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KOWAL Hayabusa Octopus Octagonal Restrictor Plate (2016 Model)

$2.95
(USD)
Brand
KOWAL
SKU
KOWAL-HAYABUSA-OCTOPUS-2016
Weight
0.78 Ounces
Availability
Usually ships within 1-2 business days
Maximum Purchase:
8 units
Shipping
Calculated at Checkout
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PLEASE NOTE: The KOWAL Hayabusa Octopus is not compatible with the Hayabusa Silent Optical  joystick, as it is constructed differently.  The KOWAL Hayabusa Octopus is not designed for the Sanwa JLF, Seimitsu LS, Crown, Suzo Happ, IL, or other joystick - it is designed specifically for the original Hori Hayabusa joystick.

At the moment, Hori - manufacturers of the popular Hori Hayabusa Joystick - have not indicated plans to offer an octagonal restrictor plate.  Kowal, well known for the Kowal 1mm Oversize Actuator for Sanwa JLF Series Joystick, Flat Plate Converter and Japan S Plate Converter, took the challenge to design an integrated solution that could be manufactured and installed easily, called the "Hayabusa Octopus".

As KOWAL First Envisioned

In late 2015, an acrylic version of the Hayabusa Octopus was released to the public.  These gates were designed in-house as part of our FA Plexworks initiative, and served as a global test for durability and appeal.  After over 2000pcs sold, high praise, and useful feedback given to Kowal's unique hybrid octagonal and circular design, we were confident to move forward with a mold, designed exactly as Kowal originally wanted it.

New Features, Same Economical Price

  • The new KOWAL Octopus is made of a durable nylon plastic.  It is molded into an attractive shape that greatly compliments the Hayabusa's construction.
  • Octopus' internal gate is several millimeters deeper than the acrylic model.  Most importantly, it is beveled inward to best accomodate the tilt of your joystick shaft.  For those to like to ride the gate hard, this approach greatly reduces wear and tear of the actuator over the previous model.
  • The underside of the gate is recessed around the center.  This was designed specifically to fit the Kowal 1mm Oversize Actuator for Sanwa JLF Series Joystick, which is also compatible with the Hayabusa.


Even as improvements exist over the original model, the price hasn't changed.  You can still purchase the Kowal Octopus under three dollars.

Smooth Around the Corners

Inspired by the Seimitsu LS 56 Octagonal Restrictor Plate,  the KOWAL Hayabusa Octopus factors both rotation and diagonal range that is lost in the Sanwa GTY's Octagonal gate.  This standard creates two contact points on each corner of the gate, creating a small gap between actuator and the gate.  The actuator never fully rests on the corner of the GTY.  The Octopus is instead designed to have a large, single contact point on the rounded corner - the actuator rests directly in this corner.  Not only does this design provide you with a smoother rotation when performing circluar motions, but also provides a greater diagonal range.

Add KOWAL 1mm Oversize Actuator for Shorter Throw

One of the benefits of the Hori Hayabusa joystick lever is its ability to accept mods normally compatible with Sanwa JLF.  Many have installed the Kowal 1mm Oversize Actuator for Sanwa JLF Series Joystick to their stock Hayabusa gate, though rounding on the wide edge of the actuator is required to use properly with that gate.

With the 1mm oversize actuator and Octopus installed together, you can actually retain the diagonal and rotational benefits of the Octopus while shortening your throw, and without needing to round the actuator's edge. 

KOWAL Origins

Kowal is the name of a well-respected member on Shoryuken.com forums and elsewhere in the arcade community.  He has extensive knowledge of the inner workings of many control devices.  With his permission, we introduce the KOWAL™ brand of performance solutions that highlight accuracy and compatibility above all else. 

Installation

Installing the KOWAL Hayabusa Octopus is fairly straightforward:

  1. First, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws that attach the existing Hori Hayabusa to the joystick body.  Remove the screws and put them aside.
  2. Next, remove the original Hayabusa square restrictor plate.
  3. Now, install the KOWAL Octopus plate onto the Hayabusa joystick body, lining up the screw and rounded rectangle holes with the joystick body.  This photo depicting a transparent version of the earlier gate provides a good example of the correct install:

    kowal-hayabusa-octopus-clear.jpg
  4. Finally, replace the four screws that you originally removed from the Hayabusa. The plastic columns will additionally keep the plate from moving.

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  1. My favorite upgrade for the Hayabusa

    This was a total game-changer for me. Really like the change from the standard plate. iCach0 on Feb 8th 2018

  2. Pretty Nice, takes a little to get use to. But overall a solid mod.

    I will say the corners are a little too soft for me but is really nice for half and quarter circle moves. This is a solid change from the traditional square gate, but in the end its just preference. I also recommend a bigger actuator for this if you like tighter sticks. Overall a solid mod for the hayabusa. Courtney on Feb 8th 2018

  3. Perfect fit

    Got this for my RAP4 Kai. Easy installation, works great...not much else to say. Unknown on Feb 7th 2018

  4. this product is fire af

    easy install, fits in perfect, feels gr8 and not like the disgusting stock one. good job good job Ya boi on Jan 31st 2018

  5. Works great and easy to install

    Works great and easy to install. I don't know what else to day :D geminate2 on Jan 23rd 2018

  6. Found what I was looking for

    I needed this part for my HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 and was kinda hard to find so I checked focus attack found the part and it was delivered in good time so I am happy with the product and service Unknown on Jan 19th 2018

  7. Worked perfectly.

    Bought this product for my HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai and it fitted perfectly. Would absolutely recommend this product. Unknown on Jan 12th 2018

  8. Does what it is intended to do.

    Don't let the photo fool you, you will feel the corners on the restrictor plate. I have both a Sanwa 8-way gate based joystick and Hayabusa, and you can feel the corners a bit better then on the Sanwa. 8-way isn't for everybody, but it does as intended. thisRalf on Dec 6th 2017

  9. Great for newcomers!

    I just recently started using a stick and I just couldn't get used to the square gate since I have trouble to riding the gate. When a move requires to have a certain direction the notches allow me to find that direction very easily. Rey on Oct 12th 2017