Author Topic: Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner II (Read 360 times)

Jasta · « **on:** July 20, 2004, 11:59:10 PM »

its time to get a new stick. Ive just gone through my 3rd logitech stick, and although I love the way they feel, The logitech sticks suck seriously.

DO NOT buy the Extreme 3D Pro... EVER.

But I was looking at a new stick, the Afterburner 2, which now retails for about 60 bucks.

I was looking for some input on how this stick handles, how it works with AHII, windows XP, and how that throttle function feels.

The best piece of knowledge I could use is if someone compared it to a Logitech stick and told me the similarities. But any advice on the Afterburner 2 is much appreciated.

the most important thing to me is durability. I am known to give joysticks quite a beating sometimes.

J_A_B · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2004, 01:12:33 AM »

"DO NOT buy the Extreme 3D Pro... EVER. "

I have the digital version of this stick. It is true that it has somewhat shoddy workmanship. My X and Y axis both still work flawlessly, but the throttle slider and twisty handly are both so spikey as to be completely useless. Despite that I've been using it for about 2 years with those problems simply becayse the X and Y axis work so well and it does have a nice "feel". I can make to with keyoard rudder and throttle control though its a disadvantage.

In my experience the TM products are pretty shoddy too. I had 3 TM topgun-series sticks in the past and none of them made it to the 1-year mark. This is a shame too because I really liked the old, HEAVY PULL TM sticks. TM sticks seemed to like to spike in the Y-axis in particular. I haven't used the newer TM products though.

The CH sticks seem to get the best reviews but they move if you breathe on them which I don't like. Saiteks are just uncomfortable.

If someone can list a GOOD joystick with comfortable design and a heavy pull that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I'd be interested too.

J_A_B

Badfish1 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2004, 09:12:40 AM »

Can't you adjust the dead bands in AHII to keep the CH from being too sensitive? I ask because I was thinking about a CH stick and throttle.

Kaz · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2004, 12:31:57 PM »

Badfish1: Yes you can.

FOGOLD · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2004, 02:07:40 PM »

I like the aftreburner II. It's a very comfortable stick, though it can get spikey. I cleaned and lubricated the pots and havn't had a problem for a long time. It fits my hand like a glove. I use an Afterburner II without the throttle and use a CH Pro Throttle USB instead with CH Pro rudders. This is the best combo I've found so far.

I used to have a Cougar, but jeez, I disliked that stick! Have to be careful what I say coz I sold it to a squadmate (Hi Jake:D ) who likes it.

bockko · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2004, 02:21:08 PM »

I tried the afterburner stick, found that it was a bit too small for my hand as the heel of my hand got sore after an hour or two because it rested so firmly on the bottom flange. I ended up with the x-45 which has been just fine. I hear saitek has a newer version out or just coming out.

Boat · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2004, 06:50:02 AM »

I don't find the CH stick too sensitive at all. It is rock solid and the best stick I've ever owned. If you have small to medium hands it may take a little getting used to as far as reaching all the buttons.

I had an Afterburner and liked it but it went sloppy very quickly and soon was unuseable.

I would recommend spending the few buck more and getting a quality sitck like the CH.