+1 for the Thrustmaster Warthog, I find it to be very precise. Every axis is indeed digitized by a hall-effect sensor, even the mini-stick and the slider. Plus, it is obviously makes the DCS:A10c much more enjoyable, if you want to look beyond the civil aviation world. One possible downside: there is no axis (wheel or slider) on the throttle itself (compared to the cougar hotas or others). Another thing I don't like much is that due to the construction of the stick-gimbals (there actually are no gimbals, just a ball and springs) the stick never returns in a straight line to center, but always wants to move in a slightly curvy fashion. I don't notice that while I'm flying, but when checking control surfaces, e.g. the elevators, I always get some deflection of the ailerons as well. But that's really nitpicking. For me, the precision feel while flying really makes this an excellent product.Christoph Kuehne

The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke is a great price and feels great. It's Hefty like a Beechcraft's yoke and has a neat little clock/chronometer on the face which is very useful for nonprecision approaches. I love it. I set up a curve within FSUIPC on the elevator/aileron axis and I couldn't beat it. When I need to do some homework or dust my desk (once a week because it's glass :( ), removal is a cinch.For pedals I use the CH Pro Pedals. I think they're to close together but they have been durable and precise for the past 4 years.

Saitek yoke, pedals & 1 throttle quad. I did some work on the yoke & it works well enough now. I replaced the too-strong springs with rubber bands which softened up the centering & detents big time for a grand total of $0.00 USD. (I stole the 2 rubber bands from work)

For pedals I use the CH Pro Pedals. I think they're to close together but they have been durable and precise for the past 4 years.

They aren't nicknamed "ball breakers" in the flightsim community for nothin'.

I really reading when you guys are using. (^-^) I don't have much of an idea as to what is a good yoke, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrant for flying commercial.I'm only using a Logicol (Logitech's brand in Japan.) controller that looks akin to the PS3 controller and my keyboard. I want to invest in more hardware starting with yoke & pedals, then move to a throttle quadrant and MCP or FMC unit. At that point I'll be really getting invested, haha. I'm probably already invested with all the software I've purchased. :(

Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS.If you are thinking of getting one - stop thinking and place that order! (Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with TM in any way - I just love the product!).YES! Check the AXIS sensitivity/null zone (set to max sensitivity, no null zone), and you will get full range.Because it is using hall-effect sensors for positioning, the center is perfect, so the null zone is not required (both throttles and stick - I don't know about the slider - seems that is hall-effect too but don't quote me). Should last forever! :( Best regards,Robin.

Thanks Robin! I just told RSR and he said he'll try that.Soooo wish I could afford to blow $600 on a controller right now - that thing looks incredible.

Is the HOTAS a good enough reason to buy it solely for FSX?

Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro 2Like someone already said, one of the best Joysticks I've ever tried. It's really amazing that it's being working for more than 10 years with me and still works almost perfecly. I have to find a replacement soon because it's sending rudder spikes, and also because there are better offers now.I'm a HUGE fan of the Thrustmaster Warthog, even thought it has the military aviation in focus. Too bad they're so expensive, and worse, so heavy, which makes the shipping to anywhere on the planet quite some money.

I've been using a 9 pound :( PC Line joystick for 6 years now. Must do something about that

Can anyone with a HOTAS Warthog stick let me know what level of spring force they get at full deflection? Also whether the stick is damped at all?Same question applies to any of the high end joysticks. I'm interested in finding a stick which reproduces something approaching realistic feel forces.thanks in advanceKevin

PFC Jet column yoke, PFC rudder pedals (modified with variable toe brakes), PFC Jet console with 737 throttle quadrant.Had them for years now.Tom Hibben

Also have an Aerosoft 737 MCP which I hope will run with th NG. I have the drivers for the PMDG 747 for FSX so am keeping my fingers crossed.Tom Hibben

Is the HOTAS a good enough reason to buy it solely for FSX?

If you are buying the Warthog HOTAS only for FSX, then I'd recommend it only if you can afford it as it is simply the best out there. It is solidly built, and thanks to no contact-moving parts, should last forever.The system comes with TARGET software, that you need to run in order to be able to map every function of the stick/throttle to a function in FSX.If you have, or would consider getting the A-10C sim from Eagle Dynamics, then the Warthog is a MUST, IMHO.Either way, it is outstanding.Best regards,Robin.

Hi Kevin,

Also whether the stick is damped at all?

How do you mean, damped?

Can anyone with a HOTAS Warthog stick let me know what level of spring force they get at full deflection?

Without getting a strain gauge I couldn't tell you how much force is actually required. Compared to my old stick (MS SideWinder) the HOTAS is HEAVY in feel (to the point my wrist actually ached at first). The buttons require quite a lot of force at first (especially the pickle button), but they ease off slightly in the first couple of weeks, and are firm. The actual force required to move the stick doesn't feel to increase with deflection, though it requires more force than anything else I've used or tried. It is very smooth, and sensitive to pressure as much as movement itself! I can feel it best when the stick is centered and the sim (A-10) is trimmed out - pressure is all that is required to make tiny adjustments; to move the stick even the smallest amount would be too much).The switches have good throw, and the stick/throttle are 1:1 with the aircraft. They also selected switches that are close in feel to the real thing (A-10), including force required to operate them.The throttle has a cut-off detent, that you need to lift the throttles over (it is rigged from the factory like this, and works with the A-10 sim out of the box). The throttles themselves can be split for independent operation, or can be linked together with a substantial spring-loaded bar located in the front of the left throttle.The stick itself has 4 1/4" travel from center to full deflection. From the top of the gimbal to the top of the stick is approx. 9 inches, and the stick itself that you hold is approx. 6 inches tall. It weighs 3 kg.The throttle weighs 3.5 kg, and the throttle movement from IDLE detent (NOT CUT OFF) to full power is approx. 7 inches. From cut-off to full power is approx. 9 inches.I hope that gives an idea for the travel of the various parts! It is nice and heavy, AND VERY PRECISE!It has holes in the base of the throttle so you can mount it to a desk or other surface (recommended), and the stick can be detached from its base so it can be mounted on something else (the cylinder at the base of the stick is where all the electronics are for the stick so this is the smallest area you can reduce it to).Compared to the competition, it is a bargain! The build quality is outstanding.If you get this system, you will require separate rudder pedals.Best regards,Robin.

Soooo wish I could afford to blow $600 on a controller right now - that thing looks incredible.

Hey Ryan.Here's one for $468. It ain't $600 but it ain't cheap either.http://www.buy.com/prod/thrustmaster-hotas-warthog-accsflight-stick/q/sellerid/11408470/loc/101/216830883.html