Hex disks on 1977 sixer joysticks

[CincYnoTi]

I was going to follow up on a thread over in the auction forum:

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=83283

 

but this is probably better suited to this forum. The joysticks that came with the first run of heavy-sixers had a hex plate in the little indent at the top of the joystick. The Atari models had "ATARI" on the hex plate, and of course, the Sears model had "Sears" on theirs. From reading previous posts and from looking at the stuff I own, the following comparison can be made between the two distinctly different types of Hex disks:

 

type1:

tin/steel (?)

glossy finish

thin

source: so far, only sold by Atari, and only found with the earliest heavy-sixer systems

sold in 1977-8

sold on ebay for >$20

commonly referred to as originals

the only style so far found on Sears hex disks

 

type2:

aluminum

flat finish

thick

source: sold by B&C or Best

probably can still can be purchased in 2006 from above source

can be purchased for <$1

commonly referred to as repros

this style so far has never been found on Sears hex disks

 

The most common question when one of these shows up on ebay is "how can you tell the difference between an original and a repro hex disk?" I don't really know if type2 should be called a repro or a B&C version or a Hex rev2. But type1 is much much harder to find and probably 99% of the ones seen on ebay are type2.

 

The following threads contain pictures of these disks and most of the info listed above.

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...ic=81634&hl=hex

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...ic=64647&hl=hex

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...ic=78217&hl=hex

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...ic=37201&hl=hex

 

Since it is nearly impossible to tell the difference from an ebay photo, any additional info or differences or ways to distinguish type1 from type2 would be appreciated.

[CPUWIZ]

Finally.

 

I think Rev.2 is a good description, especially considering that I found one of these in the wild (in Sunnyvale).

 

I also agree that the glossy ones are much harder to find.

[AtariAger]

 

 

[adams_ale]

   

 

 

1015793[/snapback]

 

 

 

Those controllers are extremely cool. It's times like this that I wish I was still collecting.

Edited February 9, 2006 by adams_ale

[the 5th ghost]

Hey AtariAger,

 

I'll trade you my entire boxed Sears games collection for those sticks!

[CPUWIZ]

Hey AtariAger,

 

I'll trade you my entire boxed Sears games collection for those sticks!

1016148[/snapback]

 

That is worth about $500, if not even more.

[AtariAger]

Hey AtariAger,

 

I'll trade you my entire boxed Sears games collection for those sticks!

1016148[/snapback]

 

...

 

I'll definitely think about that offer!

 

 

[Rob Mitchell]

I thought that they were aluminum.

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

[Dusk2600]

Hey AtariAger,

 

I'll trade you my entire boxed Sears games collection for those sticks!

1016148[/snapback]

 

 

There not that great. but still very nice

[Marco]

 

When you get the hots for some little piece of metal on an Atari joystick, you know you've reached the boundaries of what North America has to offer.

 

Face it, it's time for you guys to start collecting PAL stuff!

 

 

Cheers,

Marco

[AtariAger]

 

When you get the hots for some little piece of metal on an Atari joystick, you know you've reached the boundaries of what North America has to offer.

 

 

Face it, it's time for you guys to start collecting PAL stuff!

1017274[/snapback]

 

 

...... ......

 

 

[asummers]

Are the later discs repros or a later revision genuine atari part? i'm glad i have 2 of the original shiny ones but i'd like to be able to prove authenticity..