Aces High Bulletin Board
Help and Support Forums => Help and Training => Topic started by: J_A_B on November 30, 2005, 06:21:35 PM
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I'm working on getting into AH again, and among my needs is a working joystick (my old Logitech is too far gone and never was terribly reliable anyway). I haven't paid the slightest bit of attention to joysticks for several years, so I'm highly out of date. I see lots of discussion about $100 dollar rudder pedals, $300 dollar HOTAS setups, and stuff like that. Those things are nice, but they don't help me. I would like some opinions on cheap joysticks. I'd be willing to go up to the $60-$70 dollar range, but prefer under $45 or so. USB or gameport makes no difference to me.
What I want in a stick:
Reliable. This is the only real "requirement". If it's going to break in half or have more spikes than an Arizona cactus after a week, I don't want it. A $10 stick should last at least 2 or 3 months, while I would hope to get at least a year of good service out of something which costs over $50. I'd be more than happy to use a 2-button stick if it's actually reliable.
What I don't want:
HOTAS. I hate those things.
Things that would be nice but aren't required:
Heavy pull--the heavier, the better
Some sort of rudder control like a twisty stick (only desireable if reliable; the Z-axis of my Logitech stick only worked adequately for about a week)
4-6 buttons
Heavy base so I don't have to tape it to the desk
Things which are irrevelant (meaning if these individual parts are junk or break easily, that's fine because I don't use them anyway):
Throttle slider
Hat switch
I appreciate any feedback. If you think you have an idea of the sort of stick that fits my preferences, please share your opinion.
J_A_B
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Saitek Cyborg Evo
It's USB twisty stick, hat switch and 8 buttons
Has everything you're asking for at $35.
My old stick was a Logitech and I wouldn't wish one of those on a Knight!
Got mine at Mediaplay and I like it.
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Spend the extra $$ for the replacement policy. 1/3'd of Evos are in the trash within 3 months; 2/3's in 6 months.
Dmdmax
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evo's are great, mine bust, but it was my fault, i soaked it in water by mistake and the chip shorted out. then i got an x52, which is the shiz!
had my evo for a while, and it had nothing wrong with it. im sure you'll find it well worth the money
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or Saitek ST290 for more like 26$
fairly good spring to give a little pull, twisty rudder, 6 buttons & hat all reachable by thumb, throttle on base, & REVERSABLE HAND REST for lefties. 3 months no probs so far
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I have a Saitek Cyborg evo twisty , throttle , nice pull and at 30$ had it for about a year
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Saitek X45. Not high priced.
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Originally posted by RedTop
Saitek X45. Not high priced.
But unreliable with the smallest of USB power issues. My power supply was just starting to lose it's girth and I ended up killing 7 X45s in six months. Poor Best Buy.
I have an Evo Wireless; the wireless part sucks, but the stick itself is in great shape still. It has a wide but light base; it won't rock if set on a desk. I keep mine in my lap.
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I also use the Saitek Cyborg EVO, and have had it for almost a year now. The spring is strating to get a little weak, but over all I have been very happy with it. I am getting ready to go up to the X45 or 52..... I would check out Saitek's web site. You can get floor model/demo units for almost half price. I dont have the site addy in front of me, but do a search for Saitek USA....
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Thrustmaster Topgun Afterburner II
Been using mine since 2002, still goin strong. Has enough buttons for all my needs, option of twisty stick or rudder rocker thingy on throttle (I don't know how anyone can use that thing). Never makes my hands hurt or anything... quite comfortable, even for a big hand. :aok :aok
Read hte bottom of your post... you can make it pretty tight. 7 buttons not including trigger, never slides around on me.
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http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A0482926&cs=19&c=us&l=en
thatsis the cheapest i could find this stick
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FYI there are still a lot of Sidewinders for sale on Ebay.
Was even an orginial Sidewinder 3d pro new in box for very reasonable.
Just read it VERY carefully, some of those sidewinders don't have rudder.
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My cyborg EVO is in need of replacement just now. I've had it a little over a year. That's not bad for the price I guess. I liked the 3D gold better.
May step up to CH this time...
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Originally posted by Blooz
Saitek Cyborg Evo
It's USB twisty stick, hat switch and 8 buttons
Has everything you're asking for at $35.
My old stick was a Logitech and I wouldn't wish one of those on a Knight!
Got mine at Mediaplay and I like it.
:aok
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I've got a brand spankin new in box Saitek X45. Picked it up at Best Buy during a sale since I thought I'd lost my replacement warranty paperwork for one that went bad. Found the paperwork and exchanged it.
$50 sound good? I have no idea what it'll cost to ship it.
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I have a Thrustmaster Top Gun Fox 2 Pro, used it for over a year. Does a great job. Comp USA $35 - $40 Dollars. 7 Button, twist rudder, top hat, etc. :aok :noid