The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[RipperJack]

Was you lucky enough to go with amazon?

Im not a fussy busy per se, but i HATE anything that gives me niggles, known issues on first purchases? I dont keep it in the hopes it'll get better.

X-52's throttle stick and twist/yaw clank...i couldnt do it, i went through 2.

X-55's (x3) - throttle mis-aligned, twist stick lube leakage and clunk on yaw....full refund.

T-master warthog though....wow...the solidarity of the stick alone pulled it through. I lost the analogue control of the thrusters by switching from the warthogs throttle to a razr orbweaver but im far happier with my gaming experiance. I throught initially the warthog had a fault with me using the thumb stick for yaw in replacement....it turnt out it was an intentional design, in my replacement model BUT OMFG THE REPLACEMENT MODELS STICK! So much smoother, no judder, just bliss. I ended up keeping both the replacement models stick and base because it doesnt have any of the issue i read and saw in reviews or half as stiff as my first...and ended up taking over and not needing my throttle for the most with an orbweaver doing what i needed for the rest.

Theres a million and 1 videos for making the thrustmaster smoother, replacing it solved it for me, if you dont have that as an option then maybe a clean like the videos will sort it for you also.

 

[scbfromnc]

CH Pro throttle and Thrustmaster T16000M joystick. CH makes great products -- high quality, sturdy, but their joystick doesn't have twist action. So Thrustmaster is pretty good for the price. Read reviews in Amazon, but also pay attention to the most recent reviews as some of the recent versions of some of the joysticks listed above aren't made well. I would love to have an older version of some of those sticks. But having said that, I've had no problems at all with my Thrustmaster. Both are sitting on my desk, unmounted.

 

[Arenzael]

Why did you have to mention the Obutto R3volution?! I did not need to know about that, now I want one!

X-52pro, not mounted, but on mouse pads to keep it planted. I liked that it was a good value for money. I would have bought a X-55pro if they made one as I really liked its toggles vs the useless led screen. However metal over plastic, and better stick led me to the 52pro.

Do people like using rudder pedals for this game?

 

[Porina]

Outgoing stick: Fly 5 - bought because it was low cost and I didn't know what I wanted when starting
New stick: Warthog - because the Fly 5 is falling apart and I wanted something that should last. I would have preferred the X55 if it wasn't for the reliability concerns.

Both are used on desk. I think I need to look at the R3volution more closely but thankfully I wont have space for one

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

So two questions really.

Which joystick do you use and post in the comments why.

Is your joystick mounted onto a frame/chair etc. E.g. Not just placed on your desk.

I use an X55 which I feel is perfect for ED (the X52 is also v good but lacking in buttons imo)
I considered the hog but with no twist for yaw it was out for me.

Before then I used an ancient MS sidewinder stick along with an xbox 360 pad for menus and extra buttons etc in a custom profile. This worked very well but I wanted to feel like a proper pilot so wanted it all in 1 place. I love my X55 and at under £125 if you get lucky, they are decent value imo.

right now it is not mounted. I am used to it so it is fine, but it would be better mounted properly

 

[marnikos]

Old good trusty Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. What a great joystick, still like new even though it serves me for about 12 years!!!
I just love it!

 

[ankhorion]

Well it might be called a joystick, but that doesn't mean I am gonna mount it. ;o)

 

[SirGeldi]

Thrustmaster Warthog mounted on Joylock clamps.

I used bolts to fix it on the clamps because i dont want the throttle to fall on my feet.
Wich would be instant hospital if u don't fly in Doc Martens

I am still waiting for my MFG crosswind, until it arives i will have to deal with Saitek crap.

 

[VR Dextrovix]

X-52 mounted to chair

I bought a recliner chair and Ergotron mount for my monitor and PC, and have mounted the X-52 in the cup holders. A simple ballcock from B&Q at £3 fits exactly into the cup holders, so It's easy to make a mount from a section of hardboard, or in this case a mutilated Culver container. Screws can go through the mount into the ballcock which can then be fitted to standard 55cm bolts and screws to the X-52. It means the X-52 can be removed as the throttle and stick are separate (but they don't really get in the way too much), and go on either arms of the chair as appropriate.

The expensive stuff...
X-52 controller: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Saitek-PS28-Controller-Throttle-Joystick/dp/B00H8O6S84
Recliner chair: http://www.aosom.co.uk/product/detail/4704
Ergotron mount: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A8NM8HC/ref=pe_385721_51767431_TE_dp_1

The cheap stuff...
Ball : http://www.diy.com/diyei768287/euroflo-round-ball-float/334079_BQ.prd
Curver container (cut down fits an X-52 a treat!) : http://www.diy.com/departments/curver-black-7-l-plastic-storage-basket/201990_BQ.prd

 

[Spidy]

I use an X-55 bought for E, no mount. I guess that would be even more comfortable but I don't have enough space for stuff like that.

 

[Magic Man]

Warthog, find the spring tension fine. Stick and throttle mounted on small side tables (on castors). Also have a 3D Connexion SPP alongside the throttle for thruster control.
G13/G19/G600,Slaw pedals.

 

[Arnak]

Hi,

X52 Pro for me, mounted on a board so I can set it on my lap in the chair, then put it down when I need to get up.

 

[avow555]

X52pro on my desk and works fine.
Must be around 10 years old as well.

Contemplating an X55.

 

[Arry]

Keyboard, fixed to my laptop, has all the buttons and gizmos I need.

 

[Thanewright]

X52 pro, just got it a few months ago, Elite being my first flight sim type game. Just have it on the desk. I've entertained fantasies about a more elaborate setup but barring a mysterious raise or robbing a bank, it works great the way it is

 

[AndiBcool]

I use the Xbox 360 Joypad and have no issues with it or need for a Hotas.

 

[bartmoss]

Thrustmaster T-Flightstick X. It does have a big heavy base and is quite stable that way.

I don't know if I'd buy it again though. I complement it with using my keyboard for a lot of stuff (for flight control mainly left/right and up/down thrust) and that means I can't easily use all the buttons on the stick's base, including the throttle slider.

Also, if you were to use it, you need to be aware that:

a) There is a sensitivity "dial" on its bottom. Basically, it lets you physically adjust how much resistance the stick puts up to you. I like that, I just didn't realize it for a while.

b) There's a "reconfigure" button on the right side, that lets you re-map joystick buttons on the device itself. I have no idea why this was deemed necessary. Anyway, if you accidentally hit that... Don't be surprised if the stick doesn't do what you tell it to do.

All said and done, the joystick part itself is very comfortable, the buttons on it easy to use. I don't see a need to replace it, though I will probably look into investing into a hotas setup if I still play ED in six months. (Why that deadline? Because if I still enjoy it then, I will go all out and get a Rift as well.)

 

[Zplintz]

X52 pro + VA.

Not mounted / Not suckered - just sitting on the default rubber pads.

 

[Blackness]

I have an old Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro USB. It's the only joystick that I have, that's compatible with my machine. :S

It's not mounted onto a chair or anything.

Same here. Had it for 15 years, with no complaints, from Falcon 4.0 and X-Wing Alliance to ED.

 

[Bran Tse Mallory]

Cyborg F.L.Y. 5 (Saitek stick). Just sits on the desk, legs fold away when not in use. Has two throttle axis which I put to good use, enough buttons for all major functions plus I have my number pad next to it for various things.