Attempting a comeback

[Pannono]

I'm not totally fed up with it, it has served me valiantly for 4 years. However, it has 11 buttons (including the trigger), no hat switch, no twist function, and no throttle control at my fingertips. I would like something a bit more advanced.

[Spikes]

How much are you willing to spend on a joystick alone? An X52 would probably be the cheapest way out to get a Hotas...the ST290 is a nice setup if you want the throttle on stick.

[Krusty]

No worries. I can tolerate my old stick only because I have pedals (sort of) and a CH throttle. Meaning I don't need to use anything but the stick and the buttons immediately accessible by my right hand on the grip itself.

If you want 2 throttles there's Saitek's newest entry model, the Aviator (or av8tr or something stupid, "l33t sp34k," type of title). Ergonomics are iffy with both throttles on the far front edge of the stick and all the buttons/switches on the aft end.

There's the Saitek ST290, but I don't believe it has twist action. Very cheap and somewhat reliable for a low-end stick.

You want to spend over $60 USD and you should aim for the X52 (if you want to pay 2x the x52s price but get metal machined parts and probably a much longer usable lifespan, get the x52 PRO, same stick just tougher construction).

Some folks fork over $100 for one of the CH fighter sticks, but I honestly can't imagine spending that much on a joystick.

No logitech. Period. I don't care about the one or two oddballs that chime in saying "Mine is fine years later" because they are the extreme minority. 99.9999999999% of all logitech sticks are utter garbage and not going to last 3 months before the center goes and the start spiking badly.

There are also these lesser brands you'll see in stores. Find the right kind of store and you might get some display models clamed to a shelf. There you can get a nice feel for the grip and the comfort. Barring that, low end saitek is "okay" by reputation.

[Pannono]

How much are you willing to spend on a joystick alone? An X52 would probably be the cheapest way out to get a Hotas...the ST290 is a nice setup if you want the throttle on stick.

I don't know, maybe between $75 and $125

[Krusty]

That's x52 range, if you're interested. Not without problems, but a good overall package. Pedals are out of the question on that budget unless you find them used. New they run about $110-130 all by themselves.

[Spikes]

I don't know, maybe between $75 and $125

That is an X52...

I agree with Krusty on no Logicrap.

Krusty,
The weird thing is, I've had my X52 for about 5 years or so now, and its worked flawlessly...I only have to recal if the cord gets unplugged on accident.
Also, although the situation is moot since he's willing to fork out more than $20, the ST290 is twisty.

I don't have the X52 Pro, but you could take your chance on the X52 Normal...maybe get Bestbuy's replacement plan or something.

[Krusty]

I thought folks had mentioned on the forums that ST290 was non-twisty, just X,Y, and throttle?

Or is there another model number that goes with the stick I've described?

P.S. Never had it myself, just a commonly referred stick on these forums.

[Pannono]

That's x52 range, if you're interested. Not without problems, but a good overall package. Pedals are out of the question on that budget unless you find them used. New they run about $110-130 all by themselves.

Well, considering I was able to fight reasonably well with the Logitech Attack 3 (minimal throttle control and no rudder control), I should do great with a X52. I should have a lot of buttons to play with on the X52, so I should be able to program something for the rudders on there.

[Spikes]

Copy. Not sure...maybe one of the worser (lesser?) sticks that Saitek has...

It is definitely a nice stick and lasted me about 4 years or so, the first thing that started to go was the rear facing hat switch...then the rudder started to get funky. It still works, though.

Pannono, the X52 is twisty, meaning you just twist your wrist left/right and the rudder moves accordingly.

The X52 has many many buttons...I barely use half of them.

[Krusty]

Well, considering I was able to fight reasonably well with the Logitech Attack 3 (minimal throttle control and no rudder control), I should do great with a X52. I should have a lot of buttons to play with on the X52, so I should be able to program something for the rudders on there.

No, it's got a twist-action. That's much better than using ASD keys (or whatever the default is). You can get pretty good on a twisty, but really the end goal should be (budget-willing) rudder pedals.

I think you'll be happy and learning the ins and outs of an x52 for some time, though. Rudder pedals are probably off in the future a bit.

[Pannono]

The X52 is probably the best option. Like I said, I'm going to be working, and after that, I'll be in college, so I dont want to blow a lot of money on something I might not even have time for. I'm guessing that pedals probably cost around $200.

[Krusty]

Half that, CH Pro about 90-110 depending where you look, and Saiteks at 120 or so.

[Pannono]

What manufacturer should I go with for the video card? I was told BFG or EVGA are the best ones if i remember correctly.

[Spikes]

XFX is decent with there nvidia's, just not their 5770s. I can't vouch for many nvidia brands, I use Sapphire and they are more on the ATI Side.