Joysticks

[town]

An open question here - all opinions invited:
Who makes the best joystick and what is the opinion on force feedback?

[Dan]

Hi Townie!

As far as my experience allows me to comment, Saitek make the best affordable joysticks. Probably the best one to get now is there X52, especially since its reveision!

I have never used FF, so I can't say there.

Of course if one wants to burn ones wallet then theres always CH...  ;)

[Katahu]

I have the Saitek X45 and it comes with a variety of function. Costed me about $50 USD.

[congo]

FFB is a novelty item. It doesn't reflect real life stick feel either, though there are some similarities.

I would get a stick that is comfortable, a past experience with a saitek stick is remembered with disdain because of the lack of comfort and pain associated with it's use. I think they are better now, but beware, any sharp edges will hurt.

The stick MUST have a rudder axis in the form of a twist grip on the stick, if you find a stick with extra axis, they are a bonus, you can assign a proportional airbrake or prop pitch control for instance.

[Antei]

I bought my X-45 for 99euros

[Katahu]

Jesus, translate that to USD.

[town]

I equate Euros and US Dollers as about the same.  ;D

Have any of you had any experience with Logitec.
I have a Logitec Wingman II force feedback, but one of the axis (rudder) seems to have gone a bit ropey. The stick itself is not to bad, but if the problem is inherent I'll go for a different type next time around. Oh its also less than a year old.

[congo]

Get in the Logitech line with the others.

They have  been notorious in the past is all I know. The rudder problem is typical.

[Fozzer]

Logitech Wingman Force 3D.....

[congo]

There are plenty of rudder-on-stick joysticks that are non-FFB. Centering springs can also be removed if desired.

Fozzer, don't throw out the Sidewinder please, I may need some parts one day  

A guy in my squad just paid $300 Oz for one !

[Ivan]

Going to get a Saitek when i have the money... Logitech centering is plain awful

[C]

Don't get force feedback IMO. IL2/FB/Pacific fighters is the only sim I've used which simulates anything like the stick forces I'm used to...

Saitek X-45 and X-52 are good buys - I prefer the X-45 as the rudder is a bar on the front of the throttle rather than a twist grip, which is slightly more realistic...

[Fozzer]

I would have thought that the X-45 and X-52 would be more suitable for helicopters...seperate cyclic and collective controls...?

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/pcgc.asp

The old Spit only has one 'stick, between the legs.. ... ...!
(Exactly where your "joystick" should be...)... ...!
LOL...!

My old Wingman performs admirably.even as a replacement for my '152's yoke... ...!

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/productlist

Paul... ...!

[Katahu]

The X-45 is really neat IMO.

I use to have a Logitech Wingman as well. You know, the regular kind that didn't have a rudder.

Quite pathetic as the cheap plastic tends to make some frightening cracking noise as I moved it around. Finally dumped it for the X-45.

I always wanted a control setup that had the throttle as a separate unit, but I never had the money. But now I do have money in the bank and the controls of my dreams.

[town]

Well chaps, i've been down to the computer shop and I think I'm going to get the Saitek X52, it got lots of buttons and lights on it and it seems Saitek are a "trusted Manufacturer"