[quote name='MidnightMarauder74']That $550 custom arcade joystick sounds awesome. Post a pic when you finally get it.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I'm excited! Sure, I'll post some pics especially right next to my Hori VLX!
[quote name='Nintendonly']That $550 custom arcade joystick is probably something he could have done himself but paid some schmuck to do it for him, thinking that he's the only one "with the talents".[/QUOTE]
It doesn't surprise me I'm getting a rant about spending $550+ on a stick here on CAG...
First of all, don't ever speak on my behalf because you don't know me & you're wrong...I don't have the proper tools nor do I have the time to design/make an all-metal & carbon fiber case (although I've taken apart & put back together numerous sticks for modding purposes). Second of all, to call anyone a "schmuck" without getting to know them (or in this case, their products) is ignorant. Is this stick for everyone?...Nope, but this is what I've always wanted & was waiting for (huge, wide, heavy all-metal & carbon fiber stick). BTW, this "schmuck" (Voltech aka Jesse) is one of the premier custom arcade stick builders (for Sanwa/Seimitsu sticks) out there. A search on Google and/or Shoryuken.com is all that it takes to checkout his quality work & reputation. Lastly, let's break it down. Pick an all-metal case:
- Madcatz Fightstick V.S. cost $200:
http://store.gameshark.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=5317&idCategory=414
- Omni Arcade stick cost $195:
http://etokki.com/Playstation3/Omni-Sanwa-Edition
- DROP Fire Dragon stick cost $230:
https://sites.google.com/site/dicltw/drop/MetalArcadeStickforPlayStation3
- Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 Premium VLX cost $300:
http://stores.horiusa.com/-strse-90/PlayStation-3-Real-Arcade/Detail.bok
Keep in mind all of these sticks are mass produced (you can't add/change options a la carte) to keep cost down so if they were (hand) made individually (so you can pick additional options) then it would've cost an additional $50 - $100 more in addition to the cost of these options most arcade stick builders charge:
- multiple console compatibility (besides the Omni since it does PS3, 360 & PC right of of the box): $40 - $60
- multiple wood side panel trims: $50 - $75
- mulitple carbon fiber top and/or side panel trims: $50 - $125
- unique top & bottom plexi panel for custom artwork: $25 - $50
- side buttons for pinball games: $10 - $25
- premium cable (LED lighting and/or thicker better quality cables): $15 - $50
- install: $20 - $80
Out of all of those sticks, only the last one (Hori VLX) was the size & weight I was looking for & even at MSRP ($300), it easily goes for $400+ on eBay nowadays since it's no longer in production. By the time you factor in all the options I picked then yeah it's $550+ but if you don't want all the extras then it starts at ~$350 - $375 for a basic 1-console option (for the VAS-22 model) from Voltech compared to those mass produced all-metal sticks I listed. Not trying to justify my purchase, just stating the facts, that's all. Here's an example of his work:
[quote name='JYabbz']...Remember to pick up the mayflash adapter? to connect it to the PS3...[/QUOTE]
It's gotten good reviews from most people if you wanna go that route. Here are good links:
http://slickdeals.net/f/2576943-This-post-can-and-should-be-edited-by-users-like-you#edit36385875
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...deals&tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&m=A3BVFOU06EC1JZ
http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Tatsunoko-Capcom-Arcade-FightStick-Nintendo/dp/B0032ISZL8
And yes, that's my pic on the Amazon TvC stick link, LOL!