Advice on Buying New Joystick Please

[Dr Lecter]

First, a BIG thank you to all of you for taking the trouble to comment on this one.

Clearly, everyone has their own preferences (no surprise there, then!).  Preferences seem to be based on:

Cost

Hand Size

Rudder/twist stick interface

Drivers

XP Compatibility

Durability (serious stick forces here!)

Stick Forces

Looking through the replies, most popular seem to be MS Precision Series, and the Thrustmaster Afterburner.

Can't wait for Christmas!

[gatso]

Old stick ws a MS PP1, loved it but it started spiking for some reason (It shouldn't do this: no pots to spike) It did last for 5 years though so no complaints really.

Bought a PP2 and I have to say after 4 months:

Good stuff
It's not broke yet. The old one lasted 5 years, The quality of this one is almost the same. Maybe the hat isn't quite as good. 3yr warrenty tho if I remember correctly.

No Pots. (big plus)

It doesn't need loads of crap software to work.  You don't even need to install the Sidewinder software if you don't want to. Just plug it in and windows picks it up straight away.

I actually like twisty sticks. No space for rudder pedals.

Bad Stuff
I don't like the way the springs are set up.  There's one for the X axis and 1 for Y, great for doing lovely perfect flat x or y turns but not so good for really small control adjustments. Move the stick in a small circle to see what I mean. I don't like the 'bumps'.

My hands are almost too big for it. I have problems reaching the '3' and '4' buttons.  '2' I don't use at all because it's too awkward to get at.

Would I buy another...? Probably not. I'd go for one of the Saitek combos right now.  Just to see how they compare.

If they'll let you, go to a shop that will let you open the box and actually feel what the stick is like before you buy it! Best bit of advise I can give really.

Gatso

[Dr Lecter]

Gatso, forgive my ignorance, but what is 'Pots', and what is 'spiked'?

[Innominate]

Originally posted by Dr Lecter
Gatso, forgive my ignorance, but what is 'Pots', and what is 'spiked'?

Potientiometers, variable resistors used to determine where a stick is.  Some pots  break down and start giving wrong readings, like out of nowhere the computer will see the stick go all the way in one direction for a moment.  Very annoying if it happens.

Personally though this has never been an issue for me, all of the sticks I've used either broke(cheap $10-$20 sticks), or mushed out(like my cyborg).  My afterburner has been going steadily for a year now without any issues.

[budking]

Wingman extreme is my choice had it 2 years still feels sweet and tight,has twisty rudder on stick works well,enough buttons and a hat switch!!!!,ive try'd a few a this is the best!!!...lector i got mine @ pc world they are cheap for j'sticks!!!....

Oh also i try'd the "logitech wingman force feedback" this is a big NO NO crap stick the exesive play makes it a nightmare!!! avoid feedback sticks !!!! imho!!!.......happy hunting!...

[Murdr]

I flew with sidewinder precision pro for 6 years, Im with tracerx if you are thinking of going that route, the cyborg 3d gold does everything that the MS does, plus the stick is adjustable to fit your hand and you get 2 shift buttons that can add shifted functions to your 8 regular buttons giving you 24 functions (compared to 8 on the MS).  They are not expensive either.

[Dr Lecter]

Another thank you to everyone - I'm soaking it all in people.......

[rogwar]

I've had really good luck with CH.

http://www.chproducts.com

[TracerX]

Those are shift buttons Murdr?  You mean I can combo those to use the buttons for more than one function?  Dang, I have some work to do!! (Shoves work papers into desk and runs down the stairs to the dark basement and with an evil grin fires up the flight computer.  Muahhaahhaa!!)  OOps, sorry, uh, see you online!

[Murdr]

>grinn<
My Cyborg 3d gold usb button programs...
1. fire primary
2. fire secondary
3. toggle stickset (views)
4. toggle secondary
f1. flap down
f2. wep
f3. flap up
f4 toggle combat trim
left shift 1. engine
left shift 2. select engine 1
left shift 3. select all engines
left shift 4. select engine 2
left shift f1. zoom
left shift f2. tuned channel
left shift f4. range channel
right shift f4. look down&fwd

still got 8 more button settings to work with

[Xjazz]

I have Saitek X36 usb stick & throtle about 2 years now and Im very happy with it. Also my AH&RL friend RBug have X36 usb and no problems.

Older Saitek X36 GAMEPORT verion had tons of problems... I know it well.

X36/45 is very good HOTAS concerning prize. "Promming" is NOT problem at all and autoconfig select right configuration concerning the starting game.

[Montezuma]

Originally posted by Murdr
I flew with sidewinder precision pro for 6 years, Im with tracerx if you are thinking of going that route, the cyborg 3d gold does everything that the MS does, plus the stick is adjustable to fit your hand and you get 2 shift buttons that can add shifted functions to your 8 regular buttons giving you 24 functions (compared to 8 on the MS).  They are not expensive either.

You can get a similar function on any stick with Keymapper and Stick sets.

Select a button to be your toggle:

Stick Set 1:  Button = Stick Set 2
Stick Set 2:  Button = Stick Set 1

This is mostly used for views:

Stick Set 1:  Hat Up = Forward/Up view
Stick Set 2:  Hat Up = Up view

[Murdr]

Originally posted by Murdr
>grinn<
My Cyborg 3d gold usb button programs...

3. toggle stickset (views)

still got 8 more button settings to work with

Yep

[Z6]

I use USB CH Fighter Stick, CH USB Pro Throttle, & CH USB Pro Pedals.  Very easy to use.  Learning the initial programing using the CH Control Manager can be a bit intimidating but well worth the effort!  Once your set its idiot proof.  The quality heavy duty construction pays off for those that tend to be a bit heavy handed.  They are all togethor a bit pricey, but if you search the internet you can save around $150.00 on all 3 when purchased togethor.

>>>S<<<
GOODHUNTING

[Dr Lecter]

Time for another 'thanks' for all the posts on this subject.

I'm sorted in my head now re. pros and cons, and the winner for me is......

Saitek Cyborg USB Gold.  Why?

I'm left handed.

There's loads on the stick that is adjustable.

I like lots of 'shortcuts' (which the functions on the stick can provide in abundance).

Saitek have got a good reputation.

It looks good.

It's not too expensive.

You can get a driver update for Windows XP online.

I'm still not convinced about force feedback.