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T-Stik Plus opinions
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seanp:
I've got T-Stik Plus sticks in my cab.  They were the best compromise for me.  I kept the original control panel dimensions of my cab, and didn't have room for two 8 ways and a dedicated 4 way.  I was surprised to learn that there weren't more top-switchable 4/8 way sticks, but since Happs isn't exactly a "home market" vendor I can understand them not having that option.  I swapped out the microswitches which made a big difference on the stiffness, but it's still a short throw.  It doesn't seem to be too bad, but if I were doing things now I'd probably go with a 49-way with the new GP-Wiz49 encoder - it seems to provide the most flexibility for the most games in one option.

-Sean
Chris:
I have never used T-Sticks.  I would have probably bought some by now if they had the same mounting pattern as Happs Supers.  I have a DK Jr. 4-way on my panel, but it has such a long throw to me that it's useless for most 4-way games, so I might like the short throw.  I'm considering going with 49-ways now...

--Chris
SuperRabbit0:
Though I'd add my thoughts as another T-Stick Hater.

My cab is a bartop and has only one joystick, a T-Stick.  I thought it was going to be a good compromise.  I find it just terrible.  Impossibly stuff and horribly inaccurate.  I also have a HotRod and enjoy using the joysticks on it so much more I rarely turn on my cab.  I guess I should switch it out to a better stick.

I should also note that I first had the stock switches and then switched to the quiet ones and it improved it a lot, though it is still not at all to my liking.

On the plus side, I have green balltop and the thing is beautiful.  Can I resuse that balltop on another stick?
microwrx:
I have T-Sticks and T-Stick Plus' on my 4 player CP and I love them.  When I got the machine it had some Aussie made crappy sticks in them with a long throw and I hated the long throw.  I love the short throw of the T-Sticks and as I don't ever play fighters I won't experience the problems others have with the short throw.  I will say that it is true, after playing for some time the stiff action of the sticks can lead to sore hands (which I experienced after playing The Simpsons all the way to the end with my nieces and nephew).  I'll probably go J-Sticks next time basically because I don't really use the 4/8 way switching and therefore the expense really isn't justified (especially if you want balltops).  I've gotten used to playing 4 way games in 8 way mode and very rarely get stuck in corners anymore.
APFelon:
Well, I am one of the few T-Stick Plus so-so guys. However, I have a BIG list of CONS to the short list of PROs. I have a standard SF2 setup with two sticks. I installed the T-Tstick on the left side for 4-way games. Here is what I have found:

The complaints that the stick is STIFF is no exaggeration. After playing Pac Man or Do Run Run for 20 minutes or so, wrist fatigue sets in.

It is absolutely HORRIBLE for fighting games. The angles are all off and I find it incredibly difficult to do a dragon punch. Impossible to do any sophisticated super move on the KOF series. Perhaps if I trained myself on the stick this would improve, but I have yet to find a controller that gives me as much difficulty executing fighting game moves as the T-Stick Plus (this includes the keyboard and gamepads).

The vinyl washer sticks to the vinyl overlay of my CP. I still have that cheesy Home Depot faux marble overlay, and the dust washer of the T-Stick sticks to it, which causes inconsistent movement while playing. (If anyone has ever played on a worn-out Wico 8-way in the arcades, sometimes the actuator wears so that when it strikes the switch it causes a "clunk" when the actuator catches on the switch. This is similar).

I had to drill new holes in my CP to mount it. The mounting plate is narrower than a US mounting plate, so I had to drill some fresh holes in my CP. If I had known about this pre-order, I would have skipped it (I should have done more research, so this is my fault).

The blades on the switches are wider, so my connectors were too small. I had to snip off my connectors and solder the wires directly on to the T-Stick Plus.

The switches are "backwards". It's hard to explain what I mean here, but sticks sold in the States have the switches mounted on the sticks the exact opposite way than that of the T-Stick Plus. This made some of my wires too short, and I had to do some wire lengthening in order to make them reach.

The "pros"-

My son and my guests love it. I often had complaints that the Wico stick I had in it was too inaccurate for 4 way games.

I DO like the shorter throw. I wouldn't mind if it were longer, though. As someone mentioned, a longer throw would make the stick feel less stiff (basic fulcrum/lever mechanics).

I like the top-mounted 4-8 switching as well.

That's about it. Good luck with your purchase!

APf

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