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Qanba Q4RAF 3 in 1 stick

Today I take a look at the Q4 Real Arcade Fighting stick. Qanba, originating from Shenzhen China, is a new manufacturer to the Joystick scene. For their first real effort to break into the international market for fighting sticks, the Q4RAF is an amazing entry.

Pricing
$149.99 for a dual modded (plus PC) stick is a bargain. In comparison, I bought my Hori HRAP3 V3 SA, which I still use today, for about $120. The Hori is only compatible with the PS3 and if you were to dual mod most sticks, it’ll cost you $50+ and if you want to do it correctly, it’ll be $100+ at the very least.

Look
Right out of the box, the stick is aesthetically pleasing. With a slick black piano finish on top, metal plate to house four buttons and the switch to swap between PS3, and XBOX360 and dual LED lights to indicate which controller you’re sync as– the Q4 instantly oozes class and let’s you know it’s not messing around. All buttons are label with both PS3 and XBOX corresponding buttons. On the front of the stick is a carrying handle which at first may seem odd, but after using it you wonder why they never made it standard any sooner. Since the handle is on the front, the compartment to store your cord is located on the left side. The actual top panel, which can be customize to your liking, is flush with the entire top surface which reinforces a high quality of fit and finish.

Feel
The Q4 is roughly the same size as the original Mad Catz TE stick give or take a little. It weighs in around 13lbs giving it a nice sturdy feel especially compared to my lighter HRAP3. Qanba did not slack in the attention to detail department either as they added a felt bottom for players who like resting their joysticks on their lap (another one of those can’t-believe-they-didn’t-do-this-in-the-first-place features). All the buttons are Sanwa (minus the start button) and so is the stick itself. The start button is located to the right of the eight buttons and is ever so slightly elevated, enough so that you should not accidentally press it (once again, a testament to Qanba’s attention to detail).

Accessories
For $149.99, the Q4RAF comes with two button caps for those who choose to disable buttons, headset for XBOX360 users and a microfiber cloth to wipe your stick.

After using the stick for more than a week of playing, including a tournament session, here are my thoughts:

Pros:
+ Good weight coupled with felt bottom makes stick incredibly sturdy to play on your lap
+ Sanwa parts
+ Dual modded
+ $149.99
+ Quick disconnects to replace buttons or install button plugs makes it convenient

Cons
– Start button on top surface
– Cable on the side sometimes gets in your way
– Cable only 2.8meters

Stay tuned for my video summary wrap up, but in the meantime take a gander over some photos below.

Kane317
Administrator with Dream Cancel