Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: nitz on February 27, 2011, 05:37:23 pm

Title: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: nitz on February 27, 2011, 05:37:23 pm
I'm in the midst of getting my cab up and running again, and am considering a new 4 way stick. I was using Tornado Terry's Ms. Pacman replica stick, which I like for some games, but I find some games very difficult to play on it (Frogger and Nibbler come to mind) and I think it's because there's too much throw. I think most of those 4 way classics play best on a stick that's a bit "twitchy", meaning you can change directions very quickly.

I know there was a topic on 4 way sticks a month or two ago, but I don't think throw was discussed much IIRC, so what do you guys suggest for a 4 way with a short throw?
Title: Re: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: Grasshopper on February 27, 2011, 05:42:51 pm
Either the Ultimarc T-Stik (which is a slightly modified Industrias Lorenzo joystick) or the Suzo 500.

Of the two, I'd say the Suzo has the better feel, but I prefer the T-Stik's switching mechanism.
Title: Re: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: LeedsFan on February 27, 2011, 05:44:18 pm
I played on an original Frogger cab recently and the joystick for that game is awesome. It was a leaf switch design that kinda felt spongy or springy. Difficult to describe but for that particular game it was perfect. Take that joystick out for other games though and it may probably be rubbish.

Personally I have played Frogger with Seimitsu LS32 and it's fine. I think the Seimitsu LS40 has an even smaller engage and throw but I've not tried that one myself. I went for the LS32 because it's their best seller and is a good over all genres. Having said that I tend to play Frogger best of all just using the arrow keys on keyboard. But of course that's not really helpful to you. :p
Title: Re: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: nitz on February 27, 2011, 07:31:17 pm
Thanks guys!

Hmm, don't see the T stick on Ultimarc's site, guessing they don't have it anymore. The suzo 500 sounds good, except that I've got a wood panel and don't really want to do any routing to mount it. Looks like the Seimitsu's have a short shaft as well.

I'm curious about the omnistick at Groovy Game Gear - looks like the suzo 500 on Ultimarc's site actually, but wondering if it has a longer shaft. Also, if anyone's tried the True 4 from GGG yet, I'd love to hear what that's like. I might just have to ask Randy about these. Or he can chime in if he's around. ;)
Title: Re: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: mgb on February 27, 2011, 09:26:00 pm
I may wrong because I've never used either but doesn't the mag stick have the same short throw like the t-stick?
Title: Re: 4 way stick with a short throw?
Post by: Turnarcades on February 27, 2011, 10:21:33 pm
The mag-sticks have a very short throw like the Suzo (listed on Ultimarc as the 'Euro-stick') and although higher quality and having an easy switch method, I much prefer the Suzo 500 feel, probably because they are so hard-wearing and what I fondly remember on 90% of generic arcades when I was a kid.