Joysticks

BlueMak

Yes, they must still exist!

I am looking for a joystick for flight simulators (though I guess most flight simulators are old now). A joystick that works under XP hopefuly. A joystick that does not cost more than 3 games together+.
Suggestions?

Tipstaff

CH Products and Saitek are still the 2 best makers out there.

With CH you have to buy directly from them, and their selection is limited (to 3, actually), but their real charm is in their accessories, such as throttles, peddles, and so fourth. Their best pad, the Fighterstick, usually will run you $150. If you want a throttle to go alogn with that they only have one, the Pro Throttle which runs $150. I still have my original Flightstick Pro and Pro Throttle from them. I just can't use them these days seeing as how they are analog sticks.

Saitek is probably your best bet as they have Vista drivers for almost all their line. Their X52 Pro (throttle and joystick combo) being their flagship product will run you about $200. Why? Damn thing has a digital display. The X52 standard is still a joystick/throttle combo, but has less features (buttons, really) runs $130. If you are looking for just a joystick, then the Cyborg Evo Force (which has force feedback) would be the next best running you $60.

niceguyrichy

I use a logitech extreme 3D pro atm, I like it

OldBuzzard

Saitek X52 standard. It's $109.99 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826102507

The 'Pro' is supposed to be 'better', but I'm not convinced that it's worth $200.00 It might be if you are VERY seriously into FS9 or FSX, since it will allow you to put Nav data in the MFD, but for most people that's something they won't use.

If you get a bit more serious, then you can add the Saitek rudder pedals at a later time.

The Couger is nice, but price/performance the X52 is better. A couple of my RAF662 squad mates have the CH, and they had to modify them at an additional $$$ to get them really working right. Another one had the CH, replaced it with the X52, and likes the X52 MUCH better.

I can't vouch for Vista support, but the X52 software works great in XP Pro and XP Pro x64.

Lelisevis

Good timing, i've never used a joystick for years but 2 weekends ago I decided to invest as i'd just gotten MS Flightsim deluxe. My weapon of choice is the reasonably priced Saitek ST290 Pro a comfortable to use programmable flightstick with an abundance of buttons and a neat throttle control. Only cost me £30 in the uk so probably about $50US. No complaints here, it's really brought flying to life.

BlueMak

The x52 looks nice, but still not convinced it is worth the money.
The LOGITECH EXTREME 3D PRO (about $48 here) looks nice and much cheaper (3-4 times less). There are though a lot of complains that after 9-12 months it goes to the heavens.
Now, if I could get the x52 for half the money, would be great.
(the x52, the cheapest I can find in Greece is at euro110 = $151)

niceguyrichy

hmm, I'v probably been using it for 9 months + , no problems so far. but then previously I had a saitek that lasted about a week (seriously), so I guess it's luck of the draw.

Tipstaff

One thing I don't like about Logitech is that the spring they use to keep the joystick in it's neutral position wears out too fast. It's too thin. Plus, to be honest, it's too loose in the center position. Almost like Logitech relies too much on the spring to keep the stick stiff and centered. Also, Logitech only has a 1 year warranty on them.

With Saitek they use a thicker spring, for one, and you can make the stick as stiff or as loose as you want to. With the mid to lower end models, such as the Cyborg, all the points that your hand sits on the stick is adjustable, so you can raise/lower/tilt (even flip it for left/right handed use) the area the wrist sits, as well as tilt up/down/left/right the thumb/trigger area. Also, if the spring ever breaks, it's replaceable. Although if it does break it's covered for 2 years anyways.

BTW, both the Logitech, and Saitek sticks have the twist feature of the stick.

In any case, if you go Saitek, stay away from the Aviator and ST90. Both crap. And with Logitech, stay away from the Attack 3, and Freedom (wireless). Both crap too. Although all that leaves you with is the Extreme 3D Pro, which is the older model, or the Force 3D, which is the newer model. Differences between them? Color, and price.

BlueMak

I just know I will end up with the x52