How to choose a joystick (if you have never even seen any of the modern ones)

[Alcathiax]

I am trying to figure out what joysticks to order...but I find myself with a problem. I haven't even seen (much less played) any of the jobsticks available. I have read gobs and gobs on the forums here about people's opinions on which is the best but to me it looks like it really boils down to personal preference. While I am not asking for anybodies opinion on which to buy...I am looking for a methodology that people used when choosing their sticks (assuming they had no previous interaction with them).

I think that I am considering p360, 49way and Mag-Stik Plus. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses (short vs long throw, clicking vs silent, real 4 way action vs re-programmed 4 way, IPAC usable vs kb emulator specific fo the joystick (locking me into that stick)) etc)...

Don't suppose anybody has one of each of these they would send to me to test with huh 

[Alcathiax]

FYI - I'm looking for a joystick that would do well for fighters and 8/4 way games. I've never liked the idea of a dedicated 4 way joystick (which is the main reason I am considering the Mag Stik Plus and its built in restrictor plate). But maybe I should consider it?

[MameMaster!]

mosy on over to Retroblast. You'll find the "joystick round up" with video that covers just about every major stick out there....

http://www.retroblast.com/hardware.html

[leapinlew]

Yes! The videos at retroblast are good to see.

My personal journey went something like this:

Tried X-arcade. The sticks work fine for fighters, they are a little sloppy, but they work fine. There wasn't an easy way to switch from 4/8 way so I sent them back.

Tried the magstik+ and they could switch from 4/8 way no problem. The throw was very short and very difficult to get used to. Ultimately, I got used to it. I never did like the sticks for fighters. The action wasn't fluid enough for me.

I sold the magstiks and I have some supers. So far, I think they are the best for me and my preference for games.

[kowal]

I am looking for a methodology that people used when choosing their sticks (assuming they had no previous interaction with them)

you can use with information from my side. When I finish side, I will make versions English. It is Polish but you will find in numbers value and parameters there. Numbers do not lie.  You will can compare joysticks. You need not know Polish language.
http://kowal.itcom.pl/Side/ArcadeStick/index_pliki/Articles1.htm
http://kowal.itcom.pl/Side/ArcadeStick/index_pliki/Comparison.htm
http://kowal.itcom.pl/Side/ArcadeStick/index_pliki/Nomenclature.htm

[Timoe]

Welcome to the hobby.  Just buy a P360, its pretty expensive but if you buy them first, spending $8 on a Happ Competition will be real easy for you.  Now keep buyin' two of everything until you've experiencesd them all.

Thats really the best plan.  Then trade what you dont use on the Buy/Sell/Trade forums. 

[dougman]

I have the ultimates, Supers, competitions, and magstick.
The ultimates and competition sticks are just too tall and thin to be comfortable while playing. The spring tension is also too light.

The magstick thow distance is really short. and doesnt quite spin smoothly.

The supers seem to be my favorite as it has a good throw distance, stiffer spring, and pretty smooth spin.

of course these are my opinions.

[RayB]

If you dont mind spending a bit of research capital, you can buy a variety of used ones off Ebay. Then you get first hand experience. Sell them off when you're done researching.