Recommend a joystick

[GNEP]

As per title. I am thinking of having a go with some flight sims, and would like to purchase a joystick. Any recommendations/tips?

Sidewinder Precision 2 is the only one recommended by a friend so far.

Does one use USB ports for joysticks these days? It's been a long time since I did any joystick gaming...

Thanks

Gnep

[Wulfman]

I'm also a fan of microsofts joysticks - if it wasn't for their stupid driver-managment. they decided to stop supporting the forcefeedback features of my (original) sidewinder force feedback pro under win2k (and upwards) after the second edition of the stick came out. shame on you, ms!

mfg
wulfman

[az]

USB is the interface of choice today. I'd recommend getting a grip on different sticks. The best stick is the one that fits your hands best. The Saitek Cyborg sticks are customizable, for bigger or smaller hands, left or right hand operation, etc.

AZ

[GNEP]

Cool. I see. Will probably get one from Tottenham Court Road in London anyway, so will be able to try them out (I have big hands, but am right handed...),

For e.g. IL2 Sturmovik, any particular buttons and stuff? (as I said, I haven't simmed or used a stick for years and years).

G

[Paddy]

erm... I read something about a 'new' standard being proposed for joysticks and windows. I am under the impression that MS are encouraging a standard interface and button number/layout - something along the lines of the XBOX controller no doubt.
I cant put my finger on where though..

[GNEP]

Is this likely to affect a purchase NOW for current games though?

[Wombat]

I like my Sidewinder, but it didn't take very long before I could feel it starting to wear out. Next time, I'll probably get a Logitech.

[Technoid]

and I loved My sidewinder 3D Pro
Sadly it developed "miniatyrus cablus disconectus" and had to be put down after the third time

Nowdays I have a Force feedback Pro (1) as Wulfman And I also think it's sad that they are not suporting it completely under W2k and upwards

[GNEP]

OK so I take it that they still don't last very long... so I should get a USB jobby that does for now (with the right buttons) and replace when worn out?

Anything against the "Sidewinder 2 Precision"?

[Wulfman]

Originally posted by GNEP
OK so I take it that they still don't last very long... so I should get a USB jobby that does for now (with the right buttons) and replace when worn out?

Anything against the "Sidewinder 2 Precision"?

one moment, doesn't last long? I have yet to see a force feedback pro failing, those last (from what I've seen/heard so far) forever. if it wasn't for the drivers - but they can still be used as a normal joystick, just FF is disabled.

mfg
wulfman

[GNEP]

OK - it's just that the last time I used a joystick, the only ones I could afford would only last for about 4-6 months...

[Chrono_Wanderer]

I have an older MS Sidewiner Precision PRO (Version 1)... no problem at all! Love it!

[Technoid]

Originally posted by GNEP
OK so I take it that they still don't last very long... so I should get a USB jobby that does for now (with the right buttons) and replace when worn out?

Anything against the "Sidewinder 2 Precision"?

My lasted sidewinder 3D Pro 5 years!!!

and the wire that broke was grossly under dimensinalised!!
I have checked in the Force feedback and there the wires are much thicker!

[GNEP]

Looks like it's going to be the sidewinder 2 precision then Thanks guys.

[Gurm]

You know, I've avoided making naughty jokes so far, but if nobody else is gonna...

"I've got a joystick... right here, SWINGING!"

- Gurm