Wico 4-way vs PacMan reunion

[CGRemakes]

I am considering getting a new dedicated 4-way for my first cabinet.  I currently have a universal, and it works but is too responsive for some games.  How do the Wico 4-ways compare to the reunion joysticks?  I know it's probably more of personal preference, but I've found the universal is not very smooth for games that require you to make precise changes in direction (Donkey Kong for ladders, DigDug come to mind).  My super is actually easier to play those games, despite the fact that they are not true 4 ways.  They are just smoother.  I'm not sure the mounting plate will fit on my CP, so I'm hoping the Wico works pretty well.

[CGRemakes]

Another posibility is the Ultimarc J-stick.  I don't really need the 8-way option, but it ends up being about the same price as the Ms PacMan (with plate) and the Wico 4-way.  Can anyone provide any input on how they compare?

[_Iz-]

I just upgraded my panel from supers to jsticks and the difference is definitely noticeable. The jsticks rock IMHO.

[MameJunkie]

Another posibility is the Ultimarc J-stick.  I don't really need the 8-way option, but it ends up being about the same price as the Ms PacMan (with plate) and the Wico 4-way.  Can anyone provide any input on how they compare?

I just ordered 3 J-Stik just for that purpose.

[blueoakleyz]

What is all the praise for jstiks? I'm not knocking them I'm just ignorant on the matter, whats the difference

[paigeoliver]

I have owned about 25 different kinds of 4-way sticks.

Here are my top 5, in order.

Happ/iL Reunion joystick
Original Pac-Man joysticks.
Wico 4-way
Q*bert type 4-way
Japanese ones.

[blueoakleyz]

Wow looks like the Reunion one is pretty good
what do you think of the Ultimate Joystick 4-way? I have one lying around somewhere

[paigeoliver]

On most happ products I simply append the word "piece of crap" to the title.

Ultimate piece of crap.
Super piece of crap.
Competition piece of crap.

The Ms. Pac/Galaga stick is that lone shining star in happ's otherwise dismal joystick lineup. Happ joysticks are designed for long service life, not for feel or precision.

Oh, happs joysticks jump from crap to average if you switch the springs out for the heavy springs.

Most of the real quality joysticks are long out of production, so beggers can't be choosers.

One joystick I really like though is modern. I don't know who makes it, but the base resembles a Happ base (round base, big square actuator), and it uses the old Wico handles. When this one is upgraded with the "heavy spring for a super joysticks" that bob roberts sells, well, it is just an awesome stick in that config. I chose those instead of original Wico's in my Multi-Williams, so that is saying something.

[blueoakleyz]

Since I dont have the experience can you explain what differentiates the quality in happs stuff to the better stuff?

i'm gonna get two competition sticks with heavy springs,
or are you just referring to 4-way games?

why are j-stiks good?

[KrawDaddy]

Try getting the Betson 4 way long handled ball top (for wood panel).  I love it.

[paigeoliver]

Its all about two things, feel and high score. The joystick that feels best is usually the one you'll get the highest scores with. I have owned a ton of games, built and played a ton of mame cabs, and thus I know which sticks I score highest with, and it usually isn't a happ stick.

My experience with the japanese sticks is limited. I've got sanwa's on my Neo Geo, and I have used the ones Groovygamegear sells. Middle of the road stick, nothing to complain about, nothing to praise either.

[daywane]

I agree with paigeoliver
I have not tried many 4 ways. I built a Mspac for my wife. I just bought a original Mspac 4way , leaf.
I love it. feels just perfect. I ran a arcade in my younger days and all 4 ways were leaf then.

I can use switches on my buttons but not on my joysticks.

[CGRemakes]

Try getting the Betson 4 way long handled ball top (for wood panel).  I love it.

I'm curious.  Do they use Zippy microswitches?  I have a pushbutton with a Zippy, and I don't like it as much as Cherry.  Extremely loud.  How much does Betson charge for shipping (approximately, I'm sure it varies a bit).  Have you tried some of the other alternatives to be able to compare?  This is a fairly new alternative, so I haven't heard much about them.

[blueoakleyz]

heh I bought Namco Museum last night and tried Ms. Pac-Man/Pac-Man with some friends using my ultimate 8-way man that sucked! I am actually going to install a third, 4-way Ms. Pac-Man joystick on my PS2 Arcade