Is my stick good?

[Pigslilspaz]

So, I have 2 Saitek ST290 Pro's, but I've never read anything about them here. I'm just wondering if it's any good at all or I should get a x52 or CH. I got one of them for $24 and the other for free so I am questioning them due to their cheapness.

2 other questions.
What is stick calibration? Never had any problems with these sticks so I can't rule anything on it.

Is the Cyborg a good stick?

[ozrocker]

I had a Cyborg 3D Pro? It was a good stick.
"Self- calibrating/centering". Always had to rotate stick in circles, both ways to calibrate/center.
Lasted a couple of years.

                                                                             <S> Oz


                                           

[Melvin]

I love my ST290. Had it for a few years, (over 1000 take-offs and landings in FSX and nearly a year here).

A couple of the buttons are finally giving up the ghost and the palm rest is held on with electric tape

I've got a brand new Thrustmaster T flight HOTAS sitting on the table next to me, but I just won't convert until the 290 has fully bit the dust. That's how much I like it. It's the stick that I first explored flight simulation with and, in fact, I believe i may search the interwebz for another. Problem is that I hear they don't make 'em anymore, and the idea of a "used" stick kinda scares me.

If anyone knows of a stick that has similar ergonomics and button layout as the 290 please let me know.

<S> Melvin

[Ghosth]

Nothing wrong with the Saitek ST-290. Its about as cheap as you are going to find that has all the controls needed to really fly AH well. And for the price if you can get over a year out of each one your doing well.

X52's will cost 5 times as much, with no way of knowing if they will last 5 years. I'd hazard a guess that average is probably 3 - 4 years.

CH is perhaps long term the best way to go with the best durability. But CH doesn't to my knowledge make a "twisty" stick, so your talking minimum stick and rudders. And looking at probably 250-300 for those. If your ready to make that lifetime investment, then by all means do so.

But there is nothing wrong with flying on your st-290 for now.

[TnDep]

my first stick was the ST-290pro and it done real good, I now fly with a ch fighterstick and pedals.  I've also had the x-52 and several other sticks and had nothing but trouble with the rest of them.  Ch has done good for about 8 months now

[Pigslilspaz]

Nothing wrong with the Saitek ST-290. Its about as cheap as you are going to find that has all the controls needed to really fly AH well. And for the price if you can get over a year out of each one your doing well.

X52's will cost 5 times as much, with no way of knowing if they will last 5 years. I'd hazard a guess that average is probably 3 - 4 years.

CH is perhaps long term the best way to go with the best durability. But CH doesn't to my knowledge make a "twisty" stick, so your talking minimum stick and rudders. And looking at probably 250-300 for those. If your ready to make that lifetime investment, then by all means do so.

But there is nothing wrong with flying on your st-290 for now.

ah, both sticks have lasted well over a year, lol. One is almost 5 years old and no problems.

also, I dont use the yaw on the stick but use the keyboard for rudder. Any disadvantages to this?

[Melvin]

The major problem I see with not using the twisty would be lack of free hands.

By this I mean that I like to keep my left hand on the throttle, or any other various buttons, such as the WEP or radio toggle. I also use 'Q' and 'W' for flaps, as those two are wore out on my stick.

Enjoy your ST290. I hold them in very high regard for comfort and durability.

<S> Melvin