Are Hori Fighting Sticks worth getting? (compared to HRAPs?)

[Jockel]

Hey there.
I am not exactly sure if i want to afford spending 130$ + shipping for an arcade stick, so obviously i am looking into the cheaper fighting sticks made by hori.
Are they even remotely close?
Although i know that the HRAP is pretty much _the_ console stick i am not convinced enough to shell out that much cash.
Additionally i do have an ultra-cheap-ass Thrustmaster Fifa Stick which made me play totally bad. So i am quite scared if i buy an expensive stick and actually play worse on it.
Would welcome some advice.

[RGC]

The FS is a perfectly serviceable stick, but it depends what kind of shootemups you're intending to use it for. The more precision the game requires, generally the greater your frustration will become with the FS. You may feel you are fighting it on occasion, which obviously isn't ideal. The HRAP, on the other hand, really does live up to its hype, especially when it comes to those necessary "twitch" movements.

[MX7]

I dunno. It's a bit like saying 'buy th most expensive guitar possible' as your first ever purchase. I mean, yeah, it'll be good, but will you really appriciate the difference when you upgrade? My ethos is to start humble and work your way up.

[Shion]

Yeah, but if you buy a regular fighting stick first, and then decide you want the pro version.. You'll be spending more in the end. The difference isn't huge in price really, I'd just take the better version. It's worth it in my opinion. Takes a few days or weeks to get used to though.

[Jockel]

well ok, i just invited a friend over with a custom stick with sanwa parts.
it should be at least on par with a HRAP quality-wise.
this will be extensive play-testing tonight
i will report what kind of stick precisely it was and how it felt to play with it. :>

[brokenhalo]

weather they get an hrap or a cheaper hori stick, most people swap out the buttons and sticks for either sanwa or seimitsu. so you are pretty much just paying for a shell and pcb either way. unless of course you spend the extra money up front and get one of those sanwa hraps.

[bostongeorge]

weather they get an hrap or a cheaper hori stick, most people swap out the buttons and sticks for either sanwa or seimitsu. so you are pretty much just paying for a shell and pcb either way. unless of course you spend the extra money up front and get one of those sanwa hraps.

That's what I did. I got the HRAP2: SA with all Sanwa parts and it was worth every penny. It improved my skills immediately. My very first credit played with the stick was on DDP: DOJ and I got my personal best score right then haha. Granted it was still a very modest score but I'm new to DOJ, I've since been using it on Galuda which I have way more experience with (before I switched to the stick) since I'm currently trying to 1cc it. My Galuda game is at an all time high!

Bottom line: Just get an HRAP. You'll never look back I promise. Specifically I would suggest getting the Amazon Version thats is coming out this month and can be had at all the usual places (play-asia, etc.) and then buying some Sanwa buttons to slap in there. From all reports the buttons that come stock are fine but to me Sanwa buttons are a must. The sensitivity is so great. It's like buttah.


edit: I forgot to add, I actually have one of the PS2 Hori Fighting Sticks that you can have for $20 if you really wanna try it first. Seriously, let me know.

[trivial]

I got a Seimitsu LS-32 kludged into a Tekken 5 stick. The soldered-on buttons aren't terrible, not at all.

Mounting plate misalignment fixed with plumber's epoxy, and it ain't flimsy either. I've only saved a bit more than half the cost of an HRAP though, all told, if I thought I'd have been happy with a Sanwa stick.

[MR_Soren]

I would suggest getting the Amazon Version thats is coming out this month...

Hori is making more HRAP2 sticks? I've been trying to buy a second. Do you have more info on this?

[Jockel]

@bostongeorge: that sounds quite cool, i could equip this with a custom stick later anyways, right?
does the actual stick have short ways (you know, is it responding with little effort)?
how much would you have to charge for the cheapest shipping option to germany?

[RGC]

@bostongeorge: that sounds quite cool, i could equip this with a custom stick later anyways, right?
does the actual stick have short ways (you know, is it responding with little effort)?
how much would you have to charge for the cheapest shipping option to germany?

There may be issues customising the FS with a Sanwa or Seimitsu stick, due to lack of internal space. I'd investigate before parting with any cash.

[Jockel]

20$ is not much in € at the moment, so i can even get along with a good stick that's not perfect ^_~
BTW: unfortunately the meeting for today's playtest was cancelled. although i doubt anyone cares

[trivial]

There may be issues customising the FS with a Sanwa or Seimitsu stick, due to lack of internal space. I'd investigate before parting with any cash.

£bling

This is fearmongering, not fact. No one with mechanical sense has posted pics of the obstruction. Should I post pics of the fit?

[bostongeorge]

I'll post detailed info and pics of the stick tomorrow (it's late here) I'll PM you if this isn't the right place for this, but I think we should do it here so we can get input from others, since I have no idea about how to mod the Fighting Stick. Details and pics (internal if needed) to come.

[Ed Oscuro]

Quick Q: Does the HRAP easily take that ultra-short-throw Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick?

Easy as in "no soldering required" I hope? :lol:

In any case I think I should go for a USB HRAP for my PC. Using the 360 pad's analog stick is holding back my scores bigtime.

[RGC]

There may be issues customising the FS with a Sanwa or Seimitsu stick, due to lack of internal space. I'd investigate before parting with any cash.

This is fearmongering

That's right, it's all a conspiracy

Good luck with whatever you decide, Jockel.

[trivial]

That's right

Very contributory. Want to describe the camera angles that will quell this rumour to your satisfaction, then?

[Jockel]

Good luck with whatever you decide, Jockel.

Thanks for the support. ^^
I don't have much money ATM, so i guess i will take the FS first, try it and see if i improve. If i do, i will try to customize it > and if that fails i'll go for a HRAP ^^
I am just too scared to buy such an expensive stick, because i am not convinced yet that i am a "stick-person" ;D

[RGC]

Good luck with whatever you decide, Jockel.

Thanks for the support. ^^
I don't have much money ATM, so i guess i will take the FS first, try it and see if i improve. If i do, i will try to customize it > and if that fails i'll go for a HRAP ^^
I am just too scared to buy such an expensive stick, because i am not convinced yet that i am a "stick-person" ;D

Whichever stick you choose it'll take some getting used to - a great excuse for lots of practice.

I started with a FS, and managed to 1'CC Mushi with it after only a month or so (with daily play). I did consider attempting to modify my FS with a Sanwa stick, but then I read here that, due to space restrictions, it's not a simple unbolt, bolt-in procedure. Wanting to avoid any technical 'faffing' (and having the money at the time), I opted for the HRAP instead. There's no denying its superiority over the FS. However, given your situation I'd say probably go with the FS anyway - it'll still give you a good taster of shmupping with a stick, and it's not a terrible design.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Quick Q: Does the HRAP easily take that ultra-short-throw Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick?

Easy as in "no soldering required" I hope?

In any case I think I should go for a USB HRAP for my PC. Using the 360 pad's analog stick is holding back my scores bigtime.

For Ed Oscuro,

I'm not sure about a HRAP accepting Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick that you mention of. Perhaps fellow shmupper Cody would know more about this situation. ^_~

Yes, a HRAP-3 would fit your PC gaming needs just fine as it is powered by USB from the get-go. And if you have a PS3, it does support that as well. ^_~

-----------------------------------

For Jockel,

I have a PSX/PSone Hori Fighting Stick joystick with stock Hori joystick and push buttons...it works like a charm for both PSX/PSone and PS2 games. Even has a bank of toggle switches for all the push buttons to endow them with on-the-fly auto-fire capability (at a fixed rate, of course).

Some HRAP owners do end up replacing their HRAP with all Sanwa or Seimitsu joystick and push button parts for that kick-ass world class Japanese arcade spec arcade joystick setup. By going with either setup, you won't be disappointed at all. ^_~

National Console Support, Inc. (NCSX) based out of New York in the USA is currently accepting pre-orders for the upcoming Hori Real Arcade Pro joystick Orange Version (an Amazon Japan exclusive). It is priced at $135.90 USD. NCSX does ship internationally so shipping to Germany from the USA is no problem.

http://www.shopncsx.com/horirealarcadep ... range.aspx

You might as well "bite the bullet and pay a bit more" for such a high quality arcade stick for your shmupping needs the first time around (as opposed to buying a Hori Fighting Stick setup and upgrading to an HRAP later = means spending more $$$ in the long run but you do get what you pay for in the end). Your scores will naturally get higher from the first time you use a HRAP setup. ^_~

I have both Sanwa and Seimitsu arcade joystick and push buttons...I personally prefer Seimitsu parts for my shmupping needs. But Sanwa gets the job done as well. It all boils down to personal taste as to which one suits to your tastes. Why not try them both out?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Ed Oscuro]

Quick Q: Does the HRAP easily take that ultra-short-throw Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick?

Easy as in "no soldering required" I hope? :lol:

In any case I think I should go for a USB HRAP for my PC. Using the 360 pad's analog stick is holding back my scores bigtime.

For Ed Oscuro,

I'm not sure about a HRAP accepting Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick that you mention of. Perhaps fellow shmupper Cody would know more about this situation. ^_~

Thanks for the note.

I just looked up a Sanwa mod explanation (since I'm an American), and it is indeed incredibly easy. I think I should email lizardlick and ask them about this.

I think I'll go ahead and get a HRAP first, see how much I like it, and mod as necessary.

And...sigh...on the topic of HRAPs, is RAP3 (this one) fine?

I see some good notes about the HRAP2, but I'm wondering why I see that one listed for $130 while this one is $115. Maybe that's including shipping?

[bostongeorge]

Quick Q: Does the HRAP easily take that ultra-short-throw Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick?

Easy as in "no soldering required" I hope?

In any case I think I should go for a USB HRAP for my PC. Using the 360 pad's analog stick is holding back my scores bigtime.

For Ed Oscuro,

I'm not sure about a HRAP accepting Suzo Series 500 Universal STC Joystick that you mention of. Perhaps fellow shmupper Cody would know more about this situation. ^_~

Thanks for the note.

I just looked up a Sanwa mod explanation (since I'm an American), and it is indeed incredibly easy. I think I should email lizardlick and ask them about this.

I think I'll go ahead and get a HRAP first, see how much I like it, and mod as necessary.

And...sigh...on the topic of HRAPs, is RAP3 (this one) fine?

I see some good notes about the HRAP2, but I'm wondering why I see that one listed for $130 while this one is $115. Maybe that's including shipping?

http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=132472

That is a MUCH better tutorial for HRAP modding. It refers to the HRAP 2 but is also applicable to the HRAP 3.

[Jockel]

erm... werent you supposed to sell me your FS? ^^

[Ed Oscuro]

http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=132472

That is a MUCH better tutorial for HRAP modding. It refers to the HRAP 2 but is also applicable to the HRAP 3.

Ah yes. I also see that's one siiiick stick. I better go get one!

[PC Engine Fan X!]

On NCSX's site, they have the Amazon Japan orange colored variant Hori Real Arcade Pro up for sale now:

http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/22324.html

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[spadgy]

Good luck with whatever you decide, Jockel.

Thanks for the support. ^^
I don't have much money ATM, so i guess i will take the FS first, try it and see if i improve. If i do, i will try to customize it > and if that fails i'll go for a HRAP ^^
I am just too scared to buy such an expensive stick, because i am not convinced yet that i am a "stick-person" ;D

I'd say go for the FS,m as while they aren't an HRAP or a custom, they're a great started, and further down the line you can always buy your HRAP and you have a lovely back-up for spare parts, or player two.

Plus you can mod that FS pretty simply.

Also, it gives you a chance to have a look inside and learn about sticks and sense what you want, as however good the HRAP, it can't offer the carefully personalised feel of a custom, which should be the ultimate stick to aim for...