This may be a dumb question, but why is the max speed ladder 100% max speed only? Engine settings in X's jumper category can be adjusted.

I was using a turbo slide (regular not momentum) on the icy part of Green Plant Spiral and noticed a speed increase and consequent drop off when exiting, similar to MTS described on the advanced techniques page. So it seems sliding causes speed increase, even with a ship's setting towards the max speed end of the spectrum. In that sense, the physics seem to be different from X, in which to my knowledge, sliding is only useful using the two E grip ships with settings all the way or near max acceleration.

 I took some time to try to find the thread that discussed what the rules of the non snaking ladder should be from the archived pages. Unfortunately I don't think it was archived. I definitely remember there being a thread that I now wished I involved myself more because I now don't think 100% should be the only setting allowed for max speed.

It looks like the max speed, open and story mode ladders rules were put into place late October/ early November of 2004. As for why 100% was only allowed, I believe the main reason was to minimize the effectiveness of snaking and spaceflying since the max speed ladder was meant to not allow snaking. And I'm speculating here, but perhaps it was assumed that 100% settings was always going to be the best setting for non snaking play anyways, which is most likely not true.

The physics in GX are completely different. The letter grades in GX are not a good indicator on whether a machine can MTS well or gain speed when doing a drift. With regards to ice physics, stick turning without holding any of the shoulder buttons usually makes most machines gain speed during the drift, even at 100% settings, but when exiting it usually they exit with a much lower speed.

The speed gained from drifting is more prominant at lower settings, but certain custom machines, most notably customs with the Speedy Dragon body part, still can take great advantage of drifting at 100%.

Was thinking along that line. As I understand, records need to be backed with video proof, so you could just tell if the person was snaking or spaceflying. But that wouldn't rule out the rest of the times in the ladder.

GX's physics seem a lot more complex, also with all those custom ships. For the record, I ran Green Plant Spiral with Acro-Cannon-G4. I was beating the staff ghosts in time attack and 100% max speed often didn't get me the fastest time. Mind you I'm on a schmuck level.

Thanks for the clarification.

 Should I use a 3rd party controller for F-zero GX? I don't have much money.

 I strongly recommend against that. I would see if there is a used 1st party controller out there before considering buying a 3rd party controller. I'm not sure what is the best 3rd party controller if you have to get one. But I know that you should avoid MadCatz controllers.

Adding onto what AKC said, it depends how much you're gonna play. If you just wanna play casually every now and then, a 3rd party might be okay. But if you really wanna get into it, 1st party is a very worthwhile investment. A good GC controller will easily last you years. I'm still using mine from near launch. Even if it is a higher initial cost, it means you won't have to replace it in just a few years, so keep that in mind making the decision

 I know this is an old thread, but seemed like a good place to ask.  If anyone could provide some tips, that would be awesome.

One of the last things I just cannot nail down is MTSISB.  First off, when transitioning from MTS to SB, do you exit the MTS in a traditional way depending on the situation (QT, slide turn, control stick)?  Do you hold the accelerator for just a brief moment similar to an off-track SB?  I would think this is fairly difficult considering the spot on the track that will give you a SB is quite small and very speed dependent.  Accidentally attempting one too early and exiting the MTS too early seems like a death sentence to a good run.  How much of it is memorization vs. feel?  I know I have enough speed for some of the common spots (OSMS last hill, early PTAD, ADS last downslope, etc.), but I feel like I'm missing something.  Any tips are greatly appreciated.

 There is no one right way on how to exit the MTS when going for a MTSISB. One way might be better depending on a few things. 

Yes you need to end the MTS right as you're on the spot where the machine briefly catches air. The A button needs to be held down until the machine 'lands' back on the ground. If you want to MT right after a MTSISB, if you let go of the A button too early after exiting the MTS, you won't get the shift boost despite getting the appropiate amount of lift off from the ground. It is much better to hold A for longer than necessary since at least you will get the shift boost, then from there you can reduce the duration of the A button press.

As for memorization vs feel, I guess it's both. You need to get a feel for the timing by practicing. But what helps get you that timing is with a consistent set up that deviates very little from attempt to attempt, especially with more difficult to exectue shift boosts like the one in Aero Dive.

For OSMS, it is very easy to get too much air for going too fast for the position your machine is at. That would mean positining your machine more to the left to get the MTSISB at those higher speeds

For ADS, the faster you're going the more to the left you want to be. But you can go too fast no matter where you go for the shift boost. So you will intentionally either delay the MTS or intentionally do a slower MTS (by holding both L and R or using less steering input).

Here's a video that shows the inputs as I do consecutive MTSISBs in Twist Road: https://youtu.be/bHq3Tvb2M10?t=1m4s

Thanks for the help, appreciate it.  I naively never really considered the possibility of getting too much air.  I'm gonna try to hold A for longer for now and play around with different spots and mess around with the timing for a while until I get a better handle on it.  Sometimes I wish I played on an emulator to practice some consistent setups.  Oh well.  Ill take a look at your vid as well. 

Off to practice I go!