Time for a New Stick...

[SectorNine50]

Hey guys, so I have this Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick currently and I'm pretty sure it's dying on me.  Some of the buttons are starting to be temperamental, I have to calibrate it all the time, and it's getting kind of jumpy, which makes it really hard to pull an accurate lead as I'm sure you all know.  Anyway, so far I have been looking to upgrade hoping to get just a stick and throttle for now.  I've looked at CH's stick's and throttles, and the one thing that sets me back is the lack of the rudder control on the stick.  Since I won't have pedals (yet), it's definitely something I'm going to want.  I've more or less scratched CH from my list because of that.

My second choice was the Saitek X52 Pro (or not Pro) Flight Control System (Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826102004  Not Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826102507), however I really haven't heard much about it.  I don't know anyone in-game or otherwise that uses it, and I was wondering as to the quality and life of the product.  I read that it has a "non-contact magnetic hall" that gathers the stick position and wondered how well this worked?  Seemed like it would make the product last longer since they eliminated the wear factor.  It also seems to me that the build quality of the Pro is much better, can anyone vouch by chance?

Now the throttle block seems to be a bit more than I need, however since it's a decent price it doesn't bother me too much that it has that neat little screen, hell maybe I'll find some use for it.

I've read a few reviews on this product, and it kind of scares me...  If I'm going to spend over $100 on a stick, I'd hope it'd last longer than 1 year, my Logitech has lasted 3 and it was only $35!!!  I know results may vary, but it's always gut-wrenching to see bad reviews...

If there are other recommendations for sticks, throttles, or combo's, please post them up!

[The Fugitive]

Save yourself some headaches. Check out the deal HERE. For the extra money your good for a lot more than a year!

[BaldEagl]

I used my old Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro for almost 12 years until I built a new computer without a gameport this spring (plus it was starting to get a little sloppy).

Like you, I wanted a twisty stick.  It's what I'm used to plus, while I use pedals for throttle and gas in my racing games, I have my steering wheel mounted at the end of my keyboard tray and am able to sit back comfortably with the peds out in front of me to reach them.  While flying, my stick is on my cadenza with the keyboard tray in front of me so I have to lean forward slightly (plus, I get to glue my face to the monitor ).  This means my feet are flat on the floor which isn't conducive to pedals which would have to be directly below my knees. Added to that, I'm left handed so most sticks aren't layed out correctly for me.

I bought a Saitek ST290 Pro.  The main trigger broke within 3 months.  Fortunately for me, newegg shipped me a new one.  In the meantime I went to Best Buy and bought a Saitek AV8R.  The main trigger broke within six months.  Even though both of these are inexpensive sticks I was upset enough to first call Saitek for an RMA (the stick has a 2 year warranty) where I was placed on indefinite hold after saying I needed warranty support.  I finally gave up and hung up.  So then I sent them an email asking for an RMA.  It's been a week and all I've gotten was an automated "We'll get back to you" response.  I take back everything nice I ever said about Saitek.

Well, because of the above factors in my second paragraph and the fact that no other manufacturer makes an ambidextrous twisty stick I feel like I'm stuck so I went back to Best Buy and bought another AV8R with a two year replacement warranty from Best Buy (an extra $10) and I've still got the replacement ST290 as a backup WHEN the AV8R dies.

I will say that while they're working they're nice sticks but Saitek products are like a subscription service.  Plan to pay monthly for the rest of your life.

[1pLUs44]

Saitek Av8r is where it's at. Get that and rudder pedals, about 90-100$$, and you'll never go back.

[Fulmar]

If my AV8R breaks, I don't think I'd buy it again.

[1701E]

Lemme tall ya now, if you go for an X52 after using that Logitech 3D, prepare to make some serious flight adjustments.
The Logiteh has very stiff sticks, thus requiring more force to move it.  The X52 is very loose, and takes almost no force at all to move.  After having used a Log. 3D for 3 years you say, that is one heck of a switch.

[TilDeath]

No one mentioned CH in this thread, an upgrade from Saitek and last for years and years.  I have all CH and its all over 5 or 6 years ild and still works as if it were new out of the box.

[Tigger29]

I don't know.. I've heard a lot of complaints about the Saiteks not lasting very long, but then again I've heard of a lot of people who have had them for years with no problems.

I had an X45 for over three years, and the only reason it finally broke was because I was using WD-40 to lubricate the spring plate... which over time softened the plastic and it was breaking apart in pieces!  Actually, the stick itself still works great... just catches on the rough edges.

I currently have the X52 (Non-pro) and Saitek pedals and got them last Christmas.  They still work like brand new!  I did have one incident where my pedals popped 'off-track' but that was my fault when I had both feet on them and pushed my chair back away from the desk.  Even so, it was just a matter of removing a few screws and popping them back together...  Saitek even mailed me (for free) a reinforcement kit for it... I haven't installed it yet though (waiting for a need to take them apart again... as long as they keep working fine I won't worry about it).

I've learned that their tech support over the phone sucks, but they really are on the ball on their website... You just post your issue and their tech will help you out (and other users as well).  They'll PM you where to send it if the issue can't be resolved.. give you links to downloads.. etc...  They even sent out to a few people replacement parts (or even whole components) for free, without needing the old ones to be returned!

http://www.saitekforum.com/

All I can say is I'm 100% pleased with mine.  It seems like they have a few bad builds from time to time, but if you have a good one it'll last a long time... maybe if nothing else they need to work on their QC policies....

[The Fugitive]

Saitek Av8r is where it's at. Get that and rudder pedals, about 90-100$$, and you'll never go back.

I use one of these on the road..... I can't wait to get home and CH stuff.

[Ghosth]

FYI I have heard of people who put shims in the Saitek springs to tighten them up a bit.

Still running MS Sidewinder Prec 2 usb sticks here that I get off ebay.
To lazy and set in my ways to switch.

Anyone actually used one of the new Cyborg X sticks yet?
Looks interesting.

[TilDeath]

https://overclocksource.secure.omnis.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=63/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=&p=product&id=47&parent=25  I beat newegg on the pricing on the pro set at 139.99

[SectorNine50]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.  I'm still up in the air on what to do, I'm also curious to hear what anyone who has tried the Cyborg X thinks.  All my research shows me that no one really has a reputation of good build quality sticks other than CH, which is too bad.  I'd like some other options than what CH offers, it seems that CH is really pushing their products (obviously) to be used together.

I'm thinking about giving the X52 Pro a shot even though there are several bad reviews.  I'm not usually one to do this, but the stick I currently have had awful reviews on some sites, and I'm actually quite pleased with how long this stick worked for (Logitech Extreme 3D Pro).  I really can't splurge that much money on a CH set-up right now, as much as I'd really, really like to.  One step at a time I guess.  I'm very gentle on most of my gear so I'm hoping to get some time out of whatever I buy, hell all my N64 controllers still work like new!

Please continue to post your input if you have any, I won't be going out and buying anything quite yet, so I'm still open for suggestions!

[Tigger29]

Keep in mind also that a lot of the bad reviews for the Saitek sticks are because of their programming software.  Don't get me wrong, the software works perfectly, but isn't exactly user friendly.  Once you take the time to figure out how to set everything up (that is, if you even choose to use the software) then it works great.  If you jump into it without doing your homework, you're probably going to be disappointed...

That is, of course, if you plan on using the Saitek programming software...

[BaldEagl]

Keep in mind also that a lot of the bad reviews for the Saitek sticks are because of their programming software.  Don't get me wrong, the software works perfectly, but isn't exactly user friendly.  Once you take the time to figure out how to set everything up (that is, if you even choose to use the software) then it works great.  If you jump into it without doing your homework, you're probably going to be disappointed...

That is, of course, if you plan on using the Saitek programming software...

Except that doesn't explain plastic stops breaking off inside the handle which is what happened to my ST290.  The AV8R seems to have a defective pot.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it works on its own.