please recommend a low cost "flightstick"

[falconeye]

I am a rookie "pilot" , never have "flown" before.

QUESTION:
1. Can you recommend "flightstick" to be used to
control the computer airplanes of < IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 >

2. $ Cost can be important to me!
Is your recommendation limited ?

3. Can the "flightstick' be used for other planes
AND as a control in other games ?

Thanks for the advice !

falconeye

[Blackdog_kt]

Any joystick will work with any kind of game that supports one. That mostly means flight simulators in general, but it could work with other titles too.

As for a suggestion, i don't really know as i have an aging but still very good microsoft sidewinder precision pro 2 (it's out of production though). What you need for IL2 is a joystick with the following functions:

1) A twist-grip stick, this gives you the ability to control the aircraft's rudder with an analog function, which is much better than using the keyboard and having your rudder work like an "on/off" switch that only works at full deflection. A twist-grip will give you the ability to be more precise with your inputs, while a keyboard command simply gradually moves the rudder to full deflection. It's slower than slamming full rudder with an analog control and you can't keep it at an in-between value without having to press and release the button multiple times. This means that your accuracy in inputs will suffer as a result and rudders are important for prop-driven airplanes, much more than they are for jets. So, make sure it has some kind of analog control for rudder.

2) A throttle for managing your engine.

3) At least 6-8 buttons and a point-of-view hat switch to change your views without using the keyboard. If it has rotary switches or an extra throttle lever even better, as that will help you map another engine function to it, like propeller pitch (to manage engine RPM) or fuel mixture.

These features are pretty much standard nowadays, so you should be able to find something like that with as low as $30-$50. If you want some more information on individual models, look up some company websites or run a google search for Logitech, Saitek and Thrustmaster. All of these have low price range products along with their more expensive gear, so you should be able to find something to suit your taste.

[Igo kyu]

Originally Posted by Blackdog_kt

1) A twist-grip stick

Urgg, I hate those things. They just mess up the pitch and roll controls.

2) A throttle for managing your engine.

This is very good to have, not absolutely necessary, but very highly desireable.

[3) At least 6-8 buttons and a point-of-view hat switch to change your views without using the keyboard. If it has rotary switches or an extra throttle lever even better, as that will help you map another engine function to it, like propeller pitch (to manage engine RPM) or fuel mixture.

I need four (fire, fire rockets, drop bombs, fire without cannon(s)), more than that would be a luxury that I wouldn't necessarily use.

[Lucas_From_Hell]

As I've learned the advanced with a twisty joystick, I'm not against them.

If you learn to control it, it won't interfer with the rest of the plane controls. It's just a matter of coordination. They are good for starters because they have all you need and are cheap.

Of course, if you can, and want, to afford a better, it's obvious that a CH, Thrustmaster, Saitek and etc. HOTAS + rudder pedals are way better, but for a starter, a twisty might work.

[Sokol1]

In "entry level" joystick category, for around U$ 40/45,00 get Saitek AV8R Aviator or Thrustmaster T.16000-M (this have HALL sensor in X and Y axis instead potentiometers).

These models have the basic: four axis (X,Y, throttle, twist rudder) HAT and ~12 buttons).

Avoid generic Chinese brands, like Trust (mechanical deadzone, bad pots...).

Sokol1

[nearmiss]

Saitek Aviator is a good starter stick

[Thunderbolt56]

Originally Posted by nearmiss

Saitek Aviator is a good starter stick

Would get my vote for a beginner on a budget as well.

[Fergal69]

I've a Saitek Cyborg 3d Gold that I use. At the time I purchased it it was very reasonably priced.

I would look at the Saitek joysticks as whilst they do a very nice setup with a joystick & throttle control as a seperate items, they so some nice joysticks that would be more than adequate

[ALien_12]

Saitek Aviator. Very good and cheap. I've paid about 25$ (100 PLN)

[flyingbullseye]

Originally Posted by Fergal69

I've a Saitek Cyborg 3d Gold that I use. At the time I purchased it it was very reasonably priced.

I would look at the Saitek joysticks as whilst they do a very nice setup with a joystick & throttle control as a seperate items, they so some nice joysticks that would be more than adequate

+1. Got mine a few months back on ebay new for about $25. Much better all around than the logitech stick it replaced.

Flyingbullseye