Which joystick to buy?

[Zekial]

I started off usng the logitech 3d pro and i am looking to upgrade my joystick. Any suggestions on what is good? Appreciate it guys. 

[MachFly]

X-52      

I been using mine for 5 (or 6) years and it works great.



http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-X52-Flight-Control-System/dp/B00030GSJY

[Ardy123]

I recommend the CH Fighterstick

It's not a twisty so you may need rudder pedals (if you don't have them).

http://www.chproducts.com/retail/j_fighter_usb.html

[Soulyss]

Sort of depends on what you want to spend and what you want to get out of it.  Saitek HOTAS systems are cheaper than the CH stuff, on the other hand CH enjoys a reputation for higher durability and could last longer before needing replacement.  Those are likely going to be the two most recommended systems assuming you're looking for a HOTAS style configuration. 

[Dichotomy]

My opinion, for what it's worth, is if you're planning on making a long term commitment to the game is go CH.  Saitek is nice and a lot of really great sticks use them but I've never felt comfortable with them. 

Go to a store that carries both and get the feel of them and decide for yourself Then come back once you've purchased your stick of choice and ask questions about set up.

Regardless,

Best of luck

Dicho

[Gman]

Depends on your budget.  Big Time.

The X52 Pro isn't bad, I like mine and it's sub 200$ ish.

The Fighterstick/Combatstick with the Throttle and Pedals will cost you at least 300$ for full HOTAS.

IMO, the best thing you can get is the Wartog from TM, at 500$ with no pedds, it isn't cheap, but the best I've had so far.

If you only have 100$ ish, get the Fighterstick or Combatstick .

[iRommel]

I've been using a Logitech 3D Pro for a while now, just ordered a x52 Pro - can't wait for it to arrive! 

[PFactorDave]

Another consideration is how hard you are on sticks.  Some guys just man handle and beat the crap out of their gear.  Throw it across the room, slam it on the desk when frustrated.  If you tend to be hard on the stuff, you might want to invest in the heavier duty equipment.

[Zekial]

I heard the X52 needs to be recallibrated continuously......is that true? 

[morfiend]

 No Zekial,the X52 suffers from it's owners!!!  You need a powered usb hub as the 52 used plenty of power and most usb buses just dont supply it. Also the wire between the throttle and joystick often comes loose and this causes the LED's to flash and some people loose calibration.


  I've used an X52 for 6 os 7 years,same one and I rarely calibrate it.In fact I just reconected it as my warthog has to be returned for warranty repair/replacement and a quick ingame calibration is all I did! Thats the first time I've calibrated my stick in a couple of years.


  So use a good hub and secure the wire that connects the joystick to throttle on both ends and you shouldnt have a problem.

 YMMV.



       

[iRommel]

Do I really need to use an external hub for the x52 or will the PCI-powered usb ports or the motherboard ones suffice?

[Skuzzy]

That will depend on your motherboard and how many USB devices you have connected to the computer.  No matter how many ports you have available, there is only 2 USB hubs inside the computer.

Most of the time an externally powered USB hub is required for the higher end sticks.

[Silent6]

Another consideration is how hard you are on sticks.  Some guys just man handle and beat the crap out of their gear.  Throw it across the room, slam it on the desk when frustrated.  If you tend to be hard on the stuff, you might want to invest in the heavier duty equipment.

Lol throw you stick around often?

[guncrasher]

2 of my last 3 ch sticks were a pos.  one I returned it the first day, the second I burned with a torch out of frustration.  the 3rd one is hand me down from a friend.  so far it's working ok.  best stick I ever had was the x52.

semp

[Tigger29]

If you're looking for a HOTAS solution, there are six mainstream options:

Saitek X52 Pro(Or the X52 non-pro if you can still find it).
Pros:
-Hall Effect X & Y Axes
-Twisty Stick and Throttle
-Lots of buttons and hats
-Very comfortable
Cons:
-Uses a LOT of power
-Spring tension is weak.  There are ways to tighten this up but not without minor 'modding'
-A bit less precise (the Magnet Mod is reported to fix this)
-Tends to suffer from calibration loss.  The vast majority of the time this is due to a USB bus that can't supply enough power (in which case a powered hub will help) or due to the cable that connects the stick to the throttle coming loose.
-Seems to have a higher-than-average number of lemons made, but usually if you have a good one it lasts a long time.

Saitek X65
Pros:
-Split Throttle
-New Technology
-Has twisty rudder function
Cons:
-New product so durability has yet to be established
*NOTE:  The way this stick works is drastically different than traditional sticks.  The stick does not move, rather it measures how much pressure you apply to it.  While this same technology is used with modern US Fighter Jets, it may seem too 'artificial' for a WWII sim.

CH Sticks
Pros:
-Very precise
-Reported to be of very high quality
Cons:
-More expensive as you have to buy each component individually
-I've heard the programming software has a lot to be desired but I've never used it so I can't tell you
-Less comfortable unless you have very big hands
-Still uses potentiometers in all axes

Thrustmaster Warthog
Pros:
-Heavy, very good quality
-Very precise
-Hall Effect X & Y Axes
-Split Throttle
Cons:
-At least twice the cost of an X52 Pro HOTAS
-New product so durability has yet to be established

Logitech G940
Pros:
-Force Feedback
-Economical as it comes with the Stick, the Throttle, *AND* Rudder pedals
-Split Throttle
-Lots of programmable Axes including 5 trim wheels
-Hall Effect X & Y Axes
Cons:
-Programming software is still just a tad buggy
-REVERSAL BUG!  Logitech calls this "hysteresis" and intentionally has it programmed in the stick's firmware so that if you lightly reverse the travel in any Axis, it does not respond at first and then 'jumps' to make up for the missed movement.  This can be as much as 5% of total movement!  While they have majorly improved on the stick's X and Y axes by reducing this "hysteresis" from about 1.5% to about 0.2%, all of the other Axes (including rudders, throttles, and trims) still stick out like a sore thumb.  Logitech is extremely slow to make any progress with these issues as it was December 2010 before they even made note that this was a firmware 'feature' instead of a design flaw.  I could literally go on for pages about this.. the bottom line is that no one knows if this stick will ever work to its full potential.
*I personally own the G940 and the X52.  I've been using the G940 for about a year now and refuse to give up on it because the Force Feedback is pretty neat, however because of Logitech's... blindness?... I have a really hard time recommending this stick to anyone for that reason alone.  If you do want one, keep an eye on prices.  It retails at $300, but Logitech was selling the direct from their website for $260 not too long ago.  I happened to get a heck of a deal on mine... $199 with free shipping from Amazon.  It went back up to full price the next day so I don't know if I just got lucky or they made a typo or what as I haven't seen it for that low of a price since.

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X
Pros:
-Inexpensive
-Twisty Stick and throttle
-Can use 'rocker' axis on back of throttle in lieu of twisty if you prefer
Cons:
-I've heard it's a bit cheesy, but works well
-Has limited lifespan.  Don't count on using it for years, however looks like a great 'entry level' HOTAS.

And of course there are less expensive 'stick only' options including the Thrustmaster T.16000M, The Saitek Aviator (and also the ST-290 and the Cyborg), and of course the Logitech Stick options.  If I had to go that route, I'd be tempted to go with the T.16000M as it uses the same technology as in the Warthog setup.