I'm thinking about getting a force feedback joystick for FSX:1. What's the best force beedback joystick in your view?2. Does force feedback work well in FSX? Thanks,Bryan

I can honestly say that MSFS is the *worst* implementation of Force Feedback I've ever experienced. Where other companies have gotten it so very right, MS continually gets it completely wrong, and FSX is no better than previous versions.For example, the problem is one of latency of applying the right force. Lets say you're flying along at a fast speed, there should be a farly large centering force on the stick (lets assume we're trimmed well). Now, if you deflect the ailerons and release them, the stick should sharply snap back to center.However, the MS implementation there is a measurable delay of the application of force, so when you first move the stick you get no force for a moment, then it is applied.A funny demonstration of this problem with my Microsoft Force Feedback 2 stick is as follows1) slap the stick hard left and release it2) the force applies after a moment and pulls the stick right3) the stick overshoots center and goes full right4) again, the force is applied in a delay, and when it hits, the stick slams back full left again5) the cycle repeats.You can sit back and whatch the stick beat itself into submission for hours if you like, its a blast. :-| Eventually, I gave up and bought a CH yoke.

I really wish there was atleast a simple return to center force. I know how to get it to do that but its a real hassle to have to do it everytime the sim is started up.

Other flight sims such as Pacific Fighters have the force feedback totally pimped out. I have no idea why MS can't do it well also, but its rather telling imo that they dropped their whole line of force feedback controllers.

I'm a big fan of ff but I've turned it off in FS X, just as in previous FS versions. It just doesn't feel good. ;) I (also) have problems with the stick moving in all directions while nothing is really happening. It's quit often impossible to actually fly with ff. So if I was you I wouldn't get a ff joystick just for FS! You're better off getting something like the Saitek X52!

Yes ff sucks in MS Flight Simulator, however, there is a payware program called FSForce which corrects all of these problems and adds some things like trim forces. You can also feel when your wheels lift off or touch. It is quite good. They are currently updating it for FSX. I've been using it with my MS FFBII stick for a long time and love it. I believe it is at fsforce.com, if not you can Google it.Mike

Something to keep in mind, is that force feedback devices have a noticeable impact on frame rate. Using a FF device vs. non-FF isn't "free"

I use a MS FFII joystick myself, and do agree the MSFS implementation of FF does leave quite a bit to be desired.The demonstration of the latency/lag on the ailerons is totally as the OP describes, and not just in FSX, just the same in FS9 - it does get really annoying, especially when you are trying to make a nice smooth turn for your passengers, or keep the plane lined up on approach - and the ground forces are ridculous on some aircraft (default 737 in FSX for example), I end up turning down the forces in the aircraft config a little to help with these issues, though to me that kind of defeats the purpose of having FF in the first place!I don't know if it's better with other joysticks, the only one's I've owned are the MS FFII and the original MS FF one. If someone knows of one that works better - I might consider another early Christmas present for myself!! :(I must admit MSForce is a great program, worked really well in FS9, so looking forward to a FSX tuned version, I really like having the forces, adds a nice extra element to flying, so will be eagerly waiting for an announcement of an FSX version.As for framerates as someone else mentioned (and I've seen it mentioned before too) I'm yet to experiment with that, but will give it a whirl sometime and see just what the impact is.

Oops - quick correction, wasn't the OP who mentioned the aileron issue, but the first responder, but it's a very valid point for anyone considering using a MS FF joystick!

It's really a pity that MS dropped their FFB2 joystick. It is/was by far the best force feedback joystick on the market. Luckily you can still get them on EBay.As far as the FF implementation in MSFS goes: I think it treats it more as an effect rather than a simulation of control forces, along the lines of "gun recoil" or "gear thump". I play the Condor soaring simulator quite a lot and force feedback is very realistically modeled there and adds quite a bit of realism (trim forces, stick tightening up when gaining speed, stall buffet).I tried out the trial version of FSForce a while back in FS9 and it does definitely work well.