joystick or not?

[tothestars]

I am getting flight simulator 2004 and I was wondering if I should get a joystick and what kind? please try and post a url to the joystick you think I should get

[Craig.]

yes you should get a joystick, it makes flying 1000 time easier. as to which, thats a difficult one to answer

[logjam]

Just go to the local XS Cargo and get a cheap one for $3.50

[Scottler]

Saitek X-45.

http://edomekuvat.soneraplaza.fi/artikk ... esti/1.jpg

[forfun]

You HAVE to get a joystick.  8)

I use Sidewinder 2 but get whatever.

[BiggBaddWolf]

YES forsure get a joystick...or a yoke.....I have been using a joystick for awhile but thinking about moving up to a yoke  ;D

[MattNW]

I've been pretty happy with the Saitek X-45 too. Good stick and decent price with fantastic programming options.

[Skittles]

I suggest starting cheap.  Begin with a simple joystick, unless you have already decided Flight Simming is going to be a part of your life, then go ahead and get a more complicated stick or even a yoke.  If you're really going to get into it, get both.  There is so much you can do to make flight simming more realistic.  Start small.

I could fill this post with about 20 links for sticks and yokes, I suggest you just do a Google or Dogpile search.

Joe

[beaky]

I've been using the Saitek X45. It's not perfect (bases are lightweight; I velcro'd mine to my desk... not the sturdiest construction overall, either), but it's a lot of product for the money (@$75). You get the stick AND a separate throttle, and they're both loaded with buttons. There's even a rudder bar on the throttle handle.  It comes with decent software for calibration and programming of functions. MSFS04 will warn you during install that Saiteks are not logo-tested for that sim, but I haven't had any problems with Microsoft or Ubisoft sims. My first stick was the Saitek Freedom 2.4, which is cheaper (and wireless-nice!), but the throttle is built into the base, which is inconvenient. With the X45., I have throttle on one side of the keyboard and stick on the other. Of course if money's no object, you can go wild with yoke, rudder pedals, functional panel, etc., but for the money, I think the X45 is fantastic!

[Bell206freak]

Yes. Get yourself a joystick. You will thank yourself many times over.

I remember when I first got FS98, and I literally damn near broke my keyboard due to the many frustrations I had trying to control the aircraft - namely the Bell JetRanger helicopter.  

At first, I had a Saitek joystick, but I ditched that after getting FS2004 about six months ago. I now use a Logitech Extreme3D PRO joystick. It has several buttons, and its twist feature will give you rudder control (or in my case, tail rotor input).

I'd recommend that joystick.

[FS_Pilot]

If you are going to take flight simming seriously then you definitly need a good quality joystick. i personally use a microsoft sidewinder 3D pro but i have heard they don't make them anymore. If you are planning to fly helicopters make sure you get one with stick-twist rudder control. DO NOT buy a CHEAP joystick make sure it is of good quality. Read reviews, talk to other simmers, school friends or work mates. REMEMBER You only get what you pay for.

[Chris_F]

Yes, some kind of non-keyboard or mouse controller is essential.  Minimum price point should be in the $20-$30 range.  I'd stay away from the $10 and under set as they're very unsatisfying.  I have a $30 Logitech 3D that I like, but there are many others on the market.

As for force feedback, I've never tried it on a flight sim.  It's not essential but it is nice.  I have a FF steering wheel and enjoy it but don't think it's absolutely necessary.  The non-FF sticks are a bunch cheaper than the FF ones.

Features to look for at the $20-$30 price point:

1- A "hat" or "castle" switch on the top to move your view when in VC
2- twist handle rudder
3- throttle on the stick
4- programmable

There should be a lot of sticks from well-respected brands with these features at this price point.

[jpw]

i have the saitek  x45 for the money i think its awsome, just have one minor problem,   when using the throttle,   it only goes to about 95% or so of maximum power and when having the throttle all the way back the power only goes down to about 6%.....  ohh and having the repeat function not work which i have set for reverse thrusters,  i have to keep the pushing the button really fast to keep the reversers open.

[Scottler]

JP, the first problem sounds like a calibration issue....I can't say for sure, because I've never had that problem.

I have, however, had the problem with non-sticking repeaters...primarily my brakes.  I always wrote it off to a sim issue though, not a stick issue.

Even that though is minor...wouldn't trade this stick for the world!

[alrot]

No joystick!,you are playing a diferent game,and you have to have good skills with the keyboard