I want a really good joystick

[simguy]

Can someone please help me get away from these cheap junk controllers. I have went as far as to spend 100.00 on a "good quality" controller and it to was junk.I would love to get some feed back as to what others are using and if they are happy with them. If I have to spend a little money so be it I just want somthing good.

[Dan]

Saitek X45? Or check out the CH Site.

[mostickity]

I suggest a Sidewinder Force Feed back 2 joystick.It was designed for flightsimming. Ive alwayse used this stick and never had a complaint about it, and I dont have any plans to soon change.  8)

[Insert Name Here]

I like my Logitech Wingman Extreme. People have had calibration issues but with WinXp and with proper drivers it doesnt seem to be a problem. The joystick has rudder control and some resistance when controlling the aircraft, but I like the feel of it. I have a Microsoft Sidewinder 1.0 which has also served me well, and I use that just for site seeing when rudder control isn't needed.

Installation for both is as easy as pie, also.

[4_Series_Scania]

I've got the excellent Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 stick (USB) sadly, M$ no longer make sticks etc (something to do with their competition legal issues I believe) - I bought mine for under

[GreG]

The irritating thing I find with my MS FF 2 joystick is that you only really get force feedback on the ground, and you have to go into the aircraft.cfg's and program it properly.  It's crap having to fly with a "loose" joystick and then you land and it's nice and stiff again.  Though it's terrific in other games.  Wonder what it's like in X-plane v7.

Greg

[Scottler]

Saitek X-45 HOTAS.....you won't regret it.

[4_Series_Scania]

The irritating thing I find with my MS FF 2 joystick is that you only really get force feedback on the ground, and you have to go into the aircraft.cfg's and program it properly.  It's crap having to fly with a "loose" joystick and then you land and it's nice and stiff again.  Though it's terrific in other games.  Wonder what it's like in X-plane v7.

Greg

I've always had good force feedback in the air in CFS2, its great!  aircraft.cfg's  and me fell out years back....  ::)

[DrRedskwirrell]

Micro$haft FFB2.
I've tried Logitech and Saitek and even other M$ sticks.
I use it in CFS and IL2 games. I use trim which is dependent on 'feeling' when the aircraft is about to stall, and various macro's which I can programme into the stick itself.
Typically, the only time M$ are acknowledged as doing something right..., they stop doing it. You can still get these from ebay or boot sales... if I don't beat you to them.

[tahnerkf]

Hey I have used the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 controller and I got the same issue as u did.  In the air the feeling was loose.  My friend bought this cheaper joystick called a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and I like it alot.  It doesn't have force feedback but the feeling must be built in or something because there is positive pressure all the time.  I would suggest this because it only cost $50 and I honestly like it better than anything else I have tried.

[TacitBlue]

I love my logitech wingman force USB, the force feedback is great in the air or on the ground. My only issue with it is that its huge! But other than that, I wouldnt want to use anything else.

[beaky]

Haven't tried the Sidewinders or any FF stick, but I love my Saitek X45. For the money, I have not seen anything that comes close overall. It is not a precision tool that will last a lifetime, but it is a damn good package for the money, and for guys like me who want things laid out in a realistic manner with a minimum of typing while flying ( I HATE typing!!!), the only other option is to spend boo-koo bucks on a high-end rudder/yoke/panel setup.

[Fly2e]

If you want the absolute best, get what both Nexus and I have,
The Thrustmaster!!!

The most realistic flight simulation controller is here. The HOTAS Cougar - life like in design, life like in performance - this is truly Hands On Throttle And Stick. Based on the actual controller found in the F-16 fighter aircraft, the HOTAS transports you to the furthest reaches of FlightSim technology.From the second you grab hold of both the stick and throttle, you notice the difference. All metal, black, and deadly - this is the HOTAS. This controller offers you up to 28 programmable buttons, multiple programmable hat switches, and adjustable resistance for the throttle, afterburner, and idle detent, These are just a few of the many features of this revolutionary stick and throttle combo. Without question, the HOTAS Cougar is the controller for true flight enthusiasts.

http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/cougarpics.php

http://us.thrustmaster.com/products/dsp_fam.php?fam=39

Dave

[horseman329]

Saitek X52.    

http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/x52.htm

Horseman

[maverickr62]

that thrustmaster looks the biz. does it have and spres 'wheels' (for want of a better word) to adjust trim??? i hate using the keyboard to trim and thought a trim wheel would be much better. i looked on the website and it looked like there are two wheels on the throttle?? is this right???? the web pages show the uses for each buttom but it is for lock-on and i fly il2aep+pf and cfs3

thanx and happy chrimbo!

the x52 looks good to and that does seem to have two extra rotay wheels that i could program for trim..... how big is it??

the x45 looks like it has two rotay wheels on the throttle to - is this right?? can they be programed for trim?