When choosing the best joystick for flight simulator for online gaming and video games, there are dozens of options for the gamer to consider choosing from. The flight simulator joystick in basic terms, allows a gamer to control their aircraft more easily than would a regular remote controller, while playing certain games. Joysticks are now available from flight sticks with configurable buttons and digital displays, in this piece we have rounded the Best Flight Simulator joystick that will enable you get the most out of your favorite flight Sim game.
| PREVIEW | NAME | USER RATING | BEST FEATURE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller | 3.9/5 | The precision centering mechanism gives extra accuracy |  |
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CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 ) | 4.2/5 | precision, programming abilities, reliability and simplicity. | |
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Mad Catz V.1 Stick | 3.8/5 | Plenty of buttons, improves performance | |
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Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog Joystick (2960720) | 4.5/5 | The flightstick and throttle are impeccable. Boosts of robust features. | |
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Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. | 3.8/5 | Robust, durable construction, Already configured for play | |
Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller
When choosing your joystick for flight simulator, you will find that the Saitex X52 joystick is the ideal option to consider. Not only is Saitek one of the largest brands in PC games, but they also create the best joysticks for flight simulation, and for flight games. The popularity of this flight yoke is huge, and a lot of people consider it the best joystick for flight simulator.
The Saitek X52 joystick for flight simulator features a “smart technology,” which has been developed by the manufacturer, in order to help the gamer enhance their performance. This is a software enhancement, where the joystick literally acts as a bomb. The joystick also has consistent spring forces on 2 axes, which makes for ease of control and operation, making it easy to navigate any airways while playing the game. The joystick also features a five position handle customization feature, which allows the system to basically suit your hand; therefore, any gamer, and any style they choose to play (and any size their hand might be), the joystick is going to perfectly mold in to position, giving you the optimal grip for the best in air action.
The Saitek X52 joystick for flight simulator also features a soft form fitting grip improve simulation, offering optimal comfort, in the event that you are playing for longer periods of time. There is also a throttle control, offering resistance adjustments, making for the best flight simulation you can find. The joystick also features lighted buttons, and a super intuitive LCD display, making for high tech game play, as well as ease of control and movement in air. There is also a button is ideal for low-light environments, so no matter where you are playing, you will be able to see your control movements.
There is also a pinkie metal switch, which provides for ease of shit functionality, and the switch can also be used to give other commands in the game. There is also a base- mounted toggle switch, featuring the ability to make up to six programmable flight commands, and a throttle with tension adjustment as well. The ease of usability with this joystick for flight simulator makes it the optimal choice for Pro Flight Simulator, and all other games you are looking to play with a joystick simulator.
Not only does the Saitek X52 a joystick for flight simulator offer several features, but it has also been rated one of the top five joysticks for games and simulation products, by non other than Gamers choice. No matter what the gamer is looking to accomplish, they will find that the X52 joystick is going to offer them the ease of operation, ease of control, and the best way to get the perfect simulation for any game or simulation product.
Click here to find out more about the Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller
CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB 200-615
Is flight simulation your thing? Then the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB (200-615) is sure to be your joystick of choice. for a truly realistic flight experience which mimics the feel of being in the cockpit and behind the controls of your machine in the most lifelike of ways.
Twenty programmable buttons governing over 144 functions, give you control of prop, throttle, aileron and elevator movement. Added to these features, is a very robust mount and the easiest of plug and play installation on both Windows and Mac – and a USB cable that is seven foot long!
Many positive comments from users
Reviews from many users have indicated that flying the CH is much like using the controls of a number of the light aircraft that they actually fly in real life. Even the self-centering snaps back with a little play, just as in a real airplane. It is great value for money, especially if the pedals are also purchased to complete the whole flying experience. More than 80% of the user reviews received for this product have rated it 4 or 5 out of 5, indicating that it is perfect for flight simulation enthusiasts or for those wanting to go on to get a pilot’s license. What many of them enjoy is the versatility of the system and the way the buttons can be programmed to suit the particular needs of individual users.
Some preferences expressed
Only a very few users indicated that they would have preferred a stainless steel yoke to the plastic one used by the CH. The reason given for this is that, being made of plastic; it is a tad light, which causes the yoke to vibrate in its base. These users also believe that the clips used for mounting the yoke are not firm enough. Some other minor issues relating to the yoke’s being plastic had to do with sharp ridges which could make using it quite uncomfortable. In general, however, users have worked around this by changing the configuration of the buttons and filing away the rough edges.
General consensus
They see it as a small price to pay for a unit which is, in every other respect, sturdy and most reliable. Flight simulation would not be the same without the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB (200-615) to give you the realism you want.
Want it? It’s so easy
The CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB (200-615) is slightly more expensive than some of the entry level joysticks on the market. But, let’s face it; you are getting so much more for your money, aren’t you? At around $200, you would look far to get another system which gives you so much value. We will deliver it to your doorstep. All you need to do is to click your mouse right here. Many happy flying hours await you.
Click here to find out more about the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB 200-615
Mad Catz V.1 Stick
At it’s price the Mad Catz V.1 Stick offers plenty of control. This great looking joystick’s has an ergonomic design with a trigger and 5 buttons which are strategically placed for quick access. This device can be effectively held with either hand which makes it easy to use.
Enemy Combatants
With the Mad Catz v.1 users can easily switch the cockpit view to keep an eye on enemy combatants, by just flicking the POV switch. You can easily control the engine using the throttle lever, and rudder control is rendered with a twist-action. Although the Madz Catz is a lot lighter than other joysticks on review, it’s still firmly stuck in place with it’s rudder pads. The legs too can be easily detached from the unit and stored away.
Altogether the whole unit isn’t heavy, the controls are precise and it has a rapid-fire trigger. The rudder functions by rotating the stick from side to side, the twist action is not configurable, but you can adjust other controls. At first the spring may stiff but it does get less stiff with use.
Quick Access
All the buttons(which are a lot) are programmed to make the Mad Catz perform exceptionally well and it does that. For starters they are 7 buttons across it’s top, with further access to thirteen more if you use the pinky button as shift-control. This doesn’t create an extra clutter and the access to these buttons are very convenient.
The throttle lever is located at the base of the unit, it is highly sensitive and requires little effort to regulate. It has a hat-switch which is located in the middle.
The mad Catz unit is completely compatible with Microsoft’s Windows configurations for Windows XP, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. It also comes with Saitek SST software, This allows for an extensive array of programming-options.
Durability
While there are more expensive options, the Mad Catz V.1 Stick is excellent for a basic joystick. It is lightweight yet durable; produced with tough plastic materials and the construction is of good quality.
The Mad Catz is a perfect introductory-level joystick for such flight simulation games as Microsoft FSX and X-Plane–it also
syncs well with many of the popular flight simulation game titles out-there. With it’s many positive features such as a sleek
design, comfortable grip, useful software and availability at great price, the Mad Catz V.1 is one Stick that should be on every flight-simmer’s short-list.
Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog
The development of this joystick was a product of a very unique arrangement, The product manufacturer Thrustmaster produced this stick via a collaboration with a couple of their loyal customers, they teamed up together gathering suggestions and feedback to produce what is a top of the line flight stick for flight simulation enthusiasts who want the very best simulation experience. The Hotas Warthog, which is a replica of the A10C, one of the U.S Air Force’s attack planes. This unique partnership has led to the production of arguably the best flight simulator joystick there is.
Heavy
Just like the Mad Catz, the Hotas Warthog is heavy, weighing as much as much as 14 pounds, the major parts such as it’s base, throttle hands and joystick are all made of metal. The device comes with fifty-five action buttons and 2 four-direction hat switches which are programmable. On the joystick they are 19-action buttons and a hat which is POV dedicated.
The detachable joystick handle makes it easy for users to place it on the Hotas Cougar’s base which is another product manufactured by Thrustmaster. The base is also detachable from the unit, with this dropping the joystick in a cockpit is a breeze.
Dual Throttle
The unit comes with a dual throttle, these dual throttle also comes with a locking system. You have the option of working them independently or keeping them together. On each throttle they are magnetic sensors which ensure the device is very precise. When you want to adapt the throttle to a different airplane, you can easily disengage the afterburner. The throttles have a “mouse hat/slew control”, 17 action buttons and a POV hat.
A defining feature of the Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog is it’s TARGET software, the acronym stands for (Thrustmaster Advanced Programming Graphical Editor). This unique feature makes it possible for a user to configure Thrustmaster controllers, which are the T.16000, the MFD Cougar and off-course the HOTAS Cougar. There are three available programming configurations for this, and they are Script, Basic and Advanced.
On the control panel, you’ll find a wide range of controls, such as back lighting for functions, the friction wheel, and up to five programmable-LED-lights that are useful in conditions which require you to operate with low-lighting. At it’s base the unit boasts of 15 action buttons and a trim wheel as well.
In reviewing all of this features it is clear that that this flight-stick was designed with the need of the simmer in mind, and this device is perfect for simmers who want the ultimate flight simulation experience.
Click here to find out more about the Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog
Logitech Pro Flight X56 Rhino HOTAS
This modern flight stick is a bit similar to the Hotas Warthog, but unlike the warthog comes with only 3 hat switches. The interchangeable coil springs will make it possible for users to adjust the resistance to a level they are comfortable with. But by far the it’s most alluring feature is it’s throttle. The throttle truly delivers and you can adjust the resistance as you fly.
The device comes in hat switches, mini-joysticks rotary switches and flick switches, all this features make it possible for you take complete control of your simulation experience.On the flip side the X-56 unlike the Warthog is completely made from plastic material, which off-course makes it a lighter device.
The logitech Pro Flight X56 Rhino HOTAS is an excellent controller fight-stick combo, and delivers real value for money.
Well, there you have these are the best flight simulator joysticks completely reviewed, these are in fact the very best flight yokes money can buy, now it’s over to you. Which one on the list is your preferred? Which one do you currently own or intend to acquire? Please feel free to share!
Click here to find out more about the Logitech Pro Flight X56 Rhino HOTAS
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