Potential newbie flight simmer

[casarticus]

I see Flight Sim 2002, Flight Sim 2002 Pro and Flight Sim 2004. Which is the best package? Also what is the best Joystick on the market? I am 70 years of age and am wondering if i will be able to learn to fly? All replies would be appreciated/ Charlie

[Craig.]

welcome to Simv.
To answer the question of which is best for you, we will need to know your system specs as which works properly is dependant on that.
Enjoy your stay here

[eno]

FS2002 and PRO are much the same ......... just a few additions in the PRO version.
FS2004 ........ or in here you'll also see it refered to as FS9 is obviously the latest version and has more features that where not in the previous versions.

I would say go for any of them .... but if your system is old and creaky like mine then FS9 requires a much faster PC in order to get any real benefit ........ You'll also find FS2002 is better on the wallet, being an older sim.

Either way welcome to the forums and if you need hints tips and to learn how to fly anyway you want ... theres peeps here who will be most anxious to help.

Enjoy
eno

[casarticus]

 Thanks for your spontaneous replies.

               Computer Specification

                 Pentium 4  2.8 1 Gb memory
                 120 Gb hard disc
                 Radeon 9200 256mb

       All pretty new, so full of optimism.
                                                 
                                                       Charlie

[Hagar]

Hi Charlie & welcome to the madhouse. Looking at your specs I would go for FS2004 or FS9 as it more often referred to. As for a joystick I would have recommended a Microsoft Sidewinder with separate twistgrip rudder control. Many people here seem to like the Force Feedback sticks. I've never bothered with them myself. Someone told me that M$ no longer produce them but I'm not sure this is correct.

The Saitek X-45 is also popular but I've seen problems reported with cheaper joysticks & the M$ sims. It's also possible you might prefer to go the whole hog & get a yoke & pedals. This will depend on the aircraft you wish to fly & these might be a tad tricky to set up. I would try a joystick first to see how you get on.

Good luck.

[Scottler]

Hi Charlie!

With your system, you should have no problems at all running Flight Sim 2004.  In fact, there are more than a few guys on the boards whom will be very jealous of the results you get on that system!

As for a joystick, it really depends how much you want to spend.  I've got the very popular Saitek X-45, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a great stick at a reasonable price.  (It's about $70 USD right now I think, but you get quite a bit for your money.)

I've never had a problem with the stick itself.  It's a beauty!

[Fly2e]

Hello Casarticus,

Welcome to SimV!
I would say with your specs to defiantly get 2004. It has allot of eye candy and is all in all, the best of the simulator series with many things to enhance your flying experience!

Saitek X-45

I also have the Saitek and have found after trying out a few joysticks, Microsoft Force feedback 1 &2, to be the best out there!

I am 70 years of age and am wondering if i will be able to learn to fly?

You're never too old to fly, in fact there are a few members here around the same ripe age as you!

Happy flying and best of luck!!

Dave

[BFMF]

After 4 or 5 years, my MS Sidewinder is starting to wear out, and i'm gonna have to start looking for another one soon :-/

As for a joystick I would have recommended a Microsoft Sidewinder with separate twistgrip rudder control.

A seperate Rudder twistgrip? I've never heard of that before

[Hagar]

After 4 or 5 years, my MS Sidewinder is starting to wear out, and i'm gonna have to start looking for another one soon :-/


A seperate Rudder twistgrip? I've never heard of that before

Unless you're using a basic 3-axis Sidewinder yours has a twistgrip rudder control.
This is the current Sidewinder Precision 2. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/Prec2.asp

Combining digital-optical precision, rapid fire accuracy and a nimble twist handle, the Precision 2 provides peak performance and superior control in flight, combat and racing games. The ergonomic design, optimized button layout and solid base make the Precision 2 a professional quality stick that feels as great as it performs.

[BFMF]

Unless you're using a basic 3-axis Sidewinder yours has a twistgrip rudder control.
This is the current Sidewinder Precision 2. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/Prec2.asp

I guess i've got the first version of the Sidewinder Precision, and it's handle twists for the rudder. But you mentioned a

separate twistgrip rudder control

that confused me

[Saitek]

Hi Carsarticus! Welcome to SimV.
Nobody is to old to fly. Hagar here is err well.... umm pretty close... I'll let him say his age. not my place to say!
A nice running system you have, if money is not really a problem then go for FS2004. It is quite a bit better than FS2002. I'm plannig on updating to it.
I use a Saitek Rumble Force stick. It is really good, and it comes with a 2 year warranty, well mine did, insted of the usual 1 year. That is really good.... joysticks are awful for going wrong. The important thing is that it has a rudder twist whatever one you decide to get.


Regards
Ben

[casarticus]

  Thanks everybody for your help. You have put me on the right path and i am very grateful. Seems to be a smashing site and i am glad i have joined. Nothing like help from seasoned experts.



                         All the Best  Charlie

[Saitek]

Great. Fill us in when your there....
This site is really good for helping people fast... though I nearly always get helped than help

Ben

[Hagar]

I guess i've got the first version of the Sidewinder Precision, and it's handle twists for the rudder. But you mentioned a separate twistgrip rudder control
that confused me

Sorry Andrew. I was trying to make it clear that you need a joystick with a separate rudder control to get the best out of FS. Obviously I didn't succeed.

Nobody is to old to fly. Hagar here is err well.... umm pretty close... I'll let him say his age. not my place to say!

At 61 I'm just a spring chicken compared with some members here. I've met people of all ages from 8 to over 80 enjoying the sims. I think this is a great way to bridge the "generation gap" they go on about. In fact I don't believe this ever existed - certainly not where aviation is concerned. An aviation enthusiast is an aviation enthusiast no matter what their age. Once you're hooked it lasts a lifetime.

[Poseidon]

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