Bitkit2 Joystick opinion.

[Sid]

I have a generic Midway style cocktail cabinet that I use mainly for playing vertical games on the Bitkit2

Which joystick would you recommend as the best all round choice for what I'm using for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TheNickDuong]

I use a 4-way Wico repro with a grommet from @jlpmauldin and it definitely does the job. But I think a midway 4-way would be superior.

 

[hisnice]

The right set up is something like 4 bitkit cabs. 1 each with vertical 8-way, vertical 4-way, vertical 2-way and horizontal 4-way.
I don't remember if that covers all the good games but I know it's close enough.

 

[osver]

I have two control panels that I swap between on my vertical bit kit set up (but it's an upright, and not a cocktail).

One has a 4 way stick and no buttons, the other has two 8 way joysticks and two buttons per player.
I put in a molex connector to the panel, so I can easily swap between them, depending on what I feel like playing.

It's not a perfect solution, but it covers a large chunk of the games.

(and to hisnice's point, I do eventually want to get a 2nd bitkit to put in a horizontal cab)

 

[Aeolus7]

I have the tall skinny 8-way wico in my Pioneer Balloon cab (same joystick as Jump Bug, e.g.). The 8-way games feel great obviously, and most of the 4-Way games feel pretty good. I end up ignoring most of the 2-way games due to the feel. I can't play any horizontal games at the moment. So I'd have two agree 4 separate cabs is the obvious answer

 

[Sid]

I have a horizontal Bitkit cab as well and switching control panels on this cocktail would be a pain in the ass.

I guess the real question is which joystick in this cocktail would be the best compromise?

 

[Aeolus7]

Missed the cocktail part of your question. If it were me, I'd stay "true" to the cabinet you're using. Midway 4-Way for sure.

 

[osver]

I've seen some people recommend this joystick for a bitkit set up, since it can be switched from 4-way to 8-way from the top... but I have no first hand experience with it.

Home :: Joysticks :: Joysticks :: Mag-Stik Plus

Worlds only Magnetically Centered Joystick! 4-8 Way Switchable from top of the panel The Mag-Stik is not centered by a spring but using an internal magnet A light action gives the ultimate in joystick feel and sensitivity Also switches from 4 to 8 way mode from the top of the panel! This is the only

www.ultimarc.com

Ball top handle for that stick:

Home :: Joysticks :: Joystick Accessories :: Ball-Top handle for Mag-Stik Plus

www.ultimarc.com

 

[parism]

I've seen some people recommend this joystick for a bitkit set up, since it can be switched from 4-way to 8-way from the top... but I have no first hand experience with it.

Home :: Joysticks :: Joysticks :: Mag-Stik Plus

Worlds only Magnetically Centered Joystick! 4-8 Way Switchable from top of the panel The Mag-Stik is not centered by a spring but using an internal magnet A light action gives the ultimate in joystick feel and sensitivity Also switches from 4 to 8 way mode from the top of the panel! This is the only

www.ultimarc.com

Ball top handle for that stick:

Home :: Joysticks :: Joystick Accessories :: Ball-Top handle for Mag-Stik Plus

www.ultimarc.com

I like it and have it on 2 of my multi-games. VERY short throw, takes a while to get used to it, see my video here.

p

 

[bobbyb13]

I have Mag-Stiks in two BitKit cabinets also and they are a great choice, you just need to remember which games are what so you set them appropriately!

Preparing to try the Wico style completely adjustable from the top ones that Jay just made- as soon as I can get some free time to build another panel.

They require a big hole in the CP so not the thing for an original cabinet of course but they look perfect for a custom control panel like mine.

 

[Sid]

Preparing to try the Wico style completely adjustable from the top ones that Jay just made

Do you have a link to these sticks that you can share? While it probably won't be an option for my cocktail they may work in my horizontal cabinet.

 

[bobbyb13]

You can contact @Slinghit about them!
Jay's been developing it for quite a while and has refined it nicely.
Gated directionals, can be any leaf switch layout you want.
There was a youtube clip showing it in action but I can't find it at the moment.
Oh, wait for it...

 

[Sid]

Nice. Thank you. Please update me when you get a chance to try them out.

 

[jimbodeanny]

In the perfect world where we have unlimited space, I'd have 4 cabinets, 2 vertical (one 4-way, one 8-way) and 2 horizontal (one 4-way, one 8-way), but unfortunately that just isn't practical in our case.

For years, @CarrieZ has been using a switchable 4-8way joystick (that has a rotatable restrictor on it), but it rarely got full use because it was more of a hassle than convenient, having to reach up through the coin door and twist the restrictor plate every time you wanted to play a game that required changing it. While having multiple control panels sounds good in theory, it's even less practical for us.

Recently, I finally found a pretty cool, convenient solution that fit the bill for us.

It would be cool if this could be modified to be used with an original leaf stick such as a Wico or the like. Maybe someday I'll mess with it more if I feel inspired, but for now this works excellent for our needs.

 

[Radford119]

I run a 4 way Wico repro and it is pretty good for all of the games we play. I still prefer an original Bally/Midway 4 way, but my control panel won't accept it without some modifications. Maybe something I'll tackle in the future.