[beginner]

I have an old nintendo joystick that would work. All I really need is an adapter to plug into the usb/game port.




This one would work also.

[LaVey]

MS SideWinder been the best ones I ever used.

Now I'm on a Logitech Freedom. But not really sure what I think of it yet. Takes some time to get used to a new one. The thing that it has to be in motion so it doesn't start to idle id bloody annoying too, and at the moment I have some other problems with it.

Might look in on a new one again. Just not sure what to buy... and I really love not having any cords on desk.

[TexMurphy]

Well this really should be divided into two cathegories.

HOTAS and Non HOTAS sticks. Reason I wana split this is because HOTAS is the only thing I use and will ever use, with one exception Ill get to that later.

In the Non HOTAS stick class there is imho one clear winner and that is the MS FF2 with a strong runner up in the Saitek Cyborg Series just because they are good the winner in the left handed cathegory.

Then we have the HOTAS cathegory.

From the ones Ive used in this cathegory the Thrustmaster AB2 was the best stick per buck. The X45 is NOT 3 times better. The TAB2 was about 1/3rd of the price of a X45 when they both where high end sticks. Now with the X52 out the X45 price has obviously dropped making the X45 and TAB2 (still its half the price though) equal on best bang per buck.

Comparing flat out best stick well for me there has to be a rocker paddle as I totally hate twist sticks for flight/space sims (twist stick is good for mech sims). So that means that for me I would require buying separate pedals for the X52 inorder for it to even begin to compete with the X45.

So the X52 while beeing a better stick actually is unsatisfying for me.

Ive not tested the Cougar or any of the CH sticks so unfortunatly they are left out of this even though they are by many considered seriously pimp.

Summary

HOTAS Winner
X45

Single Stick Winner
MS FF2

And finally there is one stick that while not beeing tooo good is very important to own. Logitech´s wireless stick for travell. There is just no way Im takin my X45 with me when Im gonna play on someone elses rig. For this a wireless stick is perfect even though the stick aint superb.

Tex

[Honkwomp]

For bottom feeders like me (cheapskates)

The Saitek Cyborg Evo

By far the very best joystick I have ever touched. Its simple, it's prettyy much one handed and it is precise.

Originally Posted by Jump

JSR wants your opinions on the best joystick for gaming.

[Jump]

Any other submissions? This thread made the top page in google for the search "what's the best joystick."

[Poseidon]

For HOTAS setup, I've only used X45, and it hasn't failed me once. AKA: can't use "bad joystick" excuse for getting shot down.
Non-HOTAS, I have broken just about every EXPENSIVE stick I baught. The one that lasted longest was a cheap $15 Raider something stick that I used in Jumpgate for a while.

[Alibaba]

Any recent additions?

[spork]

Nothing new, but I can tell my little story...

I was a big fan of the Cyborgs for a long time. Gotta love a stick that comes with an allen wrench. Though they tended to drift after about a year of play. But then I decided I wanted to be uber in Jumpgate. So I moved my AB from my thumb to the stick base and my aim improved a good bit. Then I bought a FF2 and my aim improved a good bit. Then I moved the monitor to the front of the desk (keyboard tray holds the stick too) which was about 2 feet closer to my face and my aim improved a rather lot. Only took me 3 years to get decent aim. Then all the uber pilots in Jumpgate left. So I was uber by default.

[Alibaba]

Quick thoughts on the Saitek X52.

Though very smooth the handle could be smoother for aimming. Jumpgate is a demmanding game and after 3 beers I wish I had a tri arc turrett,

So many lights I will use it to adorn my next xmas tree, I wish the lights were green though to blend in better with Quantar space.

I am using the zoom slide for throttle control instead of the throttle control. Seems to make it much smoother trying to circle with small thumb movements as my left hand rests on the throttle. Also trying to shoot with the right hand pinky because the lower button on the stick may equal less jerking while aimming.

Should I try to practice with 300% sensitivity for dog fights?

[spork]

Don't know about the X52 specificly, but I seem to recall most people saying that most sticks do best at 100% and 0 deadzone. But hey, you're shooting with your pinky so all bets are off.

[Alibaba]

My pinky is bigger than yours.