[est1895]

I asked this question before, a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away  I was am on a budget of $20 maybe $30 at the most.  I do remember hearing that some joystcks would break often.  I have been looking for a Microsoft Force Feedback 2 for a long time, but not the others.  If anyone is selling a Joystick, please contact me.  Also, if there is some way that the current joystick that I use now can change from a midi port to a usb that would be helpful also.

[niffiwan]

I had an old Logitech joystick that had a midi to USB adaptor cable, I don't know if you can buy these separately.

[KyadCK]

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
-OR-
Saitek Cyborg

Good luck finding anything else in the $20-$30 range.
Note: Do not get the Logitech Attack 3. I know that price tag looks nice, but it really really sucks.

[Davros]

the logic 3 looks o.k for the price
http://www.logic3.com/pc-pro-flight-2-joystick.html

[Thaeris]

That looks to be exactly the same as the aforementioned Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, albeit with a built-in vibration response feature, as well as some other minor aesthetic changes. And being from a company I've never heard of before, you're probably better off buying a stick from a company that most people have seen or heard of. Hece Logitech.

[KyadCK]

That looks to be exactly the same as the aforementioned Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, albeit with a built-in vibration response feature, as well as some other minor aesthetic changes. And being from a company I've never heard of before, you're probably better off buying a stick from a company that most people have seen or heard of. Hece Logitech.

Trust me, the different thumb throttle and base key layout makes a huge difference if you use them. I perfer Logitech's version, as I find sliders to 'lock up' after a while, but it's all preference. And ya, I've never heard of that brand either.

[est1895]

I can see that many players are wondering what to get.  I have looked at the other threads and they were very informative.

How do you know if a joystick will work on Windows 7?  There is this one brand called "Guillemot Thrustmaster" that does look impressive.  I know it goes for more than I was asking, but maybe I could one used.

Any help would be appreciated. 

[jg18]

There is this one brand called "Guillemot Thrustmaster."  I know it goes for more than I was asking, but maybe I could one used.

I wouldn't take my chances with used joysticks, but that's your call.

Also see these threads (and I'm sure there are others, just search the forums) if you haven't looked at them already.

I also agree with the others that it's best to stick to brands that other people have heard of.

Finally, if you're planning to buy from Amazon, note that joystick availability and price can vary from week to week (even from day to day sometimes), so if you're interested in, say, the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (which Amazon.com currently doesn't have in stock), you can wait a bit until they get it back in stock if it means a better price for you. Then again, it depends on how long you're willing to wait -- and honestly, when it comes to trying to get a good price, it can be a bit like trying to time the stock market.

EDIT: Sorry, I overlooked the part where you mentioned you'd looked at the other threads.

[est1895]

I went to the Logitech website and the Extreme 3D Pro does not show support of Windows 7.  Then I thought, how old is it?  Can anyone here say that it does work with Windows 7? 

[KyadCK]

Uh... me...

Its a simple plug'n'play joystick, seriously.

EDIT: Microsoft compatability checker is your friend.

[Thaeris]

When I first got my 3D Pro, the box did not list software compatibility for Vista, and said software was not in the box. I promptly went to Logitech's website and got the Vista drivers.

I suggest you do the same (for Windows 7, of course):

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/441/291?section=downloads&bit=&osid=14

[Davros]

I have a 3d pro and its fine in windows 7 and so is the profiling software

[est1895]

When I first got my 3D Pro, the box did not list software compatibility for Vista, and said software was not in the box. I promptly went to Logitech's website and got the Vista drivers.

I suggest you do the same (for Windows 7, of course):

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/441/291?section=downloads&bit=&osid=14

Is it only certain models that will work on Win 7?  for example. J-UK17, J-UF17   These models are on the webpage that you listed.

[Deka1184]

My Extreme 3d pro works like a charm in Win7-64bit.

There is a joystick similar to it that is wireless and has three base supports instead of four. I preferred it because it had a metal handle, but I got sick of changing the batteries. It may be a good investment though because It lasts more than twice as long as the 3dpro in terms of deadzone expansion.

[KyadCK]

When I first got my 3D Pro, the box did not list software compatibility for Vista, and said software was not in the box. I promptly went to Logitech's website and got the Vista drivers.

I suggest you do the same (for Windows 7, of course):

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/441/291?section=downloads&bit=&osid=14

Is it only certain models that will work on Win 7?  for example. J-UK17, J-UF17   These models are on the webpage that you listed.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Windows-7/en-us/Details.aspx?type=Hardware&p=Logitech%20Extreme%203D%20Pro%20joystick%20Game%20Controller&v=Logitech&uid=963290-0403&pf=1&pi=8&c=Mice%2C%20Keyboards%20%26%20Input%20Devices&sc=Game%20Controllers&os=64-bit

You are thinking waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far into this. It is a plug and play USB joystick.

[jg18]

What Kyad said.

[est1895]

I did find a Saitek x52 for $40, but I don't know if it works.  I already got him to knock off $20 because on the driving distance.  What should I do?

[jg18]

The x52 option sounds way too risky for my taste, especially given that you don't even know if it works. Even $60 is low for a Saitek x52 (I assume you mean US Dollars), and given how many bells & whistles the x52 has and therefore how many things can break... I sure wouldn't take it.

If you really want a stick in the $20 - $30 range, just go with the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. It seems that quite a few people around here use it and like it, including people using Windows 7. [Disclosure: I use a CH Flightstick and Throttle and have no experience with Logitech sticks.] Just note that from the reviews on Amazon, it sounds like you'd do well to hold onto your receipt and the packaging, in case you get a bad stick and have to exchange it for a new one.

Hope that helps.

[KyadCK]

I did find a Saitek x52 for $40, but I don't know if it works.  I already got him to knock off $20 because on the driving distance.  What should I do?

If you got him to knock it down $20 then you're obviously in contact with him. Ask him if it works. If he says it does, and it doesn't... well you know where he lives, 'return' it through his window. Or just demand your money back. Ya, that second one sounds like a better idea.

That said, I agree fully with jg18. Only difference being I use a 3D Pro and it works great.

[est1895]

I found it on Craigslist.  I did talk with him on the phone a few times.  When I asked him if it works, he said he doesn't know because he dosen't play games.  Then I said well where did you get it, he said that he got them from a friend along with some computer systems, and he rambled on what he had for sale.  My first reaction is that it is a hot item.