Stiff springs for Ultrastik 360

[GAtekwriter]

Just curious to hear opinions on the optional springs that make the U360 a little more stiff to move... is it a significant feel or subtle?  I'm realizing after connecting one to my laptop for testing that the default springs are just a little too soft and think I might prefer the other option.

Thanks,

Jim

[vertygo]

I *just* got mine today, and I tried it with the default and the "medium" tension spring.  I'd say it's optional for most people, the stiffness is about 20% more ? For me, I love it. The difference is like something that feels brand new and untouched compared to something that's been played with for years and years. What a ---smurfette--- to get that U-clip thing off tho.

[Ginsu Victim]

Go for the stiffer spring (plus a restrictor). It makes it PERFECT.

[Havok]

I just swapped out the standard for the stiffer spring, it feels more precise now. The softer spring is just too soft.

[arzoo]

Ditto that - the stiffer springs improve the stick.

[Turnarcades]

I've never liked sticks that feel too soft or that have too long a 'throw' anyway, as seemed to be the norm for later arcade machines and fighters. Sure, it was easier on the wrist over time, but fo the moves some fighters require, I preferred joysticks that gave a more positive feedback for each direction and were much harder wearing, like the Suzo's I tend to stick to.

[GAtekwriter]

That answers that... thanks for the feedback, all.  I'm going to order the stiffer springs.

Jim

[Ginsu Victim]

and a circular restrictor?

[GAtekwriter]

What does the restrictor give me?  I want the full functionality of the U360s (including programmability) so I'm not sure how a restrictor will benefit my design...

Jim

[Ginsu Victim]

The restrictors have multiple functions.

The circular one shortens the throw. Without it, there's a very long travel distance. (The circular restrictor is considered a MUST by most U360 owners, myself included)

The square one limits movement to a square range of motion, best used for 4-way games in a diamond arrangement. Some like it for 8-way square movement, as you can feel the corners better.

The octagonal is sort of between the square and circular. You can feel each direction, but not as harsh. Easier circular movement than the square, but not anywhere as good as the circular restrictor (obviously).

Like I said, most people prefer to have the circular installed because of the extremely long throw. You won't lose any function of the stick using restrictors.

[GAtekwriter]

I take it that I can get those from Ultimarc? 

Jim

[Zobeid]

The circular one shortens the throw. Without it, there's a very long travel distance. (The circular restrictor is considered a MUST by most U360 owners, myself included)

I guess I'm the exception.  I have no restrictor on mine and like it just fine that way.  I think it's just about perfect.

The octagonal is sort of between the square and circular. You can feel each direction, but not as harsh. Easier circular movement than the square, but not anywhere as good as the circular restrictor (obviously).

I tried the octagon, with high hopes, but didn't like it.

Like I said, most people prefer to have the circular installed because of the extremely long throw. You won't lose any function of the stick using restrictors.

umm. . .   No, you won't lose any function as such.  However, it does compress the range of motion for analog games (like Star Wars for example) and makes fine control more difficult.  As for the long throw without a restrictor. . .  It's long, it's not freakishly long.  I didn't have any problem getting used to it.

I do like the stiff springs.  Sometimes I think even the stiff springs could be a bit stronger and I wouldn't complain.

[Ginsu Victim]

Like I said, MOST owners use them (because I knew you'd pop up and I respect your opinion).

I've had no issues in analog games with the restrictor on. (I don't play many, anyway)

[TxGlenn]

Gatekwriter -

I just started get into all this stuff and didn't really understand what the restrictors would do for me when I was reading through all these posts.  After using it, however, I can definitely tell what they are talking about.  I just got my CP wired last weekend, tested out the buttons and the u360, and have already ordered the restrictor plate (the circular one I think will work great for my tastes). I noticed the "long throw" issue when I was playing Golden Axe.  If you double tap left or right you will run.  Well with the long throw I basically had to count "1-2" when I was trying to get my guy to run. It took probably a full second to get my guy to run...definitely not like I remember from the arcade nor how it should be. 

I went ahead and ordered the medium spring as well.  I'm thinking these two items will make the 360 perfect.

[Donkey_Kong]

Yes, the round restrictor makes the throw more of the 360's closer to the throw of most joysticks I have ever used. Without them...it seems way too long!

This subject of restrictors & springs have been beaten to absolute death around this forum. Search for "360 restrictor", or "360 spring" and you'll be reading the same questions with the same answers for days and days.

The consensus is always medium spring...or (now referred to as the hard) is the clear winner. Restrictor winner is "round" and possibly now the octagonal. (maybe try em both, I have only tried the round and I love it!) I can play all the games that I want to play with the round and the performance is frikken outstanding. 4 way games...good-great, Robotron...Outstanding, Shmups...outstanding (analog mode) Fighters seem to be really good as well. That about covers it for me. The only reason I could ever think of wanting the u360 4-way restrictor is to physically restrict to the four main directions as an absolute dedicated 4 way(up, down, left, right). In which case you may want to just look for a whole different and cheaper alternative that would probably be just as good. Using a U360 as a restricted and dedicated 4-way would be overkill IMO. ($$)

[Ginsu Victim]

Using a U360 as a restricted and dedicated 4-way would be overkill IMO. ($$)

Still a great 4-way, since aside from physically restricting the movement, you can map it to never hit any diagonals. This is what I love about the U360. You tell it what to do and it listens.

[Donkey_Kong]

Using a U360 as a restricted and dedicated 4-way would be overkill IMO. ($$)

Still a great 4-way, since aside from physically restricting the movement, you can map it to never hit any diagonals. This is what I love about the U360. You tell it what to do and it listens.

Ideally I would never argue against an additional u360 on a CP. However, if a guy is doing a 4 player cp and wants to slip in the dedicated 4-way...I believe the U360 would be too much (overkill) and I think they are limited to 4 per system. Ultramap can only recognize 4 u360's. I suppose there would be a way to finagle that however.

If I was doing a 2p CP...I wouldn't hesitate to adding a restriced and deicated u360 as for an awesome 4-way stick...but only if I was cruising on $$$ at the time. Really cruisin. 

[Ginsu Victim]

Using a U360 as a restricted and dedicated 4-way would be overkill IMO. ($$)

Still a great 4-way, since aside from physically restricting the movement, you can map it to never hit any diagonals. This is what I love about the U360. You tell it what to do and it listens.

Ideally I would never argue against an additional u360 on a CP. However, if a guy is doing a 4 player cp and wants to slip in the dedicated 4-way...I believe the U360 would be too much (overkill) and I think they are limited to 4 per system. Ultramap can only recognize 4 u360's. I suppose there would be a way to finagle that however.

If I was doing a 2p CP...I wouldn't hesitate to adding a restriced and deicated u360 as for an awesome 4-way stick...but only if I was cruising on $$$ at the time. Really cruisin. 

Yeah, I totally agree. I never argued with you about it, I pretty much just said, "Still, it would make a great 4-way, you gotta admit!"

[GAtekwriter]

My debate right now is whether to throw a 4-way onto my CP (see image below) or to rely on U360 programming for those games that need a 4-way and use the built-in config file (which is totally confusing, but I'm guessing that once I start messing with the software it'll clear up).

If I do add a 4-way, I'm putting it above and to the left of the trackball and you can see where I've placed two buttons for the 4-way above and to the right of the trackball.  If I get rid of the 4way altogether, I'll also lose those 2 buttons.

Jim

[Ginsu Victim]

The programming works great for the U360. I would never put a dedicated 4-way on a panel that already has U360s.

I have Mamewah set to automatically change the mapping depending on the control type.

[GAtekwriter]

That's what I needed to hear - I've been looking for a good reason to keep from installing a 3rd joystick and I've heard from you and a few others that using the U360's programming capabilities will help me to avoid a 4-way joystick... thanks for the feedback.

Jim

[Havok]

I'm sorry - but there's no substitute for a real four way, with physical restriction on the diagonals. The U360 is a great all purpose joystick, but you can't beat being physically locked out of the corners. You get the feel, and precise control that the U360 can't quite replicate. Now, if you were to put a 4 way restrictor plate on it, it would be the same. However, that's just dumb. You completely negate all the advantages of the U360 with a 4 way restrictor plate, and paid four times what you should have for a joystick that can do the same exact thing.

In your case, I would stay with the U360, but no 4 way restrictor plate. It's a compromise, but unless you do swappable panels, that's what you have to do.

[GAtekwriter]

I wasn't planning on using a 4-way restrictor with my U360s but instead rely on the programming to ignore the diagonals for those games that need a 4-way - I realize the feel might not be the same so I'm going to have to give this some thought - do I order a dedicated 4-way or just use the two 360s and rely on logical programming...

Jim

[Donkey_Kong]

I wasn't planning on using a 4-way restrictor with my U360s but instead rely on the programming to ignore the diagonals for those games that need a 4-way - I realize the feel might not be the same so I'm going to have to give this some thought - do I order a dedicated 4-way or just use the two 360s and rely on logical programming...

Jim

Jim,

It depends on just how important those 4-way games are to you. Do you plan to try and compete for high scores on those games?...If yes than I would get a restricted 4-way. If it's just for fun...don't even bother with a dedicated 4way stick...program the u360 to the appropriate map and you'll be good to go.

This would be the only reason to have a dedicated 4-way sitting next to a u360 IMO...for competitive use. Also, I'm not saying you wouldn't be competitive with a u360 without a 4way restrictor in a 4 way game. They are sweet for way with a round restrictor. Just not 100% ideal or authentic. Before ordering my sticks I was asking myself the same questions as you. I didn't believe that I would be satisfied with a round restrictor on games like pacman and donkey kong. I was wrong, I am satisfied with them for this.

[GAtekwriter]

I have to say that the sheer volume of help and opinions on this forum remains solid - I'm returning from a long absence and really appreciate all the good advice.  Thanks, all.

Jim

[Ginsu Victim]

I'm sorry - but there's no substitute for a real four way, with physical restriction on the diagonals. The U360 is a great all purpose joystick, but you can't beat being physically locked out of the corners. You get the feel, and precise control that the U360 can't quite replicate. Now, if you were to put a 4 way restrictor plate on it, it would be the same. However, that's just dumb. You completely negate all the advantages of the U360 with a 4 way restrictor plate, and paid four times what you should have for a joystick that can do the same exact thing.

In your case, I would stay with the U360, but no 4 way restrictor plate. It's a compromise, but unless you do swappable panels, that's what you have to do.

Of course a 4-way restricted stick is the best way to go for 4-way, but for the average U360 player, the 4-way map tends to be just fine. Sure, using the round restrictor, I miss out on the feel of a 4-way. It just hasn't affected my enjoyment that much.

I have actually considered putting a dedicated 4-way on my future control panel re-design, just to get the feel back. However, I hate being able to still hit diagonals even with restrictors. Also, now that I've got U360s, I hate playing on microswitch-based joysticks. I would definitely want a leaf setup (I have two old Wico 8-ways laying around, just need to restrict them somehow).

[divemaster127]

I have the medium springs & restrictor plates in stock if anyone needs
thanks
dm