Whats a good fightstick for me?

[LaowPing]

I've been playing BBCP a lot and have come to the realization that my execution sucks no matter how hard i practice. I borrowed a friends fightstick once and enjoyed the experience (even found a few combos a lot easier to do) and what to get one for my own. I was originally eyeing the madcatz fightstick ke but my friend told me it wears out quickly and the small size makes long play sessions tiring so i want to know if there is a better one. I want a fightstick that is large and preferably with a square gate (i found it make motions a lot easier). Also, it would be nice if it wasnt a standard ball top since my gigantic fingers don't fit underneath the ball (although if push comes to shove i could switch it out with a bat top). I trust user experience more than anything else since damn near every fightstick i look at looks so enticing to me. Any suggestions?

[TeN_keN]

I'm pretty new to fighting games and recently decided to go with stick, i was looking for something not too expensive but also not too cheap, while i was looking i did some research i.e google and found articles such as this http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/28/the-best-ps3-arcade-fight-sticks, which seems like pretty good help.

 

In the end though i found a stick called the Qanba Q1 and purchased, to sum it up i find it to be a good stick ( again i'm new to fight sticks so i wouldn't know a better stick ) , the buttons are very responsive, the joystick is definitely a step up ( for me ) from using a pads analog stick and d-pad, it's not a square gate but it does come with a square gate for optional swap out.

 

The only cons i've found is the joystick is pretty damn loud and as a whole the stick came with a smoky odor. Overall though i'm satisfied with it being my first stick.

 

My advice to you is do some research and read the reviews from customers, i went on amazon to make my purchase and did a lot of reading in the process, i got my stick for $90 (including shipping), though the price recently jumped on amazon (link).I'm sure you can find something better if you're willing to spend $40-50 more ( or even more ) or maybe you could even go cheaper and find something better, who knows. Good luck.

[shtkn]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/index.php?title=Sticks,_Controllers,_and_TVs

 

the wiki has an article about this too, though i think it could use some organization...

[mixedmethods]

I've tried two HORI sticks, both Real Arcade Pro models -- the RAP N3-SA and the RAP V3-SA Kai. Personally, I prefer the N3, but it was my first stick, so I'm likely biased thanks to first impressions. There's a fair amount of space to maneuver your hands due to the case width being 10.6 inches, which is quite generous. There's no beveled edge, however, and some people find the screws on the top of the case obnoxious and skin-irritating. (I haven't had that problem, but it's something to note.) The V3-SA is 1.2 inches smaller in width but has no screws to potentially obstruct movement. I don't have exceptionally large hands (I'm female, tall, and built like an athlete, not a ballerina, but "not particularly small hands for a woman" means my hands are likely still significantly smaller than yours) but I find myself feeling cramped on the V3. (It could just be relative unfamiliarity, but I don't think the V3 and I will ever fully synchronize, which is why I plan to return it. The button layout just feels oppressive.) The V3 has padding to keep the stick from slipping while on your lap, while the N3 doesn't, but that's either a non-issue or something fixed by buying some felt. Depends on whether you're going to play with the stick on your lap, on a shelf or table, on the floor, etc., which is something you'll likely end up testing out regardless of the stick you purchase. I can put my N3 on a table or my lap and play fine whereas the V3 must be on my lap, but the V3 is quite light, which isn't my preference... it's a very, very good stick that isn't right for me.

If you really want space (and weight) and are willing to spend some money, the HORI Fighting Edge is probably your best bet. It's what I plan to swap my V3 for, as despite using in-house parts instead of Sanwa, the Fighting Edge has everything I want: space, weight, better button placement. As much as I love the N3, I hesitate to recommend it -- (as I've just learned the hard way) it has a known issue with the USB cord shorting early in the stick's lifespan, so if no one in your area can do fightstick repairs, you'll need to ship it to someone who can fix the issue unless you're proficient with soldering. (On the other hand, a friend of mine has the same stick and hasn't had an issue despite his stick seeing four months more use, so maybe I was just unlucky.) The Fighting Edge is 60 USD more than the RAPs, though, so make sure you purchase from a vendor that allows returns if you find you absolutely hate it.

That aside, all the sticks I just mentioned are ball-tops, since that's the standard, and other than the Fighting Edge, they're all Sanwa. You could try purchasing a cheaper stick that doesn't use Sanwa or Seimitsu parts to get a feel for stick and upgrade later, but that's your call. I decided to spend the money and buy a more expensive stick, since I didn't want to transition to stick and then make a sudden jump in quality by swapping in-house parts for Sanwa ones.

[D.R.F.]

You can always wait for a major tourney for when markman discounts the madcatz TE and korean sticks. They are both pretty solid and I am definitely enjoying myself

[LaowPing]

You can always wait for a major tourney for when markman discounts the madcatz TE and korean sticks. They are both pretty solid and I am definitely enjoying myself

I'm actually waiting for that. You have both? Can you tell me how well they work for 2D fighters, blazblue for example.

[Qispichiq]

http://www.mayflash.com/Products/PCUSB/PC042.html This is the stick I began with, It's good for what it's worth, then upgrade to a pro stick after a discount from EVO or CEO

[pokerus12]

I personally recommend the Q4 Qanba. It's nice and wide, dual modded and feels great. It does have a ball top, but that can be switched around. I've had one for a while and it's workin' great for me.

[SoulGuitarist]

I recommend the HORI Fighting Edge. Only major downfall to it is it's price tag. Really comfortable to rest on your lap, Kuro buttons, Hyabusa lever, Fancy LED lights (Obviously not important but nice bonus Lol), and all the things you would expect a tournament arcade stick to have. However, the ball top may be a major con to you with the Fighting Edge. The HORI HRAP models are good sticks but you will probably want to replace the buttons along with the joystick since you don't want ball top. It has turbo functions. Unfortunately, (Not sure if your buying a arcade stick for getting competitive play or just for casual play only) the major problem I hear with HRAP is the fact you can not lock out the start button. The start button is at a good distance away from the stick but it's always good to be safe than sorry.

[Twinkerbellium]

Madcatz TE Pro is the best beginner stick. It's affordable and pretty good quality.

Also great if you wanna try modding you're stick.