What joystick do you like for scrolling shooters?

[Martoon]

Just a quick, informal opinion poll.  For scrolling shooters (R-Type, 1942, Raiden, Gunbird, DonPachi, that kinda thing), what joystick do you prefer?

I got a couple T-Stik Plusses.  They're solidly built, the length of throw feels about right, the action is confident, and I love the 8-way/4-way switching from the top of the panel.  But they are so freakin' stiff!  I know a lot of people really like these sticks, but for me I feel like I need to lean my body weight into it to make them move.  I suck at scrolling shooters with them (and that's what I play the most of), because I can't make those fast, twitchy movements you need to weave through a barrage of bullets.  Would replacing the microswitches with some light action ones fix this?

I don't want to start another "What's the uber-joystick for all games, well that depends on your personal preference, yada yada yada" thread.  So, in your purely subjective opinion, what joystick do you prefer specifically for scrolling shooters?

[SideShow Rob]

I have always enjoyed the T-Stick Plus sticks, and had never thought about using another joystick - the short throw and stiffness has never been a problem.

I have just finished building a separate control panel for my brother - who plays nothing but shooters and 2D fighting games.

Instead of using T-Stick Plus sticks, I used J-Sticks (also from Ultimarc), mainly because they were a little cheaper...and I must say, I prefer these over the T-Stick Plus stick.

For my new cabinet, I will use J-Sticks exclusively...the throw is a little longer, and the sticks are MUCH lighter to move.

All I need now is to get some Sanwa buttons, or at the very least, some Happ Competition convex buttons, and that will make a great Fighter/Shooter control panel for my eventual cabinet.

[Goz]

I'll second the J-Sticks. These are sticks made by Sanwa and they are what are what you'll find in the new shooters in the arcades. Well they are slightly different (harness) but made by the same manufacturer.

-Goz

[spiffyshoes]

All sanwas are great for Shmups, J-Stick included.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I'm partial to 8-way leaf Wicos.
I use them almost exclusively for this type of game.

[Martoon]

So the consensus seems to be J-Stick 3, Wico leaf 1.  Think I'll give the J-Stick a shot.  Thanks for the opinions, guys.

[Dave_K.]

Sanwa JLF's with or without flash are considered top of the line in japanese arcades.

[Tiger-Heli]

Got in this late, and I've only used the www.groovygamegear.com Prodigies, but . . .

If you want above panel switchable, and short throw, and just a lighter spring than the T-Sticks, you might want to check them out.

[LaParka]

whats a good on-line retailer to buy Sanwa JLF sticks from that don't cripple people with shipping to good 'ol blighty?

[vrf]

I'd also be interested in a good online retail for Sanwa JLF sticks. Also, does anyone know the mounting depth on these? Are they quite shallow? (The Sanwa buttons look very shallow, so if the sticks are, this will be great for my portable micro mame cab design.)

[spiffyshoes]

How about Himuragames?

[Goz]

shaft legnth is 1.75" at least on the Sanwa's I have. Most of the knockoffs are about the same.