Pilot Archive

That's the one I use. I'm not familiar with joysticks at all, but from my experience with it it's a bit stiff. Subtle turns are not a strongpoint for the ATK3. But once you get used to it, it's pretty good. The throttle is at the base, which at first seemed really strange, but now is like second nature to me. The "target closest enemy" button is situated really close to the trottle, meaning that I don't have to move my hand much. There are also three or four buttons that I haven't found a pre-programmed use for, so if I ever feel inventive, I'll make macros that I can then tie to those buttons and stop having to use the keyboard for anything in space. All in all, I like the ATK3 a lot. It took a lot of getting used to, but now I am a thousand times better using that than I am with my mouse.

Out of those 3, I suggest the extreme 3d pro it has 12 buttons and twist handle. Attack 3 doen't have twist and the 3d (not pro) has less buttons. Actually I am getting this one myself this weekend. From what I hear the stick is pretty heavy so it is best to try them in the store and find the one you like that way.

I use a Saitek Cyborg 3D. It has a twist handle to control the roll that I REALLY like. The buttons are easily programmable, and once I stopped usinga death grip, and learned to relax a little, it became second nature to me. I also found it advantageous to play with the joystick settings. Specifically, the default for dead center has a value of 10, and this meant I had to move the joystick a little bit before the PC would register movement. I did not like this, and reduced it to zero. Now the joystick responds instantly. GL

I'm also casting my vote for the Saitek Cyborg. I had a Microsoft Sidewinder that I absolutely hated, I had to exchange it twice before I gave up and bought a Cyborg. It's easy to use and program and very comfortable.

From personal experience I would recommend the Microsoft Sidewinder Pro. It's a simple design, the stick isn't too hard or too easy to move, has a simple button layout and is easy to configure. Probably the only Microsoft product I've own that's been so reliable.