[Krelus]

I'm thinking of buying this for FS2, since dogfighting with the keypad and/or mouse isn't much fun. Is that a good joystick, or should I get a different one?

Also, does FS2 recognize joystick-mounted throttle switches?

[FUBAR-BDHR]

Personal opinion but I don't like the force feedback ones.  Too loose for my liking.  I have to crank the feedback up to maximum to get any feel for the game.  Other than that I haven't had any trouble with a similar model. 

[Krelus]

Personal opinion but I don't like the force feedback ones.  Too loose for my liking.  I have to crank the feedback up to maximum to get any feel for the game.  Other than that I haven't had any trouble with a similar model. 

Whoop, good call. I'm gonna see if there's a non-FF version.

[FUBAR-BDHR]

I'm using the Freedom 2.4 on this computer.  It's cordless but works fine.  Haven't run the first set of batteries out yet.  Tempted to move it to my playing computer but I need the cordless here since I don't have enough desk space.

[Reprobator]

a friend just buy this one :
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=149&PlatformID=5

40$ for a hotas stick , this is a good deal and it works perfectly with fs2!

[SOFBear]

I played the game originally with a non force Microsoft joystick and liked it .  I now have a Microsoft FF joystick and originally hated it with FS2.  However, if you turn off the force and play with the both the calibration in control panel and the game's internal options settings for deadzones, etc, you can make it do the trick.  Just takes some playing with (actually it took me two nights of fiddling with it).  I like Logitech products in general and researched the heck out of their current offering for a non FF joystick and what I saw made me dig out my old Microsoft stick.  Apparently the Logitech is like a Dodge--get a good one and it will last forever.  The problem is, there are of them that won't last much at all.  (The springs apparently go out fast on them making calibration dang near impossible).

[smurd]

I use a Logitech Attack 3 (because I'm left-handed and it's symmetric). After three months one of the cables inside was broken from the movement. I was able to repair it myself, still this should not happen...

[captain-custard]

i have this exact joystick and it works perfectly for me so if you can gaet it cheap enough its niot a bad investiment, you can program most of your essential commands to the joystick and leave the rest on the keyboard , its fairly accurate and the downside .... well as vidmaster said this type can be a little loose i have mine cranked up to 150% but i may have found another solution for this , if it works ill post it.

other than that its good , the cordless one that fubar talks about is good vaue as well


as for the hotas sticks im not sure , you already need 3 hands to play fs and adding another thing is just going to make it harder in my opinion


happy hunting

[Reprobator]

the purpose of hotas is to avoid using keyboard, actually one hand on the stick and one hand on the throttle and you're ready to fight 
anyway the throttle doesn't need to be constantly handed, you can easily use your keyboard and when you're done come back to the throttle control...

[Krelus]

Actually, the two-piece Hotas looks pretty badass.

Thanks, all, I'll definitely take your advice into account. Now I just need money... Time to sell back some textbooks.

[captain-custard]

for me a hotas has a valid use in an aircraft sim , but has very little use in freespace , with a joystik like the logitech , you have a throttle control (ok its little and doesny cost a small fortune , as my joystick has 12 buttons +pov + throttle i keep 2 hands on it most of the tim and use my keyboard for very few things , so for me i dont see the point in buying a hotas joystick unless you play a lot of flight sims

[Herra Tohtori]

A word of warning, Logitechs have a tendency to suck. The components used in them for axis identification are flimsy and aside from simply breaking up mechanically, they are prone to developing skipping, loss of axis detection area as a result of poor electrical quality.

If you want a budget joystick, get a Saitek Cyborg Evo. It sits about at the same price range as Logitech Extreme/Force 3D Pro and has the same features but much superior components.

[smurd]

I used a Saitek Cyborg 2000 before (like the Evo usable if you're left-handed), and took a look at the Evo in a shop. I found that it had the same drawback the Cyborg 2000 had - it is very loose, the pull towards the middle my Logitech Attack 3 has is much stronger. Also, the Evo is *very* light, the foot's weight is next to nothing.

[Herra Tohtori]

I used a Saitek Cyborg 2000 before (like the Evo usable if you're left-handed), and took a look at the Evo in a shop. I found that it had the same drawback the Cyborg 2000 had - it is very loose, the pull towards the middle my Logitech Attack 3 has is much stronger. Also, the Evo is *very* light, the foot's weight is next to nothing.

I myself have taken all the return springs off from my Cyborg Evo, both the gimbal and the twist handle spring. It's a bit inconvenient occasionally since it now tends to lop to the sides when I release it, but it really improved things on flight simulators as long as I keep my hand on the stick.

Now if only I could mod the stick to have friction locks, so that I could leave my hand from it and it would stay in that position, that would be ideal.

Otherwise I have to agree with you - Logitech sticks have better base and better ergonomy for right-handed grip. But those advantages are neutered by the crappy electronics department - you don't get the benefit from better mechanical design when the stick doesn't work properly at all.

[Sololop]

I'm using a cyborg evo, but I never could get freespace to detect the throttle lever. Is it possible?

[Moonred]

I have Logitech Wingman Force 3D and it is just awshum >_<

[Herra Tohtori]

I'm using a cyborg evo, but I never could get freespace to detect the throttle lever. Is it possible?

Look for the "Absolute throttle" setting, then try binding the throttle lever axis to it. It definitely is possible.

[SOFBear]

Gads I miss my ole Microsoft non-force joystick.  Wish I could find a good sturdy non-force joystick that had of buttons and didn't cost a hundred bucks.  Frankly, I've hated every force feed back stick I've had.  I'm playing the game with an old Microsoft Force Feedback stick only cause it comes closest to a non force stick with the forces turned off.  I just don't need carpal tunnel from playing a game.

[Sololop]

Look for the "Absolute throttle" setting, then try binding the throttle lever axis to it. It definitely is possible.

Hmm, If I highlight Absolute Throttle, click bind, and move the throttle, it does not detect it. The throttle does work and is detected fine if I go to the calibration window. The game detects every other button and axis on the joystick, even the rudder control(Twist) of the joystick.

Edit: Nevermind, decided to work after tinkering with it.

[SOFBear]

I worked for me!  Try turning the throttle all the way down then move it up to bind it.