Hi all,Then:I had a Logitech 3D Pro that I really liked, but the rudder axis went south with only minimal range happening on the left twist. I did all the usual stuff in calibrate/repair...but it mechanically wasn't going to happen.Now:I picked up a Saitek AV8R-01 joystick (my first Saitek product ever) and am happy to report that for a price (average of $37.00 US), this stick really has some quality and features built into it. Really great (after you download the latest drivers for your O.S. version ((which they have, including W7)) programming software, with intuitive/ease-of-use features. Later about that...The stick features a full height column that fits a large hand with ease. You don't overlap the hand at either the bottom or the top of the flight column. Good deal! For fighter jocks, there is a fail-safe switch cover for the red lit missile/weapon launch button (or can be programmed to do anything within FSX, or any other game) if a fighter pilot sim is your pleasure. Being that you can custom program EVERY button or toggle switch on the instrument, it makes it a joy to use and own with FSX.For programming the stick, it couldn't be easier!!!! Just fire up the Saitek Profile Editor software that you installed; run FSX and then go to window mode. Bring the Control keyboard options into view and then reduce the window upon your monitor. Have both the Saitek Profile Editor and FSX (keyboard inputs/keys) along each other and then start your CUSTOMIZING of your new AV8R-01! Read what features you want to activate on your 17 buttons and toggle position A/B, and just make those keystrokes from what you see on the list in FSX, into the different switch and/or button boxes within the Editor. After you do that, (read the Editor Manual) type in the the action that the button and/or toggle switch will perform, as you just programmed the key presses, and then save that profile as for instance, 'FSX CUSTOM-YOUR NAME' and then PRINT out via the Saitek Editor Software, what all the buttons and switch toggles now engage. That's it, other than make your new FSX Custom Profile the DEFAULT profile to load up when you start up your O.S. If you have other games or sims, you can make up as many custom profiles you want until the cows come home. Or leave the cows in the pasture, and do as many anyway! :) It's that simple. Another great feature, is the DUAL THROTTLE CONTROL. There is a push-in and lock,push again to unlock switch on the left side of the left throttle. Push it in (it comes that way) and you have dual throttle engagement as you move the left Throttle Control. In FSX, you ONLY need to use the LEFT throttle control to manipulate both engines of a dual, or all engines of a multi, UNLESS that plane lets you adjust two engines (or whatever engine you program into the second throttle lever) to control all engines within the environment. So...I suggest you push in and release the two-throttle lock up button, so as to unnecessarily move and wear the second throttle lever. Unless programmed to specifically control one of your multi engines, it will be only dead weight and not actually controlling anything. Again, your LEFT throttle lever will advance ALL engines unless programmed otherwise.The smoothness of the flight stick in the X and Y axis is VERY PRECISE with no hang-ups or resistance other than what you'd expect. So nice in fact, that I have reduced all DEAD ZONES to 0 and cranked up the SENSITIVITY bars to FULL BORE. You only need to THINK what you want to do..and it will be done in smooth flight surface action without jerks or ranges that go wild right off dead 0/0. It's that good! For 37.00 US (more or less with your country's dollar exchange per the US dollar), it is a very precise and good stick for all applications. I decided to buy from a manufacturer that I have never have to date...and was not disappointed by any means! :)I give the SAITEK AV8R-01 a ten-out-of-ten in precise control, features, software, and quality-of-build. Happy flight control, all! :)Cheers!Mitch

Nice Review...I guess it comes down to different strokes for different folks as I had an AV8R joystick and thought it was total garbage. I wound up gutting it and using it to build my own switch panel but the two throttle axis did come in handy as a seperate flap and spoiler axis via FSUIPC (they do have a nice feel to them)