Heading back into the tourney scene, but need a new stick.

[Mr. Big]

Heyas all! Hope you don't mind me asking for a bit of help.

This is something I ordinarily wouldn't do, but i need a bit of help. I've been out of the tourney scene and haven't set foot in an arcade in coming on 6 years now. When I decided to quit, I sold my old MAS to a friend and just stuck to playing matches online (via emu's, since there's painfully little competition locally) with my n64 pad (http://www.nuon-dome.com/pix/rarestuff/n64proto1.jpg) on an Adaptoid (N64 to USB) adapater. It's actually been a style of pad that I've been using for fighters for 10+ years now.

However, I know as well as anyone that if you want to be serious about tournaments, you need a solid stick. I've done some asking around and a lot of research (Sanwa, Seimitsu, Happs, etc.), but to be honest it all has me a bit overwhelmed.

I'm planning to head to Final Round XI in Atlanta (March 15-16), and I'm hoping to have a stick by then. Primarily it'll be used on a PS2 (and a PC, but I can get an adapter for that), have convex buttons, and be fairly tight (so when it loosens up, like my old MAS did, it'll be perfect). I'm fine with either a ball or bat top (is there a pro / con associated? I see most people with ball-tops).

I have 2 concerns, though:

1. Getting the stick in time to practice and get adjusted before the tourney (been coming across too many stories lately of people waiting months for their sticks).
2. Value for money. I'm already stretching myself a bit thin between the trip and other expendatures cropping up at around the same time, and I'm really not looking to spend more than $100-125, with the lower the better, of course.


At FRXI, I'll be playing Real Bout 2, KOF 98 / XI, while dabbling in whatever else might be around. Would anyone be so kind as to give me some suggestions to steer me in the right direction? :sweat:

Thanks in advance!

[TMO Gaming]

You could get an HRAP and plop new buttons in.

[TingBoy]

You could get an HRAP and plop new buttons in.

With my guide :tup:

Other options would be to buy a MAS from the trading forums here. I believe there are a few that are being sold for $100 and $120 shipped

[Mr. Big]

I read a review someone that reminded me of an issue that I had every once in a while with my MAS, and that my friends had with theirs: "the controller has been removed." Definitely something I'd want to avoid in a tourney setting (which happened a good bit at Evo 2k4 (http://www.got-next.com/features_read.php?id=109)).

I had seen the HRAP's mentioned a number of times before, and outside of going pure custom, seems to be the way to go. I was wondering, though, with the plathora of different versions of the HRAPS (http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=95713), are there any pros / cons / surprises that I may need to watch out for?

Though I have the tools and a lot of experience building PC's and some controller repair (those damnable Superpad's last an average of 3-6 months :annoy:), I've never done anything quite like modding a stick. I'd be willing to do that, but I'm also a bit hesitant.

And I have peeked into your guide, Tingboy. :) I didn't look too closely at it at the time (because I hadn't decided on a maker), but I'll do so now. :tup:

[TingBoy]

I read a review someone that reminded me of an issue that I had every once in a while with my MAS, and that my friends had with theirs: "the controller has been removed." Definitely something I'd want to avoid in a tourney setting (which happened a good bit at Evo 2k4 (http://www.got-next.com/features_read.php?id=109)).

I had seen the HRAP's mentioned a number of times before, and outside of going pure custom, seems to be the way to go. I was wondering, though, with the plathora of different versions of the HRAPS (http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=95713), are there any pros / cons / surprises that I may need to watch out for?

Though I have the tools and a lot of experience building PC's and some controller repair (those damnable Superpad's last an average of 3-6 months :annoy:), I've never done anything quite like modding a stick. I'd be willing to do that, but I'm also a bit hesitant.

And I have peeked into your guide, Tingboy. :) I didn't look too closely at it at the time (because I hadn't decided on a maker), but I'll do so now. :tup:

For the MAS stick, the problem only occurs with multi-console MAS sticks, namely the PS2 and Dreamcast version. A few of my friends have single console MAS sticks and they have never had any problems on their PS2 or my DC + converter.

As for the HRAP, try to get an HRAP1 or HRAP2. They require the least amount of work to mod that work for PS2. The others (SC3, T5, Arcana Heart) require you to grind down metal tabs with a dremel or something similar.

[Toodles]

For the MAS stick, the problem only occurs with multi-console MAS sticks, namely the PS2 and Dreamcast version. A few of my friends have single console MAS sticks and they have never had any problems on their PS2 or my DC + converter.That would show that the MAS PSX stick was okay, but there's no mention of a dedicated DC MAS.

Anyone know if the dedicated DC MAS has blue box issues?

[beatsofdevil]

I believe it does...

[TingBoy]

That would show that the MAS PSX stick was okay, but there's no mention of a dedicated DC MAS.

Anyone know if the dedicated DC MAS has blue box issues?

The only person I know of with a dedicated DC MAS would be a local player by the name of Magnus. I believe he said that his MAS has never given him problems until recently, but the recent blue screens are mostly likely from regular wear and tear since his stick is very old and has seen alot of use. I was at a local tourney with him a few weeks earlier. It looks like there might be a damaged wire in the DC cord.

Also, just wanted to add, Toodles, you're a beast =). Thx for all of the help. I'm on the lookout for a 74HCT04 since my local Fry's seems to be sold out for now.

[Shin00bi]

Building your own stick can cost about $100, including a pre-built wooden case (not one normally intended for sticks). Building one your self, or even modding one, can be quite inspirational.

Beyond that, you get what you pay for.

[Starcade RIP]

What games are you most interested in competing in? I personally recommend Japanese hardware for CvS2/3S and Happ stuff for Marvel, but some people prefer Happ for all games.

[Kuprin]

Building your own stick can cost about $100, including a pre-built wooden case (not one normally intended for sticks). Building one your self, or even modding one, can be quite inspirational.

Beyond that, you get what you pay for.

Agreed on building your own, but it's the time factor, especially if you want to do anything fancy. I've put many months into the design and construction of the three I'm working on right now, and they're still not done. I'm waiting on inspiration again, because the cost of the original design went through the roof with the price of brass. :sad:

[DevilJin 01]

Final Round baby. Rice Barrel.