Fligtstick recommendations....

[Tacklebait]

I'm looking for a setup that won't break the bank but will get me the most out of this simulator!

I'm getting track ir 5 and Hoping to get pedals and stick for less then $400.

And combo options you guys recommend?

If it's cheaper then $400 the better.

As well what features do the more pricey sticks get ya?

Force feedback a good feature to have?

Thanks!!!!

[xman1]

There is really only one option:
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=221

-X

[Tacklebait]

There is really only one option:
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=221

-X

And this will run me how much?

[Soul_Assassin]

depends on where you buy it

[xman1]

I'm messing with ya! Most any joystick will run fine. This is just the best joystick money can buy for a consumer. It is $500 + you will need to get some rudder pedals, so figure $600.

As for a joystick, just make sure it covers 4 axis. That is 2 axis for cyclic, 1 axis for collective, and 1 axis for rudder. You can get around the rudder by using auto trim, but having a rudder is half the fun in flying helo.

Just my 2 cents.

-X

PS. If you get the Wathog, consider me jealous. I am currently running a HOTAS Cougar, but I would love the Warthog.

---------- Post added at 11:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------

I forgot something. Just as important as the joystick, I suggest a Track IR. Flying aircraft of any sort without this, I just can't imagine anymore:

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/products/trackir5/

It gives you freedom to look around which is crucial in many situations to see where you are dropping your helo, or to simply see better in a turn. You can look into a turn with ease and all around too. Great for hovering as well.

I can't explain how much you need this. You just do. Trust me on this one. I have been using it for quite some time now and I can't live without it.

-X

A video on the subject showing it in use:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wXx3vMy_AQ

[Shadows]

Got mine for about 300 Euros, and I have to say, I DO NOT regret buying this beauty.
(after looking it up on the web you can find it online a little under 500$)

I used to have the old Thrustmaster Cougar Hotas but the pots were starting acting up (conveniently right before when DCS a-10 came out) and this one is an upgrade on virtually everything:
- The throttle is more responsive and the fact that you can choose to split it to control two engines separatly is great (and there's a magnetic switch to stick them together)
- The new joystick loosed the pots and now use Hall effect sensors and much better gimbals, it's smoother, more responsive and much less of a strain to pilot for prolonged times as well.
- If you're into DCS-A10 there's no excuse not to favor it since it's an exact replica and it's perfectly connected to the game (every toggle switch and button is directly mapped to the plane and active out of the box)

The only minus from me comes from the buttons which are plastic (the old ones were metal) but on the plus side, they are much harder to press to emulate the real plane (and the fact that you need harder buttons to compensate for the loss of tactile feedback due to gloves)

Obviously, the handle doesn't twist so you'll either have to bind them to another button or buy a set of pedals. I had the saitek pro rudder pedals which are cheaper to some alternatives and I find them great.

It is quite an investment, but if you're into simulations, and for having tried a lot of the alternative hotas systems, I have to say this is the best I've ever flown and not just for plane simulations (I used it on KA-50 and now on Take On and it's a dream). That, of course, is my personal opinion and should not be taken as a statement, other people will prefer force feedback sticks or CH products but this one just clicks my buttons in all the right ways.

[zoog]

I like Saitek. For example the Saitek X52 Pro with some pedals (from saitek, CH products or other brand). But I cannot compare it to other sticks, so yeah.

Also, this is a nice article, it's about most HOTAS configs (logitech, saitek, thrustmaster etc): http://simhq.com/_technology2/technology_094a.html

[tommytoad2]

http://www.free-track.net/english/
For those who don't wanna pay that much for something that simple

[xman1]

http://www.free-track.net/english/
For those who don't wanna pay that much for something that simple

From a driving accuracy standpoint, you are comparing a Ferrari to a Hyundai. You get what you pay for.

-X

[zoog]

From a driving accuracy standpoint, you are comparing a Ferrari to a Hyundai. You get what you pay for.

-X

Freetrack works very well and is also very accurate. Sure, you have to build your own tracking device, which of course is a big hassle (for most), but the software + webcam works very well TrackIR is overpriced really, it goes on sale here for 150 euro ($206). Using Freetrack it costs about 25 euro ($35). I don't think that's getting what you pay for if you get TrackIR I do understand that the easiest way is just get it all working out of the box though.