Top-button joystick opinions?

[Martoon]

Okay, I need to add a top-button joystick (8-way) to my panel.  I want something reasonably decent, but I'm cheap.  The options I'm aware of are:

1. The Happ Top Firebutton Super for $32.55 + shipping
http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50800010.htm

2. The GroovyGameGear TopFire Arcade Stick for $14.95 + shipping (but currently out of stock)
http://www.groovygamegear.com/cgi/surfshop/shop.cgi?storeid=1&cols=1&categories=0029&&c=detail.htm&itemid=ATOPFIRE001

The GroovyGameGear unit is definitely cheaper, but I'm guessing the Happ is probably a better stick (plus it's in stock).

If anyone has used or installed one or both of these, I'd like to hear opinions or comparisons.  Also, I'd like to hear about any options I'm not aware of, or if there's a cheaper source for the Happ model.

[whammoed]

Kevin at retroblast seems to like the groovy better:
http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/centurion.html
He doesn't really say why though.  I'd like to hear more on it.  I have a happs one and although I can't say i'm crazy about it, it does work.  I'd like to see something similar to what was used on the tron cocktails since i have a cocktail I can't use the full sized trigger sticks.

[jerschwab]

I have the Happ's one here, but I haven't installed it yet... I'm trying to decide if I even need it.  It looks like a pretty good stick.  I bought it off E-bay from 123gumby123 for less than Happ's has them for (cheaper shipping too).  What games are you going to be using it for?

[monkeybomb]

I have the groovygame gear version and it's fantastic.  Kevin steele says it's way better than the happs.  Anyone else tried both?

[GGKoul]

I wish someone would make a 4 & 8 Way Top Fire joystick.   As this would be great as a 2nd joystick on a dual joystick setup along with a 4/8 way T-Slik Plus.  As you'll be able to play dual 4 way Karate Champ and other dual 8 way games.

I would buy that.

[KevSteele]

At the Darren's request, here are my impressions of the GGG Top-fire:

It's taller than the Happs when installed, with a better shaped handle that's comfortable to grip (smoother, too).

The short-throw nature of the stick takes a few minutes to adjust to, but it actually seems better for top-fire joysticks, as you're holding the stick in a different manner when you're using a top-fire and the short throw means there's less of a need to "manhandle" the stick.

The button is much more "responsive," at least on the stick I tried. One thing about top-fires is that the fire switch can be "tweaked" by gently bending the metal actuator for quicker/slower activation of the fire button. I liked the feel of the GGG's button.

BTW, as soon as I finish up my review of the Betson monitor I'm going to be reviewing the Happs top-fire as part of the ever-delayed "Joystick of the Week".  

Kevin

[Bgnome]

you could always try to convince rayb to do another run of his top-fire balltops..  
personally, i plan on trying to hack my own once i get some joysticks in..

[whammoed]

you could always try to convince rayb to do another run of his top-fire balltops..  
personally, i plan on trying to hack my own once i get some joysticks in..

That still leaves the button on top which is one of the things i don't like.  Rapid firing with your thumb is awkward at best, and holding the stick so you can fire with a finger stinks too.

[Martoon]

Thanks for the info, guys.  I'm glad I asked, instead of just assuming the Happs would be better and going with that.  Now I just have to see how long it will be before GGG has their's back in stock.  I emailed them this morning - haven't heard back yet.

As for what games I'll be using it for, primarily stick + spinner games (Tron, Mad Planets, etc.)  Also for the two stick games that need a fire button, like Battlezone and Assault.  The two stick games are going to be a little awkward, since my two main sticks (already purchased) are T-Stik Plusses that will be front and center with the button-top above and to the right.  I'll have to use the button-top in my right hand and the Player 2 T-Stik in my left hand, so my hands will be cockeyed relative to each other, but I think it'll work okay.

If I like the GGG button-top and if I ever build another cab, I may just go with two button-tops as the main sticks, and a dedicated 4-way as the third stick.

[Martoon]

Kevin at retroblast seems to like the groovy better:
http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/centurion.html
He doesn't really say why though.  I'd like to hear more on it.  I have a happs one and although I can't say i'm crazy about it, it does work.  I'd like to see something similar to what was used on the tron cocktails since i have a cocktail I can't use the full sized trigger sticks.

I like the Tron cocktail sticks, too.  There's a guy that sells them periodically on eBay.  Here's one that just closed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6114386659
They typically go for fifty-something, which is a little too high for me.

[whammoed]

Yes, and the actual tron sticks base is too large for my panel.  Needs to be a regular sized stick base.

[DougHillman]

Lemme second that request for a top-fire Ultimarc T-Stik Plus.  You listening Andy?  I'd give somebody's left nut for one (Not mine though, I've got a sentimental attachment to it.)

D

[whammoed]

Lemme second that request for a top-fire Ultimarc T-Stik Plus.  You listening Andy?  I'd give somebody's left nut for one (Not mine though, I've got a sentimental attachment to it.)

D

I asked him about this a while ago.  He said it was a good idea and would consider looking into it after completing his current improvements. (or something to that effect)

[NoOne=NBA=]

Martoon,

None of the top fires are going to work for Tron, unless you rig your system to use one of the T-stiks in addition to the top fire.
The top fires won't work for the lightcycle stage.

You'll need to rig one of your buttons to double as the fire button as well.
That way, when you get to the lightcycle stage, you can use the 4-way and button; and you can use the top fire for all the other stages.

[RayB]

 

[whammoed]

Martoon,

None of the top fires are going to work for Tron, unless you rig your system to use one of the T-stiks in addition to the top fire.
The top fires won't work for the lightcycle stage.

You'll need to rig one of your buttons to double as the fire button as well.
That way, when you get to the lightcycle stage, you can use the 4-way and button; and you can use the top fire for all the other stages.

Yes, I have my top fire right next to my 4way...works out pretty good except that top fires are crappy

[Martoon]

The top fires won't work for the lightcycle stage.

I'm probably missing something obvious here, but why won't the top fire work for the lightcycle stage?  Is it just awkward to use the button on top, or will it actually not work?  Tron had an 8-way triggerstick, didn't it?

[Martoon]

The top fires won't work for the lightcycle stage.

I'm probably missing something obvious here, but why won't the top fire work for the lightcycle stage?  Is it just awkward to use the button on top, or will it actually not work?  Tron had an 8-way triggerstick, didn't it?

Ahh, I guess I was mistaken.  klov.com says it was an 8-way, but looking at the pics in the service manual, I see a 4-way restrictor in there.  So I guess it's technically cheating to move diagonally in MCP Cone and Grid Bugs.

[NoOne=NBA=]

It had a restricted 8-way.
If you pushed in a true direction it acted pretty much like a 4-way, but it would BARELY let you hit the diagonals.

If you try to play the lightcycle stage with a REAL 8-way the lightcycle will go into a diagonal zigzag, and crash.
That stage works fine with a 4-way and a button for the throttle though.

[whammoed]

No, it was 8way but it was also somewhat restricted

[Martoon]

Very interesting.  I didn't know any of this.  How many other games had a just-barely-8-way?

[GGKoul]

Lemme second that request for a top-fire Ultimarc T-Stik Plus.  You listening Andy?  I'd give somebody's left nut for one (Not mine though, I've got a sentimental attachment to it.)

D

I asked him about this a while ago.  He said it was a good idea and would consider looking into it after completing his current improvements. (or something to that effect)

I've asked if the Groovy Gamer can make a 4/8 way Top Fire.  He's checking to see if the Top Fire shafts fit on an Omni bases and he is getting back to me.  So I'll post his reply here.

[goofy]

Just out of curiosity, wouldn't a 4/8 way trigger fire be better than a top fire? It seems that would be easier to play. Ideally, how about the Omnistik Prodigy switchable (from the top) 4/8 with trigger fire button!!!

[Chris]

A top- or trigger- fire switchable stick like the Prodigy or T-Stick Plus solves a lot of problems for Tron.  There's just enough time when the lightcycles start to do the 8 to 4 way switch...

[GGKoul]

I don't care if its a Top Fire or Trigger fire joystick.  Just make it 4/8 way.  That's all I'm asking for..

[foomench]

I was surprised no one mentioned Wico and their stick. Looking at the picture, however, it appears identical to the GGG:

http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/gamingcatalog/page86.htm

It does come in both 4 and 8 way versions, but not a switchable.

-foomench

[Martoon]

I was surprised no one mentioned Wico and their stick. Looking at the picture, however, it appears identical to the GGG:

http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/gamingcatalog/page86.htm

It does come in both 4 and 8 way versions, but not a switchable.

-foomench

Yeah, that does look the same.  I'm guessing that's what GGG is reselling.  From that website, I can't see any way to order or get prices on anything.  And everything on the site says copyright 2001.

In any case, I got a reply back from GGG, and he said he's got some in stock, so I went ahead and ordered.  Bit of a pain paying $7.50 shipping for a $15.00 joystick, but it sounds like it's worth it.

[NoOne=NBA=]

They "hid" the pricing on their site.
You have to hit the shopping cart icon to get to all of that.

[Martoon]

They "hid" the pricing on their site.
You have to hit the shopping cart icon to get to all of that.

Actually, I was referring to the wicothesource.com website.

[NoOne=NBA=]

The GGG pricing thing has come up before, so I assumed that was the one you meant.

It's really interesting to me the number of sites that have that problem.

[GGKoul]

I got this reply from GGG:

Hi,

The parts are not directly interchangable.  A basic OMNI-Stik and a Topfire
cannot, by themselves, be made to work together.

So, no inexpensive soulution, unfortunately

But there is more news........keep an eye on the BYOAC forum......

 

[Tiger-Heli]

They "hid" the pricing on their site.
You have to hit the shopping cart icon to get to all of that.

Actually, I was referring to the wicothesource.com website.

Call wico directly.  They have a separate catalog page which lists prices that you can get to, but it's often several dollars below the current price.

[spidermonkey]

Martoon, The Tron stick is pretty much a hybrid stick. It has been discussed a ton in the past. Just use the search function and type in "Tron" or "triggerstick"  and you'll learn more then you ever wanted to know about this stick.

Happy reading  
(The list of posts is looooong)