Newbie - Which controller is better?

[jyoung7]

I see "Happ" being thrown around a lot, and I assume they're nice joysticks.  

But I also found Ultimarc joysticks at http://www.ultimarc.com/controls.html

Is the ability to easily switch into *real* 4-way play a big deal (as with the T-Stik Plus)?  Is the cost difference worth it (Happ 8-way for $15 or Ultimarc T-Stik Plus for $24)?

Also, has anyone used the Ultimarc Trackball (further down the page on the link above)?  It costs a LOT less than a Happ model ($28 versus the Happ's $90)?  What's the difference?

Basically, is there a big difference between Happ and Ultimarc in the areas of joysticks, trackballs, and buttons?

Thanks,
jyoung7

[vputz]

JYoung--

Unfortunately the answer seems to be "it's a matter of taste"--which doesn't mean much if you're buying mail-order and can't try before buying!

As for myself: I have twin Ultimark T-stik+ sticks, and I really like them.  If you play many 4-way games and don't want a dedicated 4-way on your board taking up space, the switchability really is very nice; it works well without hassle and really does make a difference if you play 4-way games (trying pac-man, for example, I did get caught in the corners occasionally--not often, but enough that it was noticeable).  Given the choice between the happ 8-way and the T-stik+, I'd probably pick the T-stik.

Having said that, Happ right now has a special on their "perfect 360" joysticks, which even on sale cost more than the T-stik+.  But I think I would like their feel more... I think.  It is, again, a matter of taste.

As for the trackball, I wanted the big 3" ball, and Happ had a sale on them at the time, so I went with the Happ (well, Imperial) instead of Ultimarc there.  Perfectionists will insist that the Happ is better as well.  But I have heard good reviews of the Ultimarc as well.

Sorry--I know you would love to get boolean answers instead of "well, it all kinda depends".  But I think most folks will agree that the Ultimarc T-Stick is a very good stick (I do like mine).  Opinion seems to be divided more with the trackballs, but if the Happs aren't on sale, the price difference is HUGE.

-->VPutz

[PaulG]

If you use the search button, you'll get a ton of threads on both of these subjects.