I have a chance to get Hori Stick for the PS2. Recommend it?

[CID]

An Arcana Hearts 2 Hori stick for the PS2 came into my store the other day. The boss will sell it to me for $70. It's in pristine shape as is the box (no inside box packaging though). What do you guys think? The button layout is odd. That may be an issue. Not a fan of the color scheme but don't really care to much on that. I figured this would be my chance to get a nice stick for my PS1/2 STGs. Or do you think I should hold out for one you recommend over this one? Are the button locations switchable?

Here's the stick I'm talking about:
http://basgrospoing.fr/wp-content/uploa ... stick1.jpg

[shmuppyLove]

Dug up some info on it:

http://andriasang.com/com55w/arcana_heart_2_stick/

It does indeed contain a Sanwa joystick and is based off the HRAP series, so the buttons should be wired with quick connectors, making changing the button layout super easy.

[EllertMichael]

I have this same stick.
I just opened it up and the buttons are soldered directly to the board.
Also, they have those annoying metal tabs that Hori is so fond of using.

I usually just remap controls in the game's options menu

That's not a bad price for that stick, though. If you're a fan of the JLF

[shmuppyLove]

I have this same stick.
I just opened it up and the buttons are soldered directly to the board.
Also, they have those annoying metal tabs that Hori is so fond of using.

I usually just remap controls in the game's options menu

That's not a bad price for that stick, though. If you're a fan of the JLF

Aw shit really? I thought the HRAP sticks all had quick connectors ... that's some bullshit there.

[EllertMichael]

I have this same stick.
I just opened it up and the buttons are soldered directly to the board.
Also, they have those annoying metal tabs that Hori is so fond of using.

I usually just remap controls in the game's options menu

That's not a bad price for that stick, though. If you're a fan of the JLF

Aw shit really? I thought the HRAP sticks all had quick connectors ... that's some bullshit there.

Yeah, the HRAP sticks that use Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons usually have quick disconnects. but when they use those mushy Hori buttons they are usually soldered to the board and have those shitty metal tabs that need to be filed down

[shmuppyLove]

Yeah, the HRAP sticks that use Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons usually have quick disconnects. but when they use those mushy Hori buttons they are usually soldered to the board and have those shitty metal tabs that need to be filed down

Hmm yeah, I guess that makes sense. They probably had to use their own buttons to get the right colour.

Sucky!

[CID]

Right on.

I love how quick and informative the responses are on this forum.

Two Questions:

One, those mushy Hori buttons, can I change them out relatively easily for better ones? Recommendations?

Two, what does JLF stand for/ refer to? I'm a bit new to the arcade world and the like.

Edit:
Oh and considering all this, do you guys think I should pick it up or hold out for a better stick with better components?

[shmuppyLove]

You cannot easily change out the buttons, for two reasons:

1) The button connectors are soldered directly to the main PCB inside the stick.
2) The button holes have two 'tabs' that keep the Hori buttons from twisting (completely unnecessary since they're soldered to the PCB), and would have to be filed off before you could install standard 30mm replacement buttons.

Even if you did remove the old buttons and file down the tabs, attaching the new buttons to the PCB would be another huge pain in the ass. I wouldn't spend $70 on the stick if you're going to put this much work into it.

And "JLF" refers to a specific model of joystick from Sanwa, probably their most popular one. It comes in a few different variations, the most common being JLF-TP-8YT, which comes with PCB-mounted switches, a switchable 8-way/4-way square restrictor plate, and a flat mounting plate.

[CID]

Alright, good to know. I'll leave it as is. I'd only mess with it if it was and easy swap in and out. Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated.

[chempop]

If you want a top of the line PS2 stick wait until you can find a HRAP 1 or 2 with sanwa or seimitsu buttons (usually green, red, or blue). Those are the models that you can easily replace the buttons on (maybe the Capcom Fighters Jam one too). The tekken and most other license branded HRAPs have those crappy soldiered buttons (which really aren't too terrible imho). Another consideration might be the namco stick (yellow balltop and buttons), but they are getting to be difficult to find in good condition.

[man9child]

+1 for the namco stick.

One of the nicest (and cheapest) sticks with off brand parts that I've ever used.

[shmuppyLove]

+1 for the namco stick.

One of the nicest (and cheapest) sticks with off brand parts that I've ever used.

This.

I will never forgive my father, who threw out my boxed Namco stick a few years ago.

I miss that little grey and yellow bastard every single day