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What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 01:28
by randeDANDE
First do you guys with joysticks notice a "HUGE" difference at ease when flying with a joystick compared to a mouse and keyboard? If so do you recommend any cheap joysticks? I just want one for BF2/PR/BF3 jets and helis. Won't be playing any flight sims. Is it easy to setup? Just plug in usb download drivers and I'm set or do I have to configure sensitivitys etc.


Thanks

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 01:44
by Gracler
Joystick or mouse is really depending on the type of user you are.

Some people claim that it is easier to use mouse/keyboard but I think it is because they have a light cheap plastic joystick. The heavier the better...that's what I think.

I prefer Joystick but I have a nice old Microsoft Sidewinder Force feedback pro 2 that gives you very accurate controls. You cant buy it any-more though.

calibrating your joystick is as easy as installing a game...just follow the guide wizard.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 02:06
by 200rabbits
Cheaper joysticks tent to be incredibly easy to set up. Most are just plug and play. You probably wanna spend about GBP50 (turned my pound sign into a ?) if you want something that'll last you. The really cheap joysticks get buggy fast and don't last, in my experience.
My Saitek Cyborg Evo's condition is holding up pretty well, and it's a pretty nice joystick for those of us who can't afford a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 02:13
by [MTK]DieSlow
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro - $25 roughly.

Gets the job done.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 03:01
by Redamare
just look in ebay for a joystick . . . im sure you can find a good one .. all they do is controls its not like ones better than another unless your going to be playing flight simulators . .

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 03:25
by randeDANDE
200rabbits wrote:Cheaper joysticks tent to be incredibly easy to set up. Most are just plug and play. You probably wanna spend about GBP50 (turned my pound sign into a ?) if you want something that'll last you. The really cheap joysticks get buggy fast and don't last, in my experience.
My Saitek Cyborg Evo's condition is holding up pretty well, and it's a pretty nice joystick for those of us who can't afford a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog.
On craigslist there's people selling that Saitek Cyborg Evo for $25. I thought if it's so cheap it probably sucks.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-10 04:36
by Chu
I've been using my wired Xbox 360 controller. It took me a bit to figure out what I wanted the button layout to be, but I like it.

Posted: 2011-08-12 02:01
by Steam101
I picked up an old F-15 replica joystick that looked really solid for $10 used. But I don't have a gameport and there isnt gameport support for Windows 7 :( . I just use a logitech attack joystick (which are cheap but have bad throttle control).

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 07:48
by Dadavan
If you just want it for PR and such (meaning not for actual flight simulator's) then as said, the Extreme 3D Pro will do you fine, I know many people who use it ingame. Another stick you can think of is Speedlink's Black Widow, from my own exprience it's a great stick, only thing is I bought it quite a few years ago and I dont know if you can still find it anywhere.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 07:52
by PoisonBill
THIS!



It seems to be called both Saitek Cyborg X and Cyborg F.L.Y. 5, not really sure. I'm anyway waiting for this one to come to Sweden, it has the two most important things: A good throttle lever and a hat switch. You can also customize the entire joystick to fit your hand.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 10:21
by Rhino
Ye, a Saitek Cyborg is defiantly one of the best value for money sticks you can get.

Cyborg F.L.Y 5 Flight Stick

Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 10:44
by killonsight95
wow rhino..... those look pretty good for only like ?35 :) might get one later this month, which one would recomend?

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 10:49
by PoisonBill
killonsight95 wrote:wow rhino..... those look pretty good for only like ?35 :) might get one later this month, which one would recomend?
I'm not Rhino :razz: , but the v5 one is pretty much fully customizable and detachable which could mean that it is more durable.

But the biggest difference between them is the throttle lever, you can divide the v5 one to control left or right engines on a flight sim. By the look of it, it looks more accurate as well.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 11:09
by Rhino
killonsight95 wrote:wow rhino..... those look pretty good for only like ?35 :) might get one later this month, which one would recomend?
I personally would get the Cyborg F.L.Y 5 mainly because the throttle is in a better position and I've also seen it on google shopping for 28 squid but if you really want value for money, the old one you can get for under 20 squid from overclockers.

SAITEK Cyborg F.L.Y 5 PC Flight Stick
Saitek FLY 5 Cyborg PC Flight Stick ?31.49

Saitek Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick [CCB4423700B2/04/1]


But personally I like to fly a lot so I have a Saitek x52 which I've had for many years now and its done me very well :D

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 12:52
by A.Finest
I would recomend a: Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless
Its a wireless joystick, though with lots of keys and buttons to bind.

Im not a big fan of wireless stuff my self, but this one's more than perfect for both PR:BF2 & ArmA :)

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 18:04
by RememberTheAlamo
Logitech Attack 3 is really cheap and easy to set up. It has just enough buttons for PR and you can find it for $20 and under. Don't expect anything fancy for that price though.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 20:44
by CaptainX
You should get the TM1600, its the cheapest joystick that have hall sensors.

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 20:47
by Rhino
this thing?
Image

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 21:37
by sharpie
Those joysticks just scream 'don't fuck with me, or I will disembowel you.'

Anyways, I have a crappier joystick/control thing then Rhino just posted.
Image

Re: What's a good cheap joystick?

Posted: 2011-08-12 22:01
by Rhino
That side winder is awesome! I use to have it, in fact, I still have it in my attic some where as a backup! For a seriously basic stick, that one is really good, although doesn't have a twist handle :p