GGG Versa-Ball shafts on a Happ Super

[specfire]

I've been away from here for a while and have been neglecting my project as well.  I ordered a pair of Versa-Ball shafts about 6 months ago and only now got around to checking them out. 

Forget how much better they look than the stock bat-tops, they PLAY much better too!

How is this possible?  I can't tell how they are mechanically different but even though the Versa-Ball shaft seems taller than the stock shaft, the throw seems to be less!

The result is that the stick is more responsive and feels way better.

So, can anyone tell me what is going on?  (not that I am complaining mind you, I was happy at the new look and down right pleased with the unexpected game play benefit.)

[rdowdy95]

Please post me a website.  I have one Happ Super that I am going to be using as a 4-way would love to get a balltop for it.

[Kremmit]

They are taller, and that does make the throw longer.  The ones I bought (red and blue translucent balltops) went on my brother's control panel, he's still got them at stock height.  If they were mine, I think I'd dremel a new e-clip groove to lower them a bit.

I love the way they look, I think they're the most attractive replacement handles out there.

www.groovygamegear.com

[specfire]

Well Kremmit,

But the throw with the Versa-Ball sticks is shorter (and the stick appears to be taller!)  In fact, the game play is better/tighter all around.  That's why I am posting, I can't understand how they seem to play so much better than stock handles.

Anyone else have them and experience this?  Randy, can you add anything?

[Kremmit]

But the throw with the Versa-Ball sticks is shorter (and the stick appears to be taller!) 

Not in my experience.  Taller stick = longer throw, if all else remains constant.  Laws of geometry don't allow any other outcome. 

Not that a longer throw is "good" or "bad"; that's a matter of personal preference. 

[RandyT]

Let's see if I can help with this one.

Kremmit is correct.  A longer shaft can give you a longer throw, but only if you hold the longer stick at a greater distance from the fulcrum than you would the shorter one.  A longer shaft can also do something else.  It can give you increased leverage.  Therefore, the spring tension, while still the same (it's a "constant"), feels lighter.  This may make it easier to actuate the stick and make the throw feel shorter to you.

A balltop just feels better in your hand, and the translucent balls we use are just amazing in that regard.  They are polished perfectly round and the material has a very  natural feel.  Not slick, but perfectly smooth. 

A note on stick height;

Never forget that there is always the option of using spacers under the panel to reduce the height of the stick, if desired.  This won't shorten the throw, but it will lower the stick to a level you find comfortable and is much easier than trying to modify the shaft.

RandyT

[ramos8414]

How can I reduce the height with spacers?

[Drnick]

Well that's a serious Necrobump 

Put them on the bolt located between the bolt head and the plate,(Exact location depends on mounting method) pushing the plate and entire joystick further down.  I wouldn't want to go more then a few mm with this method though.

WARNING = BAD DRAWING AHEAD

[RandyT]

Well that's a serious Necrobump 

That's for sure.  I just wanted to note that the VersaBall2 shafts are a little shorter than the original Versaball shafts used to be.  We scaled it back a bit to be closer to the height of a Competition or Super, at the top of the ball.