So like, after playing SF4 and Tekken 6, I realized that I can't play with the Xbox controller. I'd get the cheapass Hori EX Turbo whatever, but when I played SF4 at the arcade, I realized I play better on sticks.

So I've got two options that I've narrowed down, both used and are on the garage sales section:

One is that I buy the Hori Fighting Stick EX2 for RM150. I heard that this is okay, it's just that I have to mod it, and apparently I need soldering irons and whatever which I'm not fond of.

Secondly, I could buy the Madcatz SF4 Fightstick for RM250, fully Sanwa'd. It's RM100 more, but it looks cooler and the fact that it's already been modded attracts my attention. I also like the fact that the stick doesn't click.

So should I pay the extra RM100 for the Madcatz with Sanwa stick and buttons? Or should I stick with the Hori Fighting Stick EX2? It looks okay, but some people say the stick isn't so great.

TE stick now selling for RM250?

If you have the choice of course go for TE

Not the TE, silly XD
It's the regular one which is smaller and lighter, but it's been totally Sanwa'd.

I said it's not the TE. I know it's the best.

I said that it's been modded with Sanwa buttons and Sanwa stick.

lol...it's not TE!!hahaha....btw i'm searching for it too..actually i don't know anything about this...so i guess the expensive one is better.....

trogdor: Just go for the modded one.

@trog where did you see this madcatz modded one selling at rm250? I have a hori ex 2 which one of the important buttons is faulty already after 6mths. It won't last. Seems to be working again lately, don't bother with it. But rm150 is cheap since I got it for RM270 from PA in Oct 2008.

False alarm, turns out it's not a Madcatz, rather it's a China brand.
I think I'll stick to the EX2 and mod it later on with Sanwa parts.

EX2 is very very difficult to mod, both stick and buttons. I had to get another stick (HRAP EX) because of this

Trog, other option is HRAP 3 from Hori. used to be rm500+ . IIRC it can be modded http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-dd-77-...ri-70-2xsv.html

@gundamalpha I'm sending it in for modding services, there's a guy at the Garage Sales section who can mod sticks with Sanwa parts.

@skeevs I'm on a tight budget, and while the HRAP3 looks good, it's really way too expensive for me. I'm not really a hardcore player, I just need something other than the Xbox 360 controller.

I sent it to another modder too to mod, but he could not do it.. Hope yours can

OT: You could ask someone to get for you from HK, I got my Tekken HRAP3 EX new for RM250 only

OMG WHAT!?
LINK ME UP NAO, BIZNITCHES!!

Seriously though, I have no friends from HK or that are going there >_>

No link, but it's in 188 Wan Chai Shopping Plaza. Normal price there were about HKD780, but there's some selling for HKD550 region.

if u want the original madcatz t e, we have. be prepare to pay rm 600 plus for it.....lol

I decided to screw it and get the Hori EX2.
I hate the stick because of the square restrictor, but the stick itself feels alright compared to the many vandalized machines I played on (ahemahemahemmidvalleyahemahemahem).
The buttons are really alright, just kinda mushy. I'm replacing them with Sanwas anyway because apparently they die easily(whenever people say die easily, I get hit within 2 seconds)/

The feel and response of the EX2 is ok actually. That's what I use mainly for SFIV. Keyword here is "wear and tear". My stick is still working fine even after almost 2 years. Compared to some truly cheap (non) brands I've used before, the EX2 performs closer to an arcade stick than others. I don't have any issues with the square gate. Never cost me any matches so far. All losses are due to my own crap skills.

But square gates make it lolimpossible for me to do Hadoukens!
Also I need a corner at the side so that I can go forward instead of jumping or crouching forward.