I don't fly that often anymore, but when I do, I expect my joystick to be a reliable link to Aces High. If there is one thing that cannot be tolerated, it is betrayal by that vital transmitter of piloting intentions.
Having used several joysticks over the years, I've always preferred the least complicated but reasonably capable twisty, the most recent since January 2004 being a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro.
Its ergonomics were the most comfortable ever. Felt just right. But there was one teeny problem ... it rarely finished a session without incessant tweaking. From the beginning its rudder was the weakest feature ... never wanting to give full range on the right rudder. In spite of frequent checking and fine tuning in Windows and Aces High control settings, the stick often did not do what was expected of it.
Finally the sensitivity and general control ranges remained elusive ... no matter how often and how carefully they were adjusted, controls froze at crucial points with the inevitable pranging in and easy scores for unwitting opponents who just happened to be flying in the general area.
Ultimately I pondered the full qualifications of the joystick, reviewed its history of deception and unreliability, and judged it unfit for further human consumption. With dignity and maturity, I carefully unplugged the miscreant, calmly placed it on the floor, and stomped it into oblivion.
Who, me, childish? Mayhap. But wow, did that feel good! Finally I felt at one with the joystick, even if it was through my foot.
For years other wiser Aces Highers have maligned such joysticks and for years I had naively defended them, probably because I haven't been flying enough to fully realize their insidious character defects.
In their defense, computer game controllers possibly have more user generated stress than any other mechanical devices known to humans. It's amazing any equipment can take the torque and pressure generated by sweaty hands in mortal cyber combat.
Many joysticks of whatever brands have short lives, and many models come and go. The truly userproof joystick may not have been invented yet.
Just for grins I tried flying with a mouse and keyboard like the old days of Air Warrior -- how did we ever do that?
Now, after again reviewing Aces High pilot recommendations, I have a Saitek Evo coming next week. I am optimistic.
Admit it -- have you ever disposed of a joystick with terminal force? In reading joystick reviews, it was interesting to see in subtle terms how many times even reviewers have done that. What is more frustrating than a control that isn't controllable?
Disclaimer: My experience may or may not reflect your experience with this product, and no warranty or condemnation explicitly or implicitly may predict or reflect any experience you may have with it. This is just one experience history shared in hope of enhancing the general welfare of Aces High participants.
