Joystick?

[Sparky2]

Gang,
I am not an experienced computer/flight simulator gamer.
I need your opinions though, on an upcoming investment:

What is the best joystick you can buy?

I'm talking quality, durability, features, functionality, realism, and options.

Any input you gamers can offer will be greatly appreciated.
;)

[Sasquatch]

Personal Choice - (Non Force Feedback Version)

SFS Flight Controller - USB... looks like an F-18 flight stick..(what do Fixed wing guys call a cyclic grip??)

It works pretty damn well, and I have a homemade controller for collective and other inputs.

[Redleg]

Well, the sidewinder pro , force feedback. is good runs around 100 smakaroos, however i do believe there are more advanced ones floating around online (ex search realistic joysticks ) ive seen some running for around 200-300. I like flight Sims but hey the force feedback is a nice univesal platform that runs with most helicopter/ airplane games....GOOD HUNTING
redleg -out

[Redleg]

here you go got some intresting ones here check it out

http://us.thrustmaster.com/products

[Syseng]

I have a Saitek X45. A cyclic and a collective/throttle. About as many switches as a real military helicopter. Works good with Longbow II and I have it on a Windows XP PC.

[Grunt]

yeah i guess it pretty much depends on what you plan on using it for - ie what bells and whistles you want

imho you cant beat the old atari joysticks

http://www.tomheroes.com/images/joystick.jpg

[MrMudd]

Ihave the thrustmaster coagar, and to get it to work right expect to replace the digital pots for a "Hal effect " sensor.

personally, their is no finer joysticks than the Ch Products.

Ch Pro Throttle, Pro Fighter Stick and Pro Pedals with toe braks, All USB of Course.

www.chproducts.com.

Made by Americans :rockon:

[MrMudd]

http://www.chproducts.com./retail/usb_home.html

[Packetloss]

Im a big fan of: Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS (based on f16 stick) with the 'elite rudder pedals'

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000062SSB/104-6257760-7182352?v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00002SW8B/104-6257760-7182352?v=glance

[Sparky2]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I really appreciate it.

The joystick was not for me by the way, it was for a civilian UAV project that I was fortunate enough to be consulting on here at the University. (Not an Army effort, but something else altogether.)

I think the team is going to go with the Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS model for their mobile UAV controller station.
Seemed to have the right combination of features and flexibility.

Much appreciated.
:thumbsup:

[MrMudd]

Good Luck....

[Born2fly_au]

I use a Saitek X-45 which is great. Before that i had a Sidewinder 3d Pro. The X-45 took a bit of getting used to after the FF pro but it was well worth it. The latest model is the X52. I would like a set of CH pedals to go with it but it is out of my price range unfortunatly. If you are good with electrinics you can make a set out of your old joystick. There are a lot of web sites out there to show you how to do it, But i am getting off the track. The Saitek site is worth a visit http://www.saitek.com/ Read a few reviews of different types and models then go from there. Best of Luck!!!

[KevinGra]

I have a saitek x-45 with ch pro pedals. I extended the length of the x-45 controller with pvc pipe that had been contoured like a heli cyclic, so that it can sit between my legs. Also I inverted the collective that comes with the cyclic and extended it by glueing another peice of pvc pipe to it, so that it's controlled up and down with left hand like a heli collective It's a real fun setup.

[Skippy_the_Bold]

I had an old Windows 95 Thrustmaster set (throttle, control stick, and rudder pedals), and the only problem was no force feedback. It was great playing games like Janes USAF, or any flight sim I could find. Also had 2 different Saitek models. They looked cool, but they were'nt very stable. I'd keep getting kicked out of autopilot 'cause it thought I was making manual course corrections from the wobble in the stick.

[JasonActon]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826102205

If you want to go cordless, the logitech is a good one. It has a good number of buttons and works well for me.

[Purdy]

Spark

You can't go wrong with anything made by CH. May not have all the oohs and ahhs of Saitek and others, but they are very durable and work well. My 2 cents