A good joystick?

[Dr.bob7]

well im not looking to get as crazy as you guys but do any of you have good recomendations for joysticks, I was looking at the saitek X52 X45 and Pro Yoke systems and they looked pretty good

[JSpahn]

The X52 is a great piece of hardware plenty of control options and a solid feel.  I can say the pro joke is well just that a joke, look up saitek yoke phantom key presses, other then that its a nice piece hardware, just wish saitek would address that one issue.

Next you will need some MDF to start the MIP, second some analog gauges or LCD monitors for a glass setup., finally some controls need to be integrated with a Hagstom ke72....oh sorry got carried away...................................

[BTilson]

I have the Saitek Pro Yoke. I guess I was one of the (seemingly rare) lucky ones. My yoke has functioned flawlessly the entire time I have had it. (About 8 months now)

HOWEVER, I don't know where to place the blame, but I am not able to use their included programming software. When I have that installed, any plane I fly has a wild pull to the left. I tried EVERYTHING I could possibly think of, full reinstall of FS9 and everything, nothing fixed it. Finally I uninstalled their software and just used windows standard drivers. Problem fixed. Again, not sure if that's their fault, or if it's something with my computer or what.

I've been very happy with my yoke overall though. It's a great piece of hardware for the price.

[tcco94]

Saitek X52 is great!
Its has lots of buttons, Great throttle and not very pricey.
It would be my flight stick for years to come but im looking for a yoke now so...

[CaptainXion]

I'm not an expert on joysticks, but a while back I bought the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick, and it has worked flawlessly ever since. I've never had any problems with it. One of the things I love about it is the weiguted base. The whole thing weighs a good 5 pounds and isn't moving anywhere. It's got a twisting z-axis for rudder and a hat switch and 12 buttons. I'm not sure if those are standard features on all joysticks, but I really like mine.I don't know much about the X52, but my friend bought it and he likes his.

[Travis]

I've used several flight setups over the years, and I can for certain say that the X-45 and X-52 are well-constructed, and infinitely customizable.  The ONLY issue I have with the two is the rudder control.  It's a little difficult to use when you're trying to use any other control on the throttle, even as far as throttling up or back.

I've also used the CH selection of products.  If you're trying to get the closest thing to an actual flight cockpit (outside of fighters or stick-controlled aircraft) the CH Flight Yoke is definitely the best for your buck controller.  Combine that with the CH pedals and you have a versatile control system for any aircraft.  The only drawback with this setup is you only have the single throttle control.  But the same holds true for almost any setup that doesn't include a throttle quadrant.

[Anxyous]

I can recommend the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro as well