Controller Recommendations

[ryanbatc 12,857]

I've got a coworker (actually their son) wondering about controls to fly fighter jets in FSX or XP - I like my MS FFB2 stck but they don't make that anymore.

What are you guys using?  I'd like to keep the price below 500 bucks but I think he could use a throttle too.

The kid also mentioned he wanted to learn to fly for real at some point...  I'm considering recommending a yoke and throttle quad too..and maybe pedals

I'm using Saitek combat pro pedals, FFB2 stick and CH throttle....  

What do you guys like for stick or yoke setups?
 

[VeryBumpy 272]

Wish there was a stick out there like the MS FFB2. Force feedback joysticks are a dead breed.

[michal 44]

The kid also mentioned he wanted to learn to fly for real at some point...

Let him begin flying real aircraft and then he can make a more informed decision what he wants in terms of his simulation needs, he may never get to this point anyway.

Saitek yoke/pedals/quadrant is a very cost effective solution. I know RW pilots (I am one) who don't care about any fancy yokes when they are simming because though you me be getting a well made gear - all the force feedback stuff is lacking anyhow.

 

For flying "fighter jets" - there are tons of choices, I would again look at Saitek.

[wiltzei 15]

http://www.wraithllc.com/productdetails.html Only 4500 moneys, presuming one will do.

[ryanbatc 12,857]

Well he's a little young so waiting isn't a great option hehe...

 

And 4500 bones... hmmm a bit out of the price range... just a bit - but that looks really nice!

 

I'll go digging some more, thanks all

[michal 44]

I would not hand some young kid a $500 worth of gaming controllers, even if I were Warren Buffet.

[ryanbatc 12,857]

I'm not paying for them....  anyway I think he's 12-14 I can't remember... that's a decent age to start.... probably where I started.

[wiltzei 15]

Only caveat about FFB2 is the lack of buttons, which will quickly run out especially with Miljets. All that aside I've been lucky enough to obtain two units from the same city B)

[ohsirus 241]

I highly enjoyed my logitech G940.

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[odourboy 1,289]

I'm using Saitek X-55 Rhino HOTAS which recently replaced my CH Products Combat Stick and Pro Throttle - torn as to which of these to recommend - both are pretty decent. Quality of the Saitek is a bit iffy but the programming interface is refined, thought not as flexible as the CH. Features, look and feel of the Rhino are pretty nice and well priced compared to say, the Warthog. Rhino's Hall effect sensors work very well (better than CH's old reliable potentiometers).

 

Using this with the Saitek Pro pedals. Happy enough with these, but I kind of wish I'd sprung for the Combat pedals up front.

 

So I think I'd recommend a Saitek solution - Rhino HOTAS and Combat pedals for the 'under $500' control I/F. (don't forget TrackIR - a 'must have' in my books)

[zmak 331]

Ryan I just bought 2 MSFF sticks in immaculate as new condition on ebay for $100

 

Check it out there are usually some available

[wiltzei 15]

I reckon nothing drastic is lost using Pros instead of Combats, as they're mechanically pretty much the same AFAIR. Might wanna double-check that from a SimHQ or similar review.

[odourboy 1,289]

I reckon nothing drastic is lost using Pros instead of Combats, as they're mechanically pretty much the same AFAIR. Might wanna double-check that from a SimHQ or similar review.

I think you're right - I've read the guts are the same. The combat pedals are closer to what you'd typically see in a fighter (rather than the full foot cradle of the Pros) and I like the extra metal bits too. But given they work pretty much the same way, I'm not about to 'upgrade' for what is primarily a cosmetic difference. So I think they're cooler and therefore wish I'd gone for them initially rather than cheaping out.