Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Xbox 360 Pad EX 2 with Turbo - Black Reviews

Xbox 360 Pad EX 2 with Turbo - Black
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
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I have owned the MadCatz Street Fighter 4 Fightpad, the Logitech Dual Action, and a Sega Saturn USB (Chinese clone) and I have to say that none of these pads have a D-Pad that can compare to the Hori Ex2 turbo for playing Street Fighter. I waited 5 months for this pad to come in through the mail and when I got it I was astonished at the accuracy of of its D-pad. Diagonals register well, and spinning pile drivers are surprisingly easy to pull off.

The fact that this gamepad comes with analog sticks, turbo, and a rumble feature are practically added bonuses. I only use this on my PC, but I have tried playing LEFT 4 DEAD, and the pad works exquisitely for first person shooting. The analog stick is superior to the one on logitech offerings, but may feel a bit looser than the stock XBOX 360 stick (in my opinion this is a good thing). Luckily there are sensitivity settings built into the pad.

This is literally the perfect gamepad. I have so far found no flaws with it.

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When I first received this controller I was extremely happy. It worked like a charm! After about 2 weeks of controller bliss however, things started to go down hill. The right and left analog thumbsticks started to work on their own. I tried unplugging and resetting, but nothing. I've tried to mess with the sensitivity switch... nothing. After trying everything I could think of, I decided to shelve it. So far I haven't found anything that will work.

It's a shame this has ghosting issues. This would've been THE #1 controller to purchase for the 360.

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We originally purchased the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 back when they were originally released in late 2009. Shortly thereafter we started having issues with the Analog Sticks acting out. In game it would appear af if sticks were being used even though we weren't using them and when we did use them it would prevent us from going in the desired direction. The only resolution to this problem was to unplug the controller and plug it back in, but this was only a temporarly.

Based on other comments we've seen in various reviews and elsewhere this wasn't an isolated issue. Fortuantley as of September 2011 this issue as been resolved. As of late 2011, you can identify the fixed controllers by a batch code that is at least "110601" or higher stamped on the bottom right of the back of the packaging. We purchased this controller again from amazon.com in September 2011 and the version we received was the updated "110601" release. If you are buying the controller long after 2011 we have you should have a higher numbered batch code. If your batch code is lower than you may have one of the older versions that may be affected by the ghosting.

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I'll be keeping an updated record on the use of this "110601" NEWEST BATCH controller. I'm not using the HORI controller 100% of the time, as I'm switching between an OEM controller and the Datel EVO based on the game I'm playing at the time. However, I will be using the HORI enough to make the ghosting show up if were ever going to show up, based on past experience with the ghosting problem.

March 2013: No ghosting.

January 2013: Once in a while the controller may act wonky when first plugged in but this is easily resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting at the breakaway cable connection or main connection. Very Rare. The old Ghosting problem is certainly fixed.

March 12: 2012: No Ghosting. * It's pretty safe to say that the "Ghosting" issue has been resolved on the "110601" batch. If it were to happen, it would have happened by now.

December 20, 2011: No Ghosting.

November 17, 2011: No Ghosting.

October 9, 2011: No Ghosting.

October 2, 2011: No Ghosting.

September 26, 2011: Received controller and no ghosting present.

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REVIEW:

I originally purchased the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 back in 2009 when they were originally released as I previously had the first Turbo Pad EX, the blue one, from HORI. That controller ended up breaking after a while but given the price of this updated version I went ahead and purchased it anyway. Unfortunately, as many had also had happen the Ghosting problem with the Analog Sticks eventually started happening. Basically, the sticks would act as if they were being used while they weren't being touched. Even if you tried to use them they would fight your movement, not physically on the controller but with the action that was happening in game. The only solution was to unplug the controller and plug it back in, and this was only a temporary fix.

Other than the Ghosting problem, we loved this controller. The Turbo feature was great with the 3 different speeds which can be programmed to nearly all usable buttons. The "Turbo Hold" is a great little feature allowing the controller to automatically press the button while it's in TURBO without you having to actually press the button. This is a lot of fun in those old style arcade games where you have unlimited ammo as this frees you up from having to hold down whatever button controls the firing. Having this be a wired controller is actually quite nice as you don't have to worry about changing batteries all the time which can happen with homemade OEM wireless controllers that have been turned into Modded Turbo controllers.

If you are looking for a Turbo Controller had has more than 3 speed variations, you might want to check out the Turbofire2 (Wildfire2) Xbox 360 controllers from Datel as those have up to 8 different speed settings. Only the wireless versions can use the PC software for modifying the various Customizer features.

The size of the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 is comparable to the OEM Xbox 360 controller aside from that the left and right grips at the bottom of the controller are perhaps 1/2" longer. Personally, I really like this as it give me a little extra room to hold onto the controller. If you have smaller hands and already have issues with the size of the OEM Xbox 360 controllers from Microsoft then you are probably going to have an issue with the size of this one from HORI. If you have smaller hands then you should probably look into the Mad Catz Inc X360 Pro Micro Cntrlr Blk wired Xbox 360 Controller with TURBO that MadCatz brought back into production in 2011, it's a specifically designed to be a much smaller controller.

If you have any of the KontrolFreek stick accessories, those are compatible with the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2. The Analog Sensitivity adjustment control is fine for games that don't allow you to adjust the stick sensitivity. The D-pad works well.

The "LB" and "RB" face buttons next to "Y" and "B" can sometimes get in the way when you are trying to use "Y" or "B" to the point where you actually press "LB" or "RB" so this may take some getting use to so as not to hit them accidentily. However, having them on the face of the controller is probably useful for fighting games that require various button combinations including the various face and bumper buttons.

I highly recommend picking up this controller, just make sure it's the NEWEST BATCH with the "110601" date code # stamped on the back right of the packaging to make sure you don't have an older version that has the Ghosting problem with the Analog Sticks.

FEATURES:

1. Officially licensed by Microsoft. Yeah, they're against people using them but they love making money from licensing them out to 3rd party companies!

2. 6 button layout (great for fighting games). LB and RB on also on the face of the controller next to A, B, X and Y.

3. Turbo programmable for each individual buttons, bumpers, triggers, sticks, and directional pad (great for Fighers, Arcade Classics, FPS and shooting games). * THERE IS NO TURBO FUNCTION for the Start, Back, or Guide buttons.

4. Turbo can be set to;

Slow 5 times / sec ),

Normal 12 times / sec ),

Fast (20 times / sec).

5. Turbo Hold Mode Lets you set a Turbo to an individual or combination of buttons, triggers, sticks, and/or d-pad directions and it will continuously press this (at the set speed) without you having to touch the controller. Great for programming in macro's to give your thumbs and forefingers a rest.

6. Analog sensitivity can be adjusted to normal (default), narrow (more sensitive), and wide (less sensitive).

7. Buttons set on a 6 button layout (A, B, X, Y, and the Left and Right bumpers).

8. Colors: Black or Blue. Play-Asia.com sells a white version.

* Compatible with all Xbox 360 consoles. Xbox 360 accessories are NOT region locked, and that includes wired Xbox 360 controllers.

** Compatible with 3rd party gaming headsets like those from Turtle Beach.

*** NOT compatible with the Xbox 360 chatpad.

Honest reviews on Xbox 360 Pad EX 2 with Turbo - Black

This controller by far,is one of the most amazing controllers I have every held or use. Its sleek design makes it makes it handle with a more ergonomic touch opposed to a standard Xbox 360 controller. Its button layout is confusing (at first) but then easily meshes into the nature of game play. The joysticks have an amazing feel to them that puts your hand in constant ease. The buttons are smaller than a normal 360 controller and is liable to lots of miss-pressed buttons. That is something that is developed over time. They come well meshed so it gives a great feel to beginner-hardcore gamers. The D-pad is simply perfect. It has a great format that is standard to any adept fighting gamer (as myself) The feeling is smooth and give easy execution. Better than many D-pads I have seen thus far.

The problems with this controller (the few it has.)

1. The joysticks are overly sensitive. (this can be solved with a sensitivity option they have on the controller

2. The buttons are small (this is also works as a plus because it can execute more hard-to-do executions with a use of a thumb. Sometimes better than a entire hand.

3. Its wired. (not all things come wireless, actually some of the greatest things are wired IE the Mad Catz Tournament edition Fightstick.)

To sum it up:

-If you need a controller that doesn't cost $150.00

-If you Like to have a special controller to play fighting games without losing the use of playing other games (due to controller/button layout)

-If you are a conventional player that is looking for a pep to your step (IE Rapid fire or a decent joystick, D-pad

Then this is the controller for you. Hands down, Incredible.

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EDIT: This is my 3rd updated review-

The controller completely stopped working now as both triggers do not work and none of the rapid-fire features work.

The other buttons work but cannot be set to rapid fire, the option to toggle rapid-fire is gone. (It happened in game during L4D2 Multiplayer)

It's to bad I used this controller 100% of the time for my gaming I really liked it but now it's not working at all.

I never mishandled it or damaged it, I'm 40 yrs old with no kids in the house so I know the controller hasn't been exposed to any severe drops or damage.

I'm gonna disassemble it and see if I can see any internal problems like shorted out chip or something may have dislodged.

-older reviews below-

(2ND UPDATE REVIEW BELOW)

EDIT: THIS IS a 2nd UPDATE to my original UPDATED review ,my second controller that replaced my first one has also started the ghosting issue again RIGHT ANALOG during BFBC2 and the RT doesn't even fire the in game weapon sometimes. It's possible the RT fire issues were due to EA servers and BFBC2 server issues, BUT The ghosting appears in ALL games.

Man I'm bummed I really like this controller if it weren't for the quality issues.

I'm just gonna keep swapping for another since my money is already spent , maybe I'll get lucky and get a patched version.

I've also contacted HORI about this , it seems to be a common problem.

(I should also note my first controller was purchased from Wal-Mart while my second was from Amazon)

If you are have ghosting analogs what I've done in the meantime if your waiting for a replacement controller unplug your controller while not touching any analog and then wiggle the analogs aggressively , then plug the controller back in without touching the analogs, this seems to reset them to get rid of the ghosting for a little while.

Also whenever you power up the 360 with the controller DON'T EVER TOUCH THE Analogs. This SEEMS to help with ghosting issues.

(1ST UPDATED REVIEW BELOW)

Well after my glowing review I'd like to inform people I've started to have some ANALOG stick problems with the controller.

After around 30 hours of flawless use with fighting games like Bayonetta and some FPS time.

THE RIGHT ANALOG stick has "Ghosting" Issues , THE RIGHT ANALOG moves on its own in game on numerous games.

Even after restarting the console numerous times making sure the analogs aren't touched at all while powering up , it still does this.

The right analog keeps going up all by itself , when I go to shoot in for example Army Of Two 4Oth day ,COD4 MW2 etc., the right camera points all the way up without input from me.

If you know wired controllers history , this was an easy fix with XBOX original wired controllers. If you let's say held down the analogs while powering up the console the STICKS would retain that position as the normal position .

So I thought that was the problem but after numerous tries with different games I'm still having the same "phantom" right analog stick.

As soon as I use my original wireless Xbox 360 controller the problem disappears instantly.

Sadly I really enjoyed the controller I even got used to the size they remind me of the old "S" controller I actually got to the point the fluidity and functionality of the controller was better than the Xbox 360 controller, BUT low quality has reared its ugly head .

I might see if I can swap em out or just return em , its a shame because I REALLY LOVED the rapid fire on all buttons , even the right and left click analog can be rapid-fired with 3 speeds,plus the analog stick speed adjustment is great, BUT I think all of this stuff going has caused a glitch somewhere.

I found this controller to be extremely functional and fun while it worked.

I've had normal Xbox 360 controllers get the "ghost"analog after about 1.5 years of use , but the HORI died in literally a few weeks.

Buyer beware the analogs seem to have a ghosting issue.

I'd have to lower the score to 3 stars for quality issues , if it weren't for the ghosting analogs these are great controllers.

It could be the springs in the analogs are just to weak and wear out pretty quick.

It's weird now that I have the original wireless 360 in my hands you can just feel the solid quality , everything just feels right. I just wish I could put all of the rapid-fire features into an orginal 360 controller.

I wonder if I swapped out the sticks for some PS3 sticks ? And change the springs maybe that will help ?

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