Hardware & Technical Cheesy joysticks... I want a better option

CMDR Harada

CMDR Harada
My latest T16000 just gave up the ghost. Well, I guess I helped it a bit. But it's been getting 'drifty', sloppy, light stays lit, and the trigger is now starting to get a bit hit-or-miss in stressful situations. Two years old... I guess I can't complain. I took it apart to see if I could fix it but it's all plastic and worn out.

NOTE : The loss of center and light issue on the T16000's is not due to a weak spring as mentioned in some internet posts. The ball/cradle section wears out. I tried shimming it and it helped, but that introduced a new issue, it got 'sticky' and started holding off center positions. Argh.

BUT, in looking for a new option, it seems that anything decent is cracking the $150 mark or more and they are still plastic. Are there any good joysticks, that last, for a decent price ? It appears no. I would think someone would offer one.

I guess I'll be diving into the DIY game here shortly. Some of those home made rigs are CRAZY. But I don't want a whole sim setup, just a good joystick.
 

CmdrKull

C
My old sidewinder pro has quite a bit of drift, but you can add to the dead zone both in windows and Elite to correct for it. It still feels just as responsive to me. A little extra dead zone isn't noticeable afaict.
 
Last edited:

Belthize

Belthize
I have a TFLIGHT HOTAS X that is starting to show wear, tends to develop a left yaw if you rest your hand at all on the controller.

I fly FA-OFF and have never been all that enamored with that stick in terms of response curves (and I use joystick curves) but it does work. Definitely interested in opinions on optimal FA-Off style controller. I did like the myriad of buttons the HOTAS-X supplied so hopefully there's some things out there which provides tight responsive FA-Off control and many secondary button options for systems control.
 

GG7

G
I own an X-52, but I much prefer the XB1 ELITE Controller these days. Really nice METAL gimbals, with everything basically built like a tank. I have been using mine daily with Elite D. for going on 2 years now and the thing feels the same as the day I first took it out of the carrying case! :D

Highly recommended for ED if you are tired of your HOTAS of choice giving up the ghost far before it should.
 

Mohrgan

Mohrgan
I have paired a Logitech 3D Pro (Which I've used steadily since release with no issues.) with a Thrustmaster WCS throttle control (Which is only months old.) with great success. Both of these items offer tons of buttons and options.
 
  • Like (+1)
Reactions: NW3

IndigoWyrd

IndigoWyrd
I use a Logitech 3d Pro Extreme stick and a CH Pro Throttle.
Right around the $150 mark for both, and a love the setup.
 
  • Like (+1)
Reactions: NW3

Deadspin

Deadspin
IndigoWyrd said:
I use a Logitech 3d Pro Extreme stick and a CH Pro Throttle.
Right around the $150 mark for both, and a love the setup.
Click to expand...

I plan to get the CH Pro Throttle at some point to couple with my Logitech 3D Pro Extreme. I love the Logi stick, it's basic, yeah, but its worked for me for almost 4 years now with only the slightest need for a deadzone adjustment on yaw and roll.

That's all despite being dropped onto the floor dozens of times, my kids (4 & 5) getting ahold of it and whatnot. The damn thing keeps working.
 

Saxon Kili

Saxon Kili
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is 2 years old and no issues to report. Around $40. Voice attack or keyboard for everything else.
 

SillYcoNe

SillYcoNe
I use the Microsoft Elite Controller. It's pretty expensive but feels very nice.
You can bind the lower paddles to any keyboard input using reWASD (you need a 3rd party utility because Microsoft did not manage to code some proper software for their hardware...).
Also driving the SRV with a gamepad is pretty easy.
 
Last edited:

IndigoWyrd

IndigoWyrd
Deadspin said:
I plan to get the CH Pro Throttle at some point to couple with my Logitech 3D Pro Extreme. I love the Logi stick, it's basic, yeah, but its worked for me for almost 4 years now with only the slightest need for a deadzone adjustment on yaw and roll.

That's all despite being dropped onto the floor dozens of times, my kids (4 & 5) getting ahold of it and whatnot. The damn thing keeps working.
Click to expand...

You won't be disappointed. CH Pro makes some nice stuff. I wish their flight sticks had a bit more to offer, but keep in mind they're building more towards the flight sim audience, not the gaming market.
 

NW3

NW3
I also have a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. I like the feel and after I increased the axis dead-zones in-game, I haven't had any problem with drift.

After a couple of years of heavy use, joystick twist failed, so I bought another. It's only about $40 US, so I didn't mind the failure that much. It has an integrated throttle, so I don't need a separate throttle control.

It only has 16 buttons, so I use VoiceAttack (with the Obsidian Ant Voice Pack) to handle all the infrequent commands.
 
Last edited:

GG7

G
SillYcoNe said:
I use the Microsoft Elite Controller. It's pretty expensive but feels very nice.
You can bind the lower paddles to any keyboard input using reWASD (you need a 3rd party utility because Microsoft did not manage to code some proper software for their hardware...).
Also driving the SRV with a gamepad is pretty easy.
Click to expand...

If you add the companion ChatPad to the E Controller then you have a full Querty keyboard sitting right there in your hands which can call up ALL the same keybindings available on a standard PC keyboard.

I find this a HUGE advantage and can't imagine using my E Controller without the ChatPad installed. It is also fully backlit, so seeing it in the dark is no problem at all. :)

I LOVE my Elite Controller to death! The price was a bit steep, but with as much use as I have put on mine going on nearly 2 years, with no sign of degradation to any button or stick, by now I would have been forced to buy a replacement XB1 controller because those are only good for about a year of steady use.

So, over the course of time, the thing pays for itself and then some. Not to mention that in the hands of someone who has used it long enough to become proficient with the extra paddles etc. can out fly a HOTAS system no problem.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom