[DeepSpace9er]

I had a Logitech Wingman for about 6 years. I loved it dearly, even though it had only a trigger and top button and throttle. I had to replace it when my new comp doesnt have a game port on the Audigy 2. I got an Attack 3. It sucks. Dont buy it. Mostly because it feels like **** in your hands but also because its top heavy and the base moves all over the place.

[redsniper]

I've got a Sidewinder Precision Pro that's lasted probably at least 5 years. 9 buttons 3-axis, it's still pretty good.

[Zeke]

Yes, but I was mainly asking how important the twist handle is for FS2...

[Deepblue]

Important because of the way guns are mounted on the ships.

[Genryu]

Personally, I've been using my Afterburner II for what ? 3, 4 years now ? And it still doesn't show any problems. HOTAS is the way to go, I say !!
Plus this one is not really pricey

[Setekh]

I'm not sure about replacement joysticks, but I can suggest a joystick replacement. It was either ZB or Eish, but it's stuck with me: go for the abacus, guys. I think there's a USB version out, it's the only real way to experience FS.

[karajorma]

Speaking of HOTAS. Have a look at this bargin  I found earlier today

[Setekh]

15c? That's like AU24c!!

[karajorma]

Makes you want to rush out and get one before sale ends, doesn't it

[Fractux]

I think that's just so that the husband can say:

"But Honey! It was on SALE. You understand... You can't turn up a sale!"

[Setekh]

Lol, they must have been desperate to get that one out the door.

[mikhael]

Amazon is not the place to buy the Cougar. It can be had from several other vendors for $249-269. That said, its by far and away the best stick and throttle you can buy. There is very literally nothing like it out there. There is no match for the feel and control you get.

Now, in the <$70 price range, I wouldn't settle for anything less than a Saitek X45. Yeah, the stick is flimsy and the springs are crap compared the Cougar, but its the only stick that gives you something that approaches the flexibility of a Cougar.

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by DeepSpace9er
I had a Logitech Wingman for about 6 years. I loved it dearly, even though it had only a trigger and top button and throttle. I had to replace it when my new comp doesnt have a game port on the Audigy 2.

Same here (exactly the same, bar a different sound card.   have a Saitek Cyborg (the newest-but-one version) - it's pretty good, but it's surprisingly light felling and the trigger is a little 'clicky'.  Very ergonomic design, though (i.e. comfy), plus the buttons are pretty well place.  

Albeit I'll never understand buttons and throttles being placed on the base of the stick - the oinly way to use them is to cross my hands, tkae me joystick hand off the stick, or to sit with the thing straight in front of me and drop the keyboard althogether.

 Couldn't find another Wingman at the time I was shopping, I should add......

[Zeke]

Ahhhh. Okie. I have, as of today, narrowed my choices to either a CH Fighterstick USB or a Saitek X-45 HOTAS rig for my Win98 box. The rundown on both as I see are-

Fighterstick- Durable, well built and good product support. Good mapping software too. Kinda clunky feel, tho precise. Trim wheels. I'd still need left hand on keyboard.

X-45- Highly configurable, probably better feel. Though not as precise(?) or durable. Not as good support, from what I read. But can use without keyboard or mouse. Plus this HOTAS is less cost than the Fighterstick, and still only ties up one of my 2 USB. Mikhael- how do you rate overall durability of your X-45? (and calibration stability?)

No twisty grip on either, tho that can be programmed to a switch on the Fighterstich, CH support guy sez. And prolly moot for the Saitek. Decisions decisions... HELP!!! What do yall think? Let's take a vote!

Sound off!!!
Zeke
p.s. The Amazon Cougar thing is a hoot, LOL!

[mikhael]

Me? Use a Saitek? Surely, someone has slipped the spacecrack in the water. I use a Thrustmaster HOTAS/Cougar. I went without a stick for ages rather than put up with some garbage game stick from Logitech, Microsoft, Saitek, etc.

I've only dealt with the X45 in the store, to see how it compared to the Thrustmaster in feel (inferior: its axes are mushy and the buttons feel gummy and its made of PLASTIC, without even a fiberglass rod). By reputation, however, from my friends who have them, they're pretty good, as long as you don't use the stock Saitek software.

[Lightspeed]

Roll axis = needed if you want to get better than n00b skill

Then again, if you only intend to play single player, you won't need it to beat the hell outta stupid AI.

[Janos]

I've used CH F-16 sticks for my entire, though pretty short, gamer life.

They are precise, have just the ergonomy I need and can handle unbeliavable punishment.

[mikhael]

Originally posted by Lightspeed
Roll axis = needed if you want to get better than n00b skill

I disagree. A bank axis is convenient, but hardly necessary--and if you really want it, you can just apply it with digital keypresses.

What really helps get you past 'n00b' skills is having a stick and throttle that don't require you to ever touch a mouse or keyboard because every single function is under your fingers at all times (like a good HOTAS setup).

[aldo_14]

Banking is fun though.

And that's not a typo.

[Zeke]

YEEEHAW!!! I just went and got me the Saitek X45 USB today along with MW4:Mecenaries to try it out with, and I got to spend a few minutes shooting stuff. The enemy tanks blowed up good. They blowed up REAL good!!! WOOT! I still aint sure if the Saitek MW4 (Vengeance) profile I loaded took proper, in MW4, really. I just ran around using my throttle and rudder and stick and hat(s) and stuff. Seeing what all blowed up when I mashed this button or that. It'll take me a bit to know what all is configured right. For what it's worth tho, and mebbe I'm one of the lucky ones with the X45, but installation went flawless. Smooth as silk. I loaded the CD software first like I was supposed to, then plugged in the rig when it told me. Installed the newest drivers and profile prog from saitek right after, no probs again. Tested and calibrated etc. I had started to use that guy Dhauzimmer's 3rd party drivers and stuff but after reading over all that on his site, I decided to see if the newer Saitek driver and prog might be ok for now. Seems ok, tho my rudder dont go back -quite- to center from one direction when let go, and a lil of that with the stick. But it dont seem like a big whoop. BOY this things fun! And so is MW4, another game I missed while being addicted to Evercrack. I cant wait to try this rig on FS2! BTW, I also got a Thrustmaster Fox 2 Pro USB to see how I like, in case the X45 install got hosed heh. It's a great feeling stick even tho it won't do all the X45 can, I know. And it was only $30. I might keep it as a backup, if nothing else. I havent tried it yet.

Anyway thx for the feedback. I gonna practice up with my stick(s) in MW4, when I get time tomorrow,  to learn them good while waiting on FS2 to arrive. I'll holler at yall later!