I was thinking about getting this joystick to replace my Logitech 3D as I could use more buttons and something more precise. I've seen some good reviews of it on YouTube but when I go to Amazon I see a lot of negative reviews saying the raw axis "dies" after just a few months. Does anyone here have experience with this controller (Saitek/Mad Catz FLY5)?

If they built this joystick with potentiometers, it will just die in a few months like every joystick with potentiometers.

 

If you want a more precise and reliable joystick, search for optical or magnetic sensors. Ask the vendor for the technology, the resolution and latency on all the axes and don't trust vendors who are only describing the case.

 

I can't believe they're still selling potentiometers today, in the 21th century.

The only Saitek product I ever bought is the old Cyborg Evo from 2007, and the reason for that is that it's still working flawlessly. The FLY5 however hasn't got that good reviews and it's also not sold under the Saitek name so there are good reasons to be wary. The Saitek X52 product range seems like a much better option unless the price is an issue. Also check out the Thrustmaster T-Flight.

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My Fly5 didnt last to long, waste of money imo..

 

you are better off buying a Thrustmaster T.16000M as its cheap and has HAL sensors on its main axis and lots of buttons.

The only Saitek product I ever bought is the old Cyborg Evo from 2007, and the reason for that is that it's still working flawlessly. The FLY5 however hasn't got that good reviews and it's also not sold under the Saitek name so there are good reasons to be wary. The Saitek X52 product range seems like a much better option unless the price is an issue. Also check out the Thrustmaster T-Flight.

The X52 was my backup if I didn't hear good things about the FLY5. I'd rather pay $120 or whatever it is on Amazon and buy it once and have it last than have to spend $50 over and over on a lesser controller. I think that's what I'm gonna end up with. I like it a lot I just figured if the FLY5 was good I would save some money, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

My Fly 5 has lasted a few years but I have had to take it apart to spray the pots with cleaning fluid and the spring it too firm for my liking, i had to compress it with tie wraps. The plastic part under the spring isnt completely smooth any more, so smooth inputs are quite difficult. I'm looking at buying something else.