I find that my Saitek ps33 is very similar in feel. The hat is almost exact in precision too. As in, not very. The slightest slip and it reverts to the next pos or center. Not bad but , like I said - the stick is almost the same really. The benefit of the ps33 is it has lotsa buttons that I used up for all my in game functions.
Even has a little flip down flap that covers the red light bomb or sec weapon button
Here is the BEST part of this stick however. There is a larger button below the hat button that normally would annoy, BUT if you set it up for look up - using the base of your thumb AND the hat allows you to look all over teh place really quick!
I'm liking it, and until I find something that could double my look up that has more precision to it, that doesn't break the bank...I'll be using this stick.
I guess I could use another button from the left hand on the joy base that would allow me to have that upper view also, but I have all of those set to flaps, gears, voice global and range, and map.
I would seriously consider this as the best stick for the money for THIS game at least.
Saitek ps 33 - ~ $40.
GL