What's a good "new" leaf 4-way stick?

[goldenageofarcade]

Hi,

I've converted my frankenpanel to detachable/replaceable panel setup, and I really want to get a nice stick for my 4-way panel.  It's going to be a single 4-way and 2 buttons.  With very few exceptions, there will be no games newer than about 1984 played with this setup.  Is there a great joystick currently in production/available that is 4-way leaf that can be recommended to me?  I've seen one or two available, but the pics don't show me enough (does it have a diamond restrictor, etc?).

I don't mind if it's designed for metal panels, mine is 3/4 MDF but I can route it out if needed.  I prefer a ball-top, and I would like it to have about 1.5"-2" of height to the bottom of the ball.

I really don't want to find an old Wico or something like this, though I know that would be the ideal.  I would prefer something currently made so I can buy a couple of them/parts for them etc.

Any suggestions for a good stick I can use for a good '79-'84 feel?

Thanks,
Ryan

[Paul Olson]

I haven't tried any of the japanese stuff, but I have tried most of the American and european sticks, and none of them come close to the wico leaf sticks. I resisted buying them for a long time, and wasted a ton of money trying to find a newer one. You can find the wicos for $30 or $40 and they are what you need for that feel. Replacement parts can still be found as well.

I know you don't want that, but I really can't make a recommendation for anything else. I just haven't found a substitute. the wico is a good all around stick, and I like it for everything but donkey kong. I usually won't swap in the pacman stick as the wico works fine, but the dk stick always gets swapped in.

If you want to try a newer one, I can sell you the Ms pac reunion stick pretty cheap. I hate it.

[leapinlew]

Although microswitched, I think a super joystick outfitted with a 4 way restrictor is pretty good.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310

[Ginsu Victim]

Also not leaf, but check out GroovyGameGear's True4 stick. It's awesome.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=340

[Q*Bert_OP]

I have about a dozen NOS WICO brand joysticks.

The ball tops are green.

PM if interested.

[rjpe]

Bought a 4-way in www.dealextreme.com, 10.5 USD.
It's very good for the price! I'm using it for my second build - a 4-way cab.

Check it out: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.37485

[FlatEarth]

The dealextreme one looks like a microswitch unit, isn't it?

Q*Bert, are yours 4-way or 8-way?

I have been looking for a good balltop 8-way leafswitch option (I need 2), and they seem impossible to get.  Why are they so hard to find??  If anyone knows of a source that I have missed, please let me know!

[rjpe]

yep, it's a microswitch.

[Q*Bert_OP]

Here's what I've got.

Goldenageofarcade gets first pick, the rest first message, first sale, while supplies last.

Yes, I take paypal. $30 each shipped in US

PM if interested.

[goldenageofarcade]

PM sent, I'm in for 2, thanks very much!  These will be great for my 8-way "classic" panel.  Otherwise, I'll keep a look out for a Wico 4-way for the panel I originally posted about.  I have a Sanwa that I really like the look and feel of, and I just ordered some quieter switches I'll try to adapt to fit it, maybe that will work well enough.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Regards,
Ryan

[FlatEarth]

PM sent, I am in for 2 as well.  This will work great for my classic 8-way panel!

Thanks, Q*Bert, you are a great help!!

[Paul Olson]

th only difference between these and the 4-ways is the plastic base. Those show up for sale once in a while. It may be easier to buy a third one of these and keep an eye out for a 4-way base.

[lilshawn]

i have 2 NOS wico leafs

one is part # 15-9454-01 has a black base, red balltop, only missing the dust washer...
the other # 15-9453-01 has a gray base, red balltop, all parts.

i'd be willing to entertain getting rid of them to a good home.

[MidnightMenace!]

damn, i wish you guys were offering last week when i need a replacment for my ms pacman...

[Q*Bert_OP]

I have about a dozen NOS WICO brand joysticks.

The ball tops are green.

PM if interested.

I have only 3 left.

SOLD OUT!

Thanks