A suggestion about joysticks

[FridayChild]

So far I've been flying using the keyboard; now I want to switch to something more serious but money is a concern. I'll buy a joystick then. The question is: what joystick? Force feedback or non force feedback? And what brand/model do you suggest?
What about the Microsoft Sidewinder II for example, how's it like?

[Omag 2.0]

I have the MS sidewinder with force feedback for several years now. I love it. I would never buy a joystick without FF again, cause it feels so "unattached" from the action on the screen; But some people don't like it.

Look for a nice model with throttle, twistable stick ( for the rudder) and a top-hat-button.

[Ben_M_K]

I had the Sidewinder II until December 25th, 2004. It was great though. You can't go wrong with that one!

[Saitek]

Nothing can really beat a Saitek....

This thing is great:



Pop over to Saitek's site for more or better sticks.

Ben

[Scottler]

Saitek X-45...had it for almost three years now, without a single problem...wouldn't trade it for the world!

[FridayChild]

Glad to hear that because I was just going to ask you what you think about these Saiteks. I have found one with force feedback (looks exactly like the one in the picture above) at less than the price of a non-FF Sidewinder.
Now a more general question: provided that one installs the correct drivers, do ALL the force feedback joysticks work in ALL Windows games? Can I expect the Saitek's force feedback function to work in FS 98 or are there issues?

[FridayChild]

OK, let me ask you a simpler question then

If i'm not mistaken the joystick pictured above is a Cyborg Rumble.  I've been told that this stick is not a force feedback one; is that true?