which joystick?

[Milo29k]

Currently considering either the saitek cyborg evo or the more wallet damaging x52 flight system. I dont own many flight sims but im dieing to get some control for X2 and will probably get combat flight sims later on.
Does the X52 have forcefeedback? and do you think the price diff of 30 odd quid is justified between the two? Forcefeedback would be preferable but would consider otherwise depending on balance of merit. Any suggestions and or answers would be much appreciated.

[iranu]

Been using the Cyborg evo for over a year now and love it to bits. The best joystick I've ever tried, although I've never had the X52. I'm not a fan of force feedback but they do make ff and wireless versions.

I am currently working my way through X2 and find the joystick perfect. It's very customisable for left and right handed people. Has a quality feel to it and can be found for less than £30. (usb non ff)

You can use the bundled software to customise all the buttons to X2 commands.

P.S. Buy full rudder optimisation for the craft you fly at any equipment dock.

[Milo29k]

Thanks for the reply iranu. the cyborg has alot of good reviews and the price is making me lean towards it. As for X2, the way you have to configure the controls before you start can be a bit of a nuisance (invert rudder/tilt etc) since I dont know what way it is to begin with, a bit of trial and error was needed. Its a class game though, how Id longed for elite to return. Im getting a non-wireless usb ff evo, unless the X52 is a damn sight better. The seperate rudder with a lcd panel looks a bit grand, but the blue lights are nifty and my comps blue+black so theyd match
dont like force feedback?! now ive heard everything

[Milo29k]

any x52 users out there? does it have ff? is it worth it?

I need convincing

[BUFF]

dont like force feedback?! now ive heard everything

lots of people who fly jet flightsims don't like FF whereas the propheads seem to like it.
The X-52 isn't FF so sounds like the Evo Force is for you.

[Milo29k]

that answers my main question thanks

[Milo29k]

usb/ non usb, whats the difference performance wise?

[iranu]

dont like force feedback?! now ive heard everything

I've always found it unrealistic (random shaking) and annoying tbh, although I will admit I haven't tried one out for a long while. Just a preference.

usb is plug it in and go - also if you unplug at any time you can just plug it back in with no effects.

The saitek software allows you to create a "profile" for each game. So for example, if "T" is target, then using the profiler you simply assign "T" to one of the buttons on the joystick. Do this for all the buttons you want, then save the profile as "X2". Before you open up X2 simply select the "X2" profile from the task bar joystick icon and Bobs your uncle...

Repeat for other games.

[menthel]

I have a cyborg evo and they are really very accurate for control, and depending on how good you are at remembering settings, its fine. However a lot of the IL2 peeps use x52's, and there is a sticky in there about joysticks.

[Taz]

I also have the Saitek Cyborg Evo. I use it with FS2004 and it's very good and I agree with all of the positive comments above. I'm left-handed and it is adjustable for left-handed use which may also be another plus point for you.

[tom deloford]

I have Microsoft Force Feedback 2 and use it mostly for Fs2004 , if you dont have space for additonal rudder pedals (or you just cant be arsed!) then this is an excellent stick and the FF is good too (set it to about 50% when flying jets). The quality is excellent, the response is very sensitive however the throttle has virtually no resistance which is a bit annoying.

Personally I cant stand flying without FF now it just seems wrong espcially if you like flying with crosswinds and tubulence, after all flying a real plane is more about natural response to the sensations of flight, something that FF helps to achieve even if it isnt perfect.

Another nice feature on MS FF 2 is the trim buttons on the top of the stick, this is very useful in FS2004. I had a Saitek before and although it felt very sturdy after about a year the pots got dirty and it was never the same again (even after cleaning). Admitedly that was an older model but it has put me off them a bit.

[Xaneden]

I have the X52, and it is the best joystick.... EVER! Seriously, it is so good, especially for flying choppers. I had the Evo previously, and though it is excellent, I wouldn't go back. (I must say though, if u aren't REALLY into flight sims/BF Vietnam etc, its not worth it)

If u need any help with configuring and X52 btw, I can help out. I spent a good few weeks working out how to use it, so just ask.

[Clingy]

X52 user and X45 before that. X52 is a vast improvement on X45 which was in it's own right a Jolly good stick. BUT it's a serious stick for good control. Take you a good week getting used to it and probably another month to use all the features.