Joystick for noobs?

[Logos]

Hey all. I am considering picking up a joystick for a friend of mine that thinks he wants to try flying IL2. I was surfing e-bay and ran across a few and wanted to get some feedback. Have any of you ever used the Microsoft Sidewinder Precision 2 usb stick? If so is it a good solid stick for this game? Also do you need the software drivers to get the stick to function? I was also looking at some M.S.S.W. Force feedback sticks. I know some of you use those. I was think going with out that for a beginner.

I guess I just really want some input about a stick that has the throttle and rudder functions built in that works well and won't cost too much money. I might be able to get a deal on e-bay for a decent stick. It don't have to be new. Sometimes old models are better than the new ones.

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

Loghttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... playTypeos

[delta7]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SAITEK-PS33-AVIATOR ... dZViewItem

has been recommended by others on various forums but I havnt used one personally

I had a thrustmaster top gun fox 2

[Blairgowrie]

I would stay away from Microsoft Force Feedback sticks. I have three of them and have the Force Feedback turned off. So does Pooka and APHill. Also the sticks you are looking at, are very old and the pots are likely all worn out.

I would buy a refurbished Satiek directly from the manufacturer.

http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/recprod.html

At $69.95 you can't go wrong. And if his tastes are a bit less expensive, they have some other good choices.

[Fireman]

dont listen to BG....there is a reason he has 3 of them (and I beleive Pooka is storing a few in his closet too).

[Blairgowrie]

Sorry Logos. Fireman is right. Don't listen to me. I thought you were asking about one of the older models and not the glorious Sidewinder FFB2, the best joystick ever for flight sims.

Go Gamer has 3 open box new Sidewinder sticks for sale @ $99.90 on ebay. Or you can buy a brand new one from Go Gamer at $149.90

http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Sidewinde ... dZViewItem

http://www.gogamer.com/searchresults.ht ... &x=41&y=13

I still think you should go for a new one rather than so beat up old one. Go Gamer is a very reputable shop.

[UHU_Fritzl65]

S! Alle,

IMHO, the first Sidewinder FFB Precision Pro was the best of the M$ sticks.

[BBloke]

If you still have your MSFFB1 and XP then JoyToKey is a very usefule Stick programming software.

[UHU_Fritzl65]

~!S!~ Alle,

S~ Bbloke

I still have that stick in the closet on a shelf.

[BBloke]

It was a sad day when the game port died off.

[UHU_Fritzl65]

(Que the somber funeral dirge/organ music)

~!S!~ Alle,

S! Bbloke,

Alas our dearly beloved interface has passed.