Hi

 

Not sure that this is the correct place to ask but I'm playing Flight using the mouse.

I ordered a Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X Flight Stick from Amazon.

 

When it arrived it didn't work on my computer.

I plugged it into 3 computers mine, running Windows 8, my wife's running Windows 7 and another computer running Windows 7 all 64 bit.

 

It was detected i.e. "A device detected." but wouldn't show any place in control panel or in any game on all of the computers (no interface to adjust etc).

I returned the it, now I'm looking for an option.

 

I don't want to spend a lot of money but I'm will to go $50 or so.

 

​What would users recommend?

 

Mike

Don't laugh to hard, but I am using an Xbox 360 controller...:)

Possibly a silly question, but did you run any software CD that came with the joystick?

I tend to play with my Saitek X52 Control System (http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x52.html) but also sometimes supplement it with CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB LE (http://www.chproduct...-v13-d-705.html not the same as in the link, apparently they no longer sell it) when I am flying the Maule. I still use the throttle of the X52 when I use the yoke, but keep my hands off the joystick.

 

Edit: Oh yeah, I almost forgot rudder pedals. Though the joystick has a twist shaft which can be used for rudders, the yoke does not. I'm using the CH Products Pro Pedals (http://www.chproducts.com/Pro-Pedals-v13-d-716.html) and they give a big upgrade in realism compared to twisting a joystick.

Hi, I recently bought the Hotas Flight X too. All worked wel, exept the joystick handle doesn't work well, when I practise looping & rolls (allthought that's not what i do often). Maybe a future driver-update for MSF will repair that? So I'm satisfied working with the mouse/keyboard.

CH Flightstick Pro USB. I'm a lefty. I can fly and work the throttle with my pinky simultaneously, leaving the other hand free for my beer. The stick has a hat and three additional buttons, too. I also use CH Pro Pedals. I also have TrackIr 5 and in FSX I use it in conjunction with Ezdok.

The Logitech 3D Pro I think is the best entry level stick. I have a Saitek Av8r, but they dont make the PC version anymore.

Stick 1 - MS Sidewinder FFB 2 Pro USB

 

Turned into a piece of junk as - under Flight - not even the artificial centering forces worked anymore. Useless piece of c**p sold now.

 

Stick 2 - MS Sidewinder 2

 

No real joy at all. All planes are way too twitchy and super nervous (mouse mode feels better - but flying with a mouse? #####?). One little jitter during approach = major crash. Flight keeps overwriting the edited standard.xml. No fun here as well.

 

Seeing that MS just shun their very own legacy products in their latest flight game/sim implementation makes you think about their long term commitment to anything they ever did. Wouldn't put too much hope into the further development of Flight.

If at all possible, save up and get a CH yoke and pedels instead of a joystick. It will bring your whole flying simming experience to whole new level and actually make you feel like you are flying.

The Logitech 3D Pro I think is the best entry level stick. I have a Saitek Av8r, but they dont make the PC version anymore.

After my Saitek x45 felt like it needed new bearings (it just developed a horribly scrapy feel) I replaced it with the above Logitech. It is comfortable, and has the essential extras of throttle, (twist) rudder, hat-switch for looking around and enough assignable buttons so that controls like trim, flaps, brakes, favourite views etc are all to hand.

 

It also takes up much less desk real estate than the x45, so gets to stay within reach... handy for the odd sortie.

 

...wouldn't put too much hope into the further development of Flight.

I think the OP was only asking for recommendations for a joystick...

I think the OP was only asking for recommendations for a joystick...

 

Sorry if I hurt your feelings - but to be informative for everyone this thread should probably reach beyond the OP's initial question regarding the best choice of stick.

 

As you probably know that there's a place called Ebay where people on a tight budget tend to shop. As the MS sticks still have a good reputation for their electronics and build quality some prospective buyers might be tempted to go that direction. Was just trying to avoid some disappointment and frustration... and allowed myself to an ironic remark about MS' continuity regarding their very own products. But if that's already too much criticism, ah well, gotta take better care of your sensitive Flight ###### souls in the future, promise.

If at all possible, save up and get a CH yoke and pedels instead of a joystick. It will bring your whole flying simming experience to whole new level and actually make you feel like you are flying.

 

Ironically, every single airplane in Flight except the Maule actually has a stick, not a yoke. Having flown exactly one real airplane with a stick (J3 Cub) and quite a few with a yoke, I found the stick to be a much more intuitive and natural method of control.

I am using a Saitek AV8R, but also just got a Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog. (don't tell the wife). Which is pricey and might be overkill for Flight.

I am also using it for the DCS (Warthog and Blackshark) sims and the VRS Superbug in FSX.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings...ah well, gotta take better care of your sensitive Flight ###### souls in the future, promise.

Thank you Tom :)

It's been a pleasure, Sir. ;-)