HRAP2SA Purchase Delimma

[Dark Hadou XS]

Hi all,

I'm currently faced with a purchasing delimma so I figured I ask the experts for some advice. I'm looking to purchase an HRAP2SA from videogamecentral.com they have it for pre-order for $150 so after shipping I'm looking at $186, which is cheaper than if I had purchased off of play-asia (which sold the stick alone for almost $190). The allure of the HRAP2SA is that it's all Sanwa parts, but I already have the HRAP1 (black stick with the green ball and buttons) and this already has a Sanwa stick and Hori buttons so I'm not sure if the investment in another HRAP would be worth it. Is there a big difference between Hori buttons and Sanwa buttons or a big difference between the Sanwa stick on the HRAP1 and HRAP2sa. Any information, advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Again:smile:

[-=KOH=-]

uh, don't waste your money, just get a tekken 5 stick and mod it.

[erikstanton]

the hori buttons feel more mushy to me.
there will be no difference between the acutal sticks on the HRAP1 and HRAP2SA. both are sanwa jlf with square gates. unless you need the stick for two players, or just want another stick, then you dont really need it. if youre happy with how the buttons on your HRAP1 feel, then you dont need to buy it.

[Toodles]

uh, don't waste your money, just get a tekken 5 stick and mod it.
?????? WTF you smoking? That has nothing to do with his question, and even after modding and throwing the same amount of money down, is not as good as buying an HRAP out of the gate.

Hi all,

I'm currently faced with a purchasing delimma so I figured I ask the experts for some advice. I'm looking to purchase an HRAP2SA from videogamecentral.com they have it for pre-order for $150 so after shipping I'm looking at $186, which is cheaper than if I had purchased off of play-asia (which sold the stick alone for almost $190). The allure of the HRAP2SA is that it's all Sanwa parts, but I already have the HRAP1 (black stick with the green ball and buttons) and this already has a Sanwa stick and Hori buttons so I'm not sure if the investment in another HRAP would be worth it. Is there a big difference between Hori buttons and Sanwa buttons or a big difference between the Sanwa stick on the HRAP1 and HRAP2sa. Any information, advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Again:smile:
As already said, there isn't a difference in the stick, so don't sweat about that. The differences between, ignoring color differences:
HRAP1 and HRAP2: 1) Button layout. The HRAP2 is more curved and encourages playing on the six buttons closest to the stick. HRAP1 is less curved and encourages playing on the farther six.
HRAP2 and HRAP2SA: 1) Sanwa buttons instead of Hori buttons.

If you're okay with the button layout on the HRAP1, and just want to check the buttons, order eight buttons from lizardlick and swap them out; its super easy, and pretty cheap. The ONLY reason to consider an HRAPSA is if the cost of the SA is less than the cost of an HRAP2 and some sanwa buttons, AND if you really hate the button layout on the HRAP1.

Check the HRAP FAQ thread for any details, instead of making a new thread.

[Dark Hadou XS]

Thanks for your help guys, think I'm gonna pass on the HRAP2SA and instead buy Sanwa buttons for my HRAP1. Toodles: I went on lizardlick and they have so many options for Sanwa buttons. Might you or anyone else know which buttons I should buy for my HRAP1 and any good tutorials that will show me what to do to replace them? Thanks alot guys your all awesome!

[Dark Hadou XS]

These are the parts I'm planning to order for my HRAP1. Are these compatible?

Sanwa OBSF-30 Pushbutton
Sanwa 35mm Ball Top

[erikstanton]

These are the parts I'm planning to order for my HRAP1. Are these compatible?

Sanwa OBSF-30 Pushbutton
Sanwa 35mm Ball Top

yes they are. the hrap1 already has a sanwa balltop so you dont need it, unless youre getting a different color to match with your buttons.

[Toodles]

Just DO NOT get screw ins! Only get snap ins. Other than that, pick whatever looks cool

[Dark Hadou XS]

Just DO NOT get screw ins! Only get snap ins. Other than that, pick whatever looks cool

Oh okay, well based on the image it looks like these just snap into the case
http://lizardlick.com/images/for_sale/pushbuttons/sanwa_obsf30_kdh.jpg (these are the buttons I'm buying.) Am I correct in believing that these are the screw in buttons?http://lizardlick.com/images/for_sale/pushbuttons/sanwa_obsn30_b.jpg

I can't thank you guys enough for all your help, not only are you guys helping me save money but your helping me make my current stick better. Once I have everything confirmed I'm going to place the order. I'll post pictures once I'm done.

[erikstanton]

yep, OBSF is snap-in, OBSN is screw-in.

[ulovemikeroch]

yep, OBSF is snap-in, OBSN is screw-in.
Think of it as obsN, N for nut. Like the screwing nut they use to secure them in place.

[orka]

i know you already opted not to buy it, but i've had mine since the first launch (about 2 months ago?) and definitely glad that i got it

most definitely the best stick for the ps2 that i've owned so far

[Esjihn]

Yea HRAP2 SA ive gone thru many sticks the SC2 stick SFAC stick with happ parts the T5 stick and now my HRAP2 SA, HRAP2SA seriously for the win. Its the best stick ive ever owned and i will not buy another stick because i LOVE the wide base and its really sturdy this base will last 5+ years just keep replacing the stick and buttons every 6 months or so (I play over 5 different 2d fighters and 3 3d fighting games) Officially beatdown tested and tourney proven HRAP 2SA ftw folks


On a side note when you beat the shit outta sanwa buttons like around the 750-900 presses mark the get REALLY sensitive like the wieght of a finger will fully depress them so making shit like karas in 3s crazy easy.

Kara Demon? this stick will make you play akuma just to see the other players WTF look on his face

[erikstanton]

i know you already opted not to buy it, but i've had mine since the first launch (about 2 months ago?) and definitely glad that i got it

most definitely the best stick for the ps2 that i've owned so far

tr00f.


ps i like your av

[Dark Hadou XS]

Yeah from what I heard the HRAP2SA is a pretty awesome stick. Can't wait to mod my stick in time for some King of Fighters 98 UM.

[Canto]

For $186 you might as well go for a custom. Check out Lionheart for a custom.. he charges $180 per stick + $15 for shipping.. or any other custom builder.

I think a custom would last you a lot longer and have a lot more value to you.

[Pablo_the_Mex]

Uh, I am all for customs, but having a stick right off the bat with all Sanwa parts is amazing. $186 for it seems alright, it is probably the best stick you can buy for that amount of money.

Just buy one, you won't regret it.

[sir_arthur]

i have to agree with all, the HRAP2 SA is the best stick i have played on, i have a HRAP1 too, first i hated the HRAP2 layout, but i tought i should give it a try, got to sold my PSP to buy the SA and i wont regret it, once you get use to the layout you will start beasting :rofl: i love mine, you cant go wrong with it.

[orka]

customs are great in a sense that they're one of kind sticks. but hrap is pretty much perfectly engineered to give players the closest feeling they can get sitting in front of a japanese cabinet.

the button layout, the weight... everything is just right about the hrap - especially the hrap2sa.

most customs are pain the ass when they go haywire; and most of them are not built to last. so the quality of the stick will deteriorate (both functionally and aesthetically) much quicker over time compared to the hrap.

[Esjihn]

orka do those air bags in your sig come with a warranty?

[Chozen1]

hrmm to buy or not to buy

[Bob Sagat]

I could have gotten it on Wednesday, but of course the UPS guy comes by when I'm out for lunch.
Then today, I stayed in for lunch, so I wouldn't miss the delivery. One of my coworkers buzzed the guy in, without saying anything on the intercom. She went downstairs, only to find a note.(I'm actually kinda blaming this on her now)
Now the wait for the weekend to be over begins...

[ShinAkuma204]

?????? WTF you smoking? That has nothing to do with his question, and even after modding and throwing the same amount of money down, is not as good as buying an HRAP out of the gate.

Actually wouldn't a modded T5 stick be better than a HRAP? Assuming it didn't cost as much or more to mod it.

[Toodles]

Actually wouldn't a modded T5 stick be better than a HRAP? Assuming it didn't cost as much or more to mod it.
Nope. Even if we assume the work involved such as modding the JLF and removing the button tabs is free:
1. Top T5 artwork is crap and scratches uber easily. Removing and replacing it is possible but takes a lot of time, work and money.
2. The hack to get a JLF installed on that mounting plate means that if you want to replace the JLF with another JLF, the new JLF has to be hacked up the same way. More work and time, and most other sticks you could want there instead (Seimitsu) is mostly out of the question. On an HRAP, whether putting in another JLF or Seimitsu, its a matter of two or four screws, swap in, swap out, easy as pie.
3. PCB will either require replacement (a padhacked controller, UPCB, whatever) or keeping the same PCB (I know, thats a tautology. "Either it changes or it doesn't"). If you keep the same PCB, you have to either modify the buttons and PCB so the board can be soldered back onto the buttons, making button changes a serious pain in the ass, or the PCB has to be midified to include wires and disconnects (Cha-ching) and somehow mounted on the bottom of the stick, probably with hot glue. If you do change out the PCB, then you don't get the nice professional look with the pull stop on the cord.

I think we might be able to agree that it is possible to buy and mod a T5 stick for roughly the same as it would cost to get HRAP and good buttons, or a HRAP SA. However going the T5 way means future upkeep is a bitch, and doing anything serious with replacing the scratched up artwork will kick the price over the cost of an HRAP.

For the OP though, the difference between a modded HRAP1 and an HRAP SA is solely the button layout, the top plate material (shiny versus colored matt finish), and the colors. Everything else, weight, heft, size, maintenance, feel, etc. is the same.

[ShinAkuma204]

I don't see dealing with the artwork as a big deal. You could just remove the art and paint the top. That really doesn't cost anything, maybe $10 at most.

You don't have to replace art with art. A nice black paint on the top would make the stick look good.

While the upkeep maybe be easier on a HRAP in general, if you are familiar and comfortable with modding then replacing parts on the T5 isn't going to be a big deal.

Now for somebody who isn't comfortable modding, then replacing parts on a HRAP would be much more comfortable. For myself I have modded T5 sticks with no problems. So from my standpoint getting a good deal on a T5 stick and modding it would be a better choice than a full cost HRAP.

[Pablo_the_Mex]

While the upkeep maybe be easier on a HRAP in general, if you are familiar and comfortable with modding then replacing parts on the T5 isn't going to be a big deal.



Sometimes, the trouble you go through trying to customize something is not worth it. Especially if you suck at it.

[Dark Hadou XS]

Thanks again for all the advice and input guys, the parts for my stick should be here this week

[Dark Hadou XS]

I finally received the parts tonight and installed them. Pictures bellow. Thanks guys for all your help. Oh yeah and a side note, it's waaay easier for me to Kara Demon now.

Stock HRAP
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk250/DarkHadouXS/StockHori.jpg

Sanwa Grade HRAP
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk250/DarkHadouXS/SanwaGradeStick.jpg

[erikstanton]

looks good!

[Dark Hadou XS]

Thanks bro