Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Muzzy on November 16, 2011, 10:26:05 PM
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I'm hoping to get back into the game in January and wanted to know if there are any decent flight controllers for around $100. I was looking at the X52 for one. Need some advice so I can put it on my wish list.
Thanks all,
-Muzzy
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I like CH :)
I use x52 throttle which is very good :old:
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Here's what you do:
Buy the X52 (non-pro). It's at Amazon.com for $82.82 with free shipping CLICK HERE (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00030GSJY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=youremyperser-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B00030GSJY)
It has a twisty rudder, a "half decent" stick, and a throttle with a lot of fun buttons to play with!
Now these things are power hungry so I highly recommend a powered USB hub as well. Here is a cheap one for five bucks CLICK HERE (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010LXT5Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=youremyperser-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0010LXT5Q)
I can tell you that in several months you'll be tired of the twisty rudder and there's also a chance you'll want a stick that's more precise. By then you'll have saved up some more money so what you can do is buy a set of pedals and your stick of choice. A lot of people here swear by the CH stick - personally I don't like how it feels but it is very nice quality and very precise and my problems with it are due to my small hands. Anyway when you're ready to upgrade you can still keep the throttle from the X52 as it works just fine by itself!
A lot of people also recommend you buy this stuff from provantage.com as they tend to be cheaper but once you factor in shipping a lot of their stuff actually ends up being more expensive. All you can do is compare prices with shipping and go with the cheapest.
Check out FLIGHT CENTRAL. It's an Amazon store and almost everything on it has free shipping (if the total is over $25). CLICK HERE (http://astore.amazon.com/youremyperser-20)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2zdzmms.jpg) (http://astore.amazon.com/youremyperser-20)
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+1
Most of all have fun it can be lost if your not carefull :old:
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Thanks for the advice. What is this CH stick you speak of?
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CH isnt cheap. Its not A-10 Thrustmaster expensive but for the same $100 you spend on the X52 you will get a throttle *or* a joystick. X52 doesnt work for me because it will get sloppy in three months. The X52 Pro is $50 more and has more precision but as you will discover over time when the system gets a little old it wont have the same precision. You can probably get one or two years out of it if you arent an aficionado.
I use CH and I wont use anything else. I have had them last for up to ten years without maintenance and longer with.
I think Amazon or Newegg either one will have CH Fighter stick and Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals but all three will run about $300. There may be more affordable sites.
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CH isnt cheap. Its not A-10 Thrustmaster expensive but for the same $100 you spend on the X52 you will get a throttle *or* a joystick. X52 doesnt work for me because it will get sloppy in three months. The X52 Pro is $50 more and has more precision but as you will discover over time when the system gets a little old it wont have the same precision. You can probably get one or two years out of it if you arent an aficionado.
I use CH and I wont use anything else. I have had them last for up to ten years without maintenance and longer with.
I think Amazon or Newegg either one will have CH Fighter stick and Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals but all three will run about $300. There may be more affordable sites.
I disagree. I used my X52 (non-pro) for several years and it was just as tight after that time as when it was new! It's still in my closet waiting to be used as a backup should it ever need to be!
Also the CH throttle really brings nothing to the table that the X52 throttle doesn't and the X52 stick AND throttle is less expensive than just the CH Throttle! What I'm getting at is in a few months if his X52 gets sloppy he can put it in the closet as a backup, keep the X52 throttle and buy a CH Fighterstick and STILL come out of the deal spending less money! Of course he'll need rudder pedals as well since the CH isn't a twisty but that's a different matter altogether.
Unless he's dead set on having a matching stick and throttle, there really is no reason NOT to buy the X52.
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Well I don't know how often I will be playing, although I wore out one of those logitech 3D Pro's within a few months play. :joystick: I can see why you would want to buy the Saitek first, then get the the CH. The CH runs about $100 on it's own, so when I manage to wear out the saitek I can get the CH and still have a decent throttle. Makes sense.
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I like my Logitech g940 ..
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Well I don't know how often I will be playing, although I wore out one of those logitech 3D Pro's within a few months play. :joystick: I can see why you would want to buy the Saitek first, then get the the CH. The CH runs about $100 on it's own, so when I manage to wear out the saitek I can get the CH and still have a decent throttle. Makes sense.
The ch stick actually has a wheel on the left side of it that can very easily bee used as a throttle.
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I disagree...
Free country. To me the difference is similar to a squirt gun (Saitek) versus a 1911 Colt (CH).
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:)
I modded the X52 after I got my CH stick and X52 is very nice.
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Best non FFB stick = CH
Best FFB stick - Microsoft FFB 2
If you are impressed with glowing blue lights or hazard warning stickers like zack is go with Saitek :lol
p.s he modded his stick so the lights are pink!
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Free country. To me the difference is similar to a squirt gun (Saitek) versus a 1911 Colt (CH).
I'm not disagreeing about CH being an overall better stick than Saitek. It's more solid, more precise and better built no one is arguing that, but your claim that the X52 "will get sloppy in three months" I feel is preposterous. If you truly did trash an X52 in three months then it was either A> Seriously misbuilt on the assembly line or B> Seriously abused.
You make it sound like Saitek is a huge piece of garbage which it is not. It may not be "as good" as CH where quality is concerned but it's definitely much better than many other sticks out there. For someone on a budget it's the perfect solution because they can get Stick with twisty rudder and throttle - basically a full HOTAS setup for less money than JUST a CH stick (which does not have a twisty rudder).
I'm glad you love your CH but when you come out and talk about bad the X52 is and how poorly constructed and poor quality it is.. and then IMMEDIATELY talk about how GREAT CH is and how long it lasts and how many years you've used it (regardless as to how true you think it is) then it just makes you come across as a fan boy and nobody wants to take you seriously, especially when you mention that you've been using CH for the last ten years yet the X52 has only been available for what.. 8 or 9? It sounds like you've never owned one and you're basing your trash talking about it on "anecdotal" evidence which may not be the norm.
You remind me of an uncle I have who is an Apple fanboy and even though my droid phone does EVERYTHING I need it to do (and then some) and costs a FRACTION what his iPhone costs he still manages to trash talk my droid phone every chance he's got. It makes no sense whatsoever.
Muzzy claims to have a budget of $100 and because of that a CH stick is simply not an option for him unless he comes up with a couple hundred more for a throttle and rudders. Given his budget I still stand behind my claim that the X52 is the perfect solution. In a few months if the stick truly DOES wear out then at least he'll have had time to save up for better gear.
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Tigger it comes sloppy right out of the box unless you use rudder pedals. After a single month the stick is so sloppy I cant stand to use one. One month not three. I said three because no one uses a joystick more than I do. If you sledom fly or fly only bombers maybe you can get more life out of one but to me... its a squirt gun.
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Tigger it comes sloppy right out of the box unless you use rudder pedals. After a single month the stick is so sloppy I cant stand to use one. One month not three. I said three because no one uses a joystick more than I do. If you sledom fly or fly only bombers maybe you can get more life out of one but to me... its a squirt gun.
I actually agree completely with Challenge. I got an X52 when I came to AH after not playing since AW died. I bought it because it wasn't too expensive and I could have it that day. It lasted me until I could Dave for the CH rig. The stick just wasn't very precise, , period.
The throttle however really was quite nice..
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I know what Im talking about not only because of direct hands-on experience but also because I actually *do* take people into the TA and teach them how to setup their joystick. When I engage someone with an X52 I know within the first few seconds exactly what stick they have and whether or not they have tried to tame it and about how old it is. Its that obvious.
Recently we had one of our squad members switch from the X52 to the CH setup. He had been cursing for years and pulling his hair out and time after time he would watch my films that I post to the squad forum and beg to question how the *^%*&% I could place every shot directly into the cockpit of my target... or how I could saw a wing off a plane with hit sprites that describe a line across the wing. Well its not just the controller. You do have to do some setup. But its not possible at all with an X52. So one of our squad guys bought him the sticks and sent it to him because after years of listening to him we knew he never would change it himself. Boom! Instant change. One trip into the TA and Bang! things are all smoothed out. Now of course he still isnt used to pedals but it wont be long and he will be a bona fide rope salesman just like me. :aok
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There are a couple very good simple mods on x52 which make the stick very good :old:
They are all in the forums :)
The CH stick is good but has the problem with position if hat switch for some people :old:
How did you know I have pink lights on my throttle Pervert? :)
I have both saitek and CH pedals both again have negative and positive points :)
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Here is a couple of links to sticks in his area for price if this helps
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=joysticks+for+pc&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=XzS&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1908&bih=917&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12305667071633546011&sa=X&ei=mf7ITvSJH8P10gGs0fG5Dw&ved=0CNMBEPMCMAY4Cg
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=joysticks+for+pc&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=gN8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1908&bih=917&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15243363367757701733&sa=X&ei=Ef_ITp-yN-Xu0gGRmd34Dw&ved=0CIYBEPMCMAE4Hg
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05841138000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=27-70143687-2
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=joysticks+for+pc&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=s4S&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1908&bih=917&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=1801584783819885799&sa=X&ei=if_ITv77Nojt0gHlsLmtBQ&ved=0CI8BEPMCMAA
I hope that help you out sir
Lawndart
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If you've been reading these boards for years and seen the question crop up again and again, you'll notice certain trends. One of which is the great majority of people like their CH sticks and say they can man-handle them and they still work just like new. And that a lot of people say their Saitek sticks wear out quickly. So on average, you should probably go with CH to get a stick that lasts. To go with Saitek is a gamble.
But there are a lot of sticks out there. One of the newer ones I'd like to see more reviews of is this one:
Thrustmaster T-16000M (Conveniently linked by Lawndart):
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05841138000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=27-70143687-2
Its less than half the price of a CH stick, made by the same company using some of the same technology as in the $500 Warthog stick.
I really like the idea of a higher resolution stick, because 256 discreet values to describe each axis as all CH products (and most other joysticks) use is a joke and is a technology that should not have outlasted the 1990s, let alone until 2011. Every other consumer product you can think of that connects to a computer has advanced past 8-bit resolution, and they made the transition over a decade ago, but joystick tech is still stuck in the 1980s for some reason.
So I say, give the Thrustmaster T-16000M a try and let us know how you like it. :D
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I like CH sticks not just because they last for a decade (or more), but mostly because to me they have the best and smoothest feel.
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There are a couple very good simple mods on x52 which make the stick very good :old:
They are all in the forums :)
The CH stick is good but has the problem with position if hat switch for some people :old:
How did you know I have pink lights on my throttle Pervert? :)
I have both saitek and CH pedals both again have negative and positive points :)
I didn't but I do now! :old:
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I have had 3 ch fighter sticks in les than two years, all 3 sucked big time. have more problems with them than with my x52. I have to calibrate the fighter stick every time I log in.
semp
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I find that so improbable that I must refuse to accept its validity. :ahand
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I find that so improbable that I must refuse to accept its validity. :ahand
send me your stick, i'll send you mine. then you can prove me wrong.
semp
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My first X52 lasted a year when the triggers went out. I bought my 2nd one last Xmas.It lasted 3 months and was replaced on warranty in March,the 1st of this month the stick quit working and replacement ships Nov 29.So in the space of eleven months have gone thru 2 sticks and lost the use of what I paid for seven weeks. I like the stick but to use it you will need a spare! :joystick:
I do use the stick alot and I don't abuse it! Just glad I kept the old one with worn out trigger.
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Anyone have any experience with the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS? I'm thinking of getting that one, not sure though, its only 50 bucks, and I'm thinking it is too good to be true at that price.
http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t
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Had the x52, found the stick too light on resistance - bout a combat stick (CH) and found it much more to my personal liking. Sent the x52 to someone from here, who, as far as I know, is still using it.
I use the combat stick, saitek throttle and pedals and to me, they are ideal - if/when the throttle dies, might pony up for the ch throttle - merely for the commonality between stick and throttle (it'll match on me desk lol....).
Seems like all purchases, some get good, some get bad - you pays your money, and takes your chance.
Wurz
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I have had 3 ch fighter sticks in les than two years, all 3 sucked big time. have more problems with them than with my x52. I have to calibrate the fighter stick every time I log in.
semp
Though you will disagree but I'm willing to bet the problem was more with something in your system conflicting with the sticks instead or something else wrong with your system.
ack-ack
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Though you will disagree but I'm willing to bet the problem was more with something in your system conflicting with the sticks instead or something else wrong with your system.
ack-ack
it's been on two different systems ack ack. positive it's the stick as you can see it jumping around before I calibrate. ah is the only game i use it with so I have nothing else to compare.
semp
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Anyone have any experience with the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS? I'm thinking of getting that one, not sure though, its only 50 bucks, and I'm thinking it is too good to be true at that price.
http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t
We have two of those that we keep as squad rigs in case someone needs them. I haven't used one myself but some squaddies have play tested them in game and say they are just fine and work well. They seem to be holding up nicely too. Fwiw.
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Ch products is vastly superior to any twisty stick by huge margins. First of all you can not control three stick inputs (Roll,pitch,yaw) as well with one hand as you can just pitch and roll. I know the brain likes to but hand is not up to the task. The ability of plastic and springs to do the same thing is even less, and durability is a pipedream. Ch uses a heavy duty gimbals and are nearly indestructable. Your flying will improve and you will know why. They are expensive though and thats why the twisty is sometimes a good option. How much are you willing to spend is the big question here.
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it's been on two different systems ack ack. positive it's the stick as you can see it jumping around before I calibrate. ah is the only game i use it with so I have nothing else to compare.
semp
I've had that problem with sticks on some machines. The solution (recommended by factory reps) was to plug them into powered USB hubs. Output was rock steady from then on.
I think that the motherboard USB ports have quite wimpy power regulators that can't handle giving out higher current for long. Eventually, they crap out, and from then on you get spiky output from your potentiometers.
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I have a powered usb, acutely this is my 3rd as I replaced them every year.
semp
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The motherboard USB ports at the back (riser area) can become affected by CH controllers to the point that even using a powered USB hub will result in unreliable functions. Sometimes when that happens you can still use the USB headers intended for the front side connections and get reliable functions. It doesnt always work out that way but if you are using a powered hub and CH controllers are not stable then you likely have a MB USB issue. In that case it is not always caused by drawing too much current. It can be caused by a PSU that is not delivering adequate power to the MB or another device that is causing a Windows side instability. I had a UPS USB connection causing Windows issues as an example and I am sure there are many more potential pitfalls than we know of.
Semp I think I already said that your anomaly is so radically outside of the expected result that it must be disregarded. Some other issue must be at work.
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I have a powered usb, acutely this is my 3rd as I replaced them every year.
semp
Yikes. I don't think I've had powered USB hubs that ever failed.
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Yikes. I don't think I've had powered USB hubs that ever failed.
they have never failed me i just replaced them as a gift to me every year.
semp
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Anyone have any experience with the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS? I'm thinking of getting that one, not sure though, its only 50 bucks, and I'm thinking it is too good to be true at that price.
http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t
I have been using one (actually a TopGun Afterburner 2, the previous non-Playstation model) for a few years now without any major problems. The tension is adjustable and you can choose from using either twisty (lockable if not in use) or a rocking switch in the throttle for rudder control. Or pedals, as I do, using the rocker for back/forth movement. I've heard the current model has a couple of buttons more than mine, which is always a good thing. The stick is pretty much modeled similar to a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, only that there is no button in the thumb rest, also less buttons on the top.
As for quality, right from the start I felt like the stick would split at the bottom part, but OTOH there is no point to force the stick beyond it's movement range. I've heard that real WW2 pilots handle joysticks very gently, with quite small movements just as they did in a real plane. Actually, an FAF pilot manual from the late forties showed the stick top movements in real size, fitting on a matchbox. Food for thought...
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IMO the best cheap joystick is the Thrustmaster T-16000, I prefer it over a CH fighterstick and the X65-F. The X65 throttle is brutal tho.