The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[NEUTRAL]

Highly recommended:

Thrustmaster T.16000M joystick.
Easily supports left-handed users. (easy convert to left or right)
Very precise stick due to its hall-effect magnetic sensors.

BUY TWO OF THEM, one for each hand !

http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/t16000m

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S0RTU0/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[antonygoldrick]

Thanks.

Ill look into them.

have some rep for being nice

 

[Jonney Napalm]

Seeing as you've never used a joystick and will have to 'learn' to fly with it, why not try to learn to fly right handed?
It would open up more option for future hardware use.
Just a thought, but obviously go with what you're comfortable with.

 

[NEUTRAL]

Thanks for the rep.

I am using that awesome stick myself!

Here's my gear:

Notice that I've removed the thumbguard for the T.16000M joystick, and rotated the palm-rest forwards instead of left or right.
Did this so that I could use both left OR right hands whenever I want to.

Cheers!

 

[norty303]

Another lefty here, and I'm on a T16kM too. Good sticks, just wish there was a right hand throttle unit available.
Looking at the one in the pic above, I'm surprised no-one has done one where the handle can be flipped over. The top hat would change position with the lower button, but otherwise functionally the same.

 

[foxpur]

I just got the T.16000M and am JUST setting it up now

 

[Top Cat]

Lifelong lefty here and have been gaming with mouse and keyboard for as long as I can remember. My previous joysticks were all saitek cyborgs, that could be set up for left handers, but were rubbish for Elite, so I bought the Thrustmaster T-Flight. It took about 20 minutes to get used to flying right handed.

I've now got an X52 because I wanted more buttons on the stick and throttle.

Honestly, I wouldnt worry about it. Get the T-flight, its a cheap way to find out if you can take to it or not. If you do, and you love the stick, fine - the T-flight is a good bit of kit. If you really like it, there are plenty of upgrade options. And if you hate it, you've not spent that much money and will be able to make most of it back on ebay (I did when I upgrade to the X52)

 

[Danneh]

I'm left handed too, and went for an X52 Pro, mainly because there's no decent right hand throttles. It was a bit awkard at first with the joystick, but you soon get used to it, and if anything it's made me more proficient with my right hand.

 

[NEUTRAL]

Another lefty here, and I'm on a T16kM too. Good sticks, just wish there was a right hand throttle unit available.
Looking at the one in the pic above, I'm surprised no-one has done one where the handle can be flipped over. The top hat would change position with the lower button, but otherwise functionally the same.

Waves to another T.16000M user.
There used to be a guy who actually did a left-handed conversion for the CH Pro Throttle.
Sadly he is no longer doing it.

Here is the link to his defunct post:
http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/index.php/topic/3104-the-leftyhotas/

I just got the T.16000M and am JUST setting it up now

Congratulations!

Personally I think the buttons on the base of the T.16000M are not so great.
I haven't really used its throttle either.

 

[znôrt]

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. (...) Keyboard, mouse and joystick is enough for me

keyboard + stick IS actually a HOTAS, just without analog thrust ;-) My left hand is very used anyway to w|a/s/d from many other games, you just need to map the surrounding keys consistently (and the game defaults are not a bad start). I know the throttle thing sort of provides more inmersion, and is cool, but i really don't need it. It's also a bit unwieldy, my desk is not a flight sim cabin. If you just need a good quality stick the Extreme 3D Pro is really smooth and precise, sits tight and isn't bulky, I like it a lot. It's a bit short on buttons, though. Buttons 7-12 (at the base) are pretty useless to me, since my left hand is busy on the keyboard. This leaves you with two triggers plus 4 buttons and a hat switch for your right thumb. Not a luxury but ... meh, just a bit more mapping on the left side, where ... it's wonderful, it's full of keys!!! The small throttle I only use to set 'base' speed (zero, sweet spot, max) or during frame shift.

 

[antonygoldrick]

thanks for the updates chaps.

 

[Jockey79]

I'm a lefty as well, but I've always used right handed set ups on the computer. Currently I have a Saitek F.L.Y. 5 which is great, I was supposed to be getting a Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS but it has been delayed.
As was said, if you can get used to right handed joystick use, the options that open up for controllers is amazing, if not though some good suggestions here.

 

[Ice764]

I use a CH Fighterstick with a logitech G13 gamepad for all the controls. It is a little pricey, but I have had great luck with CH gear and it really is durable.

 

[foxpur]

Personally I think the buttons on the base of the T.16000M are not so great.
I haven't really used its throttle either.

I use heavy VoiceAttack, so 90 - 95% of my needs are met

 

[Allcoast]

Mine

Hi guys,


Looking to get a joystick for this game, any ideas which would be best?


Thanks

I was using a m/kb combo but i bought this last night. OMG what a difference. And for a cheap price

Logitech Exptreme 3d Pro

 

[ih8modem]

I currently use a Thrustmaster t-flight HOTAS and it's doing the job very well. I previously had a X52 but the rubberised compound got all sticky and came off in places - turned into tucky mess. The clutch on your small finger also came apart after a few months. For the £30 price difference, I would suggest the X52pro over the X52.

If your budget is very strict :
£130+ - Saitek X52 Pro
£50 - £100 - Saitek X52
£50 or less, Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS (seen it on offer a lot recently in run up to Xmas ranging from £25 to £49) - normally around £39 though.

 

[Markus]

Thanks again for the opinions, so far (space problem mainly) i found 2 sticks in this thread that would work and are interesting to me:

extreme 3d pro joystick
Saitek Cyborg V1

If you look at both, which one would you choose ?

 

[Belan]

I'm left handed as well, and I have the T16000.M, but I've found it's easier to just force yourself to use things with your right hand. I use the mouse with my right hand, joystick, and shoot right handed. I only wish I learned to play the guitar right handed.

 

[Mark Oliver Spengler]

I wonder is it complicated to play the game by mouse ? I rather would like mouse but if its difficult maybe joystick would be better?

Try both and choose the input method familiar to you. I own a Xbone Controller but i prefer mouse and keys for ED.

 

[foxpur]

I'm left handed as well, and I have the T16000.M, but I've found it's easier to just force yourself to use things with your right hand. I use the mouse with my right hand, joystick, and shoot right handed. I only wish I learned to play the guitar right handed.

Actually this is a pet peeve of mine...

I only have one working hand and even that is limited from a stroke. Do not assume just because something works for you that it is what works for others. The 'just deal with it' attitude is completely un-necessary.