What is best Joystick ,throttle,rudder pedals to fly AH??

[tarra]

Whats the best joystick and rudder setup to fly AH??
What is your experience with your current joystick??
I upgraded from a logitech wingman extreme digital to a Microsoft sidewinder precision 2 and i saw huge improvement!!It was like playing another game!!!
Please write down your experiences with your joysticks!!

                  Cheers TARRAS!!  

[Reschke]

Well being a long time Thrustmaster (TM) fanatic I use an F-16 FLCS,F-16 TQS and RCS setup. Right now it is getting a little long in the tooth but I will have a new setup in the near future with the Cougar HOTAS from TM.

The setup for me is a bit easy because I have worked with it for so long and have everything written down in case I need to dump it and start all over again. So in short I like my setup and its relatively problem free lifespan.

I don't know what I will do with it once I get my Cougar HOTAS setup. Most likely put it in the closet with other older computer stuff or maybe put it on my sons computer.

[Gunthr]

Microsoft Sidewinder Precision2 USB .
EASY to set up.
Rudder - Twist axis
No maintenance.(Pots? What are pots?)
Optical accuracy.
Outstanding support.
Good quality.

[funkedup]

The Cadillac of HOTAS:
CH Products
USB Fighterstick
USB Pro Throttle
USB Pro Pedals

[Reschke]

Originally posted by funkedup:
The Cadillac of HOTAS:
CH Products
USB Fighterstick
USB Pro Throttle
USB Pro Pedals

For just a few more weeks.

   

Then the TM Cougar rolls out and smokes that easily.

[ 11-05-2001: Message edited by: Reschke ]

[funkedup]

If the mechanical quality is as poor as TM's earlier efforts, I'm not interested.    
Looks like it will be a fine product though.

[ 11-05-2001: Message edited by: funkedup ]

[Grimm]

I would have to say it depends on how much money you want to invest.

The Sidewinder or comprible stuff is good value stuff.  The Twist grip for rudders gives you rudder control.  They have a few more buttons for important imputs.

If your willing to spend the money, CH products and Thrustmaster Stuff is without a doubt the best.

Satiek has some sticks out that fit somewhere between.

I presonaly have a CH F-16 fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals.  It gives me a ton of programable buttons.  I also decided I wanted realistic pedals. afterall thats what you use in a real plane.  I asolutely love this settup.  

My future upgrade would be to replace it all with the newer USB stuff.  As I understand it, you can settup the rudders for toe brakes in AH. The Throttle has more functions too.  If Im right its an ivestment of around $400 for the entire settup. So Im going to wait a bit longer, but Its worth it.

[Reschke]

Tarra,

What we are saying is that only you will have to decide by going on recommendations from others. I spent my time with the CH stuff back in the past and found that I just did not like it. Same thing with Saitek and Suncom.

I personally have not had any issues other than cleaning the POTs on my TM gear and replacing the springs before they get dead and old with the tendency to break.

I know some people that swear by the MS joysticks and Saitek ones but I just don't like them. I prefer to spend a bit of money up front and have to not worry with buttons falling off and other things in less than 6 months on a $50-100 stick setup. Better to spend $200-400 and get it all done with quality that lasts a couple of years.

[Eagler]

Saitek X45 Combo = $80
USB CH Pro Peds = $100

probably the least expensive HOTAS

[GunnerCAF]

I have been using the TM F16 FLCS & TQS with CH rudders.  I have had them for over 5 years, of weekly or daily use with no problems, breakdowns or failures.  I will say some buttons don't have the same click as they used to, and my throttle detents are long gone, but it all works.

I have modified them by adding the StickWorks Digital chips.  All my deadband are off, and my outputs are smooth without spikes.

Not all TM gear has been made of the same quality, but then you get what you pay for.  I will not hesitate to get the new TM Cougar when this set gives out.

What ever brand you decide on, I would suggest the high end programmable Stick, Throttle, Rudder.  Any flight sim you play, you can set up about the same reducing the learing curve, and you don't have to hunt for keys.  A few weeks ago, my keyboard locked up when I was in flight, and I was able to continue my hop and land without touching the keyboard.  My only problem was I could send a few simple macro messages I have programmed in the stick to my wingman.  He thought I was mad at him  

Gunner <CAF>

[Sac1]

I'll hold of on what the best stick and throttle is till the cougar comes out, but pedals, after testing a pair at the con and then getting them it's easy, Hoffman Pedals.

[Chaos68]

Originally posted by Gunthr:
Microsoft Sidewinder Precision2 USB .
EASY to set up.
Rudder - Twist axis
No maintenance.(Pots? What are pots?)
Optical accuracy.
Outstanding support.
Good quality.

Thats what i use.... seems to work well.

Every once in a while i get "dont move controls so fast" but hey...just unplug the forcefeedback cord.  

[Vipermann]

Sac1 where did you get those pedals? Is there a web site where I can view them?

[popeye]

I've been using CH stuff for years, and like their hardware, but my latest experience with their customer service was a disappointment.

[Animal]

I am using Saitek X36 and CH Pedals (analog)

I like this setup but I am dissapointed by Saitek's lack of Win2k support.

I recmend you go with the CH stuff, all USB of course.

Or better yet, wait for the TM Cougar, wich I will buy once I am finished with my bank robbery plans