Author Topic: joysticks (under $60) - suggestions requested (Read 1168 times)

TBolt A-10 · « **on:** August 29, 2004, 03:22:57 PM »

My Logitech (junk) Extreme 3D Pro is spiking like crazy both in AH2 and in WindowsXP; so, I would like to go out and purchase another joystick today. Wanted any input that I could get in the next hour or two.

Looking for a joystick (under $60) that has an independent rudder device (hat switch or whatever) on it.

A while back, a squaddie recommended:
THRUSTMASTER "TOP GUN" AFTERBURNER II

Not sure if it's still available...looking.

Any other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.

xbrit · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2004, 03:26:46 PM »

I have a Saitek X45 that I don't use, it's in perfect working condition I just never could get used to it I think $40 would be a fair price for it.

TBolt A-10 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2004, 03:41:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by xbrit
I have a Saitek X45 that I don't use, it's in perfect working condition I just never could get used to it I think $40 would be a fair price for it.

That's a kind offer, xbrit. Thank you.

I felt up the Saitek X45 a few months ago...I agree with you...I didn't see how I could get used to it. But, I'm SURE someone here will buy it off you -- get your PayPal account ready.

AaronM2 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2004, 03:42:14 PM »

yep there about $80 thats a good deal same here kinda wierd that handle errrrr my friend has 1 i dont like it to much what some one will

edge12674 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2004, 04:08:23 PM »

Several years ago I attended a Warbirds Con and got to try out a MS Sidewinder. This is a twist stick (rudder controlled by twisting the stick) and I believe you can find it for around $60. I was impressed by the feel and, at the time, several of the top Warbirds pilots used it exclusively. You might want to give it a look.

I have been using Thurstmaster products for the past 12 years and have found them to be the most versatile with the best feel (20 pound springs sure cuts down on the over controlling!). The bad news is that they can be a pain to program and do require periodic repairs, unless you get into the higher end models. I took the big plunge about a year ago and got a Cougar. The price is steep, but when you consider how many hours you use a joystick and that it is the main interface with your computer in flight sims, I feel it is more important than a top of the line graphics card or processor. I think you would be disappointed with the TM Topgun if you can even find one now days.

SunKing · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2004, 04:37:29 PM »

Joystick for sale, Ch Products Combatstick 568 USB

$50.00

Link

Ghosth · « **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2004, 04:52:38 PM »

I've flown for over 8 years now only with MS sidewinders.

Currently have a pair of Prec 2 USBs & I highly recomend them.

Got my 2nd one on ebay, opened box but I think unused for 28$ that included shipping.

Unopened prec 2's commonly run for 50 - 60.

Ratnick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 29, 2004, 05:46:49 PM »

Under $60? - steal a saitek x45 or buy 2 saitek cyborg's

Fauxbra · « **Reply #8 on:** August 29, 2004, 06:49:06 PM »

I second the Saitek Cyborg Evo...just be sure to get a replacement policy with it because after about 4-6 months of abuse the buttons at the top next to the little blue light start to stick. The replacement policy cost me $8 at Best Buy and last for 2 years

nopoop · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2004, 06:50:29 PM »

Under sixty bucks ???

Jeez..

..let me think.

Well..a bullet is cheaper.

CH USB fighter stick is alittle over a hundred ?? ROCKS.

Splurge, you'll have your setup for years. I got six years out of an old Thrustmaster flight control system. ( That I've had bronzed )

CH USB setup with throttle, stick and pedels is in the three to shy of four hundred dollar range.

It will do you up for quite a few years and definatly worth the outlay.

Unless you have a rabbit..

Arlo · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2004, 06:58:34 PM »

Over a year with the Saitek 3D Cyborg Gold usb. Works great. Only prob is ... I hear Saitek doesn't make that specific one anymore. I'll buy anything with the Saitek name on it based on my experience with this one stick (so far).

Logitech *expletive*

TBolt A-10 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 29, 2004, 06:58:39 PM »

Okay. Thanks, guys. I heard all that you guys had to say, and I ended up just throwing my $64 at the Afterburner II. It was available (new) at CompUSA.

Just set it up and flew around a bit offline, and I must say that I'm pleased with it. I'm done with twisty sticks -- I've been beaten by guys who had separate rudder controllers too many times now; won't ever consider a twisty stick again.

I just hope this Afterburner II holds together for a year or so (unlike the Logitech).

Arlo · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2004, 07:00:05 PM »

That was quick. And yeah ... I miss my rudder pedals.

Widewing · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2004, 07:23:38 PM »

I don't know if Thrustmaster still makes their Top Gun joystick w/detachable throttle. It was a decent set-up for about $50. However, stay away from their Top Gun force feedback rig. No matter how you set it up, you just cannot get full control surface deflection anywhere off axis. Worse, it provides the feed back in a herky-jerky fashion and often chatters on center. All of this and it costs $100 too!

I took it back and went back to the X-45, which was obviously designed with non-human ergonomics in mind. But, at least its smooth and reliable (except for the low-end hat switches). What ever you buy, go for the replacement warranty because few sticks under $100 will go a full year without something wearing out.

My regards,

Widewing

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2004, 07:30:01 PM »

Yea the X-45 has horrible button and placement on the stick...

I was recently able to get a brand new MS sidewinder Precision 2 usb stick on ebay for $35. They are not in production anynmore but imo they were best afforable sticks of all time, great ergonomics, high quality hat switch, and no calibration nonsesnse due to its optical stick tracking technology... Get one if you can.