The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: RandyT on March 09, 2011, 10:38:24 pm

Title: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 09, 2011, 10:38:24 pm
(http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/Leaf-Pro Joystick.jpg) (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=365)

Here's another often requested GroovyGameGear Exclusive that is available now! 

Features:


As usual, thanks to everyone for your continued support ;)

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Woodshop Flunky on March 09, 2011, 10:42:48 pm
I really like the leaf switches on the buttons I got from GGG.  This looks interesting!
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: wp34 on March 09, 2011, 10:46:14 pm
Very nice!  Let me be the first to ask if you will have a 4-way restrictor option?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: D_Harris on March 09, 2011, 10:46:34 pm
Now this was what I was looking for in a 4-way.(Or switchable 4/8-way).

All you need now is an option for consumers to buy the leaf switches separately.  ;D

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Thenasty on March 09, 2011, 10:53:19 pm
I'm in for a true 4-way myself.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RayB on March 09, 2011, 11:40:56 pm
Woooooooooo!!!!
 :applaud:
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: yotsuya on March 09, 2011, 11:53:59 pm
You and Andy must have figured out that I just got my tax return!
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: SithMaster on March 10, 2011, 12:22:02 am
Whats the length on the joystick (suitable for robotron replacement)?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: SavannahLion on March 10, 2011, 12:37:48 am
 :notworthy:
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: mgb on March 10, 2011, 12:57:42 am
Looks good. I will be looking forward to hearing more about it.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: opt2not on March 10, 2011, 02:34:11 am
Awesome! Leaf-stick joys are my absolute favorite, and I'm happy to see that this has such a low-pro!
What does it use for centering? A spring? Rubber grommet?

I'm really curious how this would feel playing the newer fighting games that people are using japanese parts for (jlf's).

Great stuff Randy!   :applaud:
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 10, 2011, 03:45:30 am
Quote from: wp34 on March 09, 2011, 10:46:14 pm
Very nice!  Let me be the first to ask if you will have a 4-way restrictor option?

Just got done prototyping a 4-way option.  It'll cost a bit more due to the extra part, and installation will require a washer on each bolt as a spacer, but it's going to doable.

Quote from: SithMaster on March 10, 2011, 12:22:02 am
Whats the length on the joystick (suitable for robotron replacement)?

2.5" to the top of the ball.  A little short for a real Robotron replacement, but it'll still play well.

Quote from: opt2not on March 10, 2011, 02:34:11 am
What does it use for centering? A spring? Rubber grommet?

This one uses a spring.  Gives it a lighter action than a grommet would, and keeps the profile low.  But it's still firm enough and has a decent feel.


Thanks for all the positive comments!
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: D_Harris on March 10, 2011, 04:42:39 am
Quote from: D_Harris on March 09, 2011, 10:46:34 pm
Now this was what I was looking for in a 4-way.(Or switchable 4/8-way).

All you need now is an option for consumers to buy the leaf switches separately.  ;D

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Actually I just realized that since the True-Leaf Pro™ switches are a "custom design", they probably wouldn't fit other buttons and joysticks without some hacking or an adaptor.

They only fit the CLASSX™ buttons and soon to be available Leaf Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick.

Nevertheless, it's great someone is finally coming out with a leaf switch joystick again.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RetroBorg on March 10, 2011, 04:49:18 am
Quote from: RandyT on March 10, 2011, 03:45:30 am
Just got done prototyping a 4-way option.  It'll cost a bit more due to the extra part, and installation will require a washer on each bolt as a spacer, but it's going to doable.

So I assume no 4-way / 8-way switchable version planned?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: JMB on March 10, 2011, 09:45:21 am
Is it safe to assume there will be color choices for the ball top?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Ginsu Victim on March 10, 2011, 11:21:45 am
Son of a....

I *JUST* installed a True4 stick in my panel. I would've bought this instead.

EDIT:
Oh, wait, this is 8-way. Nevermind.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: yotsuya on March 10, 2011, 01:00:13 pm
Great! I need a 4 way for some games, and 2 two 8 ways for Robotron!  :angry:

But you better believe I'll be picking them up!  :applaud:
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: wp34 on March 10, 2011, 02:03:13 pm
Quote from: Ginsu Victim on March 10, 2011, 11:21:45 am
Son of a....

I *JUST* installed a True4 stick in my panel. I would've bought this instead.

EDIT:
Oh, wait, this is 8-way. Nevermind.

I just bought a True4 myself but will be buying this one when the 4-way restrictor is available.  Oh well.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: EVEGames on March 10, 2011, 09:13:56 pm
Beautiful, Randy.  Very Exciting.  Can you disclose a price point yet?
+1 wondering about alternate colored balltop options.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 10, 2011, 09:57:03 pm
Quote from: EVEGames on March 10, 2011, 09:13:56 pm
Beautiful, Randy.  Very Exciting.  Can you disclose a price point yet?
+1 wondering about alternate colored balltop options.

Unfortunately, red ball only in this incarnation.  The price is driven a bit by the higher cost of parts and the extra labor on these.  At the moment, it looks like $17.95 for the 8-way and another buck on top of that for the 4-way version.

*edit*

Modified the price to be lower after re-examining my costs.  This will be the final price.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Savannan on March 10, 2011, 10:22:06 pm
Quote from: SithMaster on March 10, 2011, 12:22:02 am
Whats the length on the joystick (suitable for robotron replacement)?

+1 to that!!!!!
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 11, 2011, 02:01:53 am

I just spent the last couple of hours tuning the 4-way version of this.  You guys want a short throw with the 4-way, right?  This thing feels amazingly like a "pac" stick at the moment, sans the rubber grommet feel.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Gray_Area on March 12, 2011, 11:41:17 pm
Amazing. The price, too. Can other shafts and ball/bat tops be used?


(Incidentally, all these recent releases of products from you and Andy seem like one-upping each other on coolness - though I know that isn't either of yours' intentions.)
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 14, 2011, 05:43:07 am

Just added this item to the store (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=365).
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: ark_ader on March 14, 2011, 03:45:19 pm
Can I mount these to my X Arcade?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: bonscott on March 16, 2011, 03:32:38 am
Randy,
Can you post the dimensions of the bolt holes for this Leaf-Pro joystick?  How big should the opening be on the control panel for the joystick to go through?  I didn't see these details on your web site? 

Also, how close will this joystick (with 4-way restrictor) be to the revered original Pacman 4-way leaf joystick?  What are the differences?  I've always wanted to put a Pacman original stick on my control panel but I have a wood control panel (and don't have an original joystick anyway).
Thanks,
Tim
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: mgb on March 16, 2011, 08:24:24 am
Quote from: bonscott on March 16, 2011, 03:32:38 am
Randy,
Can you post the dimensions of the bolt holes for this Leaf-Pro joystick?  How big should the opening be on the control panel for the joystick to go through?  I didn't see these details on your web site? 

Also, how close will this joystick (with 4-way restrictor) be to the revered original Pacman 4-way leaf joystick?  What are the differences?  I've always wanted to put a Pacman original stick on my control panel but I have a wood control panel (and don't have an original joystick anyway).
Thanks,
Tim

Just so you know, Pacman also used a wood control panel and the joystick was top-mounted with a plate like this http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=443 (http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=443) and then wrapped in metal.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: BurgerKingDiamond on March 16, 2011, 11:51:16 am
I just picked up a Raiden II cab. It has the Happ american style joysticks which I don't really care for. I was thinking of upgrading to Seimitsu LS-32's like I've done in the past but I may give these a shot just for fun. Would these work well for shmups (i.e. short throw, capable of small precise movements)?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: D_Harris on March 16, 2011, 02:33:13 pm
Quote from: mgb on March 16, 2011, 08:24:24 am
Quote from: bonscott on March 16, 2011, 03:32:38 am
Randy,
Can you post the dimensions of the bolt holes for this Leaf-Pro joystick?  How big should the opening be on the control panel for the joystick to go through?  I didn't see these details on your web site? 

Also, how close will this joystick (with 4-way restrictor) be to the revered original Pacman 4-way leaf joystick?  What are the differences?  I've always wanted to put a Pacman original stick on my control panel but I have a wood control panel (and don't have an original joystick anyway).
Thanks,
Tim

Just so you know, Pacman also used a wood control panel and the joystick was top-mounted with a plate like this http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=443 (http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=443) and then wrapped in metal.

Original Pac-man and Ms.Pac-man cabinets had metal control panels. But Pac-man also had wood attached underneath that was routed  out for the joystick.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 16, 2011, 03:42:04 pm
Quote from: bonscott on March 16, 2011, 03:32:38 am
Can you post the dimensions of the bolt holes for this Leaf-Pro joystick?  How big should the opening be on the control panel for the joystick to go through?  I didn't see these details on your web site?  

The bolt pattern is a 60mm square.  3/4" hole should be plenty.  The 4-ways will need a washer or two as spacers on the bolts, or a little extra routing around the center, to accommodate the slightly higher restrictor.

Quote
Also, how close will this joystick (with 4-way restrictor) be to the revered original Pacman 4-way leaf joystick?  What are the differences?  I've always wanted to put a Pacman original stick on my control panel but I have a wood control panel (and don't have an original joystick anyway).

The major difference is that the original used a rubber grommet.  This will give a joystick a very distinctive feel, and it's something that no spring centered joystick can fully mimic.  That being said, I've spent a few hours playtesting and I believe that these sticks in the 4-way configuration will provide an unparalleled experience for this type of game.  The ability to tune the switch actuation points is what puts it above any other current 4-way (or 8-way in 4-way mode) out there.  It has a short throw, and true 4-way operation, just like the original control, and it's very "fingertip control" friendly if that's your style.

Quote from: BurgerKingDiamond on March 16, 2011, 11:51:16 am
I just picked up a Raiden II cab. It has the Happ american style joysticks which I don't really care for. I was thinking of upgrading to Seimitsu LS-32's like I've done in the past but I may give these a shot just for fun. Would these work well for shmups (i.e. short throw, capable of small precise movements)?

These will work great for shmups.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: VanillaGorilla on March 16, 2011, 05:56:16 pm
sooo..... Anyone actually tried one yet? Impressions?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: mgb on March 16, 2011, 06:35:42 pm
Yeah Randys tried them. He said they work great  ;D
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Gray_Area on March 17, 2011, 12:33:03 am
So I'm guessing that's a negatory on using other shafts. (Ohhhhhh)
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: bonscott on March 17, 2011, 02:29:18 am
Randy,
So the restrictor is attached to the top of the joystick?  Do you have a picture of the joystick with the restrictor installed?  Also, what are the outer dimensions of the joystick mounting plate? 
Thanks,
Tim
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: wonderalex on May 07, 2011, 07:49:51 pm
It's been a while - has any one tried the Leaf/Pro yet?

Be seeing you,

WonderAlex
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: nick3092 on May 11, 2011, 11:24:46 pm
Quote from: wonderalex on May 07, 2011, 07:49:51 pm
It's been a while - has any one tried the Leaf/Pro yet?

Be seeing you,

WonderAlex

I ordered one last week and it showed up today. I don't know when I'll have a chance to mount it to a panel for my modular CP and actually play with it. I ordered it with the 4 way restrictor. Just holding it in my hand and moving it, the throw feels incredibly short. And it feels like it rolls smoothly between the cardinals. I think this is going to be great for the "old school" 4 way games like Pacman.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: homertv on May 11, 2011, 11:51:40 pm
I have one mounted on a test panel I've been working on and I love it. I also have one of the 4-ways that tornado Terry sells and I am much happier with the feel of the leaf pro.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: ramos8414 on May 22, 2013, 09:30:45 pm
Is it as stiff as a happ reunion?
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: Gray_Area on May 26, 2013, 05:35:10 pm
Look in Reviews; part of a line-up against other popular sticks.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: shponglefan on May 26, 2013, 09:46:07 pm
Quote from: wonderalex on May 07, 2011, 07:49:51 pm
It's been a while - has any one tried the Leaf/Pro yet?

Be seeing you,

WonderAlex

I included the 4-way version of the Leaf-Pro in a comparative review here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,132361.0.html).  It works very well as a 4-way joystick.

Can't speak for the regular 8-way version, though.
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: RoyalScam on May 28, 2013, 11:54:09 am
I've been quiet about this because;

1: I'm a lurker, have been registered here since 2005, and was lurking long before that.

2: The 8-way version of this Joystick is the first Joystick I've ever had hooked up to a PC. Well     Modern PC anyway. My first Joystick for PC was a Kraft analog stick ( think RC airplane type) that worked for both IBM and Apple II, it was for my first XT Clone, and as such doesn't really count.

I've recently purchased some buttons and two Leaf Pro 8 Ways from Randy, and the service and parts quality was tops.  After all these years reading about GGG, I knew what to expect, and I was not disappointed.    I knew, from experience with some now "Classic" game consoles, that I did not want a microswtich type joystick. Didn't want something 'clicky'.  So I snatched up these two and am very pleased with them.  I have constructed a control panel and learned that I'll now top mount these sticks in an up coming project, but even though the shafts are a little short on my current panel, it's still very playable. As for 'feel', I don't really know what to say. They work, the spring doesn't feel too stiff or too mushy, All directions function, and we had a blast playing with it at a recent party.  Does it feel like the games you remember from the arcades? How the heck would I know, that was thirty years ago ;).  What I will say is that I really thought for the longest time that some folks here were genuinely looney, with their talk of four way stick vs. 8 way on certain games.  Now that I've tried it, Pac Man stinks with an 8 way, I'm now a convert.  I'll be placing an order for a couple of four ways soon.  Oh, BTW I tried, but not too hard, to remove the tops from these sticks, to see if I could fit them with some 'hand candy' tops.  I don't think it's possible.

Regards,
Scam
Title: Re: New Product: Leaf-Pro™ Classic Arcade True-Leaf-Switch Joystick -GroovyGameGear
Post by: tcleary on September 28, 2021, 01:51:51 pm
Man, no talk for 8 years.  I recently bought one of those arcade1up countercade galagas.  The 2nd version.  So I went looking for a leaf stick option and landed on these.  The 4 way has an option for 2 way.  I ordered that and some of the leaf buttons from ggg.  I don’t see any talk about the 2 way option on these sticks, maybe it is in the forums somewhere.  I’m curious if anyone has used them?  I’ll report back how this little mod goes if anyone is interested.