Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: TBolt A-10 on August 29, 2004, 03:22:57 PM
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My Logitech (junk) Extreme 3D Pro is spiking like crazy both in AH2 and in WindowsXP; so, I would like to go out and purchase another joystick today. Wanted any input that I could get in the next hour or two.
Looking for a joystick (under $60) that has an independent rudder device (hat switch or whatever) on it.
A while back, a squaddie recommended:
THRUSTMASTER "TOP GUN" AFTERBURNER II
Not sure if it's still available...looking.
Any other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
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I have a Saitek X45 that I don't use, it's in perfect working condition I just never could get used to it I think $40 would be a fair price for it.
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Originally posted by xbrit
I have a Saitek X45 that I don't use, it's in perfect working condition I just never could get used to it I think $40 would be a fair price for it.
That's a kind offer, xbrit. Thank you.
I felt up :D the Saitek X45 a few months ago...I agree with you...I didn't see how I could get used to it. But, I'm SURE someone here will buy it off you -- get your PayPal account ready. :lol
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yep there about $80 thats a good deal same here kinda wierd that handle errrrr my friend has 1 i dont like it to much what some one will
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Several years ago I attended a Warbirds Con and got to try out a MS Sidewinder. This is a twist stick (rudder controlled by twisting the stick) and I believe you can find it for around $60. I was impressed by the feel and, at the time, several of the top Warbirds pilots used it exclusively. You might want to give it a look.
I have been using Thurstmaster products for the past 12 years and have found them to be the most versatile with the best feel (20 pound springs sure cuts down on the over controlling!). The bad news is that they can be a pain to program and do require periodic repairs, unless you get into the higher end models. I took the big plunge about a year ago and got a Cougar. The price is steep, but when you consider how many hours you use a joystick and that it is the main interface with your computer in flight sims, I feel it is more important than a top of the line graphics card or processor. I think you would be disappointed with the TM Topgun if you can even find one now days.
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Joystick for sale, Ch Products Combatstick 568 USB
$50.00
Link (http://www.332nd.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=9&t=1254&st=0&#entry8841)
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I've flown for over 8 years now only with MS sidewinders.
Currently have a pair of Prec 2 USBs & I highly recomend them.
Got my 2nd one on ebay, opened box but I think unused for 28$ that included shipping.
Unopened prec 2's commonly run for 50 - 60.
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Under $60? - steal a saitek x45 or buy 2 saitek cyborg's
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I second the Saitek Cyborg Evo...just be sure to get a replacement policy with it because after about 4-6 months of abuse the buttons at the top next to the little blue light start to stick. The replacement policy cost me $8 at Best Buy and last for 2 years
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Under sixty bucks ???
Jeez..
..let me think.
Well..a bullet is cheaper.
CH USB fighter stick is alittle over a hundred ?? ROCKS.
Splurge, you'll have your setup for years. I got six years out of an old Thrustmaster flight control system. ( That I've had bronzed )
CH USB setup with throttle, stick and pedels is in the three to shy of four hundred dollar range.
It will do you up for quite a few years and definatly worth the outlay.
Unless you have a rabbit..
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Over a year with the Saitek 3D Cyborg Gold usb. Works great. Only prob is ... I hear Saitek doesn't make that specific one anymore. I'll buy anything with the Saitek name on it based on my experience with this one stick (so far).
Logitech *expletive* :D
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Okay. Thanks, guys. I heard all that you guys had to say, and I ended up just throwing my $64 at the Afterburner II. It was available (new) at CompUSA.
Just set it up and flew around a bit offline, and I must say that I'm pleased with it. I'm done with twisty sticks -- I've been beaten by guys who had separate rudder controllers too many times now; won't ever consider a twisty stick again. :lol
I just hope this Afterburner II holds together for a year or so (unlike the Logitech).
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That was quick. And yeah ... I miss my rudder pedals. :lol
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I don't know if Thrustmaster still makes their Top Gun joystick w/detachable throttle. It was a decent set-up for about $50. However, stay away from their Top Gun force feedback rig. No matter how you set it up, you just cannot get full control surface deflection anywhere off axis. Worse, it provides the feed back in a herky-jerky fashion and often chatters on center. All of this and it costs $100 too!
I took it back and went back to the X-45, which was obviously designed with non-human ergonomics in mind. But, at least its smooth and reliable (except for the low-end hat switches). What ever you buy, go for the replacement warranty because few sticks under $100 will go a full year without something wearing out.
My regards,
Widewing
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Yea the X-45 has horrible button and placement on the stick...
I was recently able to get a brand new MS sidewinder Precision 2 usb stick on ebay for $35. They are not in production anynmore but imo they were best afforable sticks of all time, great ergonomics, high quality hat switch, and no calibration nonsesnse due to its optical stick tracking technology... Get one if you can.
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Bought my MS Sidewinder Precision Pro 2 for $40. Dont think they make em anymore though.
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untill i bought my new PC, i ahd been running my MS sidewinder 3D pro (the first ever sidewinder) and i loved it like my own blood!
best stick i ever bought, only stick i ever bought. lasted me 8 years so far and never gone wrong.
only problem is this new PC doesnt have the old 10 pin game port so i had to buy a USB stick. got the saitek Cyborg evo and am happy enough with it.
MS sidewinders are the mutt's nutts!
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No kidding. Ive had this one for nearly 6 years and I havent had a problem with it at all.
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I wish my Sidewinder Precision Pro 2 lasted that long. The stick is loose, and I used it only about 1 year. Feels too mushy to be a good flight stick now.
The thing is collecting dust in my closet, now. :D
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I use a lgitech wireless, its a good stick but it eats energizers for lunch. I could never understand that if you can make a battery out of two nails and a potato, why the hell are they charging five buck for four metal tubes? Is there some way to wire a potato battery into my stick?
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Basicly the way I view stick selection is through grouping them into two groups.
1. Detachable throttle.
2. Integrated throttle.
For me I have to have a detachable throttle. Just the feeling of having a real throttle stick is soo much better for me.
If you want a good priced stick with a detachable throttle and dont wana spend money on the uber X45 or even more uber HOTAS then you should go for the Thrustmaster Afterburner 2.
Ive used the AB2 for 3 years and up towards 3000 hours of game play in Jumpgate. During this time Ive only gone through 2 sticks. Im on my 2nd one now and its still in good shape. Though one button is starting to become worn out. All in all aprox 1500 hours of game play per stick is very good quality imho.
The only problem with the AB2 is that the throttle stick is a taaad to light. In the begining it was sliding on the table for me. Though Jumpgate requires much more throttle management then AH and its just a matter of getting used to it. Basicly just be gentle and dont pull too hard and you wount have any problems.
THOUGH if you dont want a detachable throttle you should try to get your hands on a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. This is the most accurate joystick on the market. Well it aint on the market anymore since the morons at MS droped their Sidewinder division. But it can still be found on EBay.
You should not use the Force Feedback functionality. BUT it is the mechanics of the stick that allows force feedback that makes it so extreamly accurate. The accuracy is like no other stick.
So basicly if you want to go for pure accuracy find a MS SW FF2 and if you want to go for 2 handed feeling go for a AB2.
Tex
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Originally posted by twitchy
I use a lgitech wireless, its a good stick but it eats energizers for lunch. I could never understand that if you can make a battery out of two nails and a potato, why the hell are they charging five buck for four metal tubes? Is there some way to wire a potato battery into my stick?
Buy some NIHM rechargabe batteries and a charger. You will save a lot of money and even get longer time on each charge than you do to spend a set of regular batteries.
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Originally posted by Fauxbra
I second the Saitek Cyborg Evo...just be sure to get a replacement policy with it because after about 4-6 months of abuse the buttons at the top next to the little blue light start to stick. The replacement policy cost me $8 at Best Buy and last for 2 years
:D Don`t know about Best Buy, but I think replacement policy at Circuit City is $14.00 last time they tried to stick me with this ripoff scam. Man, Jesse James at least used a gun. ;)
Here`s the deal. Saitek now has X45 warranty policy for 2 years. If something happens to the stick just e-mail Saitek and they will take care of it. If you have one that is out of warranty and buttons or hat switch starts acting up, you can just e-mail them and they will send you the parts free. I have never seen a more agreeable company when it comes to taking care of their customers.
I had one X45 a couple or more years ago that was actualy out of warranty, but it was close , so they said no prob. One of the buttons had started acting up. Customer service at Saitek told me to box it up and send it in and they would send me another one. I explained that I ran an online squad in AH with members from 6 different countries and didn`t wish to be down for that length of time and that I had reprogrammed the function to another button. I asked if they would send me the new stick and let me return the other one on it`s arrival. No prob. 3 days later New Saitek in hand.
On a side note concerning the replacement warranty thingie. I don`t know how it is in other states, but in Texas if a store is an "authorized" dealer, they have to honor the company warranty in it`s entirity. They don`t like it and they will argue about it in most cases, but normaly speaking to the store manager cures this.
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XBrit....I'll take that X45 off your hands.
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Originally posted by Jackal1
:D Don`t know about Best Buy, but I think replacement policy at Circuit City is $14.00 last time they tried to stick me with this ripoff scam. Man, Jesse James at least used a gun. ;)
Here`s the deal. Saitek now has X45 warranty policy for 2 years. If something happens to the stick just e-mail Saitek and they will take care of it. If you have one that is out of warranty and buttons or hat switch starts acting up, you can just e-mail them and they will send you the parts free. I have never seen a more agreeable company when it comes to taking care of their customers.
I had one X45 a couple or more years ago that was actualy out of warranty, but it was close , so they said no prob. One of the buttons had started acting up. Customer service at Saitek told me to box it up and send it in and they would send me another one. I explained that I ran an online squad in AH with members from 6 different countries and didn`t wish to be down for that length of time and that I had reprogrammed the function to another button. I asked if they would send me the new stick and let me return the other one on it`s arrival. No prob. 3 days later New Saitek in hand.
On a side note concerning the replacement warranty thingie. I don`t know how it is in other states, but in Texas if a store is an "authorized" dealer, they have to honor the company warranty in it`s entirity. They don`t like it and they will argue about it in most cases, but normaly speaking to the store manager cures this.
I use the X45 and love it. I purchased it at Best Buys along with the US$ 8.00 extended policy. This is the second X45, the first one started binding after about three months. I returned it and received a new one no questions. Other than the binding issue I really like this stick and it works well enough for me. The binding problem is cured easily enough by simply cutting two turns off of the spring.
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x45 is hard to beat especially with rudder pedals. My major complaint is that the stick isn't very ergonomic. I have begun to "fly" with leather working gloves (with fingers cut off) to cushion my hands.
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Originally posted by bockko
x45 is hard to beat especially with rudder pedals. My major complaint is that the stick isn't very ergonomic. I have begun to "fly" with leather working gloves (with fingers cut off) to cushion my hands.
lol...you fly German Iron right?
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MS Sidwinder 3D pro! i got mine at a thrift store for $1.75. It has worked great for a few years now.
Im thinking of getting CH pedals for it, the old game port ones, will they work with it?:confused:
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Originally posted by storch
Other than the binding issue I really like this stick and it works well enough for me. The binding problem is cured easily enough by simply cutting two turns off of the spring. [/B]
I personaly like the spring tension on the X45. I can`t take the loose sticks like MS that have very little resistance.
As for the "binding"...... here is what I do to improve the smoothness. At a hardware store, lumber yard, or places like Wally World you can find a tube of stuff called plumber`s valve and faucet grease. I just take a Q-tip with the grease on it and slide it under the rubber boot to get to the ball . Just a touch goes a long way. It lasts for quite a while, much better than silicone, etc. This makes the stick as smooth as silk,but still leaves the tension and resistance.
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Originally posted by Jackal1
I personaly like the spring tension on the X45. I can`t take the loose sticks like MS that have very little resistance.
As for the "binding"...... here is what I do to improve the smoothness. At a hardware store, lumber yard, or places like Wally World you can find a tube of stuff called plumber`s valve and faucet grease. I just take a Q-tip with the grease on it and slide it under the rubber boot to get to the ball . Just a touch goes a long way. It lasts for quite a while, much better than silicone, etc. This makes the stick as smooth as silk,but still leaves the tension and resistance.
Under the rubber boot?
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can i use racing pedals for controling my rudders? it seems it would work as long as it was game port, to mix with my sidwinder 3d pro.
ya i know im being cheep, but i needs me pedals and i donts got the cash. :(
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Originally posted by storch
Under the rubber boot?
Yes, right under the plate at the bottom of the spring. If you push the stick forward ,or to one side you will see the rubber boot under the spring tension plate. Just slide the Q-tip with the grease under it to get to the ball.
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Originally posted by eilif
can i use racing pedals for controling my rudders? it seems it would work as long as it was game port, to mix with my sidwinder 3d pro.
ya i know im being cheep, but i needs me pedals and i donts got the cash. :(
i dunno. but, let us know how it works out. :)
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Hmmm never did know Newegg had that kinda stuff i gota saitek Evo. :) http://www.newegg.com/
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Quick question for you CH users. Are either of the USB sticks twist sticks or is the rudder dealt with another way? Lookin at CH but need something all-in-one to take on the road. Current otr stick is the piece-o-crap Logicrap 2.4 and the size is right. Is the CH comparable in size or is it a behemoth?
Thanks
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a usb port can handel a lot more data than the old game ports could So i should imagine that they would be all in 1
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The CH stuff is really quite a big desktop solution. For on the road Saitek do a cute fold up option.
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Originally posted by twitchy
I use a lgitech wireless, its a good stick but it eats energizers for lunch. I could never understand that if you can make a battery out of two nails and a potato, why the hell are they charging five buck for four metal tubes? Is there some way to wire a potato battery into my stick?
Get some rechargables...4 x the "life" of alkiline and you can charge em about 1000 times...best $30 you'll spend.
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Originally posted by FOGOLD
The CH stuff is really quite a big desktop solution. For on the road Saitek do a cute fold up option.
Or, the Thrustmaster Afterburner II can be disassembled into 2 pieces before being packed away.
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Originally posted by FOGOLD
The CH stuff is really quite a big desktop solution. For on the road Saitek do a cute fold up option.
I looked at that but it has no twist for rudder control, otherwise would be perfect, cheap too. Thanks though.
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saitek is cheapest. And now im gonna go find you next cheaqpest moddels,
btw the saitek st50 has a throttle but only 2 fire buttons.
rrp ($10)
The logitech attack 3 joy stic has 11 programable buttons. left/right handed. precise throttle (located joy stic base central) its is also very stable and copact. retails at £19.99 here in uk... so In curent economic times should cost around $10-15