If you want quality parts (metal, heavy springs, etc.) then go for a Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar. I've had this joystick/throttle combo for almost 3 years now, and it's still solid as a rock (you can feel the difference...these are extremely heavy joysticks). I also use a cheaper Logitech 3D Extreme Pro for less hardcore games, and in less than a year, the twist rudder function is already failing....-feng

No kidding, the Thrustmaster is by a LONG way the best feeling stick you could EVER get up to today. Unfortunately I have not tried it with a sim but I've witnessed its and incredibly weight and heaviness in the store one day. Nothing else comes even close. They build a new device at the moment with hall sensor tech inside, no mechanical pots anymore. Just a pity it isn't really a 'generic' stick but I believe resembles the A-10 hardware (but looks good certainly). I just wish they did pedals one day. Those would be the first pedals with the right feel and the right resistance, that's for sure. I have been using a MS SideWinder FF2 for years, and I now borrowed Saitek Pedals. With those you could apply full brakes with your pinky. No way, they just don't feel right... :(Just my $.02,Etienne

I think the main problem with joysticks is that they are less thought of in modern gaming. Most gamers now focus on FPSes and MMOs, where us simmers are usually in the shadow and no one really cares. The big problem I see is just a case of that the hard core simming community is small enough to be ignored.