Which Trackball, Happ or Ultimarc

[dternes]

I am trying to decide what trackball to go with on a new cabinet, between the happ 3" translucent red and the ultimarc utrac fireball.
Does anybody know which is better. 
I am a little confused about how to light and mount either one and what additional components are needed also.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

dave

[u_rebelscum]

I don't have the utrak, but do have the happs.

U-trak: easier to mount on wood panel: drill hole as noted in instructions and moust.

Happs: metal mounting plate is easiest way to mount to wood.

Both have two small holes on bottom, one for the light to shine through, the other to screw the light to the TB.

I prefer my happs (old school & highlip models) over my betson & wico TBs (I don't like my happs highball, but others here like it).  But all are high quality arcade trackballs.  I'll bet the u-trak is as good as the others, but I'm just going on what others say.

If looks matter to you, the metal mounting plate the the happ TB can look bad if you don't hide it (or hack a mount that doesn't use it).  As for the u-trak, I don't like the look of the optional "trim flange", or at least the pics of it, but it's supposed to make mounting it easier.  Again, that's just my opinion, and others here feel differently.  You'll have to judge for yourself.

[blind_dado]

I did a review of the Ultimarc track ball:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83988.0

[Flake]

If you go the Happ route dont get the USB model.  It doesnt register hard smacks for games like Golden Tee.  Its like it overspins or something.  Either way It makes games like Golden Tee almost unplayable - for shame.

[Loafmeister]

I have a Happ USB model and it sure seems fine to play the Golden Tee games here?

[Flake]

Hmmmm.....well I wonder what my problem is then?  Do ever really give a good smack?

When I spin mine real hard the shots in GT often only go about half the distance....

[u_rebelscum]

I have a Happ USB model and it sure seems fine to play the Golden Tee games here?

Many haven't had any problems, some didn't have problems for a year or so, others had problems from the start.  Happ's USB boards haven't had a perfect record, but neither have all been bad.  And happs was supposed to have come out with a "fixed version", but wants to get rid of the old IMO flaky stock.  Still, I'd also recommend against getting it, unless you're a gambling type of person. 

If you go happs, I suggest getting the arcade board version and one of the following: optipac, optiwiz, minipac with mouse, u-hid, or u-hid nano.  The u-trak comes with basically the u-hid nano.

[isucamper]

I'd like to second not having any problems with the Happ USB version.  Although I've only had mine 2 months and I don't play much Golden Tee.  It's been perfect on Missle Command and Crystal Castles though.