I have the Demonstration version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X (I'm getting the full deluxe version for Christmas ), and I love it, except for the fact that the only thing I have to control it is the Keyboard (I have a racing wheel, but it's a racing wheel, and therefore would not work very well ). Needless to say, it is very very bad. So I decided to look on Amazon.com for some Joystics. The problem is, the customer reviews were....contradictory. (basically, it was good review followed by bad review, for the whole list of reviews )

Basically, I would like to know if anyone knows of a good, long lasting Joystick. I don't need something amazing, but not something cheap either. Something with a good amount of buttons, (maybe a hat switch?) something that could be used for throttle control, and *maybe* a twist function? (twist is not neccessary, though a small, built in throttle lever might be nice, but not an absolute neccessity either)


As always, any help would be Greatly Appreciated.

I have Flight Sim X Deluxe, In terms of joysticks they're pretty much the same. Logitech is always a good bet, Saitek or ok too. Yep hat switch is good for the Virtual Cockpit and exterior view switching though there are good easily switchable views. You'll definately want one that has a built in throttle as well as 3 axis movement ("twist" is essential forgood flying) for pitching yawing etc... I've a Logitech Force 3D Pro, obviously you don't need force feedback but for me it's nice. Multiple switches on the controller means that you can control many of the instruments straight from the stick, flaps, ailerons etc... plus you can always program them to do other stuff.

You can get many joysticks that fufill these criteria and that vary in price. Loads can be done on keyboard (as you already know), so the joystick isn't as big a deal as it is in some games, so no need to worry about it too much. Sorry to be crap and not suggest something specific but you need to get one that fits all your gaming needs, don't just rush out and buy an expensive flight yolk.

If the worst comes to the worst you always have the option to use the mouse as yolk.

Sucks you've got to wait to Christmas, it's a really great game!

I personally like the ones that give you the real experience. Foot pedals, joystick/wheel (perfer the joy for fighter aircraft) and a throttle lever. If you can find one like that, then get it. Not sure if you can find them much any more though. Haven't seen them in stores in years.

Here's some rudder paddles: http://www.compusa.com/products/product ... der_Pedals (woah, long link eh?)

Here's a yoke, but it's not by a manufacture that I know, so that might be risky. http://www.compusa.com/products/product ... t_Sim_Yoke (do these links get any bigger??)

My dad made his own rudders, which were sweet, until we had to move and get rid of them.

Here's a saitek flight pack with a throttle. http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-X52-Flight ... lectronics

I hopw this helps a bunch! Or else!!!

http://www.fspilotshop.com

still loads of flight sim stuff out there, hope this link helps. It'll give you ideas towards getting the right gear, rudder pedals etc... that suit you and your needs. Given the oportunity I'd build a really decent cockpit with all the knobs and switches, I would have to build it over wife's dead body though!

Til then I'll have to make do with my TrackIR4 and my various bits and bobs, gotta say my force feedback headphones are a laugh, better than expected!

You guys been simming long? I've have been since FS2000 Pro, FS2004-CoF and now FS X Deluxe. (couldn't be arsed with FS2002!) also various forms of combat flight sim.

2_lowiq_clone wrote: Here's a yoke, but it's not by a manufacture that I know, so that might be risky. http://www.compusa.com/products/product ... t_Sim_Yoke (do these links get any bigger??)

That yoke looks really good, actually. Someone did an extensive review of it (seen at this url), and Most of the 55 reviews at amazon.com were 4-5 Stars and the people seemed happy with it.

I might get that, unless I see something better.