Best joystick?

Camel Charge · 26 November 2006, 05:56 PM

I need to get a joystick to use with RB3D and the eventually upcoming Knights of the Sky. Any comments on which is the best? I'm using Windows XP if that's any help, and bluetooth would be cool.

Tom L. · 28 November 2006, 06:40 PM

I use a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro; to me the twist handle is very intuitive for the rudder control, it's moderately priced, and weighty.

However, with wear it will develop a rudder-flutter due to that same twist handle's connections becoming dirty and/or worn out, it's most infuriating.
It does come with a 1 year warranty, though.

Jasta 5 Von Muller · 28 November 2006, 07:28 PM

Everyone I know that has a Logitech includin myself has had rudder flutter!!!

In all my YEARS of experience with flight sims and mostly RB3D MMP. I found the original Sidewinder 3d Pro to be the best without any flaws or flutters of any kind!!!!! lasted me the last 7 years!!!! and still goin strong!

Camel Charge · 28 November 2006, 07:58 PM

Well, I've got a Sidewinder Precision Pro that works fine on my old Windows 98. I want to play on an XP computer though and I've heard that doesn't work. Does your Sidewinder work in XP? My XP computer doesn't even have a game port, so I would have to buy a game-port-to-USB adapter first anyway. Buying a whole new Precision Pro with included USB adapter on eBay would actually probably be cheaper, though an adapter alone wouldn't be that expensive in the first place. The 3D Pro may be the best for RB3D, but what about newer sims like the upcoming Knights of the Sky?

Ross_Moorhouse · 28 November 2006, 08:06 PM

I use a basic Thrustmaster USB Joystick. http://www.thrustmaster.com/eng/d_prd.php?p=T126&fam=6

Never had a problem with it. Suits all the flight sims I have.

bzhyoyo · 28 November 2006, 11:12 PM

Ms Joysticks' production has been terminated, but if you can find a good second-hand Sidewinder precision 2, go for it.

JFM · 29 November 2006, 05:15 AM

I have a Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless. Had it since 2003. No rudder flutter, because I use CH Pro Rudder Pedals.

Camel Charge · 3 December 2006, 10:50 PM

I'm gonna get a gameport to USB adapter to try and get my Sidewinder and if that doesn't work I'll go with a Logitech. I'm looking at the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and the Logitech Force 3D Pro and they both seem exactly the same except the Extreme is $30 and doesn't have force feedback while the Force is $70 and does have force feedback. Is force feedback worth getting? One doesn't buy a joystick that often, so the $70 could be worth it to have a full-featured joystick.

jimmyzen · 18 December 2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camel Charge

I'm gonna get a gameport to USB adapter to try and get my Sidewinder and if that doesn't work I'll go with a Logitech. I'm looking at the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and the Logitech Force 3D Pro and they both seem exactly the same except the Extreme is $30 and doesn't have force feedback while the Force is $70 and does have force feedback. Is force feedback worth getting? One doesn't buy a joystick that often, so the $70 could be worth it to have a full-featured joystick.

RE: force feedback. I get a big grin out of feeling the stick shake in my hand when I squeeze the trigger. Feeling the terrain bouncing the plane on take off is very cool, too. Once aloft, the extra pull required at the stick at different points during the flight/dog fight (depending on what I am doing) adds to the sensation. All my sticks and wheels are force feedback except a mid level two module Saitek that's pretty busy, anyway. I wouldn't replace any control without getting a force feedback version.