Sanwa Balltop Joysticks (JLF / JLW) - Are They Any Good ?

[iano]

Hi. I was thinking of buying a pair of either sanwa JLF or JLW. I like a broad range of games inc. fighting games. I just want peoples opinion (those who have used them) on these joysticks. Thanks.

 

[Kajoq]

JLWs are very good, JLFs are amazing.

I will basically never go back to HAPP parts after playing sanwa. Heres how the joysticks go in my house:  My control panel has on my cab has JLFs, two PS2 joysticks with JLFs, a Custom PSX stick that has a JLF, and one PSX stick with HAPP parts for playing marvel.

If you like playing fighters, Sanwa is the way to go and even for old school games (Ghosts and Goblins, Gradius, etc.)  The precision on the Sanwa is great.  I can't stand trying to play Shmups with a HAPP, but can dodge everything on Sanwa

[iano]

Thanks for reply (& info). I really like the look of them. They look well made and i was edging towards the JLWs purely because they look easier to mount. What screw holes in the mounting plate did you use to mount your JLFs ? The four corner screw holes are slotted and i would like to use these but not sure it would hold too well.

Thanks.

 

[Kajoq]

I just mounted it with the 4 corner screws...  I really reccomend the JLFs over JLWs.  they are significantly better joysticks.



Mounting them requires a router to do it right, but its not too bad.  You have to route the surface for the mounting plate on top.  Cut the hole for the guts of the joystick, then route a little notch on the underside for the wiring harness