About joysticks...

[alefpmsz]

Just a random question, where do you guys think is the best for shmups between the x360/xone/ps controller, d-pad or analog stick in your opinion ?

[SPM]

Welcome.

Most will say d-pad, regardless of the gamepad.

You may find a better answer here:
Arcade stick vs D-Pad vs Analog stick vs Touch screen

[gray117]

1. Objectively: something like a hitbox (/keyboard)

2. Practicality: most dpads are fine although what you gain in precision you may lack in transitional speed.

3. Analogue thumb sticks for twin stick shooters only... IMHO parallel ps over offset microsoft sticks.

4. Most enjoyable: joystick (digital), and often more responsive face buttons than any controller (often overlooked).

If you're trying to avoid 4 you'll be doing it wrong IMHO

[RadiantAnsel]

1. Objectively: something like a hitbox (/keyboard)

2. Practicality: most dpads are fine although what you gain in precision you may lack in transitional speed.

3. Analogue thumb sticks for twin stick shooters only... IMHO parallel ps over offset microsoft sticks.

4. Most enjoyable: joystick (digital), and often more responsive face buttons than any controller (often overlooked).

If you're trying to avoid 4 you'll be doing it wrong IMHO

I must be the only person that says a hitbox is actually dumb if you don't start practicing with it like... right now, right away, I simply can't use it, and really at this point, I lost all the interest for that.

As for the question, there is no "better", in this matter, its all preference, just like how people prefers Sanwa or Seimitsu, just like how you can be one of the ones that like the 360 Dpad or you prefer one of the many awful Nintendo ones.

Whatever you find comfy and good, then that's it, if you want to try new things, then you can always do that.