Best CP joystick

[greywolf22]

Hey All,

Still planning out my CP, and was curious about the experience people have had with the various joysticks out there.  Which one(s) feel the best, or are the most versitile for use on a 2 player CP, etc.  Just looking for ideas, and suggestions.  Also, in a related subject, are the switchable 4/8 way joysticks a good choice (I only am going to have 2 joysticks on my CP, but want at least one that is 4/8 way switchable for older games), or are restrictor plates the way to go?  I'm looking at this from all angles...ease of use, ease of installation etc. As always, I'm relying on the brilliant talents and minds of BYOAC to assist with these life changing decisions  

[tmasman]

If you're looking for ease of switching from 4 to 8 way then the only "easy" way to do it is with the restrictor plates.  Every other way requires you to get under the CP...

You could just do a quick search for all the millions of other joystick discussions to figure out the right stick for you.  Everyone has his/her own favorites & it also comes down to your budget.

Do a search or 2 and you should be able to get the info you're looking for

[Apollo]

You really need to have a good think about what games you like and will play the most. If you are a fighter fan and will only play games like Pacman and Galaga occasionally then go for a switchable stick. If you are more old school like me you will want to consider a dedicated 4 way. It really all depends on what you will play the most.

[GamingGreg]

The T-stick (sold on the Ultimarc site) has a simple toggle switch to switch from 4way to 8way.  I remember seeing someone rigging their control panel with a push/pull plunger to switch the switch without opening it up.  However I've also heard that the T-Stick feels rather "stiff", but that's a personal preference anyway.  Good Luck finding the one right for you.

[Nightfalls]

Most of real Arcade joysticks are good pieces of hardware. As regards personal preference for a model, it depends on what you like on a stick. I could describe different models but the best you can do is to try to find any unit and test it yourself. My personal favs are Ultimarc's T-stick and the Universal Stick. Both have round motion, and short throw, shoter in the T-stick, which is also more clicky. Both have a medium-strong spring with a fast return to center. Super and Ultimate sticks have longer throw and their springs are softer. I don't like these two models. Sanwa's balltop have medium throw and soft spring. I think you can test this one in Naomi's cabinets. Universals are very common in generic cabinets an ultimates and supers usually appear in fighting games cabinets.

[hyiu]

my personal opinion is....

get the 8 way joystick that you would prefer.....
Super for round feel... or perfect 360... or competition...

if you like 4 way games....
either get a dedeciated 4 way stick....
or get the restrictor plate....

 

[Lilwolf]

Also... consider what games you play most... even when deciding on a 8way.

Supers (imho) is the best all around joystick.  Rounded actuators make for the best on many old games... And essential for timepilot and gyruss... Really makes the game.  But only ok for streetfighter.

Compititions are my second favorite.  Good all around stick... but you feel all the corners.  Bad for timepilot, great for knowing your in a crouching block.  Also I can do some super moves a little better with them.

I hear good things about the swappable 4/8 way from ultimarc (tstick).  I haven't heard one bad thing about them.  If you are going to have one control panel and want to swap quickly between them, the oscar plates are good... (but this info has already been said).

[paigeoliver]

Supers (imho) is the best all around joystick.  Rounded actuators make for the best on many old games... And essential for timepilot and gyruss... Really makes the game.  But only ok for streetfighter.

I pulled the supers out of my Time Pilot machine. They are only good for games like that when compared to the other sticks in the Happ lineup.

The best all around 8-way stick are the long handled Wico leaf switch sticks. They are still the best sticks ever made and are well worth the $20 or so you will pay for rebuilt ones. They are fine for fighters, and almost everything in the pre-fighter era came with them in the first place.