Best Joystick For FSX?

[rhogr000]

Long story short: I haven't played Microsoft Flight Simulator since '98 and I can't remember which joystick I used way back then. Would love to know which one the community recommends for this game. Also, how good is the 360 controller?

[mikeytwc]

I personally use the Saitek x52, stick and HOTAS, love it, there is the Pro, as well as other sticks like the cougar and I think the x-55 and the thrustmaster warthog...all with varying levels of complexity and price range...
as far as the 360 controller, yup it works, but a real stick and throttle are much more intuitive
IMHO

[OldBeef]

xbox controller is fine if you have one, I have almost every necessary function mapped out on controller. definitely still need a keyboard/mouse for menu & cockpit stuff though

[Morag]

Oh this is one of those questions that seems innocent enough but is sure to start a fight. Like asking a group of New Yorkers "where's the best place to get pizza round here?"

I wouldn't buy an xbox controller for FSX, you're much better off with a stick or yoke, but if you have one already then it'll get youi started. I used an xbox controller for a few weeks before I got my other controls out from the spare room.

I'm still using my FS98 stick - I don't think anything better has come out since then :)

It's quite a personal thing though, probably best to start by searching 'joystick' on amazon and seeing what comes up for how much then checking out some reviews. You can get a perfectly usable stick for not very much money.

One thing to look out for though is having some sort of rudder input. Some have a twist stick for rudder, some have a litte paddle on the throttle - or you can buy proper foot pedals.

[tlvx]

Yoke for commercial aircraft, Stick for military.

Ultimately, it's just one of those things that comes down to preference.

An Xbox 360 controller works fine for me, because... aside from routing commercial aircraft on autopilot the vast majority of the time, my setup will also autoland and flare itself, anytime it's connected with a straight-in ILS signal.

Even when I'm just cruising around, or doing test patterns, the controller works just fine.

I just cannot see myself spending those kinds of dollars on something that I will use for mere seconds on flights that can last for several hours.

Also, in recent years, real life drone operators have been utilizing modified Xbox 360 Controllers. So, I feel quite justified in knowing that.

Now, if I ever decided to build a cockpit in my basement, than it wouldn't make sense to use a drone controller.

[Jeff]

I have a logitec attack 3 you can pick them up now I think at a low price check amazon.

[rhogr000]

Ya, I've had a wired Xbox 360 controller for a long time so I figured I could start there. Thanks for your recommendations!

[Cristian Mejia]

I´m using a Logitech Extreme 3d Pro and it works very nice for me... I begun with my xbox 360 controller but is more realistic to use a joystick!

[95Bravo95]

Yeah, the 3D pro isn't bad for the buck.

I picked one of those up in an "emergency", when my saitek broke, and it served well while I waited on the replacement I ordered. Later I modified it to fly helis, by removing the "spring" ( a rubber boot really. I can't remember if there is an actual spring in there anywhere.) from the base of the stick, and although one of the buttons has worn out, it still serves happily for heicopter flight.

[JohnLiem]

I used to use Saitek x52, but now I use the Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog from now on , I will never use other joystick, it is expensive indeed, but you got you paid for. hope this helps

[Squishy]

Originally posted by 95Bravo95:

Yeah, the 3D pro isn't bad for the buck.

I picked one of those up in an "emergency", when my saitek broke, and it served well while I waited on the replacement I ordered. Later I modified it to fly helis, by removing the "spring" ( a rubber boot really. I can't remember if there is an actual spring in there anywhere.) from the base of the stick, and although one of the buttons has worn out, it still serves happily for heicopter flight.

Yeah my 12 button on the base is pretty much no good now, but I've had it for years.

[Pikachubacca]

Great thing about FSX is you can use several controllers at once and create a controller mashup. I'm using the T-Flight HOTAS X and my steering wheel pedals for rudder pedals. Works great. I sometimes switch to my XBox controller if I am trying out helicopter stunt flying for that extra nimble rudder/anto torque control.