Author Topic: What is the best joystick choice? (Read 1646 times)

johnross11 · « **on:** June 29, 2001, 04:00:00 PM »

I'm planning to buy a joystick(my first). It needs to be under $50, preferably $30 or below. must have a 4 to 8 way hat switch. I just know that a hat switch is an important thing so could someone tell me what it does too?

thanx to anyone who helps me. Also, does anyone know of any good ones at Radio Shack or Circuit City?

[ 06-29-2001: Message edited by: the_bomb9234 ]

sling322 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2001, 04:42:00 PM »

I have used two different sticks. I had a Logitech 3D Wingman Digital Extreme. It worked out great....the only drawback to it was the rudder control was a "twist" action on the stick itself. I bought it for around $30 US. I now use the Saitek X36 flight control combo. It is a full HOTAS arrangement with one controller for the stick and one for the throttle. The stick has two 8 way hat switches as well as 3 trigger buttons and very flexible programming options. The throttle controller also has a hat switch and 2 rotary controls as well as a switch that allows you to program 3 different "modes" to use your stick in. You can pick the Saitek up from their website for around $40 US. It is a reconditioned product but if you wanna spend under $50 and get a full HOTAS setup, its a great value.

Oh..and here is the website for the Saitek products. http://www.viaweb.com/saitekusa/recprod.html

[ 06-29-2001: Message edited by: sling322 ]

johnross11 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2001, 04:47:00 PM »

thanx but what does a hat switch do? What's it's purpose?

sling322 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2001, 05:45:00 PM »

The hat switch is what allows you to "look around" in different directions. You need at least one on whatever stick you get or you will be flying with one hand on the numpad of your keyboard so that you can look around in flight. For example, I have my main hat programmed to look around in 8 dierctions and with another button pressed at the same time, I can also look up at an angle in all 8 of those directions.

johnross11 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2001, 11:13:00 PM »

is there any other good ones? any under $30?

sprint · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2001, 01:43:00 AM »

Bomb9234 ... What a learning curve your in for ...next you will be asking about MOBO, CPU's, Heat Sinks and less not forget about my favorite, Graphic Cards! I think the fun just started for you. But this is the place to ask !

Good luck and check your 6

sprint
*MOl*

Sancho · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2001, 02:41:00 PM »

A good, basic stick is the Saitek Cyborg USB.

It should be $30-$40 at CompUSA. I have one and it's very smooth and highly configurable for all hand sizes and lefties too. I don't get any spiking with this stick. I recommend it.

[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: Sancho ]

sprint · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2001, 09:01:00 PM »

Once again Sancho ... a good answer and good advice.WTG

sprint
*MOL*

johnross11 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2001, 03:53:00 PM »

thanx to everyone that posted here. i didn't check this for about a day and it went from 3 posts to 7!!! I got a joystick called the ST220 from saitek. Could yall tell me if it's a good one? And also could someone tell me a site for newbie's?

1776 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2001, 07:34:00 PM »

I think your stick doesn't have a rudder

You might want to get the cyborg thingie, it has a rudder.

As you have limited buttons

here's a site you might want to look at: www.gamecommander.com

This is a nice add on for $40 or so

If ya order the CD ya get a head set too

Here's a site you should bookmark: www.saitekhelp.com

The guy that has the site is going to take it down in the near future

It will be a great loss for the Saitek community

And........... www.saitekusa.com

[ 07-01-2001: Message edited by: 1776 ]

[ 07-01-2001: Message edited by: 1776 ]

[ 07-01-2001: Message edited by: 1776 ]

Sancho · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2001, 10:13:00 PM »

Get the Cyborg 3d Gold. $40 at CompUSA. Your stick doesn't look like it has twisty handle rudder. The Cyborg does and it's USB so you it will be a more precise controller. That's my $0.02.

johnross11 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2001, 10:25:00 PM »

what's a rudder do? And is it VERY VERY important?

2Late4U · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2001, 11:43:00 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by the_bomb9234:
what's a rudder do? And is it VERY VERY important?

While the rudder isnt "essential" in normal flight if you use automatic take off, it is critical for many advanced manuvers, landing or taking off of a CV, having any reasonable amount of control of a damaged plane, and becomes an amazingly needed control when there's a bandit close on your six. Can you fly without a rudder...yes....can you fly effectivly....nope.

Fariz · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2001, 12:05:00 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by 2Late4U:

Can you fly without a rudder...yes....can you fly effectivly....nope.

You can fly very effectevly, though any properly rudder trimed plane in fight has a huge advantage.

Fariz

Sancho · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2001, 02:29:00 AM »

Ok, here's a situation:
You're turning and burning with a bandit... and by your sheer skill you see the enemy is about to cross your nose for snapshot. Only problem is going to pass 5 degrees right from your crosshairs. The quickest way to get a gun solution is apply small amount of right rudder. If you don't have a rudder (either rudder pedals or a twisty joystick), you won't be able to kick to the side to get rounds on target, and all your skillful flying is for nothing. Trust me, you need a rudder if you are going to dogfight.