Joystick Questions

[chuckster]

(Cross-post with Shmups)

I have seen few threads discussing short throw/stiff joysticks with many conflicting charts and opinions on different joysticks, but no clear answers. I started with the JLF but it's deadzone and "snap" made dashing and precise movement in shmups and patformers a nightmare. I ordered an LS-56 after reading some threads on here and SRK that recommended it as a stick with tighter tension, but if anything it feels a little bit looser than the Sanwa! Am I just not sensitive to the difference, or are these sticks very similar?

Long story short, I'm looking for the stiffest joystick with the shortest throw and engage distance, and smallest deadzone. It has to fit in a HRAP3-SA, but other than that I'm open to anything. The LS-38 seems to be a step in the right direction, but I've heard the LS-32 has a pretty wide throw.

Also, I see an optical upgrade kit for the JLF on Focusattack, which seems like an easy swap, what is the consensus on optical sticks?

[CD AGES]

Have looked into Hori's own proprietary stick lever, the Hayabusa? I've been hearing good things about it, particularly that it has a small Dead zone and better throw/tension back to neutral.
I'm fairly certain they sell it on their US site as well as other popular shops for arcade parts like Arcadeshock.com and Focusattack.com

I have only one optical stick found in one of my CvS1 Ascii Sticks for Dreamcast. It feels different, to say the least. I'm not particularly fond of it personally. I like the clicks on Sanwa and Seimitsu JLFs.

[fastbilly1]

See if you can get a stiffer spring for the sticks you already have. You might just be able to stretch your existing one.

[chuckster]

Hmm, stretching the spring sounds pretty doable, I will have to try it. The optical stick isn't for me from the sounds of things, I love the microswitch feel. I found a throw-shortener mod on FA that I may try too, thanks guys!