What Joystick do you use? And which one is the best for this game?

[redman555]

im useing X-52 saitek myself


-BigBOBCH

[IronDog]

I have used CH products since I started flying flight sims.I currently use a CH products Fighterstick,Pro throttle,and pro rudder pedals.I tried a t\Thrustmaster a long time ago,but didn't like it.CH products is the way to go.Rugged,dependable,and decent customer service.
IronDog

[FiLtH]

  I use the MS FFB but shes just about used up. I cant complain I bought it in like 1998-99. There just arent any Ive used since that compare.

[Brooke]

I use CH joystick and pedals -- love them.

[uberslet]

I use CH Fighter Stick, CH Pro Throttle, and CH Pro Pedals..... very good quality controls. I recommend them!

how much for all that? couple hundred right? cant afford it, but they sound like a great company to buy controllers. The also have nice controllers, was lookin at the sie one day. I use an X52 though, I love it, better than my Cyborg Evo. In the beginning though it was hard to map all 30+ keys, got through it though, and still have some to map.

[GFShill]

how much for all that? couple hundred right? cant afford it, but they sound like a great company to buy controllers. The also have nice controllers, was lookin at the sie one day. I use an X52 though, I love it, better than my Cyborg Evo. In the beginning though it was hard to map all 30+ keys, got through it though, and still have some to map.

Spend the money on CH Pro controllers, or you'll just get shot down wondering if the other guy won because he had better stuff.  And CH will last long enough that you can amortize the cost to just about $-nothing over time.

[Rolex]

I bought many CH products over the years based on the recommendation of others. My experience with CH was unsatisfactory, both for the product and support.

I bought a Saitek X-52 Pro last week and have found it to be very good so far. Sure, they feel a little different and buttons/switches are in different places, but the stick feel and spring tension is excellent. I put a brand new CH stick back in after using the X-52 Pro for a couple days and the CH stick felt awful - too loose compared to the new X-52 Pro. I have never tried the X-52, but the X-52 Pro tension feels excellent, while the X-52 tension felt too loose and light in the store sample.

The X and Y axes are Hall sensors, so I have no pot problems out of the box like CH, and will have no problems in the future, since I use rudder pedals. They work in AH without having to use the software. I loaded the software to use with another flight sim, and it was very easy to use compared to the CH software.

I may try the saitek pedals since they are wider. The CH pedals are too narrow and you have to gingerly place your toes on the heels of each pedal to control them. The toe brakes feature of the CH pedals is irrelevant since the brakes on one side usually stops working quickly.

Overall, I'd rate the X-52 Pro superior to the CH throttle and stick. And, it's about US$100 cheaper for the X-52 Pro combination where I live.

[Brooke]

I bought many CH products over the years based on the recommendation of others. My experience with CH was unsatisfactory, both for the product and support.

But Rolex, I thought they solved all your problems with a powered hub!

Anyway, I love the CH Products products -- been using them for about 15 years.

[Rolex]

That was Fester, Brooke. I still have a box full of sticks, throttles and pedals that all have bad pots, switches, buttons, or springs. One stick is brand new. It doesn't work, but you can have it if you want. I don't doubt yours are fine, Brooke. I didn't have the same experience. If you shared my experience with their products, I trust you'd feel the same as me - the controller sun does not rise and set by CH Products.

The X-52 Pro is a sturdy, well-made stick & throttle combo with rudder control that can be locked out if the user has pedals. CH has no rudder control; they are 2-axis sticks only and the user is obligated to spend another $100+ for pedals or use the keyboard. I think that is significant for someone on a budget.

I used CH products for a long time also, but I'm very pleased at the quality of the X-52 Pro I now have. Have you tried them both?

[JimmyC]

I like my X-52
tis goood
  Jimmy

[Warmongo]

Currently and for years I use the Force Feedback 2 from microsoft.. Its a decent stick, but I know there has got to be better..

Is there a joystick of all joysticks?? Ones with the throttles separate ? Are those the big dogs?

I know I will get a lot of crap about this but here it goes..

I like the Cougar HOTAS by Thrustmaster because how rugged it is. It is all metal, huge and requires big hands. I use the throttle and joystick. Had the old RCS pedals which work fine but spike a bit, in fact, too much for my taste. Tried the CH pedals but they are too close for my taste so I use the Saitek Pro Pedals USB and they work great in native mode. I do use Foxy to program my Cougar. I have the rotaries programmed for my map zoom and rpm control through the AH2 control options, everyting else through Foxy programming software.

It is not for everyone, that's for sure. They are like high maintenance women. I love the views, throttle control, trim control and 2 stage trigger among many other features.

Before you even use it have to make sure there is grease in the gimbals of the joystick or you will ruin it in the first few weeks of use.

Then there are the mods to the joystick, throttle and pedals. You are looking at spending a lot of time with that and big bucks. You will spend close to a thousand dollars modding all three components but I believe nothing in the market with touch that.

Like I said it is not for everyone but works ok for me. I am still not happy with a bit of center play in the stock joystick even after greasing it all over before first use. They also have quality control issues with hats and switches but so do my Mercedes and BMWs. I say this to get my point across, not to brag. I can say I have a pretty good knowledge of everything out there. I have been flying real planes and simulators for over 30 years.

I have Saiteks (all of them), CH (all of them) and many others. I will say that the X-52 Pro is a great buy and my second choice. I like the feel of the Saitek better but I am afraid it will only last me a few months before it falls apart in my hands.

My two cents...

[Brooke]

I used CH products for a long time also, but I'm very pleased at the quality of the X-52 Pro I now have. Have you tried them both?

I occasionally try the feel of all the various sticks that they have at displays (such as at Fry's), but I'm not sure if the X-52 has been among those.  Of the ones I've tried over time, I like the CH stick feel the best.  Of course, it's what I'm used to as well.

[JimmyC]

google dream flight chair
chair moves to your action...
bigus buckus tho ..
we can but dream

[GunnerCAF]

I know I will get a lot of crap about this but here it goes..

...

Wow, another Cougar guy.  I was afraid to say anything   I have a modded U2 NXT Cougar and love it.  CH makes some great long lasting gear.  I use CH pedals that are over 10 years old.

If anyone is interested, here is a link to my Cougar Page.  I have my joystick files for AH and FSX for download at the bottom.

http://webpages.charter.net/davegun/Cougar.htm

[Charge]

I use a modded Cougar. The throttle lever is original but the only thing remaining from the stick part is the stick itself and the circuit board. Hall sensors and 1.6 feet of stick from gimbal to top gives a mighty good accuracy.


http://flickr.com/photos/wasq/443580385/in/set-72157600042429866/

For GV play I'd use a shorter stick though...

-C+