Trying to find a good Joystick

[Rankaze]

Hey everyone,

I know that there already are a lot of discussions about Joysticks in the Forum, but I already read most of them and couldn't find anything that seemed to fit what I've been searching for.
I'm looking for a joystick that has a throttle control, at least 2 coolie hats, and a primary and a secondary trigger (the secondary trigger doesn't have to be at the regular position beside the primary trigger, I actually liked that setup on the T.Flight HOTAS). It would be quite nice to have a fourth axis on the joystick to control the upper and lower thrusters. Additional buttons would be perfect.
I've already tried the HOTAS T.Flight X, but didn't like it because there was no resistance when using the throttle. HOTAS Setups just don't seem to like me.
Has anyone seen a setup to what I've just described? I just can't find anything like that (especially the 4th Axis is something I can't find as most Joysticks are made for Flight Sims/Games, not for Spacesims.)

Thanks

If you want a HOTAS, I would recommend either the Saitek X-55 (if you really don't want pedals) or a Warthog if you're willing to use pedals.

Given your multi-axis desires, though, i would suggest considering a somewhat unorthodox solution... two Thrustmaster T-16000M joysticks, with one bound to turn controls and one bound to directional thrust. The T-16000M is extremely precise (same Hall Effect sensors as the Warthog), and it can be used with either hand, making two-stick control possible.

 

[RebellGhost]

It is, as long as you get one without factory quality control issues. You also need to pop the stick open and apply strategic lubrication, and swap the springs down one, otherwise, you will get a lot of plastic on plastic grating and creaking. Once you do that, and get it all working, it's a lovely stick, mind you, a real joy to use. I'm happy to repeat how I made mine work well, for anyone that way inclined. The stick is sometimes a little large for people with smaller hands, apparently- just as a warning.

Otherwise, the CH Fighterstick, and CH pro throttle are a killer combo- even though they lack the toybox bling of their competitors. Look boring, perform flawlessly. The CH Pro Pedals are a nice sensible compromise to go with any stick, too- again, they look boring, but are solid and precise, and can be bought easily from reputable sources.

I'd probably buy the CH Setup, if it weren't that expensive. As it is of now, I'll probably take look at the x52 Pro and the x55 Rhino, the market being devoid of alternatives. Do you know any reputable sources where to get the CH Setup wthout having to spend more than 200€?

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If you want a HOTAS, I would recommend either the Saitek X-55 (if you really don't want pedals) or a Warthog if you're willing to use pedals.

Given your multi-axis desires, though, i would suggest considering a somewhat unorthodox solution... two Thrustmaster T-16000M joysticks, with one bound to turn controls and one bound to directional thrust. The T-16000M is extremely precise (same Hall Effect sensors as the Warthog), and it can be used with either hand, making two-stick control possible.

That would be a good idea If I had a possibility to control throttle in that setup. Maybe I have overlooked the Throttlecontrol, but I can only see how to control Thrust and Direction with that setup :/

 

[Ancipital]

I'd probably buy the CH Setup, if it weren't that expensive. As it is of now, I'll probably take look at the x52 Pro and the x55 Rhino, the market being devoid of alternatives. Do you know any reputable sources where to get the CH Setup wthout having to spend more than 200€?

Sadly the CH setup is really expensive. You will pay through the nose for it. They hold their value immensely well, too- even on ebay, they are a fair percentage of new price, often. Amazon would be a reasonable bet, if you can't find a specialist sim supplies vendor in your country who can beat them. It is, however, really good quality, and reliable. Having used their stuff, I have to say that if I knew then what I know now, I would have bought the CH kit instead of my X-55. Buy cheap, but twice.

That said, my X-55 is really nice, and I have it running smoothly now, subject to the tweaking alluded to above. I quite like the programming software, and the massive number of extra switches and things on the throttle are a godsend. It's not a terrible option. I'd be a bit wary of the X-52 and X-52 pro, which are a bit more flimsy, though. Oh, and while the X-55 stick has a yaw twist (unlike the CH stick and the Warthog), I ended up adding pedals anyway- it's just nicer.

Realistically, I'd suggest

CH stick/throttle/pedals (if money was no object)
X-55/pedals (slightly cheaper, reasonable)
Warthog/pedals (expensive, nicely built, a few niggles, but impressive. Great feel, some people go mad for it)
T1600M plus CH Pro Throttle (cheaper but usable stick, solid throttle- good slightly cheaper option)


Regarding rudder pedals (if you want some), I'd avoid the Saitek pedals. The uberpedals that simnuts love are the MFG Crosswinds. They cost a fortune and you have to pre-order and wait around for them, but people love them. Alternatively, the CH pedals look as boring as hell and Just Work(tm), like all their other stuff.. nice and sturdy.

 

[Sentience]

If you want a HOTAS, I would recommend either the Saitek X-55 (if you really don't want pedals) or a Warthog if you're willing to use pedals.

Given your multi-axis desires, though, i would suggest considering a somewhat unorthodox solution... two Thrustmaster T-16000M joysticks, with one bound to turn controls and one bound to directional thrust. The T-16000M is extremely precise (same Hall Effect sensors as the Warthog), and it can be used with either hand, making two-stick control possible.

I would say the X-55 with rudder pedals. X-55 has more switches and knobs to map then the Warthog, and it's cheaper. You can use the difference in price to pick up some Saitek combat pedals.
Also, the X-55 uses the same Hall sensors.

 

[|Shadow|]

CH make an excellent Throttle and Stick. I have one of each and love it. It gets great reviews from most other users too.

When I get some dosh, I will be getting the CH Fighterstick + Pro Throttle.

As raineer said great reviews from users online.
CH make industrial joysticks for cranes etc. Yeah the joystick and throttle isn't great to look at but the internals will be quality and the outside isn't cheap plastic either.
Do some research on CH and you will see they make a good solid product.

 

[Jericho]

I love the accuracy of my Thrustmaster T16000.
I don't love the ergonomics or look, but I am more about functionality than fashion.
.
I also use a Logitech 3D Pro in the Left hand, which is primarily for thrusters and throttle, so the quality isn't nearly as important.
.
IMO, for the price you simply can't go wrong with the T16000.

 

[Troa Barton]

I use the bog standard X52.
It does everything you want it isn't that expensive and has a good feel to the throttle.
but it's build quality is pitiful, in their defense though they have already honored their service policy once already and there wasn't a lot of fuss to it. Took an email, a phone call with a person, a week and some postage. So I can't really be that hard on them.
personally if it were me I'd go for the X-55 or CH setups. I seldom hear people complaining about them.

 

[Coolgroove]

Defender Cobra M5 stick + CH Pro Throttle or keyboard.
Best stick imo, but it's hard to find in EU/US.

[video=youtube;Qsrt_Sc4Seo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsrt_Sc4Seo[/video]

 

[rebelredneck]

Got to give top marks to the warthog from thrustmaster. Tried the X-55 but couldn't get on with it. So if you got the money get the warthog

 

[Havok_96_2008]

im running a logictech extreme 3d pro 12 buttons full throttle when i bought it was 40USD works great

 

[Telen]

FLY 5 is a great stick if youre an all round gamer. Plonk it on the desk get to playing then collapse it & stick down the side of the monitor then load up gta.

 

[digitalscream]

Cheap solution is cyborg's FLY5. i got it and i'm pleased with it, but bare in mind there are some bad reviews out there, read them first.

Same here. Mine started to break down badly after about three months - got really twitchy, first on the roll but eventually on all axes, and was really creaky and it was grinding whenever I moved the stick. However, being the skinflint I am, I figured it was worth pulling it apart...10 minutes later, and after liberal application of WD40 on the joints and Servisol on the control tracks, it's a joy to use - works better than it ever did.

Well, apart from the missing #2 fire button, thanks to the latest addition to our family (a 7-month-old, 6 stone Akita...nobody ever tells you about the destructive capacity of these particular dogs).

 

[Riktar]

There isn't a lot of choice out there as you seem to have discovered. I would be interested to see if anyone suggests something I have missed in my searches too. I have the X-55 and really dislike the joystick but love the throttle.

I am sporting the Logitech G940 and while I LOVE how wonderfully precise the hall sensors are in the joystick and overall like the throttle and pedals, my throttle is starting to show the (infamous) signs of failing: IE: spiking in the R1 and R2 rotaries and some of the buttons not always responding.

I am looking for another G940 throttle, primarily so I can take it apart and use the guides I have downloaded online to fix it. Having one to use as a "How the hell does this go back together" once I have one disassembled is mandatory before I attempt the procedure.

Your post however has me thinking that if I could find just the throttle from a X55 or X52 Pro to replace mine, I would be all set. I really like the layout I have seen and your endorsement has me thinking,,,,,,,

 

[Doolittle]

Been a proud owner of CH Fighterstick and Prothrottle for over a decade. I had to purchase a new set once due to Microsofts creative effort to screw other manufactures back in the 90's when they cut off programming through the keyboard port and killed any ones HOTAS that used that port for programming their devices. Plus CH products are repairable.

 

[Sentience]

CH make industrial joysticks for cranes etc. Yeah the joystick and throttle isn't great to look at but the internals will be quality and the outside isn't cheap plastic either.

Imo CH makes stuff that looks like it comes from Fisher Price.
The outside is nothing but plastic, and the inside is even more plastic. I used the CH Fighterstick for years but was never truly satisfied with it. I also owned their rudder pedals and their yoke, and I ended up selling both.
Their pedals are too close together, which gives them the nickname "ball breakers". Their yoke has a super cheap light plastic feeling. The center shaft is a hollow plastic tube.

Saitek's yoke on the other hand has metal parts, with a metal shaft and metal plating on the actual unit. Feels more professional.
The X-55 feels more like a professional joystick compared to the CH Fighterstick. It's night and day for me.

CH may make professional stuff for construction but that doesn't mean they've mastered the gaming industry.

 

[Magic Man]

Can you show a "joystick with throttle control" that's not a HOTAS set?

Virtually all stand alone joysticks have a throttle control...

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Imo CH makes stuff that looks like it comes from Fisher Price.
[...]The X-55 feels more like a professional joystick compared to the CH Fighterstick. It's night and day for me.

CH may make professional stuff for construction but that doesn't mean they've mastered the gaming industry.

Speaking as a Warthog owner, CH makes excellent stuff. Their stick and throttle may be plastic but it's far better made and of a far more durable plastic that the X55.

 

[Heater]

Warthog and X55 here,

Both are nice and have pros and cons

Warthog is Cost but a very good stick

X55 is very nice feel to it, but very light weight and the quality is lacking (second replacement in 6 months)

 

[Sentience]

Virtually all stand alone joysticks have a throttle control...

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Speaking as a Warthog owner, CH makes excellent stuff. Their stick and throttle may be plastic but it's far better made and of a far more durable plastic that the X55.

Strongly disagree.
The CH Fighterstick and their yoke feel cheap, not durable. X-55 has weight to it and feels solid.
The CH stick will also lose calibration in the potentiometers a lot quicker then the Hall sensors.

But it's all opinion and subjective. Good thing we have plenty of choices.

 

[Poseidal]

The the CH sticks and/or X55 have twist axis on the joystick? (Is that what the 3 axis thing on the site means?)

 

[Sentience]

The the CH sticks and/or X55 have twist axis on the joystick? (Is that what the 3 axis thing on the site means?)

CH sticks don't twist. You have to buy rudders.
The X-55 stick twists, which can be assigned to any axis you want. That's what the 3 axis means. Roll, pitch, and yaw.