I've been using an xbox 360 controller, but want to get a new joystick. I fly mostly GA and PMDG 777/737 and Aerosoft Airbus.

 

Need some suggestions and recommendations.

 

I am using P3D v3 btw and Windows 7. So needs something that is compatible with both.

 

Thanks!

You say joystick, but would you include yokes?  Also, you need to let us know what your budget is.

 

I'm making two assumptions, 1) you are not going to be flying any military/aerobatic/space simulations with the same controller (e.g. DCS or Elite: Dangerous) and 2) given you are on an XBox controller, I'm assuming you are not going to be jumping up to $600+ controllers straight away.

 

If the above is correct, you would be better off with a yoke, it's more likely to be appropriate for the flying you say you are doing.  In the sub $200 bracket, it's really three options.  Saitek Pro Flight, Saitek Cessna or CH Eclipse, all of them have throttles (Saitek as separates, CH on the box), all of them have noticeable centre detentes, and the quality is variable, so if you get a bad one, send it back.  There are also spring mods that do help (albeit voiding your warranty).

 

The only real difference is in the throttle (on or off the yoke) and roll angle (Saitek Cessna: 90 degrees each way, everything else, 45 degrees each way).  I went for Saitek Cessna as I can't abide by the on-yoke throttle (and wanted to add another quadrant anyway) and because the 90 degrees each way travel allows for finer control and is actually closer to the RL 737 yoke anyway.

 

The major downside to the yokes (all of them) is that they don't do twist rudder (it just wouldn't work), so you either need to map the rudder to a rocker on the yoke or buy some pedals (it's less of a problem on an NGX, where rudders are little used in most situations, but you might struggle without them in GA).  Both Saitek and CH have their respective rudder ranges.  Can't go wrong with the Saitek Cessna or Combat Pedals, or CH Pro Pedals.  I would personally avoid the Saitek Pro-Flight as the lip on the bottom makes it hard to make sensitive inputs as you can't balance your heel on the floor to control it with your toes.

 

If you want something that you can use for combat games or space sims, I'd head straight for the Saitek X-52 Pro, simply because it's the most common and probably the most supported HOTAS setup in that space.  There was a lot of noise about it's little brother, the non-Pro version, but the Pro is pretty solid (in fact mine is about 9 years old and soldiering on).

 

Of course, if your budget allows you to consider the $600+ space, then it gets more interesting...

Actually thats the one I was looking at the Saitek X52... it was about $145 I think. I don't want to spend so much on a joystick because I'm more of a casual flyer. 

 

Can I get the Saitek X52 without the throttle? I don't really need or want that.

 

Wish best buys or a local store around here would have one in stock, so I can pick it up right away. My xbox 360 wireless receiver stopped working all of a sudden and now I can't even fly. Sigh.

No, you can't get the X52 without the throttle.  All the "brains" are in the throttle base and the joystick plugs into the base rather than the computer.

 

As for cheaper options, the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X and the Saitek AV8R get decent reviews, whilst both retaining a throttle of sorts.

 

Not a setup that will set the world alight, but cheap and (should be) enough for casual use.

Logitech 3D Pro is a decent all-round joystick, assuming you're happy to fly right-handed. CH Flightstick Pro can still be had too and has the advantage of being ambidextrous. You can also use it like a conventional joystick, with fingerptips from above rather than gripping it like a pistol, although personally I think the springs are a bit weak. Stay away from yokes unless you're prepared to spend a lot of money.

If you haven't already bought a controller, seriously consider the Microsoft Force Feedback 2 joystick. It's been out of production for a few years now but can still be picked up on eBay. To say that it's built like a tank is an understatement. MS used high quality materials and these sticks last for many years. The default force feedback in FSX is rubbish but if you pair this joystick up with the FS Force add-on software the results are amazing. It's a whole new level of immersion. In addition to all of the many fully adjustable forces, you even get "real" stick trim - when you adjust the trimmer, the stick datum physically moves just like in the real aircraft.