust), and one stick in the middle for 1 player games (Pacman etc.)

Sorry for the double post BTW.

[Tailgunner]

I'll second 1HSC as the feel of a proper leaf joystick is important to me.

NOS Wico 4 way sticks are getting rare, but the 8 way sticks are still fairly easy to come by. Both can be had on Ebay, as well as rebuild kits for them so you could look for used ones as well.

[Oldskool]

I've just did a search on Ebay for Wico / Leaf / Switch.

Two results came up for Wico STYLE joys from Valca sales.

The word "style" bothers me.

Has anyone used these sticks?

[RetroJames]

Never used them, do you need 8way or 4way?  I assume you want the red ball top?

[Oldskool]

Never used them, do you need 8way or 4way?  I assume you want the red ball top?

8 ways for sure. Design is secondary to feel.

After reading a few posts, I was originally was going to buy 8 way HAPP Supers or Competitions, but became discouraged by the reported clickety-click of the microswitches.

I then discovered that some people like the "T-Stiks" as they are less "clicky".

I also like the T-Stick Plus 4/8 switching feature, so it's looking like these sticks are right up my alley.

However......if I was to get some nice 8 way leafers, then those combined with restrictor plates would be another option.

There's just too many damn choices out there.



 

[Apollo]

I recommend ( if you have to have leaf switches ) 2X8 way WICOs and a dedicated 4 way in the middle, either WICO or the MSPac/Galag stick which rocks.

[Tiger-Heli]

Well this is just what I've read, but. . .

>After reading a few posts, I was originally was going >to buy 8 way HAPP Supers or Competitions, but >became discouraged by the reported clickety-click of the >microswitches.
>I then discovered that some people like the "T-Stiks" >as they are less "clicky".

From everything I've read the T-Sticks are "more clicky", annoyingly so, to the point that Andy is coming out with a version with different micro's to make it less annoying (unless this is what you mean.)

>I also like the T-Stick Plus 4/8 switching feature, so it's >looking like these sticks are right up my alley.

You can't get a much easier switching feature than the Omni-Stik Prodigy.

I'm highly confused by the route you are choosing, though.  You want a 3-stick panel with easy 4/8-way switching, for early style games, and no fighters.

Depending on cost -

Why not just use 2 sticks with a Prodigy or T-Stick Plus on the left and a standard Omni-Stik or Plain T-Stick in 8-way mode on the right.

Or for 3-Sticks - Use either Omni-Stik basics or Happ Supers in 8-way mode (I think Supers are less clicky and less of a fighter stick than Comps/Ultimates due to the lever microswitches).  and in the center, use either a Happ Ms. Pac, Omni-Stik basic in 4-way mode, or E-stick in 4-way mode.

The thing I can't get a handle on is why you need easy 4-way/8-way switching if you are gonna have two 8-ways and a 4-way on the panel anyway.  (The only dual 4-way game AFAIK was Karate Champ).

[Wienerdog]

but became discouraged by the reported clickety-click of the microswitches.

The Happ P-360s have no click:
http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50608300.htm

[Oldskool]

I'm highly confused by the route you are choosing, though.  You want a 3-stick panel with easy 4/8-way switching, for early style games, and no fighters.

The initial approach was to use three sticks. Two 8-ways on the outside with a switchable 4/8 way in the middle. I figured that purchasing 2 T-Stiks and 1 T-Stik Plus would do the trick. The intenion of my original post was to see if anyone out there thought that the HAPPS were a better choice.

However, in my quest to find the ever popular "perfect" CP design, I'm thinking that my inital plan will lead to a crowded panel, or a supersize one. That's why I'm now leaning towards only two joys.

I'll look into the 360s as another option, but then I lose the "easy" 4-8 way switching.

Cheers (and no, I'm not British....Canadian actually)





 

[Stingray]

Am I the only person in the world who actually likes the click of microswitch sticks?

-S

[Tiger-Heli]

Am I the only person in the world who actually likes the click of microswitch sticks?

-S

Probably, from what I've read - j/k.

I could see an advantage in that the click let's you know when the switch activates.  I could also see how it's sortof "cheating" in a way, also.

[Stingray]

Please feel free to send me any and all unloved microswitch sticks.    

-S

[eightbit]

T-sticks are the loudest clicking sticks I've owned. Though the clicking doesn't bother me and I don't hear it. For the people that it bothers I would suggest getting better speakers and playing your sound at the level arcades did.  

I like the t-sticks but I like the omnistick/prodigy stick better. Many people are stuck on the look of the omnistick but function to me is more important. I also happen to like the look even though its not the "classic" look, then again neither is a 3 joystick panel. What good is a classic looking joystick if it doesn't play well?

If your buying the switchable sticks why get 3? If you were buying the kind that you have to dissasemble to switch I'd understand or if you were going to buy a dedicated 4 way I can see the reason to go with 3 but not if your using switchables. Even the origanel t-stick and omnistick are simple to switch though the prodigy and t-stick+ take it up a notch and make it even easier.

[Lilwolf]

btw, if timepilot and gyruss are favorites... Then I dont' think you will find anything better then a Super... They don't have corners so you can spin the joystick.  A MUST for these games.

And I don't think you will find a 'best'.  You will find ones that are closest to some games... And will do for the others.

Or you will get a true leaf pacman, super, and a defender 2way, and a...well... the list will go on.

[microwrx]

Am I the only person in the world who actually likes the click of microswitch sticks?

-S

Nah, I like the click too!  I've gotten really used to my T-Stick's and when I recently put some not so clicky sticks in my brother in-law's new cabinet (my old cabinet) it just didn't feel right.

[paigeoliver]

btw, if timepilot and gyruss are favorites... Then I dont' think you will find anything better then a Super... They don't have corners so you can spin the joystick.  A MUST for these games.

And I don't think you will find a 'best'.  You will find ones that are closest to some games... And will do for the others.

Or you will get a true leaf pacman, super, and a defender 2way, and a...well... the list will go on.

Time Pilot and Gyruss actually came stock with  Monroe stick, which also spins all the way around, but is actually balanced, unlike the super which favors the diagonals. I ended up installing Wico leafs in my Time Pilot.

Oh, and if you can't find wico leaf joys on ebay, then you aren't looking. They are not always listed as wico leaf switch though. You just have to look through the listings and know what they look like. They were the single most common joystick around for almost a decade. Be sure to look auctions for control panels too, many of those will come with a Wico leaf stick or 2.

Also, avoid new ones, there are some repro ones out there right now that are not nearly as good quality as the originals. I don't know what is wrong with them, but I have heard some definite grumbling about them on RGVAC. Or at least get your seller to verify that they are indeed true wico sticks, and not knock offs.

When you are going for these it is best to try to get at least twice as many as you will need. That way you will have some spare leaves, and you can choose the best sticks and centering grommets to use.

[Sam66]

Just to agree that the T-sticks are way more clicky than the supers.  I have both on the same panel and there is a considerable difference.

You could always try changing the microswitches on whatever you get if you find they are too clicky.

[Oldskool]

I think I'm going to go with the P360s on the outside and MAYBE a dedicated 4 way in the middle.

I just love those stainless steel handles from Slikstik.

This is getting expensive. I could just go out and buy an X-Arcade

[Apollo]

As far as I am aware stainless steel equals heavy and sweaty. Looks good, functions not so good. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Zombie]

i really like the arcade feel and look of the T-Sticks.
yes, they are clicky!!
i have built a foam cushion thing around the joysticks and makes huge difference on the click sounds

[grafixmonkey]

Please elaborate on said foam cushy thing...      

[Zombie]

yes, sorry!
here's a pic
a bit messy in there but it works!!