I've just finished uploading a new video review to Retroblast.com: It's a review of the new SlikStik Stainless Steel Joystick Handles:
http://www.retroblast.com/video.html (http://www.retroblast.com/video.html)
I should have another video review (this time of the Wells-Gardner D9200 arcade monitor) ready by this time next week, if the UPS gods smile on me.
Anyway, check it out and let me know what you think!
Kevin
I don't think you can anodize anything other than aluminum. I've never heard of anodized steel.
Stainless steel can also be electropolished, which is similar to anodizing (but different than electroplating) but this will result in an extremely smooth and shiny surface, and not change the colour which is what SirPoonga was probably getting at (?)
Maybe they could be machined from aluminium instead, which will not only give a lighter feel, but will then allow for anodizing as well.
I don't think you can anodize anything other than aluminum. I've never heard of anodized steel.
However, imagine trying to throw a harpoon in MK (which REQUIRES a fast snap to center) or navigating a dense bullet spread in DoDonPachi or GigaWing (which often requires stopping still in exactly the spot you want.) It would be horrible.
Also, beware of starting to sound like a vendor front-man in your reviews. It's glaringly obvious that you have a direct line from SlikStik to your basement, and that you are wary of jeapordizing that relationship. However, if it becomes too blatant, people will just stop caring about your "reviews" and your line will be in just as much jeapordy.
If something is a worse idea in execution than it was in concept, don't be afraid to say so... It might be valuable feedback for the people reading your site AS WELL as for the vendor. I.E. If you discussed the problems with dropping an overheavy stick into a chassis that wasn't designed for it, then SlickStick would be motivated to either redesign their stick with a lighter alloy or to ship the handles with spring replacement sets which (this needs testing) could potentially solve the problem. Otherwise, you're doing both parties a disservice.
But don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate the intentions of your website, from both the self-serving and public-serving positions... In fact I'm sure I envy you :)
The smooth steel in sure will get slippery with sweaty palms...
I'm dissapointed KS, that you would misinterpret my candor as animus. But surely, you will notice that I'm not the only person on the planet (esp not on the NGs) that has noticed the oddity of your relationship with SlikStik. But hey, as long as they're willing to dish out to you, good for you!
I have the Happ Super version coming this week and will note how they do on my site. Part of my decision to go w/ them was I didn't route out my CP and these are taller.
You failed to mention the oddity of my relationship to Kelsey, either...I've reviewed his products as well. Was I too glowing in my review of them, or is he immune from "tainting" me as a reviewer?
Well... my regiment of an apple a day and eating Kryptonite for lunch probably helps, too... :)