What Type Of Joystick Should I Get???

[KrYp]

Hey everyone. Just want to first start off by saying this game is awesome:aok! I saw a commercial for this game watching Dog Fights on the History Channel. I just downloaded it on Saturday and I'm finding it almost immpossible to fly with my mouse, i've fiddled with it to try and adjust the sensitvity of it and what not. Still immpossible to use. So I was wondering what you all recommend for me to start out with. I'm really only looking into just buying one that I can use as a beginner and as I get better and better at the game. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appericated:D . Hope to eventually meet you all in combat. Thanks for the help. Sincerely, Adam

[Dichotomy]

Personally I prefer CH products

http://www.chproducts.com/

However stick, pedals, throttle, can set you back $300+  If you're not sure you're going to stick around that long you might want to consider something a little less expensive

[Mace2004]

The CH seems to be the general concensus for a great stick but it's pricy.  A bit more economical would be the Saitek X-52 which, like the CH has both a stick and separate throttle quadrant as well as a very large number of available buttons and controls.  That'll run you about $100-$120 bucks for the stick/throttle then you can later add the pedals for another $100-$130 at a later date.  Whatever you choose make sure you look for a significant number of programable buttons as well as rudder control (twisty or rocker style if you're not going to spring for pedals right away).

There's been a large number of posts for sticks so you should do a search to see the wide variety of recommendations.  Good luck!

Mace

[slowstick]

I started with a ST290 and went from there. It retails for $30-$40

[SKJohn]

At Walmart the other day I saw a new Saitek made specifically for flight sims.  It had a view hat, twisty rudder, several programmable buttons and DUAL THROTTLES (for you P-38 and Mossie drivers . . . ).  
IIRC, seemed like it was in the $20-30 range.  Was also completely ambidextrious and could be set up for either hand, as well as adjusted up and down for size.  
Don't remember the exact name, but I remember thinking this would probably be a good begining stick for people to try out AH until they decide if they're gonna stick around or not.

[Mace2004]

Originally posted by SKJohn
At Walmart the other day I saw a new Saitek made specifically for flight sims.  It had a view hat, twisty rudder, several programmable buttons and DUAL THROTTLES (for you P-38 and Mossie drivers . . . ).  
IIRC, seemed like it was in the $20-30 range.  Was also completely ambidextrious and could be set up for either hand, as well as adjusted up and down for size.  
Don't remember the exact name, but I remember thinking this would probably be a good begining stick for people to try out AH until they decide if they're gonna stick around or not.

I think that's the "Aviator".  It's an interesting looking stick but don't know how good it is.

[Bad31st]

If your gonna buy a stick there are 2 features that I think are essential for this game Twist motion for rudder and some type of throttle control either on the stick or a seperate unit.

A quality stick really makes a difference for this addiction imo. However they can be quite costly...

When I first started out I just bought an inexpensive logitech twisty stick, while that stick lasted less than a year it got me started...I wouldn't recomend buying any logitech stick btw...Saitek makes some inexpensive models that may fit the bill...

Once you decide to stay around I'd recomend a Saitek X-52...

[GTS]

Start here,  there is no better place to start in my opinion.  Cheap and functional.

CyborgEVO

[Fianna]

I'd add an 8-way hat switch to the list of features your stick should have.

[FBplmmr]

do not buy a logitec sstick!!!

[BaldEagl]

I bought a Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro over 10 years ago.  Mid-price range stick at the time.  Still using it.  Unfortunately I don't think they make them anymore.

It's a twisty stick with 7 buttons, trigger, 8 way hat switch and throttle slider.  Thats probably about the minimum configuration you need.

[Bad31st]

Originally posted by Fianna
I'd add an 8-way hat switch to the list of features your stick should have.

doh! I knew I was forgeting something

[1K3]

Guys, what is so special about CH.  I've seen and touched a CH yoke and joystick.  The Yoke and Joystick feels too light and too cheap to be called industrial-made.  I think my Microsoft Force Feedback 2 (i don't use feedback mode btw) has better internal components (optical sensors, not potentiometers to keep better track of the joystick) and it is heavier so it stays indefinitely on the table.

[The Fugitive]

I just retired my CH analog joystick, but only because it can't be programmed easily in XP, and run the "keyboard" emulation thru an XP computer didn't supply enough voltage to it thru the SB2 plug. I had used the stick for over 5 years, and had bought it off Ebay, so there is no telling how much use it had before me.

So acouple years in AW, and the rest here, and it was still solid as a rock! CH is the best! I've used Suncom, Thrustmaster, and MS sidewinder. Once I got mu CH I'll never go back. I have a full CH set-up all USB now, I'm good for life. Mine are velcroed down, so moving around isn't a problem, but for those who might, in the excitement of battle   "throw" theirs off the desk, CH has parts avalible.

[Schatzi]

Good stick to buy:

That very much depends on what you can/are willing to spend money wise.

What you definitly NEED is this:
8-way hatswitch
throttle lever
rudder control (twisty or rocker rudder)
as many buttons as you can get.

In the price range to 50 EUR, there are a few good sticks like the Saitek ST290 Pro or Saitek Evo, both being twisty rudder control (ie you need to twist the stick handle for rudder input). I myself used a Speedlink Black Widow (rocker rudder!) for over a year and with much success. Another good one low price are the Saitek Evo (twisty) and the Thrustmaster afterbutner II (can do both, twisty or rocker).

If you know youll stick with the game for a while, and can afford it, go for a Saitek X45 (rather stiff springs, rocker rudder) or a Saitek X52 (twisty and pretty loose springs). Those, combined with a set of rudder pedals, are fully HOTAS (ie you do not need to remove your hands from stick while fighting). They will cost you (without peds) about 100-130 EUR.

The top notch best thats out there is CH products. Joystick, throttle and pedals will cost you around 350-400 EUR. Those will last a lifetime though. This is something id only buy if youre sure youre going to be in the flight sim "business" for a while.

I started out with a 10 EUR stick (small throttle, no rudder, 5 buttons) - which was completely useless. Even before my free trial was out, i bought the Speedlink stick.... which was a very good deal for the money and got me a long way. In the long run, i needed more buttons for finer and quicker control in fights (no need to remove hand from stick to drop flaps etc) - im now on a X45 and CH pedals, that one by one will be replaced with CH stuff as they go out.

What you buy is kind of a personal preference. If you can do it, go to a media store and take a few sticks in your hands - see which one fits into your hands well. Youll also need to decide if you like twisty or rocker rudder better. Then google for the sticks and try to find a good deal on the web. Comparing prices can really pay off. Id be vary of used sticks from EBay - even if they are looking good and new on the outside, you cant see inside.... its usually not worth the reduced price. If you get new, youll always have a warranty.

Whatever you buy, stay away from logitech joysticks. They have a pretty low quality at the moment and usually only last a few months.


I hope this helps you a bit,