help me pick an inexpensive all-in-one stick

[leafer]

https://www.zest.co.th/filter/category/category/40

 

I'm not sure if I want force feedback but I am positive I do not want a set of full-blown HOTAS. I'm just looking for some last minute advice to maximize gain and minimize regret.

 

What do you guys think about these?

 

- Thrustmaster: T-Flight Stick X

- Saitek Cyborg X Stick

- Thrustmaster: T.16000M

- Saitek Cyborg Evo Force

- Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

[Dudikoff]

What do you guys think about these?

- Thrustmaster: T-Flight Stick X

- Saitek Cyborg X Stick

- Thrustmaster: T.16000M

- Saitek Cyborg Evo Force

- Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

 

Hmm.. Just to make it clear, I haven't owned any of these (but why would that stop me from commenting, right? :) ). But, I've had the same dilemma when I was searching for a joystick for a friend (bought him a Saitek Cyborg Evo) and something light for myself to take with me on business trips and for space sims (ended up with Saitek Aviator - a bit stiff, I remember it being lighter, but seems kinda stiff now; too light, has dual throttle and mode switch, but lacks the shift switch which I would like to have since it has only one hat). I actually remember the Evo being better made, but lacking the additional buttons and switches.

 

I've read very bad things about these Logitech joysticks - that their cheap pots usually go bad after only a few months use.

 

Cyborg X Stick also didn't seem to be very well made from what I have read as it seem to develop freeplay and have a tendency to break - I've seen one in person in some shop and it looked cheap and was in fact broken (on the other hands some comments were also positive).

 

I've used Cyborg Evo and it seems like a precise and well made product (quality wise), I only wished it had a mode switch like the Saitek Aviator stick (which lacks the shift key which the Cyborg stick has, on the other hand :) ). The problem with the Force Feedback version is that the stick twist is not well made and has a tendency to stop working - there was some rather easy fix for this, but you'll have to search on the net to find it.

 

I haven't used the Thrustmaster products nor searched the net for opinions since I saw them in person and they personally look toyish, feel cheap and look rather ugly to me (I guess the Cyborg X would fit into the same category).

 

I'd definitely check the X52 Pro. I have it and it feels rather solid for the price.

Edited February 24, 2011 by Dudikoff

[fangav]

Ive had a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro for years and so have most of my mates with no trouble at all with them, Ive used mine for driving games, black shark and a10c and its never let me down, Its still on the shelve as my back up if my hotas goes phut.

Edited February 24, 2011 by fangav
can't type for crap

[leafer]

thanks, guys.

 

I've read and watched some reviews but I wanted input from people who fly man-sim i.e. DCS series. :D

 

I've ruled out the Aviator because the throttles are positioned in front of the stick. I've owned Cyorg Evo years ago and cannot recall any problems with it, so I've narrowed it down to the Evo or the Cyborg X.

 

And what's a shift key for?

Edited February 24, 2011 by leafer

[Dudikoff]

I've ruled out the Aviator because the throttles are positioned in front of the stick. I've owned Cyorg Evo years ago and cannot recall any problems with it, so I've narrowed it down to the Evo or the Cyborg X.

 

And what's a shift key for?

 

Just check out the forums for Cyborg X. I wanted to buy it, but then found out about some problems people had.

 

The shift key is for doubling the functions - e.g. button A has one function when pressed alone, another when pressed while the shift button is held (supported in SST software). I got used to it on X36 and X52 Pro, so miss it on the Aviator. BTW, the EVO has it, although the problem with Evo is that it's made for both left and right hand people, I think, hence the buttons on both sides so there's a lack of buttons on it.

[wickedfastball]

Might I suggest you check out CH Products as well?

[leafer]

Thanks for pointing me to the right path, ijozic. I'm going up to Bangkok next week and will probably get the Evo.

 

wickedfastball,

 

I owned CH products when there was no USB :D and they did last years. I know their software is second to none these days but acsthetically speaking they are way pass their prime. Not that Evo star-blaster design is my flavor but it appears it is the best of the affordable bunch.

Edited February 24, 2011 by leafer

[barra733]

Saitek Cyborg X Stick

 

I used a Cyborg X-Stick for quite a while (It's for sale, £15+P&P, PM me!) with no problems at all. I'd still be using it if I hadn't got an X52. It's comfortable, good looking and has a double (split throttle) which can be locked to form a single throttle. The handle unscrews and the legs fold away for stowage. I also bought a cheap cyborg 3D which I 'modified' so that it would only move backwards and forwards. I then used this as a throttle. In games like Blackshark and Lock-On this is very easy to set up with the game profiler so you can use all the buttons on both sticks. A good review of the stick:

 

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-wargames/178071-saitek-cyborg-x-joystick-pc-review.html

 

Hope this helps...

[GhostDog]

I used a Saitek ST290 Pro (very similar to the Cyborg evo) when I was starting out. It became unsatisfactory relatively quickly. It was just too flimsy and imprecise. I use CH products now.

[Dudikoff]

Thanks for pointing me to the right path, ijozic. I'm going up to Bangkok next week and will probably get the Evo.

 

I was just trying to point out the information I had while searching for it. I actually was very close to buying Saitek Cyborg X recently, but then came across some negative experiences about its durability (maybe it's adjustabity is compromising its sturdiness, especially the fact that you can remove the stick for easier transport). But it obviously works for a lot of people so just try to check the options out in the shop (if possible) before making any final decisions.. It does get you two more conveniently positioned buttons (EVO has them on the other side for left hand users I guess) and a split throttle. Plus the scroll wheel for which I'm not sure how programmable is, but it might be useful for trimming if it works well).

 

An ideal Saitek budget joystick for me would have a similar layout to Cyborg X (throttle on the side and not in front like on Aviator), but with a more serious design (e.g. like Aviator) with the mode switch and extra switches on the back, plus a shift key somewhere on the front bottom of the stick (like the X52) and the sturdiness and materials of the Cyborg EVO.

Edited February 24, 2011 by Dudikoff

[leafer]

I was just trying to point out the information I had while searching for it. I actually was very close to buying Saitek Cyborg X recently, but then came across some negative experiences about its durability (maybe it's adjustabity is compromising its sturdiness, especially the fact that you can remove the stick for easier transport). But it obviously works for a lot of people so just try to check the options out in the shop (if possible) before making any final decisions.. It does get you two more conveniently positioned buttons (EVO has them on the other side for left hand users I guess) and a split throttle. Plus the scroll wheel for which I'm not sure how programmable is, but it might be useful for trimming if it works well).

 

An ideal Saitek budget joystick for me would have a similar layout to Cyborg X (throttle on the side and not in front like on Aviator), but with a more serious design (e.g. like Aviator) with the mode switch and extra switches on the back, plus a shift key somewhere on the front bottom of the stick (like the X52) and the sturdiness and materials of the Cyborg EVO.

 

In this country, anything over 30 bucks is considered expensive and if it's small enough to be whisked away then it is displayed in a display case. My ideal HOTAS would be a replica of an F-18 HOTAS and should be made by CH Products, but that is not happening. :D

 

I used a Cyborg X-Stick for quite a while (It's for sale, £15+P&P, PM me!) with no problems at all. I'd still be using it if I hadn't got an X52. It's comfortable, good looking and has a double (split throttle) which can be locked to form a single throttle. The handle unscrews and the legs fold away for stowage. I also bought a cheap cyborg 3D which I 'modified' so that it would only move backwards and forwards. I then used this as a throttle. In games like Blackshark and Lock-On this is very easy to set up with the game profiler so you can use all the buttons on both sticks. A good review of the stick:

 

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-wargames/178071-saitek-cyborg-x-joystick-pc-review.html

 

Hope this helps...

 

Thanks for the offer but unless you're in Thailand I'd have to pay import taxes which I won't ever again. :(