Arcade Stick Noob! Looking for some quick advice.

[Connor]

Hey fellas,

I'm thinking about making my first arcade stick purchase and just wanted some quick recommendations/answers.

1) Custom or Pre-Built (e.g. Hori)
2) Following that, which maker or which company?
3) If custom is really that much better.. There seems to be too prominent stick builders from SRK. Finkle and Dreaded Fist. Which is recommended? It seems there is a fair bit of praise for both.
4) I'd like to be able to play the stick on PS2, PS3, xbox, and PC. Any idea of what kind of converter(s) I'm looking at in order to do this?
5) If a converter is needed, is there noticeable lag going to any of the above mentioned 4 outputs?

Right now I'm leaning towards a custom pad from either Finkle or Dreaded Fist.

[chippermonky]

1) pre-built is a bit cheaper, but you're limited to the prebuilt designs that are out there which frankly, all suck. PLus, you'll have to go through the trouble of modding if you want full sanwa/happ

2) for happ, the SFAC is alright modded and MAS stick (comes with happ parts). For sanwa, hori is preferred, most horis have sanwa sticks but stock buttons.

3)it's up to you! just browse their photos and see who has what you want.

4)get a PS2 and ask for the analog switch and then get a compatible PS2->USB adaptor. THe adaptor will let you use the stick for ps2/3 and PC. Certain adaptors will be better than others, do research on forums! Same deal iwth ps2 -> xbox

5) depends on what converter you get.

edit: by the way, congrats for not making your first few posts retarded with bad grammar and impossible to understand but rather, rather, educated and well organized.

[tl613]

1. Pretty much everyone here would prefer custom. Why wouldn't you want something built just for you that no one else will have?

2. For custom, either Finkle or Dreaded Fist. Can't go wrong with either. For pre-built, Hori Real Arcade Pro.

3. Like I said can't go wrong with either. Take a look at their work and see which one you like better. The cases they make are different.

4. Their sticks will use PS1 PCB's so PS2 of course will be fine.
---> PS3 : Elecom for now but nothing works perfectly yet for everything.
---> XBox : Magic Box
---> PC : Smartjoy Plus

5. With all the above mentioned adapters, no.

[Cowdisease]

Yeah, custom seems like your best bet. Obtaining a PS1 Dual PCB for your stick ensures that there is no lag when you obtain converters for the other systems. Supposedly, Pelican will release a lag-free PS2->PS3 converter in May, but we'll have to see if they deliver on that promise next month.

[elitericerocket]

1 & 2. If you want custom art get a custom made stick. If you don't really care get either the SFAC and modify it with happ parts, or get a hori and replace the buttons.

3. finkle did an awesome job on my stick. Just be warned that he has a real job and is fairly busy so expect at least 1 - 2 months before you get your stick. Not sure how DF's wait times are atm.

4. People have already posted about converters. Get a magicbox for xbox if you can find one. I don't use ps2 -> usb converters so I can't help you much there.

5. If you get the right converter you won't notice any lag.

[shoo]

df retired from making sticks


go with finkle
it must be worth the wait

[Biolink]

Dreaded Fist has retired :(


Another guy who makes sticks is www.byrdo.org

He seems a tad bit more expensive,but the sticks do look awesome

http://www.byrdo.org/Senbonzakura%201.jpg

[Connor]

All right, well I think I've finally made my decision.

I've talked to Dreaded Fist and yes, he has retired from stick building :(

Finkle I've yet to receive a reply from so I suppose he's fairly busy and it's probably unrealistic of me to expect him to be able to build one for me.

This leaves me either with a pre-built or a used custom stick from one of you fellas!

I think that the HRAP2 will probably be the best bet as it has the easiest compatibility with each of the systems I listed. The HRAP3 would be a tough convert to PS2/xbox I would think.

The trouble is.. is that the HRAP2 is discontinued and are very hard to find!

Any thoughts? Is the HRAP2 the best way to go in your opinion? Unless I can find a used custom stick.

[shoo]

modded tekken 5 stick :tup:

or build your own
if you can get
soldering skills
carpentry skills
and thats it :]


where you from connor?

[GoldenYear]

If it's your first stick just get something fairly decent. The tekken 5 stick is the perfect way to start, the work your way up to a better stick when you need too. I wouldn't be too concerned with getting the perfect stick if you've never even had one before.

[shoo]

If it's your first stick just get something fairly decent. The tekken 5 stick is the perfect way to start, the work your way up to a better stick when you need too. I wouldn't be too concerned with getting the perfect stick if you've never even had one before.

my first stick was a pelican real arcade
god it was crap

but i have 2 now both happ modded

and a tekken 5 stick ima mod soon with sanwas

[GoldenYear]

Lol, good to hear you got a nice stick in the end. My first stick was a green goblin, not a bad way to start, but now my best is probably my CFJ seimitsu modded HRAP.

I have had my fair share of crap though, like the KOF stick for PS2, I think having bad sticks makes you appreciate the good stick more when you get them though.

[vapulus]

my first stick was a pelican real arcade


Lol, I had the same thing. I actually broke it in half in a flurry of anger when the buttons stuck on me twice in the same fight. Then I ordered a MAS. Then I built my own, ordering a case from Red Octane. There's always a progression. I would definitely suggest going somewhat cheap, like pre-built for your first. You don't know what you like, yet. I thought I was huge on hard springs, till I got used to my MAS with hard springs and started to feel like it fought me too much. Enjoy your journey through stickland. =)

[Connor]

modded tekken 5 stick :tup:

or build your own
if you can get
soldering skills
carpentry skills
and thats it :]


where you from connor?

Up in Winnipeg, MB, Canada! Yep.. it's still cold.

[ShingoKick]

Up in Winnipeg, MB, Canada! Yep.. it's still cold.

Who are you? I challenge you to a dual.

[shoo]

Who are you? I challenge you to a dual.

dun dun dun

[MastererBetty]

I'm an arcade stick n00b too. I tried building the small sanwa stick that byrdo has up on his site, but failed misribly. I did not use a table saw, that could have been why...neways does anyone have tips or usefull information that might help me build my own?

[shoo]

...but failed misribly. I did not use a table saw, that could have been why...?

pics or i didnt happen

[Ekko]

Hey Connor, looking for a stick too eh? I'm pure n00b when it comes to sticks, but everyone must start somewhere.

I'm actually thinking of building my own stick. We may be able to help each other out, chea bea!

[jim_kim]

We actually have someone who's starting to build stick in our own city, if you guys wanna wait and see what he has to offer, I'll keep you updated. As a fellow Winnipegger, I believe you'd find some decent comp and our local stick maker at www.ssga.tk

[youngcipher]

Is The HORI Fighting Stick 2 a good choice to start with.

[youngcipher]

Is The HORI Fighting Stick 2 a good choice to start with.

:wonder:

[Rikidozan]

:wonder:

You're better off getting a HRAP. Any of the model's where the Hori-buttons are on quick-disconnects so you can get rid of the pityful Hori-buttons.

Check this thread for HRAP info:
http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=95713

[youngcipher]

You're better off getting a HRAP. Any of the model's where the Hori-buttons are on quick-disconnects so you can get rid of the pityful Hori-buttons.

Check this thread for HRAP info:
http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=95713

:tup:
Thanks

[shin_ryu]

anyone know if the street fighter anniversary edition arcade stick is any good?
or the X-Arcade Stick?
please i want to buy and arcade stick as soon as i can and would like to know which is the best one?
X-Arcade, SF Anniversary Edition, or even a Hori 1 or 2

[shoo]

anyone know if the street fighter anniversary edition arcade stick is any good?
or the X-Arcade Stick?
please i want to buy and arcade stick as soon as i can and would like to know which is the best one?
X-Arcade, SF Anniversary Edition, or even a Hori 1 or 2

sfac its ok as a first stick

xarcade NO

which hori?
some are pretty good as first timers too

[shin_ryu]

sfac its ok as a first stick

xarcade NO

which hori?
some are pretty good as first timers too

yeah i dont know much about arcade stick but i have an arcade stick that is complete crap it was 20 bucks lol hahaha
but now im thinking about these:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-m-49-en-15-hori-70-4ra.html

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-m-77-3-49-en-15-hori%2Breal%2Barcade-70-10up.html

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-m-77-2-49-en-15-hori%2Breal%2Barcade-70-5w3.html

but i cant seem to find any of these available anywhere except for the
HORI Fighting Stick 2 but i dont think i would like that...it looks a little too small (idk it might just be the picture) and i want something thats pretty heavy or that at least wont move too much when i use it

[shin_ryu]

any one plz???i really want to buy a stick asap

[Forster]

eBay, or a forum member selling second hand.

As far as I know HRAP 1s and 2s are no longer being made, private sellers are the way to go.

[shoo]

what console will you be playing it on?

[shin_ryu]

anyone know anything about this stick???

http://store.videogamecentral.com/prarst10mpl.html

i read in a review that it was one of their best sticks that they have played with
i will be playing with it only on ps2

[koi]

That's a MAS. Search for it and you'll find plenty of information.

[shin_ryu]

anyone know if the MAS is any better then the hori stick??
or the hori any better then the MAS stick

[shoo]

mas has american parts
they are really back ordered so dont expect it soon

hori has japanese parts
theyre quicker and sensitive and more expensive
theyre just diferent depending on your preference

[TingBoy]

anyone know if the MAS is any better then the hori stick??
or the hori any better then the MAS stick

Generally, MvC2 players use MAS while Hori is used for other games like CvS2 or Third Strike, but it really just depends on the player's preference. I don't have a problem playing MvC2 on either stick, but I can't really play Third Strike on a MAS.

MAS sticks are easy to find, but they're backordered, so if you don't live locally, don't expect to get one soon.
http://massystems.com
Here's their link.

HRAP1's can still be found on some sites. Here's one.
http://www.japanvideogames.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ps2ja%2Drealarcade

HRAP2's are ridiculously rare. The only site I know that is still receiving some from a bulk order is ArcadeShock

http://www.arcadeshock.com/items/accessories/hori-real-arcade-pro-2-joystick-for-ps-ps2-hrap2-accessories-detail.htm

There's the link if anyone is looking for one. Their site says that the sticks are slowly trickling in, so they'll still be taking orders even if it says out of stock.

[shin_ryu]

I'm only going to use the stick to play svc2 and sf3 so im gonna go with the hrap 1 thank you so much TingBoy that was really helpful i think i made my choice thank you once again!!! :wgrin:

wait...i found a hrap 1 for $112 (S&H included) and according to the link u gave me TingBoy the hrap 2 is $145 (S&H included) is it worth to spend $30 more dollars on the hrap 2? i mean is it that much better?

[TingBoy]

I'm only going to use the stick to play svc2 and sf3 so im gonna go with the hrap 1 thank you so much TingBoy that was really helpful i think i made my choice thank you once again!!! :wgrin:

wait...i found a hrap 1 for $112 (S&H included) and according to the link u gave me TingBoy the hrap 2 is $145 (S&H included) is it worth to spend $30 more dollars on the hrap 2? i mean is it that much better?

**Taken from http://forums.shoryuken.com/showpost.php?p=2522434&postcount=1**

Regular HRAP, CFJ HRAP:
- Sanwa JLF-TP-8Y-SK
- Hori Buttons
- Turbo switches
- Uses quick disconnects for the buttons for easy switching for Sanwa pushbuttons.
- Mirror top, scratches and gets fingerprints easily (Regular HRAP only)
- CFJ art (CFJ HRAP only duh lol)
- Button layout is Japanese console stick layout
- Button placement:
L1 [] /\ R1
L2 X O R2
- Work and are lag-free with these converters:
PS --> XBOX - Dragonbox - when choosing colors, HP and HK are switched.
PS --> Dreamcast - Innovation
PS --> PC - Wind Spirit
- Pic (Original): http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-m-70-5w3.html
(CFJ): http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-m-70-dib.html

HRAP1 Version B:
- Sanwa JLF-TP-8Y-SK
- Hori Buttons
- Turbo switches
- Uses quick disconnects for the buttons for moderate switching for Sanwa pushbuttons.
- No mirror top
- Button layout is Japanese console stick layout
- Button placement:
L1 [] /\ R1
L2 X O R2
- Work and are lag-free with these converters:
PS --> XBOX - Dragonbox - when choosing colors, HP and HK are switched.
PS --> Dreamcast - Innovation
PS --> PC - Wind Spirit
- HRAP1 version 2 is essentially the same as the regular HRAP, but according to some reports, the Hori buttons used are of even lesser quality, and the mounting area has been altered, so sticking a LS-32 isn't really possible anymore.

HRAP 2:
- Sanwa JLF-TP-8Y-SK
- Hori Buttons
- Uses quickdisconnects
- Turbo switches
- No mirror top
- White/Red color scheme
- Button layout is Japanese arcade cabinet layout
- Button placement:
[] /\ R1 L1
X O R2 L2
- Pic: http://www.hori.jp/products/ps2/cont...age/image2.jpg
- Apparently when modding the HRAP2's buttons, it is recommended to use snap-ins as opposed to screw-ins as there is not enough space due to the mounting area of the new layout.

I posted both versions of the HRAP1 because I don't know which one you were planning on buying.

Basically, the only difference between the two sticks is the button layout, button placement, and the distance between the stick and the buttons. If you compare a picture of an HRAP1 with a picture of an HRAP2, you'll see the differences in the button placement. Overall, the HRAP2 is the closest thing you can get to an Japanese arcade cabinet. HRAP1's would be the 2nd closest I guess.

Btw, I got my stick off of ArcadeShock and it came within a few days. It was around $154.xx with S&H.

And you're welcome. :smile:

[shin_ryu]

allright thank you again...im going to get the hrap1 because i dont really like the button layout on the hrap 2
anyone know if www.videogamecentral.com is not reliable or anything like that? cause im going to order from them

[geneijin]

Those people who makes custom sticks for a living, do they also specialise in artwork for the top panel or is it entirely the customer's responsibility?

[shoo]

usually the customer supplies the art work ^^

[shin_ryu]

Those people who makes custom sticks for a living, do they also specialise in artwork for the top panel or is it entirely the customer's responsibility?

Im pretty sure u have to send them an artwork of what u want on the stick and they put it on for u

[geneijin]

If I want to send an artwork to a custom stick maker but before I do that, I want to edit some parts of the picture to how I like it. How will I do that? Could I find someone who has skills of drawing on computers or will I have to learn that myself?

[shin_ryu]

what d u mean parts do u want to make the picture bigger or just change something in the picture? im sure u could find someone that is willing to do what u want with the pic

[shin_ryu]

yay guess what! haha!
i ordered a hori real arcade pro stick for 112 (with s&h) and i got a hrap 2! i am so happy because i saved some money and got a better stick