Pilot Archive

I am using an old Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro. I don't think they make it anymore, but it's dirt cheap used and is a great setup for JTL.

Just make sure you get four things in any joystick you purchase:

- "twist" control for rolling
- throttle control for quick turning, and rapid speed modulation is awesome for dogfighting
- plenty of buttons for target under recticle, target nearest enemy, target nearest enemy player, boosters, missiles, chaff, etc.
- comfort for countless hours of starship piloting

saitek x45

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testify4 wrote:
I am using an old Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro. I don't think they make it anymore, but it's dirt cheap used and is a great setup for JTL.

Just make sure you get four things in any joystick you purchase:

- "twist" control for rolling
- throttle control for quick turning, and rapid speed modulation is awesome for dogfighting
- plenty of buttons for target under recticle, target nearest enemy, target nearest enemy player, boosters, missiles, chaff, etc.
- comfort for countless hours of starship piloting

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That's very helpful info! There are a million choices for joysticks, so it's nice to know what feature I should keep an eye out for!

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Rhylis wrote:

I am just returning after about a year away. Trying to do the space missions with a mouse and keyboard is not easy lol. I am looking for suggestions on joysticks for JTL. I don't want to spend a ton, lets say under $80 or near there.

Any suggestions?

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Saitek X45 Joy/Throttle combo. http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/x45.htm

:: Stick Features ::

• 4 Fire Buttons


• Missile Launcher


• 2 X 8-way Hat Switches


• Pinkie Switch

:: Throttle Features ::

• 2 Fire Buttons


• 4-way Hat Switch


• Throttle Control with Detents


• Rudder Control


• 2 Rotary Analog Controls


• 8-way MouseController

Best buy sells them for $79.99 and there is a $20.00 rebate (Expires 5/31/2005- Total cost: $59.99)

Message Edited by Mott_Kruger on 05-16-2005 06:11 PM

Since I can't afford the Thrustmaster Cougar, I went with the next best thing and got the Saitek X-52. Stick doesn't have as much tension as I like, but I'm getting used to it. It's a nice stick, but it's $130. Still. It's got a nice feel, and it will fit most hands (a problem some have with the other Saitek sticks). Plus, it's got just a crap load of buttons, so you can pretty much be completely HOTAS while flying, unless you need to type.

The blue lights look awesome in the dark, too.

Any sticks with more than your average amount of tension? I'm hoping the added tension helps with my targetting precision. My current joystick's lack of tension makes it far to easy to oversteer, overcorrect, etc.

At work now but pretty sure it's a Saitek evo

top hat, nice feel all around

and plenty of buttons

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Pablokadman wrote:

At work now but pretty sure it's a Saitek evo

top hat, nice feel all around

and plenty of buttons

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Ditto. Think it's got at least 10 buttons all over the sucker. I find it very comfortable and easy to handle for a long time. And it was only fifty bucks.

Saitek X-52 kicks ALL forms of ass....nough said

X-52 here as well.

No offense to the OP as this is not a flame, but I suggest you try a few searches on this subject, this has been pretty exhaustively discussed, and you should end up with a shopping list of 10 or so sticks to go demo.



(Oh, and the X-52 is on sale at CompUSA for 99.00)

MS Force feedback 2.

With the force feedback turned off.

After a marathon gaming session it can be difficult to even move your hand/wrist if you are fighting with the force feedback as well. Its just a really solid joystick with adjustable tension (He-man to Pee-Wee Herman) Throttle, hat, rudder and 8 buttons. And if you are trying to have kids dont set it directly on your lap. It does get somewhat warm. Not scalding but slightly warm to the touch. Warm enough to reduce the number of Marines in your underpants navy though.