What's A Decent Joystick These Days?

[SugarCoat]

I broke my last one months ago and have been itching to play IL2 for quite awhile. Previously i was using a MS SideWinder Force Feedback which literally lasted something like 6 years. It did have a slight issue where it was always tweaking the rudder to the left but other then that it was very robust. It eventually died an unnatural death.

I dont really want to spend more then $60-80, also a couple things i'd like to have again is a slide wheel for throttle management and twist ability for rudder control, other then that its pretty much fair game. Would just need 2-3 buttons on the actual stick itself as well in addition to the trigger but i assume thats pretty standard these days.

Recommends anyone? Even a good brand to look into would help. I have a small hurtle in that i want it to have 64-bit driver support as well, so i may have to do some lookin.

[Blazkowicz]

I don't have a clue but I sure miss the joystick sometimes. it was great for xwing, descent and some other games, and today it's like its usage has been limited to flight sims for a while.

[Skrying]

Saitek makes two great "budget" stick combinations in the X52 and X52 Pro but they are in the $130 and $200 range. I just use a basic Logitech for my needs (little) and you can twist the stick, switch to scale thrust, several buttons on stick several more on base, etc.

Saitek X52 (http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/x52flcosy.html)

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2221,CONTENTID=6954)

Logitech also makes the exact stick with force feedback for I think $40 more.

[Vadi]

I have the Saitek Evo Force. It's a bit inaccurate at the centre but I guess it's ok for playing IL2 (I've been waiting for the game for a year at Amazon grr). Cool is the ability to control dead zones via the driver.
For fly by wire tech I use a mouse and self made pedals.
The better joysticks don't seem to have adjustable springs (my old Gravis had that). Maybe I'll mod a trackball someday. :mrgreen:

[John Reynolds]

Previously i was using a MS SideWinder Force Feedback which literally lasted something like 6 years.

I still have a MS Sidewinder Pro I bought back in '95.

The Logitech Extreme Skyring mentioned is a decent stick according to most reviews.

[digitalwanderer]

A decent joystick? Here.

/me unzips pants...

(C'mon, SOMEONE had to post it! :oops: )

That said, I still love Logitech for all input peripherals.

[Davros]

havent you got anything bigger Digitalwanderer ????

[No.6]

Considering the vast number of controls in IL-2, you really want a HOTAS setup like the X52.

The X52, unlike Saitek's cheaper models, uses Hall sensors for the main axes and has a good constant-force centering mechanism. No flopping, erratic nose when you're lining up that 109.

I don't use its twisty motion but it's there if you want it.

Stepping up from Saitek I'd pony up for CH stuff even if you have to buy just a stick at first and rudders/throttle later. Good sims are just no fun with shoddy sticks. CH sticks have at least a nominal throttle on the side, if I remember correctly. Nice thing about CH is they don't break -- even my ancient CH Force FX stick still works!

You can get a CH stick in your price range from one of several merchants. I bought my CH rudders from Provantage.

[Davros]

if you want forcefeedback though the only ff hotas is the thrustmaster afterburner

[SugarCoat]

Considering the vast number of controls in IL-2, you really want a HOTAS setup like the X52.

The X52, unlike Saitek's cheaper models, uses Hall sensors for the main axes and has a good constant-force centering mechanism. No flopping, erratic nose when you're lining up that 109.

I don't use its twisty motion but it's there if you want it.

Stepping up from Saitek I'd pony up for CH stuff even if you have to buy just a stick at first and rudders/throttle later. Good sims are just no fun with shoddy sticks. CH sticks have at least a nominal throttle on the side, if I remember correctly. Nice thing about CH is they don't break -- even my ancient CH Force FX stick still works!

You can get a CH stick in your price range from one of several merchants. I bought my CH rudders from Provantage.

thanks for suggestion, checked into them and they look very solid, just ordered a CH Fighterstick ;). If they hold up to their reputation it will problably be the last joystick i'll ever buy since by the time the thing dies we'll have VR-wear for flight sims :lol: