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Thread: Joysticks 101: Buyers Guide
SeaRaptor
Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:10 am
#79
I recently picked up the Logitech 3D Extreme Pro, and am very happy with it. It's well-balanced, with a much heavier base than the old Flightstick I used playing X-Wing back in the day. Plenty of buttons, and a nice grip (though it is for righties only). Picked it up for $35 at the local CompUSA. I'd recommend it for someone looking for a quality stick without blowing loads of cash. =)
EDIT: I'd rate it a 4 of 5 using the above scale.
Message Edited by SeaRaptor on 08-26-2004 01:11 PM
Virgo664
Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:17 am
#80
I have a Saitek X45and plan to use it for JTL. Once you get used to it, it is a great system. I never once have to touch the keyboard. Add team-speak and there will be more then one dead imperial floating in space.
Gwerdon
Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:25 am
#81
I own a CH Products rig as well (Stick, Throttle and Pedals). Can't recommend them enough, it's the only brand I'll own. The movement on them is smooth and the stick itself is comfortable (F-16 Combatstick). The only downside is I own the gameport version as well which makes programming in XP a pain.
Dasyra
Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:04 am
#82
Blu_Haze wrote:
You forgot the Saitek X-52. This will be the newer flightstick to replace the X-45 and is rumored to be released at around October of this year, perfect timing for JTL.
It looks really pretty but how does it handle?
Raano_Geds
Thu Aug 26, 2004 3:22 pm
#83
I've uses a couple of the sticks on the list, so here's my reviews:
CH Products: F-16 Combatstick, Throttle, and Rudder Pedals. Rating: 5. Absolutely. This is my current setup at home. The graphical interface for creating your own layouts takes a little getting used to, but the hardware itself is wonderful. Extremely solid feel, plus everything comes with a three-year warranty.
CH Products: F-16 FLCS. Rating: 5. Again. This was my previous controller, and the only reason I dumped it was because I wanted the full USB set. I carted this stick cross-country through three years of college, then two more years of post college working without ever having a problem. Good feel, very reliable, and built like a tank.
In all honesty, the only knock I have against CH stuff is that they might be too big for people with small hands. This isn't a problem for me, but it might be a problem for people who prefer smaller controllers.
Saitek: X-36. Rating: 2. My brother bought this stick, and it was trashed within six months. When he opened it up, he found that the rubber stoppers inside had ground to pieces. The stick was completely trashed. The separate throttle quadrant never had any problems, but unless Saitek is making their stuff with better quality parts now, I couldn't recommend them.
Thrustmaster: Rating: 4. This was my first stick, an old Top Gun model. I'd say that if you can't afford a CH stick, or want something a little smaller, and don't want to get Saitek or MS, Thrustmaster is the way to go. They're not built quite as solidly as a CH controller, and they don't have CH's crazy warranty, but they'll do for the casual gamer who is just buying a controller for JTL.
CH Products: F-16 Combatstick, Throttle, and Rudder Pedals. Rating: 5. Absolutely. This is my current setup at home. The graphical interface for creating your own layouts takes a little getting used to, but the hardware itself is wonderful. Extremely solid feel, plus everything comes with a three-year warranty.
CH Products: F-16 FLCS. Rating: 5. Again. This was my previous controller, and the only reason I dumped it was because I wanted the full USB set. I carted this stick cross-country through three years of college, then two more years of post college working without ever having a problem. Good feel, very reliable, and built like a tank.
In all honesty, the only knock I have against CH stuff is that they might be too big for people with small hands. This isn't a problem for me, but it might be a problem for people who prefer smaller controllers.
Saitek: X-36. Rating: 2. My brother bought this stick, and it was trashed within six months. When he opened it up, he found that the rubber stoppers inside had ground to pieces. The stick was completely trashed. The separate throttle quadrant never had any problems, but unless Saitek is making their stuff with better quality parts now, I couldn't recommend them.
Thrustmaster: Rating: 4. This was my first stick, an old Top Gun model. I'd say that if you can't afford a CH stick, or want something a little smaller, and don't want to get Saitek or MS, Thrustmaster is the way to go. They're not built quite as solidly as a CH controller, and they don't have CH's crazy warranty, but they'll do for the casual gamer who is just buying a controller for JTL.
Cephme
Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:42 am
#84
I have a Saitek X45 and plan to use it for JTL. Once you get used to it, it is a great system. I never once have to touch the keyboard. Add team-speak and there will be more then one dead imperial floating in space.
I am thinking of going for the pedals and throttle as well if. Just wanted to get used to the stick first. Will likely pick up the other parts some time next month. Provantage.com has some great prices on them. Looks like I am going to need to buy a USB Hub and/or additonal usb card as well. lol
Barb-Wire
Fri Aug 27, 2004 7:45 am
#85
if you have ever had the oppurtunity to use or own a CH stick just being in the same room with a logitech saitek or MS stick will bring you to the point of being physically sick at those companies lack of quality.
Xarche
Fri Aug 27, 2004 7:59 am
#86
This has been an excellent guide. Thank you very much for the effort.
Sammeria
Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:14 am
#87
Awesome job buddy. I haven't decided if im going to use my microsoft non-force feedback one or go out and buy a new one.
nefarious2
Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:53 am
#88
That is one nice write up.
One question, for those who have joysticks already, or know more about them than me.
I'm looking at the Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner 2, or the Microsoft Precision 2 sticks. They both have good reviews, but was wondering if anyone has tried either of them and how well they work.
Thanks
rLHitman
Fri Aug 27, 2004 10:29 am
#90
I learned how to fly helo's and fighter planes in Desert Combat with a Microsoft Precision 2. It's a great joystick and by far my favorite, even with it's basic appearance. Very controllable and lightweight. That will be my choice.
Kanehokuokalani
Fri Aug 27, 2004 10:59 am
#91
best joystick, get a josytick base, remove the actual stick and start building on it till it fits your hand perfect.get some red glazing puddy and some sand paper. get it nice and purdy. airbrush,enjoy. Header enamel paint does pretty good.
