Is The Ace Edge Really Worth It?
 

I just got my copy of IL-2 (finally, Gamefly didn't stock enough of these!) and its really great, in fact I'm in love. I'm only playing on simulation and I am starting to feel more confident in my playing and I'm considering getting an Ace Edge from Ebay. Do the Ace Edge users out there that play simulation feel that it is worth it? I've read a few complaints about deadzone issues (which I understand is a programming thing), also console peripherals almost always suck, which makes me wonder if the $100-$150 is really worth it.

Is using the Ace Edge in Simulation mode a significant improvement on using the 360 gamepad?

I could see having a dedicated hat switch for the look function being worth it in and of itself, I keep screwing up my throttle and can't use the rudder while I'm looking. Incidentally, do you have to click the hat switch in on the Ace Edge, as you do with the gamepad, in order to look?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

XB360 Aviator Stick
 

Not worth it. I have its not that good. Your better off with the control that was sold with the hawk game XB360 Aviator Stick.

Which is the Saitek AV8R

Really, the AV8R is the way to go? Its a lot cheaper, but I've read a lot of complaints about that too, hard on your wrists, bad deadzone etc. Does the deadzone issue really count in simulation anyway? There's so much buffeting and constant repositioning you have to do while aiming and firing that it seems like small adjustments wouldn't matter. I wish thrustmaster would come through for 360 users, BTW I'd love to hear from PS3 users that have the HOTAS as to how good it is.

When the demo came out I went and bought the AV8R. It was ok in the beginning but the horrible deadzone, twisting the stick, odd button layout and the throttle made me wanting something better. I then ordered a HORI Black Ace Edge and I can surely say there is no going back to AV8R. There is a small deadzone on the Ace Edge but it is tiny compared to AV8R. And no, you don't need to click the hat switch in order to look around.

If I would need to give points from 0 to 10 to both of them, AV8R would get 6/10 and the Ace Edge 9/10.

For me the ace edge was worth the 200 euros that is cost to me, that is about 290 dollars, and I haven't had any regrets. For me it has made the game more enjoyable.

Certainly the Ace edge is a lot better. But saying that a 200 Euros/250$ flightstick worth it compare to the Aviator 40Euros/50$ is quite too much no?

Ok the aviator is not perfect, it isn't really well built. and some buttons are far to reach (but it will be fixed with the update) as you can decide which option you want to be not easily reached. (let say either bomb or rocket)

Regarding the deadzone, it is really small, in a dogfight it will not bother you. It is a problem just to put correctly the trim. But we can handle it. And To improve the Aviator you can apply some mods Zip tied and tennis grip.

For 40 Euros it worth it on X360 but 200Euros for Ace edge is really a lot. Let compare with what Flightstick/HOTAS you can have for that price on PC. A pro one!!!! For 40 Euros you have the same on PC.

Finally a question for ACE EDGE owner. How does the Hat switch works on Ace Edge?? Does it have a kind of mouse emulator because I am not perfectly happy with the system proposed on Aviator hat switch. It is the same as a pad but you don't have to click.

I certainly would prefer a kind of mouse emulator.

Well for me it's like this. For some people it's fine to play BOP on a non HD television. They can play the game and everything that needs to be able to play the game is there. Some people on the other hand prefer to play BOP on a HD television where the picture is much better. Of course a HD television is more expensive than an old TV. It's the same in the case of AV8R V.S Hori Ace Edge. The game is just more enjoyable when you are using the Ace Edge (or HD tv).

I use the ace edge and recommend it. The hat switch is fantastic, you don't have to push it, you just move it where you want to look. Its located on the actual joystick so as you move the aircraft you move your right thumb to look around. By clicking the hat you can change the view mode (VC, cockpit, 3rd person). The rudder is located on the throttle portion so its independent from the other flight controls. I find that twisting the stick for rudder while pitching/banking at the same time can cause incorrect inputs accidentally. The deadzone is annoying at times, really only when trying to trim for high speeds in sim mode...but once you're in a dogfight or maneuvering at all you won't notice it (at least I dont). There are actual trimming wheels for rudder and stabilizer on the throttle portion but they aren't calibrated to work with the game (I find the point and push button method not nearly as effective as a true trim wheel).

Redkicker just kicked my ass online. I lose by 6-0 :o :o
With out counting When I Crashed

I was just unable to spot him

Well done I think I need a little bit more of practice offline :rolleyes:

Lol

Well I have to admit that the la-7 is a more nimble/agile create than the yak-3...so that could have something to do with it :) Of course this is just my opinion but I think if you try both of them you will agree :) I love flying the la-7 but dam I am going to need a lot of training in gunnery with that plane. It is SO MUCH EASIER to hit an opponent with a Spitfire.

I think all of us need training. Well at least most of us...I'm not so sure about PedroTheGoat :) Most of the time I play BOP you can find me flying in the training section :)

Sounds like money is the reason
 

It seems as though nearly everyone who said the Hori Ace Edge wasn't good based their answer on price.

I have both. Noob to IL2 so still practicing with each. This is what I have come up with so far...

The buttons on AV8R-02 are terrible. I like to track targets and that button should be on the stick. The throttle is oddly in the front. AV8R feels very cheap and like its going to break at any moment. I did the zip tie mod and it did help out alot.

The Ace Edge out of the box works very well and is extremely comfortable and feels like it was built very well. It comes in 2 pieces though and has to be mounted to work properly.

Because of the button placement I am going to stick with the Ace Edge as soon as my new flight seat arrives and I can mount everything.

I'm using an Ace Edge HOTAS and I haven't noticed a very large dead zone, with my stick it's minimal, probably because I breakdown and overhaul my Ace Edge every now & then.
I find the rudder bar to be very precise and easy to get used to.
The POV on the thumb stick is hassle free and works great.
I like the bulkiness of my Ace Edge, it definitely doesn't feel cheap. It's bulkiness and large foot print makes it easy to attach to the armrests of my modified LazyBoy recliner, my flight chair set-up feels comfortable, natural and is easy to get into or out of.
I like the way the rudder controls with the rocker bar in BoP because it's analog. In Ace Combat 6 the rudder is digital, all or nothing. I'm on my third torsion spring for the rudder slider pot with all the tapping I had to do in Ace Combat 6.
Here's my set-up;

I found this old beat up LazyBoy recliner sitting on the curb, threw it in the back of my pickup and brought it home. I stripped it down to the frame then rebuilt it with armrests to accommodate adjustable platforms for the ACE Edge flight stick and I constructed and installed an LFE tactile transducer to the frame before I upholstered it.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t.../Photo3of7.jpg

I use industrial strength Velcro to affix the sticks. Velcro makes it easy to adjust and remove the sticks, so that was a 'No Brainer'.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...dsRoom-5-2.jpg

That's my Q & A tester sitting behind the wheel.:grin:


How is the tactile rumble feedback on the Saitek AV8R? Is it strong like the Ace Edge HOTAS so that it lets you know when you are about to stall?

I have both the AV8R and the Ace Edge (from e bay at $147 counting shipping). There is no comparison. The AV8R does a decent job, the Ace Edge leaves it way behind. The rudder alone (squeeze a toggle switch left or right) works so much better and enables better flying and I think the dead zone is less with the Edge. If you can afford it, the edge is a better stick combo (throttle and rudder separate from the stick) and if you haunt the ebay auctions, you can find them for not much more than the AV8R. I had one auction the buyer didn't Come through with payment and I could have bought it for $65( mine is the Ace Combat 6 bundle with everything)

The Ace Adge would be a 'no' for me purely because I am used to a rudder twist action. I agree with the comments already made, the AV8R is affordable, does the job reasonably well and fairly easy to modify but that will void the warranty and you may well need it. I doubt the words 'Ergonomic' or 'Durable' appeared in the design specification but I suspect the MS license may have undermined its 'quality of build' (given the reputation of other Saitek open market products). Mine is three months old and has failed structurally. I shall transplant the essential circuit components into my Saitek Cyborg Gold (which is built like a 'brick shithouse') and be done with the 'stick issue' once and for all.

EvangelusE (Gamertag)