LEFT HANDED STICK

[PacoVilly]

Hi All,

I am the owner of a M$ SW FF2 and it goes nicely.

But... (there is always one 'but')

I would like to have a stick that I can use with the left hand because in the sim I like to fly the AIRBUS (not because I like to do dirty things with my right hand while flying....lol), and in this plane the PF sits on the left (and has the stick on his left), I've just bought FS9 so it should be compatible.

I've thought about the SAITEK Cyborg 3D (around 90

[KnightStryker]

I also use this joystick and I can understand. However as far as I can tell there isn't a stick that is made for left hand users (I am left handed and have looked) I am pretty sure that the saitek cyborg 3D has a throttle on the left side of the base so it is going to be a pain to reach across with your right hand to adjust it or completely let go of the stick to adjust it. I find the same problem arises with the X45, while it is an impressive set the throttle is not useable for the right hand therefore rendering it useless for flying the stick left handed for the same reason as stated above. I think that flying with your left hand is going to require you not using some features of whatever stick you choose or just accepting the annoying crossingover of hands all the time. Anyways, hope you find what you are looking for and let us know what you decide on and get, and how it works for you.
Good luck,
Kevin

[PacoVilly]

Thanks Kevin,

As far as I know, the Cyborg has an ambidextrous (sorry for the spelling) throttle, so this would not be a problem. Then the PSS A320 has the throttle system implemented through the numeric keyboard, so managing it would not be a problem. Even in the case of taxi, I should be capable of controlling the direction of the aircraft with the pedals and manage the throttle with the left hand (but I am sure that the Cyborg has an A/D throttle, just visit www.saitek.com).

If you are left handed and want to check this out SAITEK has a complete range, although the joysticks do look a little bit "futuristic". Thanks again for your reply, I'll keep you informed.

[KnightStryker]

No prob on the reply. It seems that I was not as informed as I thought I was (this will please the wife immensely  :P). I am still considering the X-45 as my next purchase for this money pit we all like to refer to as FS9   . After having shoulder surgery I have learned to do almost everything with either hand now and flying actually is more comfortable right handed for me so I really don't have an issue with it. Now all i have to do is find a new use for the throttle quadrant that I am in the process of making will be used for when I get the new stick.
Do let us know what you decide on and how it works out for you.

Kevin

[PacoVilly]

Yes, definetely this is a money pit....lol

Glad to hear that you can manage with both hands, in fact, I am a left-hand writer but for all the rest I'm right handed.

It would be useful if we can have more opinions because I think this is an issue, not only for me (I want to change joystick because I think about a particular distribution of my desk-cockpit) but for all the people that care for the ergonomic question.

As for the near future, I will have the pedals from Santa this Xmas... (good boy, kept my lady satisfied) so I will leave the joystick question for..... let's say Valentine's Day (It is going one hell of a job) but it is something that definitely I have on my mind.

In your case, you seem pretty decided for the X-45 thingy, are you on fighters? I prefer the airliners so a HOTAS is out of question, but i would like to know your opinion (or everyone else's opinion).

Many thanks and good night

[Poseidon]

I am pretty sure that the saitek cyborg 3D has a throttle on the left side of the base so it is going to be a pain to reach across with your right hand to adjust it

I am using Saitec Cyborg. By default yes it has the throttle on the left and the wrist-rest on the right of the stick for right-handed users but it is fully adjustable. You can "mirror" the above configuration very easily for the left-handed ones. So you have no problem. It is also configurable for small and big hands as the wrist rest0s distance from the stick's top is adjustable too so that you can fit the joystick to your thumbs length.
Finally it is very reliable and will not break even if you handle it the hard way. I highly recommend it.