Microsoft sidewinder

[crazierthanu]

Anyone else have the original?

[BaldEagl]

I've got a Sidewinder 3D Pro but I'm not using it as I don't have a gameport on my new rig.  It's the original Sidewinder.

[Krusty]

I've got the original gameport first version, which had the round dome throttle (before the rotating lever throttle on the second version).

I've used it for years. Only problem really is a bit of rudder and throttle spike. Not really SPIKE, per se, as much as they don't allow the fine-tuning you might want. However I use rudder pedals so the twist action goes unused, and I have a CH throttle set so I don't worry about the stick throttle anymore.

Hat's getting a bit sticky with age, but overall a pretty great low-end stick.

[Ghosth]

I wore out my original 3dpro, still have it. I then proceeded to go to work on a Prec Pro, but didn't like the button layout as well. So when I discovered the Sidewinder Prec 2 usb I fell in love.

Of those I've worn out one, had pinched cords or other total malfunction on 2, broke the shaft on one, had right rudder go out on one.

Most of those were bought on ebay for 25-30$ with shipping.

I've picked up any number of Prec Pro's at the second hand shop for peanuts. I have at least 2 or 3 of those around yet. And have shipped others out to interested people. Have at least 2 that work as backups.

I'm currently flying with a prec 2 usb thats a year old, and have one waiting in the wings if need be.

By the time all those are worn out maybe I'll try something new.  By then surely someone will have reinvented the 3dpro. 

[BaldEagl]

I'll add that I used mine from June of 1996 until March of this year without issue.  It is getting a little loose and has a rare but very minor spike that I can adjust out with the deadband in-game.

When I got my new rig I first got a Saitek ST290 Pro that crapped out in 3 months.  Now I've got a Saitek AV8R and, as long as it keeps running, is a perfect replacement for the MS 3D Pro.  It's got the exact same feel.

[Getback]

I'll add that I used mine from June of 1996 until March of this year without issue.  It is getting a little loose and has a rare but very minor spike that I can adjust out with the deadband in-game.

When I got my new rig I first got a Saitek ST290 Pro that crapped out in 3 months.  Now I've got a Saitek AV8R and, as long as it keeps running, is a perfect replacement for the MS 3D Pro.  It's got the exact same feel.

CH Products my son! I bought an x45 and it went dead in about 1 year, then an x52 dead in less than a year, then an x52 pro, dead in about 6 months. Now I have a CH stick, throttle, and rudder pedals. So far so good. However it has only been about 3 months. I have heard tales of them lasting for years.

[Ghosth]

CH is fine if you can afford it, many of us can't.

Getback with all due respect sir, what did that total CH stick/throttle/rudder package cost?
And if you want to talk lasting, well 3 months is hardly broke in yet. However I realise that you are a new convert, and like all new converts you want to share the joy. 

[Nilsen]

Anyone else have the original?

Yes and it still works great. I mostly fly with a mouse though.

[mipoikel]

I have 3 x Sidewinder Precision Pro sticks. Just a few week ago I got my new one from Ebay. It is used (maybe just few times) but in excellent condition, like a new. Came from australia.

[mechanic]

i still have the original game port version, the MS sidewinder 3D. worked fine from 1997 to the release of ah2. new computer mean usb only and i suffered saitek's cyborg for 3 years untill a friend sorted me a sidewinder 2. love it.

[Gixer]

Used nothing but 1 sidewinder for 7 years, only just moved to a Saitek Aviator last few months.


<S>...-Gixer

[715]

I've used nothing but my MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 since almost when they came out.  I've repaired it about 4 times (replacing failed switches, it's easy).

[BlauK]

My old game port Sidewinder 3dPro is still in good shape. Since that one I've had 3 Sidewinder2 FFB:s. I've always worn out the hat switches. Gotta start replacing them if it is as easy as said above...

I've also taken one of the SW2 FFB:s handle apart and It is in process of getting replaced with a KG13 replica



Yup, I know it is ugly... joining the old robust with new futuristic shapes.
Dunno yet how it will turn out in the end 

[chewie86]

I've been using my Sidewinder precision pro (gameport version) for about 10 years, it's great and still working good (it was perfect till I spilled some beer on its pad buttons for a mistake while fying a B17... ).
It's going to be retired when I get a new computer cause new ones don't have gameport anymore and many M$ joysticks (the older ones) don't support gameport-usb converters and M$ will not do anything about this ..of course.. But I know there is a guy that is building many home-made gameport-usb converters but this is another Topic...
<S>
100Chewi

[Fulmar]

You can get Gameport -> USB adapaters.