Hello to all,I have recently come back to FSX ( after having FS2000) and in particular using the PMDG 747-400X, I am quite happy using the software and now I am doing flights staring from cold and dark from airport to airport using the keyboard....But it's now time to get a joystick, so I can taxi better and and fly the plane myself without the keyboard and using the autopilot. My price budget is around £30 to £60 ( or U.S.$ Dollars ), this is just to get me started to do basic things...I will take onboard idea's for a yoke style, but I think the wife will think I'm mad if I do this.......Any suggestions or idea's would be gratefully received, or direct me to a forum that has already discussed this.Simon HillsThe ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don't. Douglas Adams

Hello Simon. Welcome back to Flight Simming! There probably isn't any yoke style controller in your price range. Those are usually a bit more expensive. In my opinion there is no substitute for a good controller setup, but at least get a twist grip joystick with a throttle slider on the base, so that you have all important controls in easy reach. The only one I know in your price range would be the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. But it looks really ugly (IMHO). If you can exceed your budget a little bit, try the Flightstick Pro by CH Products. I use a Saitek X52 HOTAS controller, which is a bit more expensive, but more than covers my needs.Here are a few links for you to browse:http://www.chproducts.comhttp://www.logitech.com/en-us/homehttp://saitek.com/There are most likely other threads on this topic around. Try the search function and look for other opinions.

the The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a good choice. It has a wist grip for your rudder and a throttle slider. I've been using this stick for about 10 years and still like it alot!http://www.ciao.co.uk/Logitech_Extreme_Joystick__5434714http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/165-187016/Game-Controls/Logitech-Extreme-3D-PRO-PC-Compare-Prices

the The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a good choice. It has a wist grip for your rudder and a throttle slider. I've been using this stick for about 10 years and still like it alot!http://www.ciao.co.u...ystick__5434714http://www.pricerunn...-Compare-Prices

I have been using that same one for about 4 years... I swore by it. Just recently I picked up the CH Eclipse Yoke (the one with rudder paddles).The yoke was just another thing that bumped the realism factor even more. I could never go back to a joystick after using a yoke.

If you could stretch your budget some, I can really recommend the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System (http://saitek.com/uk/prod/yoke.html). You can add an extra quad if you want more axis to play with. And of course rudder pedals.And I agree with Mike, moving from joystick to yoke was a quantum leap towards reality...

I use the X52 Pro.

I have both an X52 (for DCS A-10C) and a Cyborg X (for FSX - I like the smaller simpler stick for FS).

If you could stretch your budget some, I can really recommend the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System (http://saitek.com/uk/prod/yoke.html). You can add an extra quad if you want more axis to play with. And of course rudder pedals.And I agree with Mike, moving from joystick to yoke was a quantum leap towards reality...

I like that, but the throttle console has only three of the four sticks needed for a 747. If you use it for the 737, what is the 3rd stick used for?

You might be able to use it for the spoiler.

I've added additional throttle console (they fit nicely next to each other without gap).The left most lever is my spoiler, next 4 levers are the throttles and the last on the right is the flaps selector (ok, it doesn't have detent for each flap setting but after a while you get used to it).Works like charm with FSX...The only problem is the yoke. The elevator axis is sticky (changed three (3!) units so far). Did some modifications (releasing spring tensions, greasing with different lubricants, bushings cutting, etc), I'm still not happy. And now that I have the amazing product from Thrustmaster - HOTAS Warthog, I don't even want to look at the cheap Saitek plastic anymore. I still don't know what I am gonna do once the NGX comes out....:(

Save up it bit more for a yoke, you won't regret it..

I have the CH Products yoke for about 2 years. I can not recommend it. The clamp used to keep it held down to a desk is very cheap. Mine stripped out. It is a very plastic feel to it. The x-axis feels very rough. One good thing about it is I have never had to calibrate it. The CH rudder pedals work fine. No real complaints. I'm looking at the Saitek Yoke now as a replacement.

I've had the Saitek Yoke system a few months now & I love it! Sure it's not perfect but it's only a sim after all.If you can afford or are thinking about it get it you won't regret it. :(

I used the logitec extreme 3G pro for 4 years until I got my saitek yoke. Its a great stick. Has a good solid feel to it. It actually feels more solid than the yoke. It has, twist grip, throttle and hatswitch plus many buttons.

I have the CH Products yoke for about 2 years. I can not recommend it. The clamp used to keep it held down to a desk is very cheap. Mine stripped out. It is a very plastic feel to it. The x-axis feels very rough. One good thing about it is I have never had to calibrate it. The CH rudder pedals work fine. No real complaints. I'm looking at the Saitek Yoke now as a replacement.

I agree with you: I'm not very happy with the CH yoke and throttle quadrant either. The rudder pedals are fine.I replaced yoke and throttles with the Saitek ones. These are much better.Bert Van Bulck