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Which Joystick?

IanHenry

IanHenry

Charter Member
As my SaitekX52 Pro is starting to show its age after a few years sterling service, I’m beginning to look around for a suitable replacement.<o:p></o:p>
Possible contenders are; Thrustmaster Warthog, Saitek X65F Pro Flight and Logitech G940,although the Logitech seems to have had very mixed reviews. <o:p></o:p>
I was wondering if any members had any experience and views of those sticks, particularly the Saitek and the Thrustmaster. Any help will be appreciated.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Regards,<o:p></o:p>
Ian.<o:p></o:p>
 
Warthog fan here

I just happen to be lucky enough to have both the Warthog and X65F. I do mean lucky!!
You can't go wrong with either stick. I flew with the X65F for a while before acquiring the Warthog. I found it a pleasure to use although you MUST play with the sensitivities to suit your touch. Feels great when flying the F16s. Not so much in a J3 Cub.
The Warthog is a total WOW. Just love the feel. I don't program the sticks but use FSUIPC for control and the throttle console makes it so cool. The MilViz T-38A startup is best on the Warthog. Don't even get me started on A-10A or C.

Jim
 
Have the TM Warthog + Saitek Proflight Rudder Pedals + TIR4Pro = Killer combo. I can't say enough about the Warthog. It is by far the best joystick I've owned. Gives the best feeling of using real hardware. And the Throttle replica switches can be used for all kinds of actions if you are not flying the A-10. They also double for the same switches on similar aircraft. Fantastic.
 
Thanks for your replies guy's,
I also have the Saitek Rudder pedals so I don't need the ones that come with the Logitech stick. I was originally thinking about the Warthog, but I like the idea of the sensitivity of the X65. I do like to fly most varieties ofaircraft, GA, warbirds, jets and helicopters so maybe the Saitek is not suitable from Jim’s comments.<o:p></o:p>
It’s a veryimportant decision!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Regards,
Ian.
 
Ian, it is for the inability to truly feel like you're in control of your aircraft for smaller GA, like the cub, that I sold my X65F. The Warthog is one of the best joysticks I've ever owned. It's programmability is fantastic and as was sort of pointed out, many of the real world switches with many of the more modern military jets, are linked to the defaults on the joystick. I own DCS A-10C and it's a pleasure to fly the Warthog with its namesake joystick. To me, the X65F, though solidly built, just didn't come close to how the Warthog feels. Aside from a difference of about $60-100 dollars, depending on where you purchase it, the Warthog is worth every penny more than the X65F. I also own the Saitek Pro pedals and TIR5, fantastic suite. Not to mention, there's custom covers available for your Warthog, so much more lovin for the Thrustmaster products versus Saitek.

Matt
 
I'd say stick with what you know get another Saitek, they are great. My X-52 lasted 6 years which for a j/s imho is good. I replaced it with the G940 system which whilst OK was IMO an expensive mistake. The FF is not great, and the controls are not as customizable as you may think. Plus it was exxxxxypensive, did I mention that already. I can't ditch it as the wife would never let me hear the end of it. SO try before you buy is my advice. Aquired taste, like Guinness which I happen to like very much. cheers :guinness: oh have another hic :guinness:
 
Welll, the X-65 isnt exactly cheap. Compared to my income it was always in the Arm anda leg plus your first newborn price range. I do agree though that if you like the saitek, youy should probablyt stick with the brand. I went from an X-52 Pro to an X-52, and personally love it..
pam
 
I'm still using a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro that I bought new on clearance in 2000. It's been a great stick for me.
 
I have an X52 and it has been a great stick, I still use it for a couple space sims, I also own the G940 and while I like it I have to agree with most of the other comments, it is not one of the best products Logitech has ever released. I have had chance to play with both the X65 and the Warthog (just an hour or so on both) and if I had it to do again the Warthog would be my pick in a heartbeat...
 
I own the Saitek X-35, X-45, X-52, X-52Pro, and the Logitech G940. Personally, I wouldn't buy another Saitek product unless they started making the X-45 again. That was quality! After the X-45, quality went down hill BAD. Currently I'm using the Logitech G940. Great sticks for the prices compared. Best of choice in my personal opinion. I never did consider the X-65 or the other high-end brands/models because I fly GA most of the time.

Before you commit, think about your main needs and uses. My opinion of Saitek, four letters. JUNK

Naismith, give me a fair price and I'll consider taking the G940 off your hands.
 
QUALITY FIRST

Quote: '..Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro that I bought new on clearance in 2000..' (In 2000!!). I got mine in 2004. Still working like a charm. Tight. Dependable. Quality. What else can I say. (People just don't get it ........).
Chuck B
Napamule
 
I used to have a Saitek X52, but it went faulty and was replaced because it was still under guarantee.I picked the pro model for a replacement, as it had just been released, but I can’t say there was much difference between the two, but the pro model did last for years. I think I will discount the Logitech because it seems to be rather unloved by most of the reports that I’ve seen.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Thanks,<o:p></o:p>
Ian.
 
Add a throttle quadrant

Take a Warthog, and add a Saitek throttle quadrant or two and you have levers for warbird supercharger, cowl flaps, hand pumps, flap and/or gear handles or just the usual prop and mixture. Sure makes the new P-40 even better!!

Jim
 
a lot of it is going to depend on how much and what kind of flying you do. I fly every day, and usually for more than ten hours a day. Since i do testing where i'm putting a plane through highly unnatural acts, my joysticks, even the good ones, dont last much over a couple years. It gets banged around a lot, and abused beyond belief. If your just flying flying though, and not trying to rip the plane in half a good joystick should easily last four to six years...
 
I am a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog fan. I can make a profile each type of aircraft that I have in inventory and load it prior to flight.

I am sure the other joystick manufactures have features along this line also. I am a guessing at that.


VCN-1
 
warchild said:
a lot of it is going to depend on how much and what kind of flying you do. I fly every day, and usually for more than ten hours a day. Since i do testing where i'm putting a plane through highly unnatural acts, my joysticks, even the good ones, dont last much over a couple years. It gets banged around a lot, and abused beyond belief. If your just flying flying though, and not trying to rip the plane in half a good joystick should easily last four to six years...
Click to expand...

Yes Warchild, I tend to agree, I think it's my excursions into Rise of Flight and Cliffs of Dover that have caused the wear on my X52 pro.

Ian.
 
Yet another vote here for the Warthog. I haven't used the Saitek X-65, but I spent a year with the Logitech G940. Very nice, especially with FS Force 2.5, but not nearly as precise as the Warthog. Also, the G940 died on me for some unknown reason. Could have been a one-off problem, so don't conclude anything because of it. But give the Warthog a serious look.
 
If you're into force feedback I'd try to get hands on a used MS Sidewinder FF Pro.
Mine is now 10 years old. I resoldered the USB cable twice but other than that there's no sign of age yet, and believe me, it went through many a fierce airbattle during my CFS days.
I tried to replace it at several occasions with other FF sticks but always went back to it and returned the others. All others feel like toys compared to it.
 
Willy said:
I'm still using a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro that I bought new on clearance in 2000. It's been a great stick for me.
Click to expand...

I bought mine in 2001. I was disappointed the software no longer worked after Windows XP was released, and the stick jiggles a bit now (too much CFS2 action?), but I can't seem to part with it. It fits me just right, I guess.
 
I'm a retired Naval Aviator. No stick that uses a spring return feels like a real stick. Run, not walk, and get one of the MS Force Feedback 2 sticks. They haven't been made in years, but feel exactly right (if you don't use the excessive standard MS force feedback paragraph in your aircraft.cfg file. You must substitute a paragraph that has much milder values). There is a reason that they sell for a LOT on e-bay now days; they are in real demand by those that know. Also you no longer need the software that originally came with the MS FFB2.
 
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