[miskat]

So I've become infatuated with Freespace.

I blame that on everyone at this board.  Er... thank you.

Anyway, I bought a joystick and am very happy with it.  It's the Logitech Attack 3.  Nothing special, just a cheap solution since I can't stand using the mouse and the keyboard is nowhere near precise enough for me.  Unfortunately the joystick lacks something that I've deemed a must... the "3D" rotation.  That twist you can do to control rudders in flight sims.  I want it, and I want it to control my barrel rolls.

So I did some searching on the forums and found a few companies mentioned: CH, Saitek, and Logitech were the big 3.  Seems Logitech joysticks break and stop functioning after about 6 months... not sure what the census on the Saitek sticks were, but it seems like the Cyborg Evo is pretty nice (not the Force feedback one... heard there was problems with that) but fairly hard to get ahold of.  And CH... much much too expensive.  And do any of their sticks actually have the rotation?

Anyway... with bad reviews coming from damn near everywhere, I was wondering if someone had a recommendation for a decent joystick.  It need not have any buttons on the base, I'm going to use my Nostromo for that, but lots of thump and index finger accessable controls are nice.  And rotation....  *sighs*  And dare I hope for anything long-lasting?  I don't generally beat the crap out of my equipment, but I hate it when it seems that people hardwire expiration dates into stuff.  XD

Thanks in advance all, I've been pulling my hair out here.

[Mongoose]

I can testify to the Cyborg Evo being a good stick; of course, it could never replace my venerable old MS Sidewinder 3D Pro, but I enjoy using it nonetheless.  I've been using it off-and-on for about two-and-a-half years now, and it still works fine.  As for where to find one, they seem to be available via Saitek's website.

Regarding CH, I can't speak for them myself, but from what I've heard from people who've used them, they're worth every penny durability-wise.

[Ghostavo]

Cyborg Evo is godly.

I wish I had the X52 though... 

[spartan_0214]

Go with the Saitek joystick. I bought a cheapo ST290 Pro, and it works like a dream. I also have an old P880. I've stepped on it, kicked it, and nearly busted the wire dragging near my feet. The thing's bullet-proof. Trust me, go with Saitek.

[kode]

Saitek.

[miskat]

So it looks like Saitek's Cyborg Evo might be the way to go.  Now the question is, since the wireless model is out of the question (replacing 2xAA batteries all the time is something I already do with my mouse... and HATE it) should I hunt down the original Cyborg Evo, or is the Force feedback one worth the extra $s?

How good is FS2_open's force feedback implementation, anyway?

[Ghostavo]

I have had no problem using the Cyborg Evo Force model, although I don't use it to play FreeSpace.

I've played too much using the keyboard to start using another interface.

[spartan_0214]

Don't go Force Feedback. Force Feedback makes it harder to maneuver your fighter. I have force feedback, but I never use it.

[Nuke]

saitek is really the only company out there i know that  is still makeing good sticks. i hear ch is pretty good but never owned one of their sticks before.

[phreak]

I want an x52 for I-War2

[freespacegundam]

If you happen to have Ace Combat 5, and were fortunate enough to get the special addition with the USB flight stick and throttle, try using that.  I recently found the driver to make it work with my PC and I'm having a blast with it.  Granted, you have to map the buttons to your liking, but its a nice alternative to actually buying a new joystick if you have it already.

[Fury]

Doesn't fs2_open have freelancer-style mouse-control these days? If yes, then what's the point in buying a joystick just for one game? Granted, it has been a year since I last played FS2 in any form, but if my MS Sidewinder Precision Pro breaks, it is unlikely I'll be getting a new stick.

[miskat]

Way back when I first got my hands on a retail copy of FS1+ST I played with a mouse.  When I started playing again recently, I found that I just couldn't stand having to drag the mouse, pick it up, reposition it, drag again.  And keyboard just isn't precise enough for me.  So currently I use a joystick most of the time and use the mouse when I need ultra-precise shots (long range, mostly.)

Just got done configuring my Nostromo n52 for use in FSO alongside my joystick and now I'm not so sure I need to go get a new one.  =/  XD

Huzzah for the Nostromo.

[Mongoose]

Funny you should mention buying sticks for one game, Fury...I know several Descenters who have bought up a couple unopened MS Sidewinder 3D Pros on eBay, just so they have backups for if/when their current 3D Pro finally bites the dust.

[CmdKewin]

Yep, Saitek all the way. The X52 was the best money I've ever spent on a PC device. Now I'm eagerly waiting for the X52 Pro to start shipping.

[Nuke]

Doesn't fs2_open have freelancer-style mouse-control these days? If yes, then what's the point in buying a joystick just for one game? Granted, it has been a year since I last played FS2 in any form, but if my MS Sidewinder Precision Pro breaks, it is unlikely I'll be getting a new stick.

tried to implement it through scripting and failed miserably. i believe its on the to do list, pending post 3.6.9 pilot file changes.

the only reason i own an x-52, is because i play of flight sims.

[Bob-san]

Don't go Force Feedback. Force Feedback makes it harder to maneuver your fighter. I have force feedback, but I never use it.

I prefer Force Feedback... sure it might be "harder" to maneuver but I love my force feedback! Nothing like feeling what happens.

I always have it fully on. Max up the forces...
It's a Logitech Wingman Force 3D... 7-buttons, 6-way stick (forward/back, left/right, twist handle), 8-way HAT, and a good throttle at the base. I can't play flightsims or freespace without it! Once I got used to forcefeedback, I can't play anything now without it! Most games support it.

If you just hate force feedback, then stay away from it i guess. You have to have the stick in an AC Adapter and centre-spring relies on the force feedback to be on. Only complaint with my stick is it seems to "grind" when I turn for longer times. Watchout as it moves by itself if Autopilot is on, or if there is a collision or a hit on the ship. Rather cool, though... it takes some getting used-to.

[Dysko]

I had a lot of problem with Logitech controllers (I had a Wingman Extreme, an Attack and an Attack 3, they all had a lot of problems since I bought them). Some months ago, when I almost threw my Attack 3 out of the window, I bought a Trust GM-2500 Predator for only 25 €. And it hasn't given me any problem yet. And, for the first time, I have a joystick with a rudder and the POV controller (actually, also the Wingman Extreme had the POV controller, but I never used it... ).

[Mongoose]

I had that same stick myself, Bob; only trouble is, after a year or two of relatively light use, it started going utterly ballistic every time I plugged it in, particularly the twist function.  I wish you better luck with yours.

[Bob-san]

I've had it for three or so years now. The twist is a bit annoying sometimes, but it is overall a good stick. I have to have the base correct or I unconsciously twist it...

I just hate the fact that it has no traditional spring; the forcefeedback-spring seems a bit too loose.