Pilot Archive
Thread: What Joystick?
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MorpheousXO
Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:37 am
#1
Currently I have an old Sidewinder 3d Pro (non USB), and since I'll be getting JTL soon (with ROTW) I was wondering if I should upgrade to something else? What would all you verteran pilots recomend?
idolatry
Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:50 am
#2
Well, if I mention one brand being better than another, I'm sure we'll start a flame-war 
Things you shouldn't live without on a stick
1) twisting (for rolling the ship)
2) throttle (slider, lever, knob, whatever)
3) lots of buttons (*lots* of buttons)
I know a few people who use a full HOTAS (Hands On Throttle and Stick) setup, with rudder pedals for rolling, but that's very expensive. Definitely adds to the immersion, though.
I've been using a Saitek 3d USB Gold stick for the last couple years, and I just (today) bought a shiny new Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. The Logitech is a lot tigher, more precise, and has better ergonomics than the Saitek, but the Saitek is easier on my hand over long engagements. Both have aPOV hat that I use for sub-targetting and target selection, and I couldn't do without that feature now.
I think it comes down to one thing... how it feels in your hand (quality-wise and ergonomics). I'd never buy a stick that I hadn't played with first.
GileHarleen
Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:02 am
#3
I use a Logitech Attack 3. Works good, has a throttle and enough buttons for my needs. Goes for around $20.
Manxman
Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:21 am
#4
Saitek X52 FTW!
Once you program your buttons you never use the keyboard again
entrailsgalore2
Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:00 am
#5
I just use a mouse and keyboard...might try a stick sometime later though.
Sin-Vraal
Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:17 am
#6
I broke down an nabbed Saitek's X52 as soon as it came out specifically for JtL. Imagine how happy I was when, after a four-month hiatus, I returned to discover that it finally worked with the game.
If you can swallow the cost, I highly recommend a HOTAS system (in my case, I have to plug the X52--it's quite nice). I've moved just about every last combat-critical function to the stick/throttle, and the throttle help immensely with ship control, IMNSHO.
That said, my bare minimums for any stick are:
-At least one hat switch (used for targetting).
-A built-in method that you can easily use to your your ship. Twist handle works well for me, purists will inform you that you need to buy rudder pedals for this.
-At least three buttons (in addition to the trigger) on the stick itself, as opposed to the base.
And I'll also recommend trying some out, first. Much as I hate to say this, go to your local big box computer store(s) and play around with the sticks they've got out on the floor: some may look really cool, or have all the features you want, but if it doesn't fit your hand well then it's as good as broken.
If you can swallow the cost, I highly recommend a HOTAS system (in my case, I have to plug the X52--it's quite nice). I've moved just about every last combat-critical function to the stick/throttle, and the throttle help immensely with ship control, IMNSHO.
That said, my bare minimums for any stick are:
-At least one hat switch (used for targetting).
-A built-in method that you can easily use to your your ship. Twist handle works well for me, purists will inform you that you need to buy rudder pedals for this.
-At least three buttons (in addition to the trigger) on the stick itself, as opposed to the base.
And I'll also recommend trying some out, first. Much as I hate to say this, go to your local big box computer store(s) and play around with the sticks they've got out on the floor: some may look really cool, or have all the features you want, but if it doesn't fit your hand well then it's as good as broken.
Washell
Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:29 am
#7
MorpheousXO wrote:
Currently I have an old Sidewinder 3d Pro (non USB), and since I'll be getting JTL soon (with ROTW) I was wondering if I should upgrade to something else? What would all you verteran pilots recomend?
Don't upgrade, if you get hooked to JTL you can always buy a new stick. If you tire of it during the tier 3 or 4 missions you've saved 20 to 50 bucks.
KorovaMB
Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:17 am
#8
Sin-Vraal wrote:
If you can swallow the cost, I highly recommend a HOTAS system (in my case, I have to plug the X52--it's quite nice). I've moved just about every last combat-critical function to the stick/throttle, and the throttle help immensely with ship control, IMNSHO.
Couldn't agree more. I have a Saitek X45 (had to buy it just before the X52 came out, as I broke my old X36 during JTL beta 
).
).
bmeenan
Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:15 am
#9
I've run a Saitek X45 since the launch of JTL and it's work really well for me. You could most likely get one at a steal since the X52 has just recently come out.
There's an excellent joystick guide that's been around since JTL was in Beta. I believe it's inside the FAQ at the top of the boards. My main suggestion would be to search that post (I think it's called Joysticks 101) and read up.
/salute
There's an excellent joystick guide that's been around since JTL was in Beta. I believe it's inside the FAQ at the top of the boards. My main suggestion would be to search that post (I think it's called Joysticks 101) and read up.
/salute
Halyn
Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:11 am
#10
I ran with the old PC Raider Pro until one of the axis broke during a mission. (Not good, not good at all.) I replaced it with the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and my flying improved by leaps and bounds. The one problem with the old Raider Pro was that it didn't have a twist handle for rolling. Rolling is your friend.
But I agree with what others said. See if you enjoy JtL first, and, if you're going to become a permanent pilot, upgrade. If not, well, then you haven't spent any more money.
Kyyrtek
Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:52 am
#11
I have always used a cheap ($15) controller from WalMart. It's a pc knock-off of a PS2 controller, with the 2 analog 'joysticks' that even have the extra button when you push down on them. The default configuration is great, with the left joystick on pitch/yaw(up-down/left-right), and the right joystick is throttle/roll.
It may not be great for the realism crowd who think you should outfit your desk like the inside of a Dunelizard, but the familiarity with the PS/PS2 sticks make it very comfortable to use.
It may not be great for the realism crowd who think you should outfit your desk like the inside of a Dunelizard, but the familiarity with the PS/PS2 sticks make it very comfortable to use.
SwenLaransa
Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:57 am
#12
I use a Saitek cyborg EVO.... noticing a lot of other saitek users here 
At any rate, I love it. The difference between it and my serial mouse from 1985 is amazing.
Clicky!
As others have said, stick with your current stick and decide if you hate JTLS or not. Personally, I'm a huge fan. I'm sure most people in this board are biased
At any rate, I love it. The difference between it and my serial mouse from 1985 is amazing.Clicky!
As others have said, stick with your current stick and decide if you hate JTLS or not. Personally, I'm a huge fan. I'm sure most people in this board are biased
Matthevv
Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:15 am
#13
Wingman attack 2, it broke though... really easily i need a new one thinking going for the attack 3
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