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your thoughts on current 4-way joysticks please
Jimbo:
I'm looking to make a vertical "classics" cab. I've seen a few posts from years ago asking "what's the best 4-way joystick", but wondered what you guys are using these days.
I'd like something that feels good and as authentic as possible for the vertical classics (pac-man, dk, frogger, moon cresta, galaxians etc).
I've read people talk about a JLW with a 4-way restrictor, and a GGG pac-pro. Has anyone used these and can give some reviews? Or suggest something else worth considering?
Cheers :cheers:
James
javeryh:
I’d also like some opinions. I usually use a JLF with a 4-way restrictor plate and I like it but I’m open to suggestions.
Why do I have a feeling that we are about to see some 4-way vertical cabs pop up here this summer? Hmmm...
SORHP:
My preferences from years of experience ...
Nintendo 4 way joystick is the best, it’s small ball and short throw without a super tight Spring makes it perfect for precision and finesse. You can get a brand new one from mikesarcade.com if you cannot locate a good used one
The sanwa is great, the 4 way diamond restrictor help the motions to be smooth and precise, it has a longer throw, but you get used to it over time, the ball is the standard modern size, it looks great when customized, It can take a beating, the parts are cheap to replace.
The seimetsu is also a nice choice
Sanwa and seimetsu are really made for modern games from the late 80’s on, they’re amazing when modified for shmups or fighting games.
Really you can’t go wrong with either in my opinion
You may also want to try out a stick that uses leaf switches, like an original Pac-Man stick,
I don’t recommend Playing Nintendo games with a leaf switch joystick, but I don’t have a problem playing Pac-Man style games with a Microswitch joystick
csnow:
I tried many and they all felt off for what I remembered growing up so I ended up going with an original Ms Pacman leaf joystick. I added a period correct leaf fire button to the CP as well. I couldn't be happier now.. Almost all 4 ways back then were leaf except DK which had a microswitch. If you didn't grow up playing those machines from that era, I would suggest the Ms Pac/Galaga reunion 4 way joystick. It works well enough and that is the cabinet I swapped the original Ms Pacman control panel into. It just felt a bit "off" for me compared to the original but for anyone outside that era its a good choice. I play DK on that leaf as well and don't have any issues but I am not "serious" DK high score chasing guy. With that said, it is one of my all-time favorites, so I play it often.
leapinlew:
For me, it has to be a diamond pattern physically restricted leaf stick. My out of the box preference is a WICO 4 way leaf. It has a large ball top and it feels right for the pacman style games, but also does great with the 2 way vertical shooters and Nintendo games.
For games that I've sold, I've used a HAPP super with a 4 way restrictor (https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310) and a ball top replacement. I don't have experience with this stick, but I would have high hopes to try it: https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=402