[makrager]

Good day people???

My old joystick (after 15 years of proud service) died a few weeks ago, so I need a new one. The problem is that i don't know anything about a good joystick for freespace to maximize the playing experience. If anyone could help me pleaseee...

[Nohiki]

For freespace, there's only one rule - easy accessible buttons, and lots of them. Some sort of key-binding software is a huge +, for example i have Saitek cyborg evo force, 10 buttons + 2 shifts (using one = 22 buttons in total), and it has Saitek Smart technology, magic keyboard and magic mouse, which allows me to bind keystrokes, multiple key hits and macros to the joystick. Couldn't have picked better in it's price range.

[Davros]

Lots of buttons is indeed good an x52pro would fit the bill (although some people think the spring is a bit on the weak side)
my recomendation would be a forcefeedback stick like the above poster uses
fs2 absolutely rocks with forcefeedback it really brings the game alive imho

[torc]

x52 pro forever!   

[Zacam]

Saitek X65-F FTW.

[Dilmah G]

I'd personally advise against procuring a stick with a centring mechanism similar to the Saitek Cyborg Evo's. This will be about the 3rd or 4th year I've used mine, and the friction between the spring base and the stick base has worn down both a bit, and this means that you get uber friction when you're trying to make precise movements, and so you need a bit more pressure on the stick to get it to move - and, oops! You've overcorrected.

That's cool when you're spraying a Ravana with prom s's or something, but when you're dogfighting in BP, yelling obscenities at the top of your lungs, missing deflection shots because of it becomes a massive pain.

[Zacam]

You can also clip the spring and rig up some stuff in the base for a better response.

I don't have or recall the mechanics of the Cyborg Evo, it honestly didn't appeal to me on many levels before I got my X52 Pro. I've had mine since release day in 2007 and it is still butter smooth. I have been thinking though with the spring base being a metallic plate, that if the base starts getting worn, I can make a Teflon o-ring/collar for there.

[Pred the Penguin]

If I remove the spring will it still center itself?

[Nohiki]

If I remove the spring will it still center itself?

It won't center without power so yeah, it should be force-powered. but i took good care of the device and it doesn't show any sign of deterioration.

[Mongoose]

I'd personally advise against procuring a stick with a centring mechanism similar to the Saitek Cyborg Evo's. This will be about the 3rd or 4th year I've used mine, and the friction between the spring base and the stick base has worn down both a bit, and this means that you get uber friction when you're trying to make precise movements, and so you need a bit more pressure on the stick to get it to move - and, oops! You've overcorrected.

That's cool when you're spraying a Ravana with prom s's or something, but when you're dogfighting in BP, yelling obscenities at the top of your lungs, missing deflection shots because of it becomes a massive pain.

See, I just solve that issue by swearing by aspect-seeking missiles and spamming primary fire everywhere.

[Crazy_Ivan80]

any recommendations for a lefthanded joystick?

[Grizzly]

Thrustmaster Flight Stick X is cheap, reliable, and caters to all your Flight sim needs.
(The centering spring can also be adjusted by a dial on the bottom of the joystick, called "joystick toughness' or something).

EDIT: It is right handed, sorry Crazy Ivan, this post was not intended for you.

[Nohiki]

any recommendations for a lefthanded joystick?

The cyborg evo force has completely adjustable handle - with two pins you can change the orientation of the head and angle of 3 buttons and you can convert the bottom hand support for left handed.

[Davros]

also the ch flightstick pro is suitable for lefties
and the thrustmaster T.16000M

the saitek cyborg gold too (but its no longer made) you'd need to search ebay
ps: the cyborg evo is no longer made either

the only forcefeedback joystick in production is the logitec g940 which rocks but isnt cheap

[ShadowWolf_IH]

I've been playing for 9 years on my Logitech Wingman 3d with force feedback.

[Mongoose]

I've been playing for 9 years on my Logitech Wingman 3d with force feedback.

Wow, that sort of surprises me.  My Force 3D started to go wonky after a year or so; random axes would just spike for no apparent reason.  I heard it was an issue inherent to many of Logitech's sticks at the time.

[ShadowWolf_IH]

nope, mine works just fine.  maybe i just take better care of my toys.

[Crazy_Ivan80]

I've got a guillemot FF which is left/right handed but it's over 10 years old. It still works but not as well as it used to so i'm always on the lookout for a new stick. for when I decide to play a sim (which doesn't happen that often anymore)
but thanx for the hints, now i know what to look out for

[makrager]

Sorry for the late reply, but i have too much work.

After reading all the replies, I finally have 2 options:

1º Thrustmaster T.16000M PC Joystick, (with more durability and precision movements, but without force feedback)

2º Logitech Force™ 3D Pro (with Force Feedback )

Their prices are quite the same. Is Force Feedback so cool?

[Herra Tohtori]

I'd advise against Logitech's low tier sticks based on personal experience in general, and specifically against Force3D Pro whose force feedback system sucks big time.

It has noticeable detents to which the stick has a big tendency to settle on; in other words, it doesn't offer uniform resistance, which makes small adjustments really difficult to make. If you are dead set on force feedback stick of low price range, I'd recommend Saitek's Cyborg Evo Force, which has a better FFB system mechanically as well as optical sensors if I recall right, which should improve the stick's lifetime compared to potentiometres, especially on heavy use.

For a budget stick, Saitek Cyborg Evo (regular version) is probably difficult to beat, but my opinion is that the stick either needs very good maintenance by candlewax, silicone lubricant or some other stuff that doesn't harm the plastic parts (don't use mineral based lubricants such as oils on plastic parts) or a modification to remove the centering springs from the main gimbal and the twist handle - I felt this improved my accuracy with the stick quite a bit, and losing the centering isn't as important as you might think, though your mileage may vary. Instead of cutting the spring off, though, I suggest removing them intact so that you can put them back later on.

I have not tried the Thrustmaster's sticks, but it is a reputable manufacturer of PC peripherals and should be all good, though I urge you to find and read some reviews - you can usually get a picture of the product's qualilty from reviews and comments by users, and you might also want to browse some forums to see if there are any big issues with certain hardware. This should be used for any computer hardware investments...