Atari joysticks does anybody use these ?

[spidermonkey]

http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3272513047&category=13718

Just wondering if anyone has these on their cabs. I see em all the time on Ebay. I'm sure I've played Atari games back in the day that had these but I can't remember how they feel. Atari used them in alot of their games and not just Gauntlet. The bases look huge and clunky but once they're mounted in a control panel who cares. Even though they're pretty nice looking balltop joysticks you don't hear much about them as they don't seem very popular around here. Is there a reason why ? Do they feel crappy or something ? Most of the ones I've seen have the Atari logo on them which I think is pretty cool.  Just wondering why they're never brought up around here.

[GroovyTuesdaY]

WOW, those like kinda big.  Come to think of it, i really don't recall playing and specific atari games lol. Thats sad lol.   I know i did, but like you , i have no memory of what they actually felt like.  hmmmm.

Might have to buy me one sometime just see to what it feels like. Now ya got me curious  

groovy~

[Stingray]

I have a pair in my cab. They are really cool looking with the embossed Atari logo on them, but compared to the ultimate 4 way that's between them, they really suck. The action is pretty gummy. There's a ball and socket type joint inside that big base that is supposed to be greased. I took mine apart and cleaned out the 20 year old gunk that used to be grease and put in some fresh bearing grease. This helped some, but not enough. Mine are going to be replaced with a set of ultimate 8 ways next time I order parts.

-S

[GroovyTuesdaY]

imho  ULTIMATES=SUCKY lol.  I would keep the ataris'  

g~

[spidermonkey]

Stingray, what makes them return to center ? rubber bushing ? spring ? When you say gummy do you mean that they kind of stick and don't return to center fast enough or do they have more of a spongy feel like a Wico leaf switch stick ? You sound like you're a fan of the newer type sticks that use springs for tension. I on the other hand like the spongy feel of a grommet or rubber bushing which is what old school Wico sticks use.  Somehow I have the feeling that I may like these sticks since I don't really care for Ultimates or any Happ sticks for that matter . I'd love to know what you mean by gummy as it might give me a better idea as to whether I would like these Atari sticks. Thanks for your help.

[paigeoliver]

The Atari sticks wear the heck out, they have a direct wear item in the form of a plastic/vinyl ball inside. They usually feel bad these days because they are worn out. Assault used that same design, which is why almost every Assault machine has worn out controls.

[Stingray]

By gummy I mean they don't return to center fast enough. Also you have to put more pressure on them than I think you should when moving them. Your wrists start to get fatigued pretty quickly.

I had them apart not long ago, but I honestly don't remember if there was a spring in there or not. Right now they're mounted in my CP, and I don't really feel like pulling one out to find out.

I will happily trade these sticks for a set of 8 way ultimates to anyone who wants them.

-S

[Stingray]

I will happily trade these sticks for a set of 8 way ultimates to anyone who wants them.

-S

I take it back. After trying to play some 8 way gmaes with them last night, I've come to the conclustion that these sticks are completely worthless.

-S