Newbie Needs Input

[Capt Jack]

Newbie needs help.
What is a good joystick/controller to start with to learn the game?

[mthrockmor]

I hear/read of three levels. The most basic, which includes those that use the mouse. Next is something for $30-$60 at Walmart. I'm in this category with the Extreme3DPro. Then you have those few who are completely all in. They will find those hardcore units that run $150+. They will include Track IR, footpedals and throttle. A few have multiple monitors and will actually build some version of a cockpit to sit in with beer holders and pinup girls.

I would go with the nice Walmart brand. And if you add something else the next item is definitely rudder pedals. They seem to run around $100+/- for mediocre ones though I was patient and found some for $40. You have added flight control with those that will add numerous kills every day, save you virtual life even more. Everything else is gravy. I want to have the ubber set up with multiple screens, etc but when that happens my wife will be ready to boot me. I get in enough trouble as is...

Boo

[Melvin]

I started with the Saitek ST290 Pro. (Walmart $20 or so dollars.)

I now have the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS. (Amazon $29.97 free shipping.)

Both of them have served me well.

If you do decide to go the cheap route, make sure you at least get a joystick that has the twisty handle for rudder control. Trying to manipulate the stick, throttle and keyboard all at once is quite a load.

Of course, you could always get some rudder pedals...

 

[The Fugitive]

Saitek is your best bet for a cheap but decent stick. Thrusmaster is good but more expensive, CH probably the best for the money but will cost you $300 for the full set-up. Logitech is the worst. More people have trouble with them than don't.

Welcome to the game!

[DaddyAce]

I recommend the CH stuff, stick, throttle & pedals if you can afford them.  I saved $ by being patient on eBay.  Welcome and good luck!

[ImADot]

Go with something in the $20-30 range and see how you like it. If you find you really enjoy the game, start saving up for when that stick gets worn out and upgrade to some high quality gear. Many (myself included) have CH Products - Fighterstick/Throttle/Pedals.

[kilz]

as most have said go with something cheap for now. heck you dont even know if your going to like the game long enough to buy an expensive set up.

i started with my mouse and don't recommend you to but after that i use a Saitek ST290 Pro great cheap stick to start with.

if you like the game and want to stay then you need to decide if you want pedals or not

if you want pedals then i would save and buy CH gear click this link to look around   http://www.chproducts.com/retail/index.html


if you like the twisty stick i recommend Saitek check it out by clicking this link    http://www.saitek.com/

[oldsirch]

I'ma newbie also, my Saitek av8r-01 came last week. I have been trying to get it prodrammed since then. Seems the cd sofware was setup for the newer sticks. My stick will NOT recognize double inouts example (x shift for auto angle mode) It only gives x which is auto level mode. I deleted the software program and have been working with the built in programing with AH. I get confused because ah program has a 0 button, which my stick has not. Could Ah programing be configured for the newer av8r's like the -2's & o3's?
Any help suggestions would be greatly apreciated.

[ImADot]

I don't use anything other than the AH built-in programming for my CH stuff.

When you have your controller mapping open in AH, just "double-click" the button/switch on your joystick to auto-select it for mapping. Then, pick what to map to it from the list and click "ok".  Then, double-click the next button/switch, etc., etc.

[kilz]

I don't use anything other than the AH built-in programming for my CH stuff.

When you have your controller mapping open in AH, just "double-click" the button/switch on your joystick to auto-select it for mapping. Then, pick what to map to it from the list and click "ok".  Then, double-click the next button/switch, etc., etc.

dang that confused me a little lol Salute

more simple explanation hit a button on the joystick twice and it will automatically bring up its mapping position and you can map anything you want to it.

you do have to have your map joystick open

[ImADot]

dang that confused me a little lol Salute

Color-coded for symmetry.

hit a button on the joystick twice and it will automatically bring up its mapping position and you can map anything you want to it.

you do have to have your map joystick open  

I don't use anything other than the AH built-in programming for my CH stuff.

When you have your controller mapping open in AH, just "double-click" the button/switch on your joystick to auto-select it for mapping. Then, pick what to map to it from the list and click "ok".  Then, double-click the next button/switch, etc., etc.

Meh, sounds about the same.