Pilot Archive

i use an xbox controller
it works great for me....
you can download an emulator form XBCD
and you can buy an adapter or if you are alittle bit tech savvy you can fabritcate one...
there are guildes online buts realy easy just cut open a usb cord and cut open one of the xbox wires AFTER the break point(if you do it after the breakpoint you can still use it with the xbox by switchin a normal cord for it) match the colors of the wires and leave out the one that has no partner... its for the force feedback..
and there you go... the emulator will config the buttons.

I use a PS2 controller via USB. The analog rollers work great for ship controls, and I have more than enough buttons for the fun stuff. I haven't been a joystick guy since the Atari 2600, maybe my commodore 64,so definately don't take my word for it!

Saitek and Microsoft sticks are probably the best.

Logitech sticks have fancy names, anything with a fancy name, like a car is usually crap.

My saitek stick is about a year and a half old now and I would NEVER think of buying a stick not made by saitek now. The quality is good and so long as you calibrate it right and treat it right it should work right. I had 2 logitch sticks and they started getting crappy(stick gotloose, buttonsdidnt always click)after a month or two.

When I was at the store looking at the 12+ joysticks at the store all the Saiteks where broken... all I needed to know. I admit the high end one is sweet, but I smell fluff. Some one needs to teach them that form should follow function.

I ended up with the Logitch Extreme 3D Pro, your not going to find a better stick for less than $100. And I could grab it like a hammer and bash Saiteks to bits with it. I've tripped on the cord and whip lashed it in to the wall more times than I can count. The wall is a bit rough but the stick is fine. It started out a bit stiff, but has broken in to just about right. Those soft feeling sticks just don't pop back fast enough for me.

the most important thing is to try it out in person first even if you order it online later. make sure it feels comfortable and that the buttons are within easy reach. you could buy the top of the line stick and end up hateing it because it just doesn't feel right.

I use the Evenstrain Mod HOTAS Cougar...

But you may not want to spend $1200 on a joystick + throttle.

NOT logitech....anythin else seems good...I do miss my Microsoft Force Feedback Pro 2 tho =/ may she rest in peace the grand game port =(