Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: StragoRx on March 21, 2013, 02:42:14 pm

Title: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: StragoRx on March 21, 2013, 02:42:14 pm
I think I'm about ready to order my two joysticks for my first project along with a lot of the other hardware (I-Pac, trackball). I was leaning toward getting some mag sticks but they don't seen to be a favorite on these forums after looking at other threads. Any other great switchable sticks you all recommend?
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: mrclean on March 21, 2013, 02:50:40 pm
I've had magsticks before hated them...

U360's switch digitally which I like the way they feel...

http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html (http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html) ? New product never tried them yet.
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: chopperthedog on March 21, 2013, 04:36:09 pm
What is the main type of game style that will be played most?


good day.
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: keilmillerjr on March 21, 2013, 06:24:11 pm
I've had magsticks before hated them...

U360's switch digitally which I like the way they feel...

http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html (http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html) ? New product never tried them yet.

What did you dislike about the magstiks?
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: Jumpman64 on March 21, 2013, 08:38:11 pm
Omni2 is pretty good if you don't mind below panel switching.  Otherwise, perhaps ServoStick?
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: Le Chuck on March 21, 2013, 09:13:00 pm
Omni2 is pretty good if you don't mind below panel switching.  Otherwise, perhaps ServoStick?

OMNI2 is great if you are willing to do a simple DIY project and make it auto switching http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/4way_to_8way_Auto-switching_Joystick_Mod (http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/4way_to_8way_Auto-switching_Joystick_Mod)

Cheaper than a servo stick and the pololu Micro Maestro controller can handle multiple servos out of the box meaning you can do two controllers with one board. 
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: StragoRx on March 21, 2013, 10:41:33 pm
I mainly like to play brawler games like X-men, Golden Axe, and The Simpsons. But I have  worked pretty hard to make a themed up super cool hyper spin setup with all the top games which range through all genres and generations. Also my buddy is pretty into fighters. I know all the newbies want all the games on there cab and I guess I'm guilty as charged.

I don't think I mind popping open to turn the restrictor, although again this is my first cabinet and I don't really know what I mind yet.

Two votes for OMNI2, and I like the ball top look. +5 bucks for blue ball top!? whoa...
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: mrclean on March 21, 2013, 10:43:09 pm
What did you dislike about the magstiks?

I personally thought that the throw was way too short, I'm also not a fan of micro switches in joysticks.. it seemed very stiff. I first had a MAME machine, once I started getting into collecting aspect of things I bought various dedicated machines most of which used a leaf wico joystick.  I guess at this point I'm so used to that type of feel. Granted don't get me wrong various games call for certain joysticks / controllers... But in the short amount of time I owned magsticks I can say I really didn't care for them. I don't know if they were improved from 6-7 years ago or whenever they were introduced, I can say I was pretty happy with the same companies product the U360's. It's all personal preference.

Many moons ago I think his name was Kevin Steele? had a great video review of all of the throws / reviewed all of the joysticks but again this was going back 6-8 years ago. I think he had his hand in gameroom magazine which no longer exists either.

http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/hardware.html (http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/hardware.html)

Another good link:
http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/reviews/joysticks/Joystick%20Roundup.pdf (http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/reviews/joysticks/Joystick%20Roundup.pdf)
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: keilmillerjr on March 21, 2013, 10:52:54 pm
My only concern with the U360's is that I think they are only Winblows compatible. Am I correct?
Title: Re: Best Value 4/8 switchable Joysticks
Post by: Gray_Area on March 24, 2013, 03:47:27 pm
What did you dislike about the magstiks?

I personally thought that the throw was way too short...

This always throws me.....