Joystick Impact

[Perrine]

Lately i'm seeing threads lamenting the lost art of chivalry and the 'art' dogfighting

Don't you think that's tied to the current state of joysticks out right now in the market if you're not CH Warthog HOTAS+Throttle+Rudder+Track IR (will your waifu approve such indulgence with the CH pack I just mentioned?)

How can you dogfight properly if your Logitech or Saitek joysticks no more expensive than a Playstation or XBOX controller is hampering the way you fight with "Dont move your stick suddenly" text messages. 

I think majority of players here own 'cheap' joysticks while those who consider themseleves best of the best own boutique 'flight' controls that can cost nearly $1000.  There is no longer in-between like what the Microsoft Sidewinder used to occupy when it comes to combining high technology & durability in a attractive price ppoint.  Benjamin priced Microsoft Sidewinder a decade ago (bought mine used) was a great value.  If you can find them on ebay in really good condition grab them asap

[Bruv119]

I'd have to say no,

I can think of a ton of sticks that make me go   from a cheap and nasty twisty stick.   A lot of practice, patience and persistence have made them all dangerous opponents.   Find them in-game and ask them how they do it, what settings etc.  

The people who don't put the time in and cry cheat or hack need to accept that.

[sunfan1121]

Your joystick is broken if you keep getting "don't move your controls so rapidly". If your using a broken JS, your not gonna have a good day.

The average Hotas system cost around $150 not $1000. Less than you pay for a year of AH.

Their is no added input you get from a Hotas, or rudder pedals. You can't buy ACM.

People like to have a excuse for why they suck... Equipment is one of them.

[Vudu15]

only stick Ive used has been the same 30 dollar Logitech, replaced several times but the same model.

[Aspen]

Elcheapo Logitech here as well.  I'm not an Air Warriors vet, but I'm guessing threads complaining about the lost art of honorable dogfighting have been around along time.  Its been the same since I started.

I can see that trackIR and a smooth set of controls with good buttons would be a plus, but I have plenty of fun with my cheapo and way too many other activities draining my fun budget. I don't get the "Don't move your controls..." message.  When I lose a fight against a good player I never feel its the joystick.  I didn't manage my E right, took too big of a risk, guessed wrong on his move,  had an SA fail, pushed my plane too far, or just plain didn't know or use ACM properly.

[shppr01]

Your joystick is broken if you keep getting "don't move your controls so rapidly". If your using a broken JS, your not gonna have a good day.

The average Hotas system cost around $150 not $1000. Less than you pay for a year of AH.

Their is no added input you get from a Hotas, or rudder pedals. You can't buy ACM.

People like to have a excuse for why they suck... Equipment is one of them.

+1 It is not the stick, but the hand the stick is in !

[ImADot]

It is most definitely not the joystick, but rather the way it's set up and used by the player. If the stick is in proper working order, there is absolutely no reason to ever see the "don't move your controls so rapidly", other than the player wielding said stick.

[Triton28]

I fly with a Logitech G940 with force feedback enabled.  I think it helps me ride the edge of a stall a little better, but I honestly have no idea if I would be better or worse with a non-FFB stick.  I would hope I'd adjust if this stick takes a dump on me.

Beyond the FFB, I can't see any advantage you could have with an expensive stick.  Getting comfortable with what you've got is probably way more important than having the most expensive.

[Wiley]

A properly functioning stick is a stick.  I do think the average person gets a major upgrade in capability when they get pedals as well as trackir though.  People who can get the same ability with a twisty are the exception not the rule.  Trackir allows you to keep better view of a bandit while riding the edge of blackout than hat views.

Wiley.

[FLOOB]

Expensive doesn't mean good. I got a microsoft precision pro in the 90s. Since then I've bought several more expensive sticks, pedals and throttles and I always end up going back to my ms pre pro. It's 15 years old, doesn't spike, never needs calibrated and it only cost about thirty bucks. If it ever breaks I'll get a ch stick, never owned a ch stick but I've used them, they're very smooth and precise but they lack a rudder axis.

[Citabria]

you heathens. you must all now go out and buy CH gear thus thou art commanded in the name of true dweebery.  

I fly ch stick and pedals and the remnants of an x52 throttle because I like trim wheels and i want to upgrade from CH stick to TM warthog with its no deadzone and hal sensors... droool

[shotgunneeley]

I never miss an opportunity to brag on my Saitek ST290 Pro twisty stick. That thing is at least 10 years old and is only missing one button despite sustained abuse. I never upgraded to a higher caliber JS or bought into rudder pedals and TrackIR. I feel I'm on the verge of ending my gaming life in favor of putting funds into other hobbies. Then I take a break and find myself craving the action again.

[jeffdn]

A properly functioning stick is a stick.  I do think the average person gets a major upgrade in capability when they get pedals as well as trackir though.  People who can get the same ability with a twisty are the exception not the rule.  Trackir allows you to keep better view of a bandit while riding the edge of blackout than hat views.

Wiley.

Ever tried F11 mode? Look at the plane you want to follow with your head, hit tab until they are selected, then hit F11. Your hat switch views will still function properly but when not in use, your head will follow the enemy, through the bars of the cockpit even. It's pretty rad.

[Ack-Ack]

The only time a controller will have a negative effect on your flying is if 1) it's malfunctioning or 2) improperly calibrated.  Yes, some of the higher end joysticks are more precise in their movements but it's not going to give one the edge in a fighter over someone with a lower-end controller.

ack-ack

[Brooke]

I'm not an Air Warriors vet, but I'm guessing threads complaining about the lost art of honorable dogfighting have been around along time.  Its been the same since I started

It's been the same since 1988.    I think it was great then and is great now, but all of the behaviors people complain about today have been around since the beginning at roughly the same prevalence.