Madcatz Brawlstick as a Beginner's Stick

[Master O]

I am looking into getting a fight stick and a lot of people say that the Madcatz Brawlstick is easily upgradeable if one wants to install Sanwa or Seimitsu joysticks and buttons later.

So, if I wanted to use a fightstick for shmups and SNK fighting games, would it be better to use Seimitsu or Sanwa for the joystick and buttons? A lot of people say the Seimitsu LS-32 is good for both shmups and fighters, so I'm curious if anyone here has any particular model numbers from these 2 brands that they recommend.

Also, besides focusattack.com, what are some sites to purchase Sanwa or Seimitsu joysticks and buttons?

[gabe]

It's really a matter of personal preference. Sanwa and Seimitsu both make excellent products, and anyone recommending one over the other is likely mistaking familiarity with superiority. If you are just getting into the wonderful world of joysticks, you can't go wrong either way.

That said, I prefer a Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joystick with octagonal gate, and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons.

Since LizardLick disappeared, I've been ordering my parts from VideoGamesNewYork. I fully recommend them if you are in the US.

[shmuppyLove]

I've found the general wisdom holds true when it comes to the JLF vs the LS-32

The LS-32 is a true joy for shmups ... it's extremely precise with very short engage distances and high tension. They are fantastic for quick snappy movements. When I first got one after using a JLF for a long time, it was a noticeable difference, and I really liked the way the JLF felt up to that point, but for shmups now I really prefer the LS-32.

I find the JLF better for fighters because it has a bit more travel and it seems easier to 'find' specific positions when doing typical FTG motions. Might also have something to do with the slightly different restrictors on each (I have only used square gates on both, but I have heard a lot of people recommend the octo gates for JLFs).

Grab both, try them out and see what you think. Build another joystick. Buy different buttons. None of these parts are terribly expensive, and of course you can always sell them if you decide not to keep them.

[emphatic]

No, LS-32 is loosy-goosy. Get the LS-56-01 with an octogate and never look back. I laugh at puny LS32.

[drunkninja24]

No, LS-32 is loosy-goosy. Get the LS-56-01 with an octogate and never look back. I laugh at puny LS32.

Ls-56 sticks seem to a be a bit tougher to come by nowadays it seems, but seimitsu does make the ls-58 now, which I actually prefer. It has the same basic specs as a ls-56, but with a slightly lighter spring.

[chempop]

For sticks I always thought LS-32 was good, huge step up from most generic stock on most console sticks, and I've owned a wide array. Recently I tried a JLF and didn't mind its looser feel, once I adjusted it was okay. Now I'm using an LS-33 (compact size) with an octo gate, basically the opposite of the JLF so it'll take a while to get comfortable with. It has a very short throw and is extremely stiff, I wonder how it compares to the LS-56/58..?

For buttons, I never understood how anyone could prefer Sanwa's for shmups, they seem so flimsy and mushy to me compared to Seimitsu (which are perfect IMHO).

For site to order, you could try any of these (I haven't ordered from them personally, but they all seem legit).
http://akihabarashop.jp/
http://www.hklegend.com.hk/
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/
http://www.canadianjoysticks.com/

[Master O]

Sorry to necromance, I forgot to ask one other thing about this brawlstick:

How would I install the LS-32, LS-32-01, or LS-32-02 into the Brawlstick itself? I hear you have to rotate the PCB clockwise once and then plug the joystick connector upside down.

Is that correct?

Also, do the default mounting brackets for all 3 joysticks fit in the Brawlstick?

[emphatic]

The LS-32-01/32-02 comes with the correct plate (S-shape) and has the PCB with 5-pin connector. Don't buy the LS-32 as it has the RE plate.

[shmuppyLove]

The LS-32-01/32-02 comes with the correct plate (S-shape) and has the PCB with 5-pin connector. Don't buy the LS-32 as it has the RE plate.

I couldn't wrap my head around the differences in the wiring, so I just used a terminal strip instead.



I cut the original joystick harness and put a 5-position terminal strip on it, then through a little trial and error connected each wire from the harness that came with LS-32 to the corresponding position on the terminal strip.

[Master O]

Oh, and to clarify: I meant the Madcatz Brawlstick WWE Standard Edition, not the TE.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/ ... ick120.jpg

So do all the previous posts still apply?

[shmuppyLove]

Yep, I didn't think there was a TE version of the BrawlStick? Just the SFIV ones I believe.

They are dead simple to mod, and if you're not changing the PCB there is no soldering required.

[emphatic]

Yes, the LS-32-01 will install with ease.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGemN4JL ... ata_player