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Best joystick?

wsmwsm

Charter Member
Any recommendations on the best joystick for CFS3. Nothing fancy, but solid and easy for someone to install and use. I'm still using a keyboard and I imagine that a joystick is a big step forward. Thanks.
 
Joystick

Any recommendations on the best joystick for CFS3. Nothing fancy, but solid and easy for someone to install and use. I'm still using a keyboard and I imagine that a joystick is a big step forward. Thanks.

Hi wsmwsm

Even a mediocre joystick is always better then a keyboard for sure, I am not able to suggest one for You as it is a matter of personal taste but if You stay with Logitech or Saiteck ones You will be satisfied, this is my personal opinion of course.

Cheers :ernae: and have always good flying
Cristiano "Astore" (Goshawk)
 
I use Thrustmaster Afterburner 2 joystick. It is well built and has a throttle quadrant that you can detach. Best of all when I bought it, it was 60.00$. I have owned for at least 5 years with no problems so it is durable
 
A joystick is really nice, I have respect for you flying with a keyboard, I simply cannot. I have a thrustmaster ill get its name at home but its a fantastick stick. Ill get back to you about the name:ernae:.
 
Still using a keyboard to fly?! :jawdrop:
I use a Logitech force 3D Pro. It has 12 programmable buttons and force feedback. It is also comfortable and I like the button placement. Its definitely not the least expensive stick out there but its not the most expensive either. Today might be a good day to find a new stick online though...being Cyber Monday and all. Whatever stick you choose just get one... I can't imagine using a keyboard. Good Luck:icon_lol:
 
X52

I have used an Extreme 3D Pro, but now have a Saitek X52. It is a little on the expensive side @ about 100.00 USD, but it is excellent :ernae:
 
I have try some joystick , last is a saitek x52 , but it is more really . for me the best .
 
Logitech Extreme 3d pro ... solid, has everything needed.. not expensive...
 
+1 on the Thrustmaster ...

+1 on the Thrustmaster.

This is what I have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826280003

About $30 and very durable. "Just enough" buttons to do what you need.

Although I won't reveal what functions I map to what buttons, haha. ;)

Has twist rudder and thumb throttle, too.

Had a $70 Saitek and broke it within one month.

Have been using the Thrustmaster for almost two years.

($30 / 48 months = $0.62 per month usage cost, and dropping!)

Broke it once by twisting the rudder a "little" too hard in MP!

Opened the case and put some new screws in to resecure where it broke.

Been using ever since no problem.

Good luck choosing!

-=6=-
 
My Logitech became uncalibratable (boy! what word is that?!?!? :violent:) in less than a year but my MS FFB2 still soldiers on. (wouldn't like to have to find another one)

The Saitek X-52 comes recommended by several people I know.
 
had an early Saitek.....busted quickly but lovely action.....most durable for me seems to the CH Thrustmaster sticks.....my latest, with the ludicrous name "Topgun Afterburner Force Feedback"....has been solid but not as smooth as I could wish......elevators tend to lurch a bit which is awkward when you're zeroing in on the bad guys....but you get used to it and as slick as the Saiteks are.....I was so put off by the short lifespan that I've not gone back. The spring/damper effects on my CH stick are totally adjustable but I've never been able to dial 'em in to my satisfaction......maybe the new Saitek 52 is hardier than earlier models.....I don't know....but the FF feature is really nice.....going back to a non FF stick felt like trying to fly with a keyboard again......EEEK! How bout the new Saiteks gents....FF available on 'em.....guess I should look at the joystick sites???
 
Lol, looks like everyone has a different favorite!


I bought this recently and am very pleased with it. Having two throttles is great and I love the toggle switches, they really add to the immersion!

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/av8rxbox.htm

EDIT - looks like they've removed the toggles and put buttons in on it now though :confused:
 
Pat


I've got the same one and am very pleased. However, could you tell me what is the function of that red switch key on the lower part of the joystick which has 3 possible positions (A, center and B?)

Cheers

N.
PS: in your pic it is not red but black and has two sets of two buttons on each side...
 
Joystick

Hi wsmwsm

I currently use a Saitek X52 after using a Logitech amd then a Saitek Cyborg Wireless. I was not happy with the Logitech but others I know will be.

I would not get a wireless as I felt it went to sleep to quick and there was no adjustment for that. I had to shake it after a while if flying steady to get it to regain control.

If your finances will stretch I would recommend a joystick with a seperate throttle as in the X52 or other brands. It is a much more comfortable setup and gives you a lot more buttons - provided you can remember them all.

Cheers

Ven
 
Saitek X-52. The only one. And you can get rudder pedals that go with it - well worthwhile.

I had a Logitech and it didn't last long. My Saitek is two years old now and it's still great.

If your budget is lower, though, there is one big thing to check with cheaper joysticks - do you have rudder control? If not, forget it. Make sure you get one that does.
 
However, could you tell me what is the function of that red switch key on the lower part of the joystick which has 3 possible positions

I don't use it but I think it's for switching between profiles for different games. It's a shame they've removed the toggles on the new version, it's been dumbed down for the console brigade by the look of it :(

The original is much nicer :)

Joystick_PS33_av8r_small.jpg
 
If it works the same way as the X-52, the switch allows you to change profile even in the same game. This way you can create a flight profile with buttons for gear, flaps, trim ... and a combat profile with the same buttons for bombs, target padlock, wingman commands ...

I did not sort ground attack from air combat as commands are basically the same, but I created three profile for the X-52 : landing/take off, navigation, combat.
This way, I have buttons for complete engine startup, and for navigation (map, waypoints, warp), and for combat (wingmen, outside views, padlock).
And of course a large amount of commands are the same with the three profiles (trim, flaps, PoView).
Also some commands are keyboard ones : cockpit open, bail out on large keys like enter or space, and some tweaks (no labels, pan/snapshot ...) that I only press once at beginning.


BTW I second ndicki : the X-52 is a very pleasant item. It really allowed me to drop the keyboard for common actions, and was (and still is) far more accurate than my previous Logitech FFB.
 
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