Joysticks

[Wiley]

Yeah, I've heard things about quality for most of the sticks. I know siatek got bought out by madcats so I remember people saying after madcats bought them the quality went down. I got my x52 just before the buy out in 2007 and it lasted for 7 years. 

Same experience as me with my X52.  I got it just before the Madcatz thing as well.  It's still going after about 8 years of flight simming, my only issue is the rotaries have pots in them and they're spiky as all get out.  It hasn't been worth it to me to open it up to clean them.  Other than that it's still as good as it ever was.  I'm awfully easy on my gear though.

Wiley.

[The Fugitive]

Well I just ordered another CH combat stick to replace my 3 yr old one. Not sure about you guys but I think getting 3 years out of it was fine by me and that's why they probably only give you a 2 year warranty on either stick anyway. I had the x42 then the x52 and never got 3 years out of them. I still use the x52  throttle to this day with a combat stick. The only thing my combat stick just started to do is get glitchy around center stick. So I am lazy and didn't take it apart to clean it like I should have, instead I gave it a really good wack and snaped the stick off the base and ordered another one. ( have parts now if anyone needs some) Would like to get the x55 just to have a split throttle but I can think of spending 200 bucks on other stuff since I'll still use the CH with it. Don't worry by Violator you'll like the stick.

My first CH stick I bought was a used one off Ebay. It was an analog unit that I used for over 7 years. I replaced it with a brand new set that was USB only because game ports went bye-bye. I've had this set for over 10 years and the only issues I've had it wearing out the view hat twice.

So Im thinking 3 years sucks 

Good luck with the new CH stuff. Semp says it is horrible, so keep us posted!

[swinger]

U want dependability try ThrustMaster.

[Chalenge]

There are great joysticks (CH) and then there are the rest. I have tried them all.

If things have changed the only way a manufacturer can get me to change my mind is to send one to me for rigorous testing.

And it will be rigorous.

[swinger]

CHALENGE: Have U tried Thrustmaster HOTAS? It's expensive but reliable.

[Ack-Ack]

There are great joysticks (CH) and then there are the rest. I have tried them all.

Unfortunately the quality of CH sticks (QA doesn't seem as important anymore to them) has declined since Chuck Hayes sold the company to some French industrial company.  After the sale, it seems that emphasis for CH has been on their OEM products which has always brought in more money then their consumer products.  It's definitely a different company now than when I worked there many, many years ago.

[Chalenge]

Well, not sure when the sale went down, but my CH controllers have averaged ten years lifespan. Those that I have now do not appear to be any different. Is there an OEM product that compares to what we use for gaming?

@swinger: When I buy a product from a company and their product has zero useful function I never buy those products again. There is one company that has acted that way in the past. Thrustmaster. Even Saitek worked for thirty days before failing.

Either company can still change my mind, but they will not get another dime from me until then.

[guncrasher]

My first CH stick I bought was a used one off Ebay. It was an analog unit that I used for over 7 years. I replaced it with a brand new set that was USB only because game ports went bye-bye. I've had this set for over 10 years and the only issues I've had it wearing out the view hat twice.

So Im thinking 3 years sucks 

Good luck with the new CH stuff. Semp says it is horrible, so keep us posted!

my last chfighterstick i gave it away to another member.  ask him.  the stick lost calibration so often I gave it away including shipping.  I have yet to lose calibration on my x55.


semp

[zack1234]

Powered USB hubs!

[Zacherof]

Question for you gurus. If I buy a twisty stick, is is possible to disable the twist feature? I use a-s-d for rudders and prefer that.

[Bizman]

Question for you gurus. If I buy a twisty stick, is is possible to disable the twist feature? I use a-s-d for rudders and prefer that.

Depends on the stick. Some of them have a lock to prevent the twist action.

If the twist can't be locked, simply don't assign any function to it. That's what I've done with my T-16000m.

[iKo]

Question for you gurus. If I buy a twisty stick, is is possible to disable the twist feature? I use a-s-d for rudders and prefer that.

Yes

[Zacherof]

Depends on the stick. Some of them have a lock to prevent the twist action.

If the twist can't be locked, simply don't assign any function to it. That's what I've done with my T-16000m.

Didn't think about that. Thank you!

[Brooke]

Powered USB hubs!

Yes, very good point!

[BuckShot]

My stick history:

Logitech wingman: used it in Fighter Ace, worked great. Upgraded to twisty stick.

(2) Logitech extreme 3d pro: 1-2 years each. One had worn twist rudder, the other worn hat switch.

Saitek Cyborg X: 2 months. Had to be calibrated every few minutes. This stick soured the brand for me. It's too bad because it had lots of neat ergonomic adjustments and a split throttle.

Thrust master HOTAS: 3 years to current. The hat switch just started getting glitchy but came back with a cleaning. I love the rocker on the throttle. I use it to make zoom adjustments. This stick is the $50 one, not the A-10 Thrustmaster. Best for me so far.