Joystick Dying - Needs Replacing

[Roger Wilco Jr]

So my Saitek ST290 Pro is suddenly getting very stiff and binding. I might be able to take it apart and fix it, but for now I'm going to start researching a replacement. I really like the twist rudder, and I can't use rudder pedals, so that rules out the CH sticks that I loved in the past and would be a good match for my Pro Throttle. I'll look on Amazon, but they don't list everything, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

High quality, comfort, and twist rudder are my main wants, with lots of buttons on the stick. I'd rather not have buttons on the base, as I have a separate throttle with lots if buttons, and I obviously wouldn't need a throttle either.

Thanks.

[GlobusDiablo]

The x52 pro is the one most talked about, at a reasonable price point. Looks alot like the ones in the game. So if you're an Oculus man...

[Miller]

They modeled the in-game throttle and stick after the X52 Pro so that's cool.

I know OP is asking for a high quality stick but I'm very happy with my Logitech 3D extreme pro stick so far.
I'm using it with the CH Pro throttle. Don't think I'll upgrade anytime soon.

[Loriath]

I had a Thrustmaster HOTAS X that recently died. I loved that stick. I used it for so many games and really enjoyed its functions for its price. When it died, part of me said get another one. Unfortunately (or fortunately in this case) no one had it in stock, so I took a leap of faith and picked up an X52 Pro.

To say I am happy is an understatement. It makes me realize just how imprecise the Thrustmaster was. I am a better pilot instantly by using the stick. The better precision alone is what makes that happen. It has a great feel and doesn't make me think that I need more leverage and that I am not getting the motion I want from the stick.

The Build Quality to me is very good and it feels very good to the touch. I do have some concerns with the shape of the stick in my hand, but that may be more to unfamiliarity. The throttle is very nice, and the feel is great. The Bump Stops have to go, but I will live with them for now. The multitude of switches, hats, and sliders means I can easily handle all my needs. The colour LED's are fun, and make it a little easier for me to remember things. I color Combat Items Red, Maneuvering Green, and other functions Amber.

I am now looking for a better desk setup. I will eventually get an ED Tracker, but for now, the mini Mouse on the throttle will do. I am also looking for a mini wired keyboard for typing that I can use instead of my main keyboard.

I had used an X52 that a friend hand, and though the sticks are quite similar, in my mind, the extra cost is going to the precision that in my opinion is better on the Pro. There was only a 20 CHF difference in price, so it was not a hard decision to go Pro over regular.

The only thing is now I am looking at spending more on VESA Monitor mounts to mount them to my chair, and ED Tracker, a Better Headset, Mini Keyboard, and maybe even a new Speaker setup.

So if you do go Pro, you may find that it spurs more spending

[GlobusDiablo]

...I am also looking for a mini wired keyboard for typing that I can use instead of my main keyboard.....

I can highly recommend the logitech K400r. It's wireless, but has run on the complement batteries for over a year now, so... It has a nifty mouse pad incorporated on the right side of the board, and an extra left click mouse button in the left corner of the board. Very intuitive, and extremely easy to use. Check it out.

[BarkingMad]

Since gaining a pre-loved X52 through this board I have a Thrustmaster HOTAS sitting doing nothing if you're interested. I can wholly recommend the X52 though. Buttons galore and a joy to use once you've got used to it.

[wilkie]

I also have a X52 Pro and would recommend it. On first purchase of the HOTAS I did get some throttling issues which required me to send it back for a replacemenr. With my new replacement though, I forget the problems I had originally.

[Roger Wilco Jr]

My Saitek is over 5 years old, but was only used about 2 months back then and then for the past 4 months with ED. I loved it while it worked. Maybe I'll give them a second chance if the newer and more expensive models are better quality. Looks like they don't sell the joystick by itself and I just bought the CH throttle. That sucks. Oh well, I'm sure I can sell one or the other - I may prefer the Saitek throttle.

I'm going to see if I can find these in a store somewhere. Thanks for the tips.

[Miller]

I watched many many reviews before I got the CH pro throttle.
Now that I have used it for a while, I would not trade it for anything else.

If you really look for quality, I think you would be much better off getting the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog stick on ebay and use it with the CH pro throttle.
http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/technology_174g.html

[Roger Wilco Jr]

Thanks for the replies.

I must say I'm pretty disappointed with whats available in joysticks these days. I had the original ThrustMaster game port rudder pedals 20-odd years ago. They were OK for a flight sim, where you rarely use them, but are very tiring in combat games. And the new ones have the pedals so close together that they look uncomfortable for little kids to use. So I think I really need to stick with the twist throttle. That rules out the Warthog, not that I'd pay for that anyway. And it looks like CH hasn't come out with a really new product in 20 years - I threw out my old game port versions years ago. The other products from ThrustMaster have way to few buttons on the top of the stick. Saitek makes you buy their throttle at the same time. Madcatz has a decent looking joystick, which I think is based on my old Saitek ST290Pro, but it looks like the buttons are too close together and my big thumb would constantly mash 2 at a time.

I'm thinking the Logitech Extreme Pro may be my best solution. The secondary trigger is located away from the buttons so I won't accidentally hit those, like I sometimes do now. Then there are 4 more buttons, not too close to each other, plus an 8-way hat, and I think those 2 extra buttons make a big difference. And I guess I can use the buttons on the base for landing gear and lights and etc. And it's only $35. I think Logitech makes quality products.