Finally I can put my MSFFB2 in the cellar! G940 godness...

[mazex]

Just got my G940 set today and it's nice to finally be able to put my trusty MSFFB2 in retirement! Here are some observations after using it for only an evening...

Force feedback effects are a must for me (especially the stall buffeting) and I've been thinking there never would arrive a joystick to match the MSFFB2 that has been discontinued since long. Our niche hobby is getting smaller and smaller so I thought I would have to go back to spring loaded CH stuff like in the 90:ies...

Some years ago I bought a Saitek Cyborg Evo Force when it hit the market to have a replacement for my aging MS stick. Used it once and never touched it again. Gave it to some relative I think... I have tried the cheapo Logitech sticks and they are not good enough either. Yes, I have tried the X52, CH:s and the Cougar too - but like I said, FF is a must for me...

Enter the G940... With shaking hands I broke the package and quickly connected it, I'm using Windows 7 RTM 64-bit so I had prepared by downloading the 5.08 driver that is brand new. Fired up IL2 and got into the air... Only 85% throttle and something pulled to the side. Went into the configuration and calibrated all the trim wheels etc and got it working after that.

So what about it? The overall impression can be summarized by the fact that my beloved MSFFB2 is now on a shelf in the attic. The G940 may not be the Grail I hoped for - but it's close enough!

Some impressions:

Joystick:

Really nice FF effects! (using by own toned down ff effects done way back when to avoid hysterical cannon recoils etc). The FF effects are simply better than the MSFFB2. Stronger and at the same time more subtle if you understand what I mean. The fact that has been pointed out by someone In another forum that the "no force zone" in the middle is the only real complaint, but it bothers me less than I thought it would. I have not gotten the micro stick (top metal hat) to work in IL2 which I guess would make it even better.

The stick really feels expensive which is never wrong after paying 300 euros

Throttle:

Feels good, I like the lit up panel buttons. Nice to have the dual throttle setup for 4.10

Pedals:

I like them. I've been using Thrustmaster Elite pedals before and I think I like these better fo some reason. I have the say that the variable resistance setting is a bit too weak for me. Setting it to "stiff" makes the pedals less "self centering" which is what I want more of when setting a "stronger" setting!

Well, If you sit there with your old MSFFB2 that occasionally experiences trigger malfunction like mine did - you know there is hope!

/Mazex

[fuzzychickens]

Tell me, are the X and Y axis distinct from each other? I mean, is it easy to avoid unintended elevator input when you are rolling the plane and vice versa?

[Snuff_Pidgeon]

thanks for posting Mazex.

[=815=TooCooL]

Does it feature variable tension according to speed like MSFFB2 ?
Thank you for posting info. I've been waiting for it.

[KG26_Alpha]

Sweden must be the only country to have stock, what company sold it to you ?

I have been waiting months for stock on the G940 !!!

[mazex]

Originally Posted by fuzzychickens

Tell me, are the X and Y axis distinct from each other? I mean, is it easy to avoid unintended elevator input when you are rolling the plane and vice versa?

Let me guess that you are a CH user? Well, as it is not spring loaded it does not have the ability to do a roll with zero elevator input like a fighterstick, but does a real plane have that? Compared to the MSFFB2 it feels the same, maybe with a feeling that a loop with no aileron deflection is easier than a roll with no elevator... maybe... No problem for me that is used to the MSFFB2 since long, but I remember going from a CH stick to the MSFFB2 way back when that I also noted what you describe...

Regards /Mazex

[mazex]

Originally Posted by =815=TooCooL

Does it feature variable tension according to speed like MSFFB2 ?
Thank you for posting info. I've been waiting for it.

Yes, and it feels "wider" in its spectra than the MSFFB2. The only backside is that there is a small deadzone in the middle of the movement. I heard someone that felt this was an immersion killer, but like I said above I actually dont get that bothered by it. It's actually nice to be able to make small aiming "calibrations" without using a lot of muscle I have not investigated the configuration options regarding the "force deadzone" but there may be options for that. No problem for me.

By the way, the precision when aiming for example feels a lot better than the MSFFB2!

/Mazex

[mazex]

Originally Posted by KG26_Alpha

Sweden must be the only country to have stock, what company sold it to you ?

I have been waiting months for stock on the G940 !!!

As small company callled "PC Doctorn". 3099 swedish crowns...

[HFC_Dolphin]

So, if we forget the force feedback feature, which is not important for many of us, if you compared it to CH Fighterstick, which one is the best?
Which one is more precise, so you can get the best shot?

[HFC_Dolphin]

BTW, I see that it has rudder pedals and throttle as well.
Don't they sell them separately, in case you don't want the pedals for example?