On the market for a new stick

[DEECONX]

So for the past couple years that I have been playing this game I have gone through 2 Saitek ST 290 Pro's. The first I bought while still on my 2 week trial and lasted me a good few years. It didnt seem to work on comp after a while and gave it to a friend who was able to play it just fine on his. No biggy. So I dropped another $20 on a new ST 290 and went at it again. Well, it seems that time has come again for me to get a new stick as the signs of this one dying are present. I heard that the ST 290 pro is no longer in production, can anyone verify that? Also, any ideas on what to get next. Dont really want to spend over $40 ( I know, Im cheap) but wouldnt mind the price range of the St 290 (like $20).

Requirements:
-Hat switch
-Twisty stick
-and all other normal joystick features

thanks

[columbus]

as far as cheap sticks go i think the ST290 is pretty good.  you might find a set of X45's on ebay for 20 bucks, i think i actually saw a like new pair for 10.00

[guncrasher]

The logiteck xtreme 3d pro (I think that's the name) about 30 but will only last 1-2 years, I still have my original but haven't used it in years.


Semp

[1701E]

Much as I love Logitech products (my room looks like an AD for them) I have to say avoid their joysticks.  It's such a hit-and-miss deal with them in that category.  I, and many others, had slight-major spiking after about 6 months - 1 year, some last 3+ years with nothing wrong.  Saitek isn't great either (personally despise the X-52), but the Av8r, which cost about 35$, is a very good budget stick.
Had it for about a year before an inverted USB plug on motherboard fried it and never had a problem with it.

Features:

• Decent/constant tension
• Twist
• 1 Trigger
• 3 thumb buttons
• 1x 8-way hat
• 4x 2-way switches on the base
• 1x 3-way dial on base (Off, A, B)
• Dual-throttle

And from what I have heard here, yes, the ST290 is out of production.

[DEECONX]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, the Aviator is one I have been looking at but wanted to here from you guys.

[Ghosth]

From what I've heard the Aviator may have some durabilty issues with things like flip up switch covers.
But otherwise I've really heard nothing bad about them.

I almost jumped into one myself, but then found a couple more Sidewinder Prec 2 USB's on ebay so went back to what I'm used to.

But if I was to switch the Aviator is where I would start looking.

[1701E]

From what I've heard the Aviator may have some durabilty issues with things like flip up switch covers.
But otherwise I've really heard nothing bad about them.

I almost jumped into one myself, but then found a couple more Sidewinder Prec 2 USB's on ebay so went back to what I'm used to.

But if I was to switch the Aviator is where I would start looking.

Yea, that cover is not attached well.  I finally lost mine after about 7 months on a trip to PA, it got caught on something and bent to the point it was so loose I broke it off in annoyance...likely still still at Airflyers house on the floor where I left it so long ago!  Really no use for it but to look "neat" anyways.

[Ghosth]

1701e how has your aviator been durability wise, other than the switch cover?

[1701E]

1701e how has your aviator been durability wise, other than the switch cover?

All buttons still worked perfectly, no spiking in the stick, both throttles still worked (clip-button cover to tie them together can come loose if you really try, no screws holding it).  Overall aside from the cover it worked perfectly up til I fried it accidentally (inverted Motherboard USB).  It had been dropped over and over off my desk and never once got scratched/damaged, never messed up the calibration, and never caused spiking.

[pervert]

Dont really want to spend over $40 ( I know, Im cheap) but wouldnt mind the price range of the St 290 (like $20).

You don't want to but if your staying in the game you may just end up buying a couple of crappy sticks over a period of time that do nothing but cheese you off and break and you'll still have the same problem you do at the minute in a year or 2 ie I need a new stick.

[Pigslilspaz]

how does a 290 pro break down? I have 2 that work perfectly after 3-4 years

[Scotch]

I don't understand why people buy something that is almost guaranteed to break down. Saitek sure has a loyal fan base for their crap products though.

[warhed]

I don't understand why people buy something that is almost guaranteed to break down. Saitek sure has a loyal fan base for their crap products though.

99 bucks and coming on around 5ish years, still works like the day I bought it.  Crap product?

[Smkn]

I'd have to add my vote for the AV8R-01 by Saitek.

It's been fine for the last 2 years. Love the switch cover. Simple, yes. Yet it's saved my from a few accedental rocket mishaps.

At about $35 bucks, it's a great stick. Lots of controls and HUGE amounts of control customizing options with those frontal toggles and A/B settings.


+1 for the AV8R



-Smkn-