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Sporting a full Sanwa set-up (stick + buttons), the RAP V3 SA is one of the best arcade sticks that money can buy, and is extremely affordable as well (off Amazon, at least). For those not in the know, Sanwa is the company that manufactures the joysticks and buttons commonly found on Japanese arcade gaming cabinets. They're very reputable for being durable, responsive, and long lasting, and with the V3 SA, Hori brings that set-up right to your gaming room.
As someone with some experiences with other arcade sticks, I can safely say that the V3 SA is LIGHT. Really light. This can be taken either way. Some people prefer a heavier stick so that it doesn't move around much. Personally, I've never had a problem with lighter sticks. I prefer them that way to ease the weight of my lap while playing. For those who prefer playing on a tabletop or the floor, rest assured, the V3 SA comes with rubber grips below to ensure that it won't slide around even if you're rough with movement.
The stick and buttons are, needless to say, very responsive and top-notch. The stick is loose enough for easy execution, yet not too loose. The square gate makes it easer to tell when you're hitting those diagonals, and the shaft below the balltop (and I love balltops, by the way, it's the Japanese standard) is covered with a thin tube of plastic, protecting the metal shaft within from moisture and sweat, ensuring that it won't get rusty, and that YOU won't be touching dangerous rusty bits. The buttons are lighter in touch than I'm used to, but this makes them no less responsive, and requires less effort when pulling out a major combo.
The V3 SA also comes with turbo settings for all the buttons, as well as a switch that allows you to swap the stick's input from D-Pad, to either analog stick. Frankly, I use my stick for fighting games exclusively and thus never use any of these features, but if they matter to you, it's there.
The finishing of the product is done very well. As the pictures show, it's a simplistic, minimal design with some markings around the stick/buttons, and nothing more. I like this choice of design, because it means the surface panel won't show signs of aging/use so easily. In comparison, my BlazBlue HRAP 3 shows discoloration and a myriad of scratch marks on the surface. My custom stick is protected by an acrylic panel, but that's not an option for Hori's sticks, I guess. Also, the screws are located on the base, as opposed to the top panel. This helps them avoid sweating hands from longer periods of playing, and once again, slows down the settling in of rust.
At the end of the day, if you're looking for a full Sanwa stick, there aren't many choices on the market if you don't get a custom made piece. The V3 SA is way more affordable than Hori's VLX (which, whilst a pure work of art, is way beyond my budget at $299 USD), more reputable than Madcatz's Tournament Edition (if you care about brand name, plus I've heard some negative reviews about particular pieces of the TE, although I stress that I've never owned one before), and looks better than the standard HRAP 3 (which also uses Hori parts instead of Sanwa parts). For me, it's the perfect combination of looks, quality, and price. And it's slightly over $50 cheaper on Amazon than where I live, so why not?
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I purchased the import version earlier this year & loved it (although I sold it & broke even because I knew it was going to be released here in the states for a lower price)! I love my other arcade sticks but there's a reason why I purchased another V3-SA. I use this stick as my primary/daily one since it's reliable, comfy & durable.Not much to say if you know about Sanwa products besides what has already been said (responsive, accurate & precision). If they're too sensitive for you then I suggest swapping them out for Seimitsu products. It's very easy to get to the internals (6-screws on the bottom). Compared to my Madcatz Tournament Edition (TE; multiple versions) sticks, while it doesn't have a big surface area to rest your palms, I actually prefer the much more angled wrist rest area on this stick compared to a TE stick. It just feels that much more comfy after an extended duration (30+ mins). Only thing negative is that it's lighter (4.8-pounds) compared to a TE stick (~6.25-pounds) & it's previous model the Real Arcade Pro SA (5.7-pounds). Since I prefer to play on a flat surface (versus on my lap), it's not that big of a deal. The artwork looks pretty nice but then again, I could care less about that. For those that want to replace the artwork and/or want to have a plastic panel, it's easy to replace & there are quite a few vendors that make these parts. Also, the overhangs (aka side handles) are great when lifting & storing it away. In terms of mass production sticks, here are my favs in this order:
1) Hori VLX: Real deal hefty weight (12.1-pounds) to it.
2) Hori V3-SA series: Same qualities as the VLX minus the longer metal panel & weight.
3) Madcatz TE series: Love the big surface area to lay my big hands on & good looking transparent cases on some models (TE-S Chun-Li & SC5 sticks).
4) Qanba Q4 series: PS3/360/PC compatiblity right out of the box with a good looking design especially the translucent cases.
Honestly, you can't go wrong w/any of these 4 sticks since they're all great especially since they all use the same Sanwa buttons & joystick lever. It's just really about personal preference.Now where I grew up in America we have a lot of asian influence and we even have an Asian celebration once a year so as you can expect the arcade machines I played with where lolly pop square gates.
I can tell you its not 100% like the arcade ones but its damn well close enough, but there is one thing I should mention. This thing is HYPER SENSITIVE, which is a good thing. I had to actually get used to it as I was inputting commands way faster than the game could read resulting in me not able to do forward, down, angle turns. Now I pull'em off a 'okay without a sweat.
Pros
+ Good weight to it, a bit light, but good.
+ Very solid stick and responsive to movement, so take it slow. Tip to hold for those new to lolly pop sticks. I hold it with my left hand inverted (back of my hand to the floor) with the stick between my middle and ring finger with my thumb on top for added stability. Hold it how you like, but that for me is how I've done it since I was a kid and is the most comfortable.
+ Buttons look like what I had in the arcade all nice and convex shaped. Very sensitive too, which I'm still getting used to as a simple light accidental tap is enough to set them off. Like I said I like sensitivity because it makes you a faster player. Keep your right hand angled so you don't get carpal tunnel syndrome.
+ Made of metal with solid construction that feels like you could drop it off your roof (don't do this) and would still operate well. As another reviewer stated all the metal parts are hidden and screws are on the bottom so no worry of rust.
+ Has good rubber feet so it won't slide on the table, but I like it in my lap better, but if I could...you know know already right? I'd get a podium stand put it up their and stand while I play SF and MVC to really live the old days. It really does feel that authentic (96%).
+ Good long cord to hook up to the PS3 so don't worry about length. I like cords to cause I don't have to worry about batteries dying on me or interference from other wireless devices. As I said I'm old school.
Cons
You cannot turn on the PS3 remotely with it. Yes I'm that lazy.
The R1, L1, R2, and L2 buttons are switched so the R buttons are on the "Left side" while the L buttons are on the "Right side." A minor annoyance as you can customize your button layout to your personal taste and preference in game.
I haven't tried using it on my PC but I expect I could with the USB cord as others seem to have done it.
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edit January 8th 2012
I've just tried it recently with my PC and it does work. No lights show up so you'd think it isn't on but low and behold it started punching and kicking and moving when I played with it so yeah it works :3. Hmmm, I wonder if it works with Wii U fighting games. It has the same symptoms as the PC (lack of lights and desktop control) but maybe when there's a game in it like with the PC...
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Its a great stick at a great price. The only thing better is that 300 dollar Real Arcade Pro: 3 Premium VLX made by the same company (go figure) but I'm not forking that much cash over for something that will be slightly better due to a "few" tweaks.
Read Best Reviews of Real Arcade Pro V3 SA Here
After using this stick for a little while... Daily... xD I would have to say that I love this stick. It's got great parts and works well with both my PC and PS3. I do play SSFIV AE competatively so a good stick is what I needed, and I much preferred this one over the madcatz TE one.Want Real Arcade Pro V3 SA Discount?
I, along with many others although not all feel that the pads that come with each system (PS3's DualShock 3, for example) are not the most ideal controller when it comes to fighting games. Xbox 360's pad doubly so.For those of us who feel this way, there is the HRAP to satisfy your cravings for arcade authenticity, reliability, and performance. Now, I didn't intend on bringing the MadCatz TE into this, but the fact of the matter is that the HRAP V3 SA and the MadCatz TE (herein referred to as the MCTE) are very similar at least when it comes to the buttons and the stick.
The stick on the HRAP and the MCTE is the very responsive and accurate Sanwa JLF(which has a square gate), and the buttons on both are Sanwa OSBF-30's, so if you're looking for quality parts, you get them in either controller. These components should last you a long time.
The button layout on the HRAP is the same as the Vewlix SSFIV cabinets you see in arcades, so if you play on an HRAP, you're pretty close to the real thing, layout wise. The start button is on the front(unlike the MCTE, which has a slightly different button layout, and the start button on the back of the unit, out of the way) although only the most frantic button mashers would even come close to pressing it during play.
The rests for your wrists are also perfectly placed. A marathon gaming session of 7 hours saw no hand fatigue or discomfort.
There's a little door to hold the cable in (the stick is wired). The cable is about 10 feet and allows for lag-free inputs. There are also two handle-like wings on the side to allow for hassle free carrying, and although they might seem silly, it actually works pretty well carrying it around.
The HRAP is also lighter than the MCTE, although that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you're planning on lugging it to and from tournaments, it's perfect, really; Light enough to not be a bother to carry, but heavy enough to be stationary in your lap as well as on a table, even under the most strenuous play.
Keep in mind that the switches in the buttons and stick are audible. Every Hadoken you do (for example) will make a noise as the switches in the buttons and stick are actuated. This is a good thing it isn't terribly loud, and you'll have some feedback on what buttons you're pressing and what motions you're making on the stick.
Build quality is also top notch. The case is solid, and the stick, all buttons, turbo switches(of which there are 8, one for each button) and the PS button work flawlessly. Some say build quality is what makes the HRAP better than the MCTE, but longevity of either will likely be determined by your play style.
All in all, the HRAP V3 SA is a great stick for anyone looking to bust into the fighting game scene, or for seasoned veterans looking to replace their old stick. If you're torn about whether you should get this stick or the MCTE, I would say go to your nearest tournament and see if someone will let you try theirs. If that's impossible, then go for whichever one you find more appealing, price and looks-wise. I went with the HRAP, and I couldn't be happier.
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