SCRUBGUIDES: Arcade Sticks 101: "Should I buy a Fightstick?" 

Instructions unclear: bought 30 Atari Jaguar controllers instead

woolie talking about stick parts like hes tryin to build a damn armored core

Jesus christ woolie Thats a dope crib you live in

Love how woolie lives the david cage apartment dream

I sincerely appreciate Woolie trying to help people getting into fighting games and answering questions that could be kinda awkward to ask elsewhere. I've been eyeballing a SoulCal stick that's on display at a store I walk by on my way to school, but I feel it'd be wasteful, as I've been kind of out of the loop on that almost since Brawl came out. BUT WHEN'S BACK IN THO? YOU CAN'T KEEP ESCAPING YOUR NINDO, WOOLIE.

what stick do i need to lose to daigo in pools?

Honestly, the reason I love playing with an arcade stick is that there's something immensely satisfying about playing on one versus playing on a controller, and that for as couple games (like Tekken) it makes complicated button inputs a little easier

"Here's x-23 theme at the beginning." Already off to a great start.

Spiritual successor to Fighterpedia. Which is strange because I thought the point of Fighterpedia was to get new people into fighting games

I was promised all these years that Woolie lives in a slimy hole in the ground that emanates "Comp noises". I've been lied to, his place looks great!

There was no set up for this by the way. Woolie is just pointing to the fightsticks resting in their natural habitat.

Oh good God, that Terry Crews stick rofl! XD

Got the Qanba Drone, loving it so much! Thanks for the advice, Woolie! Helped me learn Fighter Z and after Combo practice, I won my first Competitive match!

Jesus Christ Woolie when's the next Apartment tour? The place looks slick. Also Sanwa ftw.

I don't play fighting games so should I buy a arcade stick

Whelp now I just play every fighting game with a left joycon

I just picked up the Mayflash f500 fightstick on Amazon, for my first fight stick and it selling for around 90$ I honestly couldn’t be happier. I bought it for dragon ball FighterZ due to my discomfort on the controller, I couldn’t get used to the dpad for my life, and I would mostly play with the analog stick because it was easier for me to make fluid motions, but it was still really awkward. After getting the fight stick I definitely feel like my movements are much more accurate, in button mashing much less, and combos are easier to perform due to your hand being laid out across the board instead of how it is on a controller. If you have the money and want to try it out I recommend the mayflash f500. It’s also fully moddable and it came with a octagon restrictor gate and as well as a Bluetooth plug in for the stick so you don’t need the controller plugged in. 10/10 recommended for retro lovers or those looking for a better way to play

A tour of Woolie's crib while he tells me about fight sticks? Awesome, Very cool video. I got a obsidian this Christmas and it is one of the best stick I've ever used.

Woolie always being a G. Its been a while since I’ve caught up but glad to see you’re just as helpful and knowledgeable as usual. Unless if its a David Cage thread, but that’s fine

Huh. The JoJo's Themed Stick @ 8:56 is mine. Recycled some part 3 manga that was damaged.

How exactly did the dragon break? I mean I can understand if like the jfl or the buttons gave out, but those could be easily fixed and from the way you discribe it, it sounds like the pcb just ate shit and gave out.

As someone who doesn't play fighting games and has no interest in owning an arcade stick, I found this video pretty compelling.

Thanks Woolz for another episode of Scrubguides and taking the time to reach out to new fighting game players or those with passing interests in them and not just leaving us to the shankrush pits. The joke gets made, but it's really hard to get into fighters and having someone give some base to intermediate level info that's easy to understand is super helpful.

These videos are excellent. This answered so many questions I've had. Thank you so much for making these Woolz.

I'll defend the Hori Fight Stick Mini with my life, that thing has been a work horse for me

Core-A Woolie

Never used a fighting stick before but my partner offered to help me build one from scratch so thanks so much for going in-depth on parts!

Huge thanks for this video, it’s my how-to. I’ve been thinking about buying for a long time, had a little extra cash and bought an Obsidian. Feels great, and I’m excited to revisit my favourite games in this fun, new, crazy new way.

I've been a keyboard warrior my whole life, so seeing that Hitbox stickless stick thing really made me curious..

I use to think me having two-sticks was excessive... I've been shown wrong.

Great video! Learned quite a few things. Can’t wait to see what other Scrubguides you put out!

I watched this after I'd already ordered and received my stick, but this was still super informative and helpful. Thank you, Woolie!

Woolie low-key flexing to his subscribers with his kick-ass apartment.

I was really hoping he would find another funko pop while showing off his collection.

The advantage of the elastic parts in the Korean joysticks is a faster and more precise return to neutral. This is of most value to a game like Tekken, with neutral blocking and lots of quick double-tap motions. Whereas for games with lots of twirling motions like Street Fighter, it adds more resistance, requiring more effort to complete movements and making the lighter cases more difficult to keep stable in your lap.

As a guy who just bought a stick and had to learn it all the hard way, this video is amazing. Its gonna be super helpful for anyone going forward! Thanks for all the great info and breaking it down for all us fighters out there!

3:12 nice labo setup

Something to keep in mind for PC players - different games can be funky about using multiple controllers. SF4 works fine, but SF5 would refuse to acknowledge any additional controllers, meaning I'd have to unplug both my gamepad and stick, then plug my stick back in to get to work. I have a Qanba Q1, and due to that it's just collecting dust, since I switched full time to pad rather than waste time plugging stuff in and out.

Thanks for making this video. I'm actually getting my very first fight stick this Christmas so I'm excited to see how I like it

Outstanding video! Thank you so much for the input and guidance. I myself use a Qanba Obsidian. I love it. Glad to see other players taking a liking to it. Thanks again Woolie!

Woolie with his David Cage apartment

decided to move to stick today cause my thumbs getting calluses from the d pad

Great video as always woolie! I actually just did my own research from scrap starting in mid January (didnt know anything about sticks but i have been playing fighting games for a while now) and from researching i also went for the obsidian!!! Watching this vid just really reassured me, thought of going for the crystal at first but seeing as i saw the online discussion about how top notch sanwa parts are ive decided to get rid of an extra 50$ to be pleased for the long run, should get it next week! SO HYPE! WE GOIN' IN!!! KEEP UP THE HYPE WOOLIE!

Thanks for this video Woolie. I’ve been a casual fighting game fan since ‘08 and have always wanted to get a stick. I used to have a chart for whenever I decided to get one, but now I have a more reliable and updated source. Thanks for the tips.

I guess I'm a weird monster because I only use a 360 controller and only use the stick :x feels way more natural to me than directional pad.

I have been buying crappy fight sticks for many years, thank you for this guide as I am now going to hopefully purchase the last fight stick I will need for a while

Awesome guide Woolie, been batting the idea around for a while now, so this has really come in handy. Also, it really made me go back and watch that old Fighterpedia episode you and Matt did on fight sticks!

I’m a passive fighting game fan but I must say, Woolie you’re doing God’s work with these videos!

Learning how to use a fightstick is like learning how to drive. Tricky but so much better than the alternative.

What stick do I need for ULTIMATE TEKKEN BOWL?

As someone who's played on stick for a long ass time and modifies my own sticks, this is an amazing introduction video for people wanting to get into sticks. Also that White Drago Ranger in the background is SICK.

I'm not even particularly in the market for a fight stick but still found this to be super interesting. Great video Woolz!

Where can I get one that blows smoke at my face when I'm 2-0 against the CPU? Or the one that summons a knife to be on my peripheral vision at all time? Please, Woolie, answer me... I'm scared.

All this said about the low-end sticks, while you are getting what you pay for in the sub $100 range, the HORI fightstick mini is, in my experience, totally solid in terms of buttons and parts. None of mine have gotten stuck, and the stick itself is very responsive and sturdy. It's _tiny_, and it will move around a bit. Those of us with bigger hands will find there's a strain on your wrists and comfort after extended play than on a, for example, HORI RAP. But it's functionable and durable. If you want to see if you like playing on a stick, personally, I feel like that's a great jumping in point. You'll spend more total when you get a really solid fightstick, but if you hate the experience, you'll only have sunk $50. This is just my opinion, though! I like the mini, and think it's a great entry-level stick.

I was not expecting this video to be so informative. Good stuff!

Very good video, Woolie. You're doing great with these FGC entry videos.

So, question of clarification. That Chun Li stick you made, that you were showing off at the end, you just wired arcade parts to a standard console controller? Like, gutted an xbox controller and wired it together? I just want to make sure I got that right, because my in-laws want to make a cabinet with an emulator so they can play all their old retro games, and I was thinking of doing this for them, but I wasn't 100% sure it would work.

Was anybody else on the look out for hidden Funko Pops?

I have been anticipating this for AGES ^^ I would also like a pad-guide video... I love Woolie, Pat, Mat, and that guy without cookies! Ever since for first fighting game I got and looked up on RU-vid (Melty Blood), I've been a fan. THIS IS AWESOME!

Loved the info Whoolie! Since you make these, would love a video walk through of you putting one together..

For the Street Fighter 4 series, I recommend an arcade stick and not a regular controller.

Sharp eyed viewers might recognize the chun li stick from the Fightstick Etiquette episode of Fighterpedia!

Good job on the video Woolie. Don't slow down now, keep the content coming. I really enjoyed your Arcade Sticks: Cribs Edition segment. Keep up the good work.

Been considering buying a stick for a while now. Perfect video. Thanks.

Christ man, how did you break a Dragon?! I swear I could hit a guy with mine, put it back down and keep playing with it...

short answer: No. longer answer: Nooooooooooooo. Actual answer: Maybe if you really care about it.

VERY good video! Very informative, and man it's like Woolie's apartment tour here.

I've been looking forward to this video. Don't have a fight stick yet, I don't play fighters in competition, but I really enjoy them casually so I haven't made that jump to more serious hardware yet. This is a great guide for me and others like me that would like to make that jump eventually but don't know where to begin.

I’m on my journey for making MY personal stick, and to those interested in GENERAL tips: 1 - Joysticks (the levers) are the priority. They are THE most important thing in the stick, as they dictate what will come out of your inputs. If you have a low budget, focus on the lever. 2 - Buttons are the second most important thing, however, they depend on how hard you’d like to hit them, as even those on the cheaper side react accordingly if you get where and how to press them. 3 - The case/box/however you wanna callit, is dependant on what you like ( big, small, light, heavy, etc) and how you play ( lap or desk, force or lightness), however I do recommend a weighted bottom, as it helps stabilise your stick. 3.5 - CHEAP and EASY way of weighing your box? Any kind of children’s play dough. 4 - You can postpone buying a better PCB as the improvement you’ll feel isnt AS noticeable as with the other parts mentioned. Cheers and good luck.

MK11 Competition reveal.. Time to buy Arcade Stick :X Edit: ordered Lioncast Arcade Fighting Stick I hope its good atleast for start.. Edit: everyone suggest to mod I hope its worth to try..

i'm glad you made this video. it's a lot easier just to send this video than me explaining it to some one. well detailed. 10/10 very nice.

Great Guide Woolie! There is one other major downside to playing on a stick that often gets ignored and that is SOUND. Arcade Sticks are NOISY, even the "silent buttons". This is for everyone that lives with other people, arcade sticks are noisy and other people might not enjoy the sound of pressing the buttons and the moving of the lever.

Dont buy a cheap one I moved on to an good one after 1 month of cancer

Does anyone else use their arcade sticks for other games besides fighters? Disgaea 5 on stick is maximum comfy.

the qanba drone has been a great begginer stick for me, ive had mine for two years and its held up through many games of third strike and sf4.

THANK YOU Woolie for this video, I bought the SFXTK Arcade stick when the game came out and it was ok but I felt I needed better

great video woolie, although i disagree with your opinion on the hori products. i started on a hori rap iv kai so my opinion is a lil biased but i do have some research to back my claims. While the hori hyabusa stick may feel a little more loose than a sanwa, the quality build i think is far superior. the only issue on that is if you need an octogate only focus attack sells them unless you can Frankenstein a sanwa one on which people do. The sanwa stick is fine, but i got use to the Hori and with the 1.5lb spring and oversized acuator, it feels so much better. I even attached a jlf link so traveling would be easier and wouldnt require me to buy a special bag (moved from South Carolina to Las Vegas and was able to put it in my luggage with no issues. ) As for the buttons, Sanwa tend to break on me much faster than the Hyabusa buttons. Sanwas to me have a weird cheap feeling and I used them for almost a full year because the original Hori buttons, the Kuro were just god awful. When Arcadeshock got the hyabusa buttons I literally had to set a timer so I wouldnt miss the chance to purchase them. Best decision I made because Ive had these buttons since March of last year and I havent had to replace one yet, just clean the inside and corners with a little rubbing alcohol and it works like new again. Also the plastic feels more sturdy than the sanwa. When i use to order sanwa buttons i would almost get double what i need because I somehow always snap a side and now the button moves on the stick. Also the matte finish gives the button a certain grippy feeling. The only drawback to the Hyabusa's are they are limited in color, with no clear translucent option as of yet. All in all your information was correct and I'm glad you made a video to help new fighting game players make a decision. Sucks too about the Qanba dragon failing on you, such a nice stick to have something major fail on you. I use the Razer Panthera now, my favorite stick and will probably only buy Razer sticks because all my razer products have worked amazing over the years. A razer panthera with the hyabusa sitck and buttons are perfect for me. Also with Korean sticks, they have a rubber grommet and Ive heard that the rubber expands due to heat so that along with no option to use a jlf link made me stick with japanese sticks.

Why am i watching this? I own 3 sticks already!

Thank you!!!! Got the Mayflash f500 and definitely need to replace the joystick and buttons but am having a blast playing on a stick

Probably the best RU-vid video on fight sticks!! 🕹

I have a Sega Saturn OEM arcade stick brand new, I have to get an adapter for it so I can play it on PC.

Damn, his flat though! 0_0

I bought a qanba drone and Sanwa JLF stick and The Buttons you recommended to mod it with. Thanks Woolie!

Thanks for the guide Woolie, I probably get the standard one but the bigger one looks comfy to me.

holy shit why has nobody ever actually done a series for people knew to fighting games, like ffs, every fighting game youtuber always just assumes i have pre-existing knowledge of fighting games like button combinations and names for attacks and its why i havent played a fighting game since tekken 3 with my big brothers i hope this series continues

isn't this just fighterpedia?

I am late for the party, but I thank you so much for making this content you showcased to us, Woolie... sincerely. I appreciate it, very much.

Really helpful video, and I heard that Cerebrawl music, excellent taste!

8:38 *nervous sweating*

Wait, you mean to tell me that most people use the D-pad on the controller?

It'd really be cool to see more of these Woolz. Like a little sidekick to GIFG where you go over your sticks, different ways to hold the lever or button finger placement cool stuff like that.

That was awesome, thanks! I’ve never seen any one make displays for their sticks but that’s cool. I regret not picking up that killer instinct stick when I had the chance. Kept waiting for it to drop in price and then suddenly it was gone.

"It's really awkward and wired to do a quarter circle" **laughs in GameCube controller**

Using the dpad is the worst though

"Use the cross" WOOLIE AGAIN WITH THE RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES

Excellent video man. I was in that street fighter anniversary stick and had a brooks adapter for ps3 but now I’m in the market for a sub 200$ stick for my PS4 and didn’t really know what to lean towards but that obsidian sure has caught my attention thanks to your vid. Thanks a lot dude 🙏🏻

I'm new to fight sticks and I bought a Qanba drone to start trying out the feeling of playing with a fight stick. I really can't complain about it, I even love my drone. Feels and plays very decent for a relatively cheap purchase and now I'm thinking about getting a custom stick with sanwa parts to get the upgrade I'm craving. I will now let my son play with the drone while I play with my better custom stick. Nice video!

As someone who used a pad for years, swapping to fightstick was an objective upgrade to my gameplay. Being able to use my entire hand for playing instead of for holding the controller felt so much more natural and strong for me.

Woolie VS. is shit I've needed in my life for years. It's good to see someone who genuinely cares about helping people get into/understand fighting games while keeping things decidedly unintimidating. Fucking bless.

Good video, I started off in the cheapo bracket a while back with the mayflash f300 cause I was just really getting into fighting games and wanted the feel of a stick, I was happy for a bit with it however I found out quickly that one too many 236s and the ball top just popped right off. So I saved up some money and picked up the HORI RAP4 a week or so later and used that for quite a while, and intend to make that my travel stick. I do want to do some custom art work for it, but IMO the buttons are fine and I haven't tried out any other gate restrictor so I don't mind square stock. Finally not too long ago I picked up a dragon, and that thing feels like a beast, it has no give even on your lap. IMO though it's just a bit on the large and heavy side for travel. So going up each bracket I think you did a good job of describing the pros and cons of each bracket and how the feel changes when you spend a bit more. Worth mentioning too, your first time on stick isn't going to be as good if you've played on pad for a while, I dropped a lot of 236's at first because I was hitting the button before the stick came up enough to register the upward arc. Like any fighting game though you just gotta keep at it and get that muscle memory down.