Author Topic: Which Stick...? (Read 573 times)

HoseNose · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 12:53:31 PM »

As some of you know, I'm pretty new here and I'm thinking of getting a joystick to either supplement my mouse (which could be used to control my pilot's views) or to replace the mouse altogether.

Any reviews or suggestions for a stick? I don't really have tonnes of money. My budget is $36 USD.

I'm thinking a hat switch would be great but the bare minimum I would like is the y axis, z axis, x axis and of course a throttle axis. I've noticed that many of the high-grade sticks seem to have the throttle as a slider near the bottom which is kind of out of reach, especially when I'm moving the stick.

Avenger8 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:26:52 PM »

This one is 29.99, and a lot of people here say Saitek's are great.

http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/cyborgevo.html

Spatula · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:49:44 PM »

Yer, on a budget, Saitek are great. Avoid Logitech!

HoseNose · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:58:25 PM »

woah. that looks quite nice indeed. I'm assuming that those two vertically placed buttons facing the player at the very top of the stick are throttle buttons, similar to the Saitek ST90 my cousin has. Although his ST90 doesn't have the twisting axis like the one I need.

Thanks guys, I'll try to pick it up from a futureshop nearby. Or perhaps best buy..

Oh btw, everyone here with a hat switch uses it for views right? If so, how would you all cope with the lack of upward and downward combo views? Using the keyboard? Just a thought.

Blooz · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:29:01 PM »

For up views you program a button on the stick for NUMPAD 5.

When you want to look up, push that button and move the hat switch..you'll look up and in the direction you wish.

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:47:09 PM »

No, the throttle is in the center at the rear (silver wheel).

Most throttles are on the base, not the stick. You will use your right hand (for example) to move the stick, left hand for throttle. It's quite normal, and almost all single-stick setups use it. Some split the throttle off into its own unit, but you still have your other hand on it.

With the hat on the stick you can use right thumb (in the ongoing example) for views, and your other hand is on the base to go back and forth between throttle and buttons (which are also on the base)

brucerer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2007, 08:25:29 PM »

Why does everyone dump on logitech? I use a Saitek x52 now, but before that i had a Logitech Extreme which was really reliable and comfortable. Only reason i upgraded is that i wanted to get a separate throttle unit. Range of movement on the Logitech wasnt as good but never had trouble with spikes or any kind of glitches.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/joysticks/devices/291&cl=au,en

What's the beef?

HoseNose · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2007, 08:55:43 PM »

Thanks for the input all. Hopefully I'll find a chance to get a new stick as the past month has been hectic.

Coshy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2007, 07:08:06 AM »

Brucerer - Having read the forums for a while I've come to the conclusion that the beef with Logitec is one of durability. I too had a Logitec (Extreme 3D Pro) for several years and suffered none of the demons others seem to have experienced. Up to the day I got my X52 it was a solid stick, it did precicely what I wanted to do.

However, after playing for the better part of a year I believe the use/abuse of playing AH2 would have doomed a lesser stick.

But thats just my take on it.

Optiker · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2007, 08:11:18 AM »

Brucer, Coshy,
I started this game (1st sim ever) last october and B4 I was aware of their poor reputation bought a Logitech Extreme 3d - supposedly one of their better sticks. I loved the feel and response - the stick was awesome for about 3 months. Got to a point where the plane wouldn't hold autopilot (autoTakeoff) and I had to calibrate (windows and game) as often as several times an hour.
Again, bought a Logitech microphone/Headset combo - lasted less than 3-months. If I understand the Logitech gripes on the board, it mostly has to do with a deteriorating component quality used in their products. I certainly can't fault the ergonomic design of the stick, but have since learned the pots, as well as the methods of installation/assembly have been cheapened beyond the point where the instrument's reliability is worth the time or money.

I will never buy another Logitech product.

Regards,
Optiker

Valalor · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2007, 08:44:32 AM »

i must say that i have a couple logitech stuff, a gamepad for my pc and it still works pritty good, and a wireless remote for my ps2 and i love that thing. also a wireless keyboard and mouse, the only thing i notice about the keyboard is that it dont work well when wet. lol.. but so far its o.k. but i do want to get away from logitech from what i've been hearing lately with their products going down hill.

The Fugitive · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2007, 01:15:06 PM »

Logitech isn't completely hopeless! Most of there stuff is pretty good, however, a very large group of people who used "Logitech joysticks" have had issues with them staying in calibration. I had a logitech stick for about 3 months.... it went back, and I got a Thrustmaster, then a SunCom, and then CH. I've had CH forever.

FOr the most part I'd never recommend a Logitech "Stick", mostly due to the stuff I've read on these boards. Seeing as he asked for opinions..... don't buy Logitech !

HoseNose · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2007, 01:18:26 PM »

Since I'm on a budget I'll stick with saitek