Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: sunlust on March 19, 2012, 01:39:00 AM

Title: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: sunlust on March 19, 2012, 01:39:00 AM
its come to the point where i need to get a new flight stick after using my :joystick: saitek st290pro :joystick: i need  to get a new one some one had told me i should get the x52 flightstick pro made by saitek but I'm not 100% sure if id compatible with windows 7 or if it would work for ah. so i figured ask and see what others use so it can help lead me in the direction of my new one.

please try and list all u know  about your flight stick of if u have the x52 pro let me know how you like it :noid :airplane: :joystick: :banana: :bolt: :cheers: :salute :pray :D :rofl :bhead :ahand :furious
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: morfiend on March 19, 2012, 11:38:13 AM
 I have an original X52,got to be close to 10 years old now and it still functions fine. I replaced it last year with a warthog and I couldnt be happier!

  I used the X52 for years and the only issue was the twist rudder started to act up so I got a set of pedals and that solved that problem. If you decide on an X52 do yourself a favour and get a powered USB hub and run the X52 through that,they use plenty of power and not all comps can supply the required power and this will cause problems with calibration.

  Another thing,you dont need to use the SST software,you can program pretty much everything using AH controller setup.


    YMMV.




    :salute
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: titanic3 on March 19, 2012, 11:54:42 AM
I currently use a Saitek Cyborg V1 which fits my hand perfectly and feels extremely smooth.

I also have a brand new Thrustmaster HOTAS X sitting in the closet because my hand can't fit the controller, it's too short and wide. It goes for $50 brand new, but I can sell you mine for $40. Brand new, used for only 2-3 hours.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Bino on March 19, 2012, 12:08:11 PM
I have the USB version of the CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, and Pro Pedals.  I use the CH Manager s/w to assign keystrokes to all the buttons on the throttle and stick, and use the Aces High controller mapping to assign the analog functions. While the CH rig has proven very durable for me over several years (only lost the right pedal toe brake) I still miss the feel of my old pre-Guillemot Thrustmaster rig.  I've used rudder pedals since my first flight sim setup, so they feel quite natural to me.  But not everyone likes pedals. (Can't imagine how they'd cope with a RL plane, but anyway...)
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: ink on March 19, 2012, 01:08:02 PM
its rare that saitek lasts long they straight up suck, except for the peddles.....

I went through at least 3 x52..a cyborg X...a cyborg all within 4 years...hell one of them lasted all of one day :rolleyes:

I have had my CH fighter stick now for about 2 years.....I figure it will last me till I am done flying.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Noir on March 19, 2012, 01:16:50 PM
thrustmaster T16000 stick (prefer it over a CH fighterstick and a X65 stick)
Saitek X65 throttle
Saitek Pro pedals
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: JunkyII on March 19, 2012, 01:24:57 PM
CH Combatstick, CH Throttle, CH Pedals

Can't go wrong with CH
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: guncrasher on March 19, 2012, 01:56:33 PM
my x52 lasted longer than any of my 3 ch fightersticks.  I still use the throttle with a ch and saitek pedals.


if you go ch stick be ready to spend 300 bucks or more as you will need to buy a throttle and pedals.

funny fact:  a good portion of ch stick fans use saitek pedals and throttles.


semp
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: titanic3 on March 19, 2012, 02:33:53 PM
I've been using the same Saitek Cyborg for over 2-3 years now. Still works fine except for one button that broke (my WEP button) because I abused that button way way too much. All other buttons still works perfectly fine, still responsive to my controls, I'll have to recalibrate once every few weeks because the axises gets "loose", but other than that, everything is fine.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: PFactorDave on March 19, 2012, 04:49:23 PM
I used an X52 for well over two years after the hat switch gave out on my Microsoft Sidewinder.  I never had any problems with my X52.  Recently, I had a really good month business wise, and decided to treat myself for my hard work.  I bought a Thrustmaster Warthog, which is an absolutely awesome stick and throttle.

I also use Saitek pedals, the old style.  No problems with them either.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: steely07 on March 19, 2012, 05:21:06 PM
Warthog / Simpeds, only upgrade I can see in my future is those pedals Silat is working on getting, they look niiice
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: SilverZ06 on March 19, 2012, 05:34:15 PM
Ch usb fighterstick, 2 saitek throttle quadrants, and saitek pedals. I really do not care too much for the fighterstick. I think it needs to be mounted lower though to be more comfortable.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Rich52 on March 19, 2012, 05:43:51 PM
I just bought a new X-52, they are going for under $100 now. Had I known the warthog was going to start pricing under $400 I would have bought that.

Things is I dont fly much nowdays and dont want to mess with new profile making and all that drama. My X-52s last 2 to 4 years so its not unreasonable. Im just used to them and they are cheap and fairly dependable.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Bino on March 19, 2012, 07:25:47 PM
Here's one that seems well-suited to the B-38 drivers out there in the audience, despite the Cessna logo.   ;)

http://www.sportys.com/Pilotshop/product/16797 (http://www.sportys.com/Pilotshop/product/16797)

(http://www.sportys.com/source/images/products/large/16798.jpg)

(I think it's from Saitek.)
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: olds442 on March 21, 2012, 11:25:47 AM
ive got a X52 pro and when i got it, it was saitek didnt give me a refund saying that "your shipping did it" -__- so i took a look at it about 2 mounthes later and took the plate of on the underside turns out saiteks screwed up the wiring and it went right past the HAL sensor and made it not work. it works now, but saitek sucks
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: mechanic on March 21, 2012, 11:27:09 AM
ms sidewinder 2
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: ACE on March 21, 2012, 12:28:11 PM
ive got a X52 pro and when i got it, it was saitek didnt give me a refund saying that "your shipping did it" -__- so i took a look at it about 2 mounthes later and took the plate of on the underside turns out saiteks screwed up the wiring and it went right past the HAL sensor and made it not work. it works now, but saitek sucks

Just because your stick sucked doesn't mean the company does?
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Tom5572 on March 21, 2012, 03:15:24 PM
I have had three x52s over the last five years. Two regular, one pro. The first did not last me a year, the second the x, y, and z axies went out after about six months. The pro lasted almost eight months before I started losing hat switches. I ran all three through a Belkin powered hub. I finally broke down and bought a CH stick two years ago and have not had a problem since. I use the throttle from the pro and will continue until it dies. My Saitek rudder pedals have lasted for four years and recommend them. I do not recommend Saiteks sticks after having the CH. The CH stick seems more precise and more sturdy. The only thing I do not like about it is the placement of the hat switch, it seems a stretch for my thumb. When my throttle dies, I will replace it with a CH throttle.

I have nothing but good to say about the pedals. They survived two tours in Iraq with no issues. The CH stick was with me for one of those. I like the wider stance on the pedals, they seem pretty precise. All around I think they are a good deal for the money.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Hamltnblue on March 21, 2012, 03:19:28 PM
It all depends on how much you have to spend.  A good mid range stick would be the Saitek X52pro. It's much better than the standard.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: cattb on March 21, 2012, 04:26:17 PM
x52, windows 7 pro, on second 1. First lasted a little more then year, but was also a repaired 2nd from manufacturer aND PRICED ACCORDINGLY. (OPPS) Second 1 is couple years or more old . Also I don't use it much in the summer and fall months.

Fighter stick seems to be better, but they are not twisty sticks and need pedals. Also repar parts can be found for CH sticks. I have yet to find repar parts for saitek.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Wiley on March 22, 2012, 10:41:30 AM
I use an x52 and saitek pedals.  The X52 is an okay stick, some of the non-hall sensors have gone a bit spiky on me but I'm fairly sure if I cleaned them it would be fine.

Hats and buttons have held up well, mine doesn't lose calibration ever.  It's not a bad stick, if you're easy on your gear.  If you're the kind that gets irked and tosses the stick to the side, or if you slam it around violently to max deflection a lot, it probably wouldn't stand up to a lot of that.  I'm pretty easy on my controls and it's done fine for me.

When this thing dies, my replacement will likely be a Warthog.

Wiley.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Melvin on March 22, 2012, 10:54:58 AM
I too started with the ST-290 Pro. Eventually some of the buttons started to give out.

For ~$30 you can get the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS.

That's what I did, and I love it.

 :salute
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: ACE on March 22, 2012, 01:12:11 PM
I use the Logitech Extreme 3D pro.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: ebfd11 on March 22, 2012, 02:14:45 PM
Right now I am using the Logitech G940, only problem I have had with it is one of the gears in the ffb stripped out some, so a squaddie and I have made a trade and I will be getting the X64. The only problem is I have to order a new set of pedals so i can fly, other than that I as happy with my Logitech setup.

What I would love to do is find some one to machine the gears out of a lightweight aircraft aluminum, but to find the time to get it done is the only problem.

LawnDart
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: olds442 on March 23, 2012, 08:40:38 PM
Just because your stick sucked doesn't mean the company does?
they built it did they not?
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: ACE on March 23, 2012, 09:15:11 PM
they built it did they not?
Yes.  That doesn't mean the company is bad ? Just the product you had... Kids these days...
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: BERN1 on March 23, 2012, 09:30:42 PM
sidewinder FFB2 ch pedals also have a couple of the original sidewinders I used for squad  get togethers.
went through 2 saitek x-45's, a saitek cyborg lasted a month and fire button died, and have rebuilt the ffb2 twice with new buttons and now new power supply board.
my next stick will probably be a CH product
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: BaldEagl on March 24, 2012, 03:35:58 AM
I've been using the same Saitek AV8R for a couple of years now but Saitek's do have a tendancy to break so I keep and ST290 as an emergency back-up.

Back when Best Buy carried Saitek I got one with the extended warrany which I used to replace it when it broke and I sent one back to Madcatz for repair which they did under warranty.  I've got a Saitek graveyard in my closet but they're the only twisty option for a lefty these days.  On average they are good for about six to twelve months although I've had them break in as little as three months and last as long as my current one (a couple of years).

I do like the feel and response when they are working and the AV8R has a lot of buttons.

I wish my old Sidewinder 3D Pro worked with a USB port.  That thing lasted 13 years and was only retired because it's not compatible with current computers.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: The Fugitive on March 24, 2012, 10:23:29 AM
I've been using the same Saitek AV8R for a couple of years now but Saitek's do have a tendancy to break so I keep and ST290 as an emergency back-up.

Back when Best Buy carried Saitek I got one with the extended warrany which I used to replace it when it broke and I sent one back to Madcatz for repair which they did under warranty.  I've got a Saitek graveyard in my closet but they're the only twisty option for a lefty these days.  On average they are good for about six to twelve months although I've had them break in as little as three months and last as long as my current one (a couple of years).

I do like the feel and response when they are working and the AV8R has a lot of buttons.

I wish my old Sidewinder 3D Pro worked with a USB port.  That thing lasted 13 years and was only retired because it's not compatible with current computers.

If it was me, I'd pull apart some of those in the "graveyard" and used the board and other parts to get the 3D Pro running again. Just a thought
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: olds442 on March 24, 2012, 05:34:46 PM
Yes.  That doesn't mean the company is bad ? Just the product you had... Kids these days...
they way they made it is bad the wring sucks its a clumpy mess, my cyborg x52 was the same way.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: MK-84 on March 29, 2012, 07:02:59 PM
MS Sidewinder Precision Pro, bouthg it in...gawd..maybe 98?  Still works!!!  It's a little loose around all axis now, especially the twisty.

It's older than some of the pilots here :D
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 29, 2012, 07:42:05 PM
Yes.  That doesn't mean the company is bad ? Just the product you had... Kids these days...

Saitek has never been known for their build quality, it is rather cheaply made product and it hasn't improved since the buy out from MadCatz.

ack-ack
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: TheTopBloke on March 29, 2012, 07:58:38 PM
Logitech Attack 3. Nothing fancy. I used to have a Saitek X52 back in the day. that was overkill IMHO. But I'm happy with the Attack on the right and mouse for head movement on the left. Eventually I'll be back on track IR.
Title: Re: whicht flight stick do you use for ah?
Post by: guncrasher on March 29, 2012, 08:27:25 PM
Saitek has never been known for their build quality, it is rather cheaply made product and it hasn't improved since the buy out from MadCatz.

ack-ack

of course ch is known for having the best quality, except for  the "little problem" with the wires on the pedals which has never been fixed.  plus the sticks being really comfortable to use.  having had owned 3 ch fighter sticks versus 1 x52.  then again, i am probably the exception.  my first ch stick i returned as it lost calibration every other fight.  my second one wasnt any better so i dropped a 40 ton steel slab over it.  my 3rd one which was a hand me down from a friend isnt doing too bad.  it does lose calibration and I end up with a plane upside down  but I guess i got used to it by now.


semp