Author Topic: Solid Reliable Inexpensive Joysticks? (Read 356 times)

Seagoon · « **on:** July 22, 2003, 10:12:08 PM »

Hi Guys,

Last night I broke the throttle control on my second MS-Sidewinder Precision 2 Joystick in less than 6 months. It only cost me around $39, so I'm not crushed, but it would be nice to find a Joystick that didn't need to be replaced on an all too regular basis.

So far I've been through the Sidewinders and the Wingman series of Joysticks and broken pretty much all of them. And no, I don't attempt to stand on them or do anything excessive, dangerous, or physically impossible despite the occasional on-screen suggestions of other pilots.

So what I wanted to do was to get your advice and input prior to buying the next one. What I am looking for is a twisty Joystick, with a hat switch, throttle, and multiple buttons, that will actually last for more than a couple of months. I will gladly sacrifice almost every bell and whistle if I can just get some durability.

Your assistance in delivering me from the curse of cheap plastic junk is greatly appreciated.

- SEAGOON

Mike_2851 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2003, 02:48:56 AM »

I don't have much comparison experience, but I have talked to a lot of people and read a lot of posts. Right now I have an X-45 Saitek, the stick before that was a Logitec Wingman FF 3D. The transition between the two was quite a learning curve but well worth it-I love the X-45, and it seems to be a real popular stick & throttle set. Definately not a twisty stick though. I guess the bottom line is the obvious-You get what you pay for. I would highly reccomend the Saitek X-45.

FOGOLD · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2003, 05:07:00 AM »

I have a Cougar which sits looking pretty in the corner. Now I use a Thrustmaster TopGun Afterburner II Non FFB. It is an excellent stick and £25 English Pounds.

Also use rudders though.

JBA · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2003, 10:53:12 AM »

My 2-year-old stood on my Wingman FF. and it still works great.

How hard do you play, that you broke the throttle?

daddog · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2003, 02:52:57 PM »

I have used CH Products for years. Never had one break. One stick and pedals I had I used for almost 4 years till I gave them away.

Bought my USB throttle here and was very pleased with their service.

http://www.fscentral.com/hardwarehangar.html

spiffykraits · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2003, 06:31:50 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by daddog
I have used CH Products for years. Never had one break. One stick and pedals I had I used for almost 4 years till I gave them away.

Bought my USB throttle here and was very pleased with their service.

http://www.fscentral.com/hardwarehangar.html

Still using my CH Products stick from 12 years of use.

It hasn't a twisty rudder though -needs seperate pedals. The only thing that goes on them is the wiring loom down the handle after very very prolonged use as the wires get bent so often, which usually shows up as intermitent buttons or views eventually, as the wire-break makes and unmakes contact as you move the stick where the wiring loom bends. Easy enough to replace the wires if you can solder, I have had to replace the wiring loom only once in the handle after 8 years.

Never heard of anyone actually breaking them- they are built strong, and the pots last a very long time too, I have only had to replace one and CH sent me that free.