There is a lot of ill will toward the Hori Fighting Stick 2, which is like half as expensive as a HRAP, and I see no problems in mine. Whats so bad about it?
I thought that too, then I got to play on a HRAP for like 3 minutes and it convinced me I need one. The HFS2 has big neutral position forcing the need for movement exaggeration, which sucks. Furthermore, I have some issues with the size of the thing, as it is not big enough. My left hand kinda rests on the edge, and that gets irritating after a while
If you open the stick itself, you'll notice two things:
1) The case is not deep enough to fit a Sanwa stick and you'll have to grate on the base, which at least I think is not a good idea. Also, spacing is REALLY TIGHT and it is uncomfortable to do wiring in it.
2) the buttons are not using quick disconnects but rather a membrane-like thing, much like the regular pads. That's not necessarily bad, but it suffers from the same input not registering problems that regular pads often develop. Now it's not all that hard to change 'em, but it requires more work than if they were using regular quick disconnect snap-ins.
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That being said, there's nothing wrong with the stick. If you're ok with the joystick and the buttons, I say more power to ya. The thing is surprisingly sturdy (mine has taken a lot of abuse), and is a great budget solution. But if you are not completely satisfied, then it's a pain in the ass to mod, and that is the real reason people hate on it.