Simviation Forums

i've just started playing around with fs2004.  i'm trying to use the keyboard controls to fly the planes and it is awful.  

i turn one way, and it's really difficult to make it turn back without 'oversteering'.

how much better is it to have a flightstick?  is it worthwhile to go and get one?

thanks,

eugene

There is no comparison...if there were keyboards would be the primary flight control in airliners.

Even a dirt cheap joystick is a vast improvement over flying with a joystick...well worth the cost.

A joystick is a massive improvement over a keyboard.

I still cant believe it when I hear that people struggle away using their keyboards.
Once you get a joystick, you will kick yourself for the fact that you waited to get one.

They're cheap these days anyway.

joystick definately..and I am thinking about getting a flight yoke

If you're looking for an excellent, moderately priced stick, go with the Saitek X-45 HOTAS.  It's a bit more than your basic low end stick, but the extra features are amazing.

If you're looking for a yoke, try the CH Products yoke.  I used to have one ages ago, but it was a very early model.  The newer ones are just stunning.  (I'm actually considering getting one, which is the only reason I'd even DREAM of dropping my X-45.)

...but don't forget that most "game" joysticks spring return-to-centre, which is really unsuitable for flight simming... ...!
For that reason I have always had to buy a "Force-Feedback" type of joystick, even though I don't need the "Force-Feedback" part.
The joystick is then "floppy", matching the real yoke/joystick on a real aeroplane... ...!

Cheers all...!

Paul....(Logitech Wingman, Force 3D....

[quote]If you're looking for an excellent, moderately priced stick, go with the Saitek X-45 HOTAS.

Yeah, you can't live without a joystick in this game.

No stick - no fly. I would reccomend the Saitek Cyborg 3D Gold. It will set you back less than 30 quid, and its robust accurate and does the job well. http://www.dxmarket.com/saitek/dir/1.html Thats saiteks site.
Dan G

Even the most simple Joystick would be an infinate improvement. You can't "fly" without one!