need a 4/8 way stick that is switchable above the CP, what is your favorite?

[lordtodd75]

Just like the title says I am looking for a 4/8 way switchable joystick that I can change from above the panel. Right now I have a sanwa switchable 4/8 way but I have to lift the CP to change from 4 to 8 way. I was just wondering what some of the community favorites are so I can make my decision as to which one I should buy. I know dedicated is the best way to go, but unfortunately I don't have the space for that.

[Kaytrim]

If you want somthing that is switchable get a Ultimark 360.  This is a 49 way switchable joy via the use of maps.  Most of the front ends are starting to support the map switching automatically.  This way you choose Pack-Man and you have a 4-way, Street Fighter and you have an 8-way, Galaga and it is a 2-way, etc. 

I used to like the T-Stick Plus joysticks but they are not that good in 8-way on the cardinal directions.  There is too much area where the diagonals are in play.  The T-sticks are no longer available, there is the Mag-Stick and the only difference that I am aware of is the center machinisim is different between the two.  On the T-Stick a spring is used and in the Mag-Stick a magnet is used to bring the stick back to center.

RetroBlast has done numerous reviews on joysticks you can read them here. 
http://www.retroblast.com/hardware.html

[ahofle]

IMO, there is really no substitute to a physical restrictor plate when switching between 4 and 8 way modes.  You could try something like this:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=195

[leapinlew]

IMO, there is really no substitute to a physical restrictor plate

I agree with this. In the end, I had to build a dedicated 4 way machine using a WICO with a 4 way restrictor on it.

[Czapala]

I got a Prodigy Topfire from GGG.

VERY well built .. like a tank !

[QuixoteQuest]

I don't like the huge mounting plates of those Prodigys. I suppose you could always recess route them so that CP art could overlay the plates...

I love my Ultimarc 360s. They haven't been without a few little bugs, but have mostly been very cool. I can appreciate those who want a physically restricted, and more authentic feel, to their 4- and 8-way play, though. But I just loved how cleaner the panel looks with two Stiks serving for so many types of controls. And you get a full analog option to boot. Sweet.

[destructor]

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=195

Very ugly. Ble.

[Congui]

Mag-Stick plus with ball top.  Love the short throw.

[fatfingers]

If you want somthing that is switchable get a Ultimark 360.  This is a 49 way switchable joy via the use of maps. 

Actually, these are not 49-ways.  They are full analog joysticks that are digitally restrictable via the use of maps.

(And I recommend them).

[somunny]

Mag-Stick plus with ball top.  Love the short throw.

Ditto.  I have two of them installed on the mini cab I built for the kids. 

[Dmod]

For simplicity of the user interface, I don't think you can beat the Ultrastik 360s.  My machine will be mostly used by kids and guests, and I don't think they'd ever figure out how/when to switch the joystick around.  With the U360 this can all be handled by software via the front end.

There's also the added benefit that (since it's inherently analog) it can also be used as a flight stick.

You do lose that real arcade sense of restricted motion on the stick for 4/8 way but, at least for me, that was less of a priority compared to ease of use.

[mvolke1]

I have Ultimarc's Mag Stick Plus, and I have been very happy with it. I was a little confused on how to get it to switch at first, but once I did it ended up being cake.

It has a short throw, which I like. I have the bat handles, which come standard. I haven't had any problems and have been very please. I also got their 2.25 inch trackball, buttons, Ipac and OptPac, and like all of them.

The Mag Stick Plus also has the advantage of no buttons or switches on your control panel and doesn't take up a lot of space. I have a cocktail, so space is very tight. The GGG switchable plays nice, as others have said, but it takes up more room and has a switch that is visable on the control panel.

[fatfingers]

If you're interested in some Mag-Stik plusses, I have two of them (blue).

[MameMaster!]

I like my Groovy Game Gear Retro Ball Top 4/8.....I have 2!

[Aurich]

I agree, go Ultrastik 360, having software switch for you is so much better. I really only design cabs for myself, and don't worry about what other people will think when they play, but even with that attitude knowing I don't need to explain how/when to switch to a guest, or have to check which way it's set up when I fire up a game is great.

Plus you get the added benefit of a real Q-Bert layout, which no other physical switching stick can do.

[ahofle]

Plus you get the added benefit of a real Q-Bert layout, which no other physical switching stick can do.

An E-Stick plays QBert perfectly.  It rotates 45 degrees and is physically restricted.

[Aurich]

So it does 4/8, and also rotates from straight on to 45°? I hadn't realized that.

[fjl]

Just how different does the 360 feel compared to a regular joystick?

[lordtodd75]

I think I like the ultiamarc ultrastik 360. But I have a few questions.

1. Do they have the same footprint as the j-stick? That is what I will be replacing.

b. Do I need any other hardware, or do they work out of the box?

3. It says something about 8 button input. Does this mean that I don't need my encoder for the 6 buttons this stick will be setup with? If so, is there any advantage to using the joystick instead of my encoder for the buttons?

4. This joystick is analog, so I can play space harrier the correct way? (as opposed to using the trackball)

5. Where can I buy them, I don't want to order directly from ultimarc.

I also saw someone with a full chrome joystick, shaft and all. I am pretty sure it was a 49 way as well. I was wondering if you guys had any info on them. By the looks of the ultrastik (looks exactly like a j stick, which fits my panel scheme) and from what you guys have been saying, I will probably go with that. Thanks fo all the help. I also attached my CP overlay. Let me know what you guys think.

[fatfingers]

I think I like the ultiamarc ultrastik 360. But I have a few questions.

1. Do they have the same footprint as the j-stick? That is what I will be replacing.

b. Do I need any other hardware, or do they work out of the box?

3. It says something about 8 button input. Does this mean that I don't need my encoder for the 6 buttons this stick will be setup with? If so, is there any advantage to using the joystick instead of my encoder for the buttons?

4. This joystick is analog, so I can play space harrier the correct way? (as opposed to using the trackball)

5. Where can I buy them, I don't want to order directly from ultimarc.

I also saw someone with a full chrome joystick, shaft and all. I am pretty sure it was a 49 way as well. I was wondering if you guys had any info on them. By the looks of the ultrastik (looks exactly like a j stick, which fits my panel scheme) and from what you guys have been saying, I will probably go with that. Thanks fo all the help. I also attached my CP overlay. Let me know what you guys think.

1. I don't know.
b. They work out of the box via a USB connection.
3. You don't need the encoder, but I believe if you use it this way you lose the analog functionality???  I chose to still use my encoder for the buttons (but I already had my encoder so it wasn't any more money for me).
4. Yes, you can play in full analog mode (see comment above in 3 though???).
5. I think divemaster has them in the BST board.

[Aurich]

You don't lose analog if you use the buttons hooked to the U360, they just show up as regular gamepad buttons along with the stick. I chose to not use them because I use the IPac's shift function to avoid admin buttons, so the gamepad-style didn't work for me. If you just need some buttons though then you're good.

[fatfingers]

You don't lose analog if you use the buttons hooked to the U360, they just show up as regular gamepad buttons along with the stick. I chose to not use them because I use the IPac's shift function to avoid admin buttons, so the gamepad-style didn't work for me. If you just need some buttons though then you're good.

Good, glad to hear that.  That is also the main reason I chose to use my IPAC.