New to game, looking for Stick, Throttle and Rudder advice

[JustEric]

I’m new to AH and wanted to know which Stick, Throttle and Rudder pedals you would suggest buying.  I’ve read some negative comments about the Siatek x-52 but it sure looks like a good price.  I have an old Siatek x-36 which I’m guessing won’t work.  I also have an old CH yoke and peddles.  Heck, I even have a really old Thrustmaster, stick, throttle and rudder pedals. 

In AW, I never really needed rudder peddles. Do you need rudder pedals in AH?  If you do, maybe I’ll go with the CH Fighter Stick (or Combat Stick) and their throttle since they probably will still be compatible with my rudder.   Any difference between the CH Products Fighter Stick and the Combat Stick?

Thanks for your advice!
Eric

[maddafinga]

I’m new to AH and wanted to know which Stick, Throttle and Rudder pedals you would suggest buying.  I’ve read some negative comments about the Siatek x-52 but it sure looks like a good price.  I have an old Siatek x-36 which I’m guessing won’t work.  I also have an old CH yoke and peddles.  Heck, I even have a really old Thrustmaster, stick, throttle and rudder pedals. 

In AW, I never really needed rudder peddles. Do you need rudder pedals in AH?  If you do, maybe I’ll go with the CH Fighter Stick (or Combat Stick) and their throttle since they probably will still be compatible with my rudder.   Any difference between the CH Products Fighter Stick and the Combat Stick?

Thanks for your advice!
Eric

Well you don't need rudder pedals, but they are very helpful, very very helpful. 

I don't know why your old Saitek wouldn't work, unless it was broken or something like that.  I'm assuming it's usb.  I've used the x52 and didn't like it much, but then some other guys swear by it.  I used the Thrustmaster f16 gameport rig when I started AW, but after it crapped out around a year in, I went CH and loved it.  Then after AW died I had about a ten year layoff.  On coming back, I tried the Saitek, then just saved for a bit and got a full CH rig, and I love it again.  I've heard of some guys doing a conversion of their old gameport stuff to run on usb, but I don't know much more about that than it has been done.

I think the difference between the fighter stick and the combat stick is that the fighterstick has a 4 way hat switch instead of one or two buttons on the combat stick. Not absolutely positive on that however. Hope that was of some help to you.

[Ghastly]

X36 will work just fine with AH.   (The "rocker rudder" lacks precision, and I personally wouldn't use it.)

If you have a working set of USB CH Pedals then you have everything you need.  If your CH pedals are the older gameport version, you may need a gameport to USB converter to connect them to your current system, especially if it's Win 7 ( you may also need any 4 button 2 axis joystick to connect them to the USB converter with as well depending on the USB converter you use.)

In short, with what you've described having, you are 97% certain of having what you want, assuming it's all functional.  A full CH rig will set you back about $400 or so.  Worth it if you plan to fly a lot or want a really good experience, but not essential. 

I'd focus on getting the X36 setup, and the CH Pedals, of what you've described yourself as having.

<S>

[SIK1]

X36 will work just fine with AH.   (The "rocker rudder" lacks precision, and I personally wouldn't use it.)

If you have a working set of USB CH Pedals then you have everything you need.  If your CH pedals are the older gameport version, you may need a gameport to USB converter to connect them to your current system, especially if it's Win 7 ( you may also need any 4 button 2 axis joystick to connect them to the USB converter with as well depending on the USB converter you use.)

In short, with what you've described having, you are 97% certain of having what you want, assuming it's all functional.  A full CH rig will set you back about $400 or so.  Worth it if you plan to fly a lot or want a really good experience, but not essential. 

I'd focus on getting the X36 setup, and the CH Pedals, of what you've described yourself as having.

<S>

+1

That's what I would do. 

[Dichotomy]

I can't speak pro or con about Saitek but my CH gear worked great for two years, sat in mothballs for the most part for the best part of two, when I dusted them off (literally) they still work like brand new.  I love the feel of them because they 'feel' sturdy.  So, as said above, if you plan on being in game for a long period of time and have the funds the CH is worth it to me.  But it's a matter of personal preference.